Italy, with its unparalleled beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding. When the picturesque village of Ripa Teatina in Abruzzo hosts such an event, especially at the incredible Di Sipio Wine vineyard, it promises to be nothing short of magical. This was the setting for Charlotte and Jake’s special day, a wedding steeped in family tradition and Italian splendour. I had the honour of creating the floral arrangements for this celebration, a task that combined artistry with heartfelt personal touches.

Arrival and Preparation

Our journey to Abruzzo began on a Friday, arriving just in time to soak in the area’s beauty and incredible pizza before diving into our floral mission. The bride’s grandad, or “Nonno,” hails from Ripa Teatina, making this venue deeply significant. With family still residing here, including grandad’s brothers and cousins, the connection to this beautiful village is strong. Charlotte and her bridal party were getting ready at the recently renovated house owned by her aunt and uncle, just a stone’s throw from the original family home. This house became a hub of activity and anticipation on the day.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, we headed to the wholesaler to collect the pre-ordered flowers. My workroom for the week was the cool, well-ventilated basement of the family home. This Italian basement, far from the dim and damp basements one might imagine, offered a refreshing retreat from the heat, with doors opening onto a pretty street with spectacular views.

The Flower Preparation Process

Once the flowers were safely in the workroom, the meticulous process of conditioning each stem began. Ensuring every bloom is in perfect condition for the wedding day is paramount.

Although creating the main arrangements were scheduled for Monday, Sunday was dedicated to essential prep work. The family’s involvement was invaluable. Charlotte and Jake’s families delivered the vases to the venue, and I prepared the stands for the broken arch floral pillars and table centrepieces. This groundwork was crucial, especially as I was the sole florist managing a large wedding.

Creating the Arrangements

Monday arrived, and with it, the pressure of creating numerous intricate arrangements. Each minute was planned meticulously to ensure all tasks were completed efficiently. The commute to the family home every day was the most beautiful I’ve ever experienced, passing olive groves, vineyards, and stunning vistas. Working in this beautiful village was a joy.

I began with the table centrepieces: twelve large, rounded arrangements designed to sit atop tall glass cylinder vases. The flowers included white Hydrangeas, white Avalanche roses, Lisianthus, Stocks, and Spray Roses, chosen for their luxurious and full appearance. The same selection was used for the bridal bouquet and bridesmaids’ flowers, with one special addition—a perfect pale pink rose in Charlotte’s bouquet to honour her much loved and sorely missed late sister.

For the ceremony area, I crafted two meadow-style arrangements to frame the aisle’s start and two broken arch-style pillars to stand beside the ceremony table. These pieces were also repurposed to frame the top table during the wedding breakfast.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, an army of the couple’s family members assisted in transporting the arrangements to Di Sipio. Their help was invaluable, setting up the vases and ferrying the floral creations from the family home to the vineyard.

Delivering Charlotte’s bouquet to her at her aunt’s house was a poignant moment. Despite my nerves, her reaction was priceless—happy tears and heartfelt words assured me that I had captured her vision perfectly.

At the venue, I constructed the broken arch floral pillars using Hydrangeas, Roses, Stocks, Phlox, and foliage. These statement pieces, along with the additional blooms added to the centrepieces, created a stunning effect against the vineyard’s backdrop. The entire setting was breath-taking, a perfect blend of natural beauty and floral artistry.

The table centrepieces were nothing short of spectacular in the wedding breakfast room, which featured a stunning glass wall offering panoramic views of the vineyards sprawling across the valley. These large, airy arrangements sat atop tall, glass cylinder vases, complementing the spacious and light-filled room perfectly. The white Hydrangeas, Avalanche roses, Lisianthus, Stocks, and Spray Roses created a lush, elegant display that worked beautifully with the natural surroundings visible through the glass. The centrepieces not only added a touch of grandeur to the wedding breakfast but were also reused to adorn the tables for the brunch held the following day, extending their beauty and the celebration’s festive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Creating the floral arrangements for Charlotte and Jake’s wedding at Di Sipio Wine vineyard in Italy was an unforgettable experience. The combination of a beautiful setting, a family’s deep connection to their roots, and the joy of crafting something truly special made this project one of the highlights of my career. Every detail, from the individual flower preparations to the grand floral pillars, contributed to a day filled with love, beauty, and cherished memories.