A Tuscan elopement, a stunning Martina Liana wedding dress and a bride who works in bridal – all make for the perfect combination. Deciding on a luxe elopement in Florence, Italy, Rita and Derek said “I do” as only they could.
The Proposal
Derek proposed to me at the Cleveland Institute of Art. It’s an absolutely amazing museum that we visited often in the first few years of our relationship. I had previously told him that I didn’t want anyone there when he proposed and thankfully he didn’t listen to me! My friends and family joined us immediately after and I was so thankful we could celebrate right away.
Finding the perfect Martina Liana Wedding Dress
I would describe my bridal style as EXTRA! It did not matter that we were eloping, I was going to wear a beautiful dress and a crown because that is just who I am and it was still my wedding day.
I work for bridal boutique Diana’s Bridal in Skokie, Illinois, so my shopping experience was very different. I found a picture of Style 1004 on Martina Liana’s website and knew it was perfect! Having experience with bridal gowns, I could imagine myself in it very easily. It was the only dress I tried on!
Working in bridal, I know there are plenty of dresses I could have worn on my wedding day. However, I fell in love with my dress once I found it. The honey color placement is so unique. I love how it made my body look. I felt so sexy in an elegant and tasteful way. The beading was incredible, and crepe sides were clean and modern. I couldn’t possibly imagine a more perfect dress, and I’m sure I’ll be obsessed with it forever.
The Wedding Details
I would describe my theme as Modern Elegance. The venue I chose was a stunning hotel that almost looked like a mini Italian Versailles. I absolutely love intricate Rococo and Baroque architecture, but my personal style is more modern and edgy. I wanted to mesh the two in a way that would contrast well. Our colors were very limited with white and mauve but mainly black accents to darken everything.
Everything about our wedding was personal to us. Three months into our engagement we came up with the crazy idea to elope in Italy at the end of the year. We are spontaneous and romantic so the very idea of our wedding was special to us.
Since we eloped, I felt like our ceremony was so intimate. We cried through our vows, and it was very intense and emotional. I would not have had it any other way.
Photos by Magdalena Glowacka