This Enchanting Italian Villa Inspired Summer Wedding Embraced La Dolce Vita with Fun Personal Details

In this article

Quick Facts:
How did you meet?
What do you like to do as a couple?
Tell us about the proposal.
Describe your wedding style.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
Our wedding theme.
Did you incorporate any cultural elements into your wedding?
What is your best memory from the wedding?
Lush greenery brought the spirit of Italy inside to their elegant reception...
What’s the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Photos in the garden with the couple...
Looking for more Italian-inspired weddings?
Vendors:

Kamarri and Rafael’s vision of a charming summer Italian Villa-inspired wedding was created by the incredible team at Southwind Events for their elegant summer celebration in Illinois.

Before any wedding bells could ring, there had to be that first hello which happened while they both were just hanging out with friends. Little did they know that simply grabbing a bite to eat would lead them to their walk down the aisle. How amazing is that!

My friend and I sat down next to him and his friends at the bar. We started chatting, and before he left, he asked for my phone number.

– Kamarri (The Bride)

The post-ceremony pics were captured by Lusia Studio Photography and featured the beautiful old-world architecture and beauty of the Armour House which was surrounded by pretty summer florals in its formal gardens. Before the couple’s reception began memorable snapshots of them walking out and being serenaded by a Mariachi band before greeting their guests inside made this moment extra special since it was a sweet nod to Rafael’s Mexican heritage.

Once they arrived inside, the bride and groom’s guests were treated to tables adorned with soft florals and greenery meant to evoke the beauty of Italy and give guests the feeling of being swept away to Rome where Rafael popped the question.

Be sure to explore more from this gorgeous Italian Villa-inspired wedding below!

Couple: Kamarri Chrusciel & Rafael Uribe
Wedding date: July 5th, 2024
Wedding location: The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy

Quick Facts:

Gifts for the wedding party: Bridesmaids received a keepsake framed photo themselves and the bride and groomsmen received neckties and cigars.
Gifts for one another: Embroidered robes with our initials and handwritten notes.
Reception entrance song: “Volare” by Domenico Modugno.
First dance song: “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole.

How did you meet?

Rafael and I met over tacos at Big Star in Wicker Park. My friend and I sat down next to him and his friends at the bar. We started chatting, and before he left, he asked for my phone number. As they say, the rest is history.

Kamarri made sure she chose a signature fragrance for her big day. Whether you like warm vanillas, modern florals, or woody notes, having a scent that compliments your vibe for the day will definitely take your style to another glamorous level.

The groom was styled in a classic tailored tuxedo that had him ready to walk down the aisle.

What do you like to do as a couple?

We both love to travel, try new food, and go hiking with our dog Teddy.

Of course, the bride and groom shared their big day with their pup. Say cheese, Teddy!

Tell us about the proposal.

On a humid Monday evening, we arrived at Settimo, a trendy upscale rooftop restaurant with a spectacular view overlooking Roma. Just as the sun began to set in the distance over the cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica, we stood together to have our picture taken. That’s when Rafael turned to me and proposed that we spend the rest of our lives together. And just like that, the most beautiful Roman sunset I’d ever seen became even more beautiful. We spent the rest of the evening with our heads spinning with love, walking along Rome’s Tiber River and taking pictures in Vatican City.

Describe your wedding style.

For our wedding attire, we wanted to evoke a feeling of tradition and timelessness. We drew inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana’s 1990s archives and Catholic motifs.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?

Wedding shopping was such a fun experience for us—it was a time to treat ourselves to pieces that we truly appreciated and felt good in. The texture of fabrics played a big role in creating our looks.