Tania + Eli’s immersive celebration at La Foce
Photo: Klassen Weddings
It felt only natural that Tania + Eli’s wedding would be steeped in meaning, style, and a sense of home, even from thousands of miles away. A Lebanese couple now living in Dubai, with a deep love for Italy and a desire to bring their loved ones together, they envisioned more than a single day — they wanted a fully immersive experience. La Foce in Tuscany became the perfect backdrop and, with intention and a wedding team that truly understood their vision, they created a celebration rich in vintage-inspired details, intimate storytelling, and moments that drew every guest into their world, all while honouring their Lebanese culture.
The Welcome
Love Story
“We first met in Lebanon through friends — around a table filled with Lebanese food and arak. We instantly clicked over our humour, and from that moment, a natural ease existed between us. It wasn’t love at first sight — it was something deeper. A magnetic pull. A familiarity.
We built a friendship first, one filled with laughter, long conversations, and a sense of truly seeing each other. We stayed friends for almost five years before that friendship slowly, naturally, and inevitably grew into everything. It wasn’t a big switch. It was natural. Effortless. And it was real.”
The Engagement
“We were on a boat off the coast of Porto Venere after a dreamy Cinque Terre trip. At some point I said, “I think I’m happiest at sea.” A few minutes later, Eli returned holding a closed ring box and whispered, “Yes?”
I told him he had to actually ask the question… and maybe open the box.
He did — and the answer was a very emotional yes. Even the boat captain cried.”
Why Italy?
“Italy holds a special place in our hearts, it has always been our escape. We travel there often, especially to Tuscany, where we spend days horseback riding through the hills, discovering little villages, and finding the kind of calm we don’t get anywhere else.
Choosing Italy felt completely natural — a place filled with memories, magic, pasta, prosecco, and landscapes that look like paintings.”
The Venue
“La Foce felt like destiny the moment we saw it. The history, the architecture, the gardens, the Tuscan light — everything aligned with the timeless, poetic world we imagined for our wedding.
It was elegant without trying, grand without being overwhelming. It was simply us.”
Art Direction
“I work as an Art Director, so I naturally approached our wedding with a clear creative vision. I began by building a full mood board and deck to share with my planner — a way to translate the world I imagined into something tangible. From there, everything unfolded organically.
I crafted the art direction for every corner of the celebration, from the tiniest detail to the overall atmosphere, and seeing it all come to life so beautifully was incredibly fulfilling.
We wanted our guests to feel like they were moving through a story, discovering new moments as they transitioned from the ceremony to welcome drinks, then to dinner, and finally into the limonaia for the after-party.
It became a seamless journey — layered, thoughtful, and full of magic.”
Inspiration
“We were drawn to a world of vintage elegance — a style that feels timeless, soulful, and deeply poetic. From the very beginning, I poured my heart into every creative detail. I designed everything myself: the menus, the stationery, the welcome signage… every element was imagined with intention, emotion, and storytelling. It truly became a passion project brought to life — and our planner executed the vision flawlessly on the ground.
We curated a universe of antique charm: vintage candelabras, Italian green umbrellas, free-standing floral stems, lace and embroidered textures, heirloom-inspired details creating our crest, and antique silverware. Even the stationery lived in that world, featuring textured lace with embroidery, vintage typefaces, and Copperplate calligraphy — a style that radiates old-world glamour through its ornate lettering and refined colour palette of deep reds, ivory, and silver.
The result was a wedding atmosphere that felt intimate, classic, and full of soul — a celebration suspended between nostalgia and elegance, where every detail whispered a piece of our story.”
The Planner
“We initially chose a planner who wasn’t responsive and took the wedding in a completely different direction, despite the detailed brief we provided. Eventually, we changed planners and found the perfect one through La Lista— The Wedding Boutique Italy. They were so supportive and truly understood the vision.”
Stand Out Moment
“Our first dance was nothing short of magical. “At Last” was our song — a melody that carried us through our very first dance together. Awkward yet perfect, we simply lost ourselves in the moment, laughing, twirling, and savoring every heartbeat of that intimate connection. Every spin, every smile, every glance felt intimate and real, a memory frozen in time.”
Family Tradition
“We had a lamb station, a family tradition that has been part of our lives since childhood. Wearing my gown and apron, I served lamb rolls to our guests — a small act that carried so much meaning. It was personal, cultural, and nostalgic, a piece of our family legacy that my father shared with me and my two sisters. Seeing our loved ones enjoying it, hearing their laughter and excitement, and feeling the history and love behind it — it was profoundly touching and unforgettable.
Our caterer — Roland’s from Florence — was exceptional. They supported our vision for the lamb station, brought it to life flawlessly, and recreated the taste of home from Lebanon and Dubai. Nothing was ever complicated with them. The food was perfect.”
La Lista Love
“La Lista was incredibly helpful — from discovering the right planner to learning through the community and educational videos. It guided so many decisions and made the planning journey much smoother.
I was a member of La Lista throughout the process — and honestly, I think I still am even after the wedding. The content, Directory and guidance are invaluable.”
Advice For Couples
“Don’t stress too much — everything truly comes to life beautifully when your vision is aligned with your planner. Enjoy the process as it will pass really fast. Be clear, give references and samples, and make sure you’re picturing the same thing. Even something as simple as a shade of red can be misunderstood.”
VENDOR TEAM
Venue: La Foce | Wedding Planner: The Wedding Boutique Italy | Second Wedding Planner: Rachele Torres Weddings | Creative Director: Tania Khazzaka | Photo: Klassen Weddings | Video: Tobi Films | Music: Florence Strin Quartet | Caterer: Rolands | Celebrant: Celebrants Passaggi Weddings | HMUA: Giulia Makeup Firenze | Illustrations: Wissam Eid | Dress: Maison Margiela Bashar Assaf | Tuxedo: @dolcegabbana
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
