Paula and Jonathan: An Escape to the Italian Countryside

Paula and Jonathan met in late 2015, and immediately had a connection. Initially, the two bonded over a shared love for food and interior design, which continues to be a central aspect of their relationship. From cooking and trying new restaurants, to traveling and forever renovating their home, we are so excited to see the beautiful life this couple builds together. 

In 2018, after a two-week vacation in which the couple explored nearly 20 Italian cities, Jonathan proposed at a vineyard estate in Piedmont, Italy. Of course, Paula said yes! They decided to plan a wedding that embodied the aura of the night of their proposal. “We wanted to replicate our Italian engagement as much as possible, and our venue definitely delivered on that,” says Paula. The Gracewood Estate’s many different areas were all utilized throughout their celebration: their ceremony was held at the orchard, cocktail hour at the English garden, and reception dinner under the stars between cherry trees. Traveling around the property, says Paula, perfectly created the immersive experience she desired for her guests. The ceremony’s decor was simple, purposefully focusing on the lush greens and surrounding vineyard to be the backdrop of the night. Shades of moody peaches, pinks, wood finishes, and gold accents mesmerizingly tied the ceremony’s romantic, nature-inspired theme together.

Replicating their engagement wasn’t the only part of Paula and Jonathan’s wedding that embodied how sentimental, nostalgic, and thoughtful this couple is. Their ceremony also included a wine box with handwritten letters for them read on their five year anniversary, and their adorable dog, Toby, was their ring bearer! “Even though we had technically done this the year before in the backyard, it was so emotional for us both and our guests. Love brought us all together that day, and we were so grateful,” she shares. That’s right, this couple had actually tied the knot a year prior to their ceremony! Although the pandemic had derailed Paula and Jonathan’s original July 2020 date, they decided that that wouldn’t be stopping them. “While we were disappointed that we couldn’t have our wedding as planned, we knew we wanted to proceed with becoming husband and wife, as that’s what it’s really all about,” she says.

Paula’s gorgeous wedding dress featured floral lace and botanical-inspired details that connected with their ceremony’s outdoorsy vibe and concept of being in the Italian countryside. Modern and sophisticated, yet delicate and feminine, this gown perfectly embodied Paula’s talented eye for aesthetics and romantic personality. “Remember that this is all about love and wanting to spend the rest of your life with your partner. Do what feels right for you, because there is no ‘right way’ to have a wedding, especially in the days of COVID-19 weddings. Your wedding should be a representation of you as a couple and what’s important to you,” says Paula.

Paula and Jonathan, thank you both so much for allowing us to be part of your special day. We wish you two a lovely life filled with happiness, joy, and exploring even more of the world together. Congratulations!

Videographers: John & Samantha Butler

Venue: Gracewood Estate 

Florals: Ooh La La Designs

Cake: Sweet Celebrations

Wine: Trius Winery

Music: The Fox Duo

Makeup & Hair: Beyoutiful Brides

Tux: August+Ashley

Officiant: Cathy Davis & Officiants

Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Groom's Shoes: Loding

Decor: Simply Beautiful Decor + 

Stationary/Website/Signage: Jonathan Phongphilack (the groom!)