Real Wedding: Gloria & Collin's Romantic Escape in Tuscany

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

A few years after meeting on a dating app during their last semester of college found Gloria and Collin Purcell on vacation in French Polynesia. Having just arrived at their overwater bungalow in Tahiti, Gloria suggested a quick dip in the water to jump-start their holiday, and was surprised (and a tad suspicious) when Collin declined, saying he’d prefer toget dressed up and explore the resort. Gloria went along with Collin's plan, and as she was getting ready, heard a knock on the door. It was a member of the staff asking if it was a good time to set up for a private dinner on their deck. A moment later, a photographer appeared, Collin went down on one knee and proposed.

Fast-forward two years to a glorious celebration at Castello di Celsa in the heart of Tuscany. A charming save-the-date video was sent out to guests, setting the stage for the joy-filled celebration to come. Why Italy? Gloria and Collin had traveled there multiple times, and wanted to share their deep love for the country with family and friends. (They also hosted 23 members of the wedding party and family in the castle over the wedding weekend.)

A welcome party on a covered patio kicked off the festivities. Originally envisioned to be held outside, a Plan B took effect when a storm rolled in and the event team, led by First Pick’s Jen Bergmark, made a quick pivot, moving both the party and the long serpentine dining table to a covered-but-still-outdoors area. Spirited folk-dancing and tambourine-playing ensued, fueled by a bounty of pasta and wine. The sun reappeared on the big day, the better to fully enjoy the garden wedding, bedecked in white flowers and lush greens and set against the Tuscan hills. Hints of red and other autumnal shades found their way into the reception decor, while colorful tableware—and exquisite food—imparted a traditional Italian vibe. Says the couple: “Intimate, romantic, and effortlessly stunning, our wedding was perfectly us and a weekend we will never forget.”

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