A Fairytale Romance: Susan & Giuseppe’s Enchanting Wedding at Castello de Serragiumenta
Ilena Caputo Photographer
May 25th, 2024, will forever be etched in the memories of Susan and Giuseppe Tiano as the day they said “I do” in the most magical of settings—a true love story set within the dramatic beauty of Calabria, Italy. The couple chose the historic Castello de Serragiumenta, nestled in the heart of the Calabrian mountains and surrounded by rolling vineyards, for their dream wedding. The venue, a spectacular blend of medieval architecture and natural beauty, was the perfect backdrop for a celebration that could have been plucked from the pages of a 1950s Italian romance film.
From the moment their guests arrived, it was clear that Susan and Giuseppe had curated an unforgettable experience—a celebration steeped in tradition, opulence, and romance. With ninety of their closest friends and family gathered together to witness their vows, the day unfolded as nothing short of a fairytale.
A Setting Fit for a Fairytale
Castello de Serragiumenta is more than just a venue; it’s a living piece of history. Perched among the mountains, the castle’s stone walls tell stories of centuries past. Surrounded by vineyards and lush greenery, this remarkable location set the stage for Susan and Giuseppe’s celebration of love, joy, and tradition.
The wedding design embraced the romance of old Italy while introducing a playful, modern touch. The air was filled with the sounds of traditional Calabrese musicians as guests arrived, greeted by the intoxicating scent of flowers that seemed to stretch endlessly. It was a feast for the senses, from the vivid florals to the bespoke perfume and floral bar that allowed each guest to create their own signature scent, and the intricately designed gift baskets filled with local limoncello, olive oil, preserved delicacies, and hand-painted ceramic vases—pieces of Calabrian art and craftsmanship to take home as cherished reminders of the day.
Michelin-Star Dining Under the Stars
As night fell, the atmosphere transformed into something truly magical. A spectacular dinner was prepared by Michelin-star chefs, who delighted guests with a carefully crafted menu, paired perfectly with wines from the surrounding vineyards. The meal was served beneath a stunning glass tent, allowing the stars to shine through as the couple dined with their loved ones in the romantic embrace of nature.
For dessert, the celebration took a delicious turn. Delicate sweets, beautifully arranged, were scattered throughout the castle’s grand rooms. Guests wandered through the opulent spaces, indulging in treats as they admired the design and décor—each moment more enchanting than the last.
But the night didn’t end there. As the clock struck midnight, a lively afterparty took the celebration to new heights, where music, laughter, and dancing continued into the early hours of the morning, ensuring Susan and Giuseppe’s wedding would live on as a treasured memory in the hearts of everyone who attended.
The Gown of a Lifetime: Susan’s Pnina Tornai Bridal Dream
For Susan, finding the perfect gown was an essential part of her wedding journey. She had always dreamed of wearing Pnina Tornai, a designer whose signature blend of romance and glamour captured the essence of her vision for the day. Her experience at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York was one of the most emotional moments of her planning process. As Susan shared with us, "I’ve always said that it would only be a Pnina I would wear on my very special day. It was the first gown I tried on and the last. I envisioned myself a year ahead, standing in that gown on my wedding day, and I couldn’t hold back the tears."
The gown itself was a masterpiece—a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless beauty, fitting Susan’s vision of bridal perfection. The intricate details, from the delicate lace to the sheer, flowing silhouette, made it a true showstopper. It was a piece of art, as breathtaking as the moment Susan walked down the aisle.
A Heartfelt Testimonial to TEWS
As Susan and Giuseppe’s wedding day unfolded beautifully, one essential part of the process went smoothly thanks to the team at TEWS. In her testimonial, Susan expressed heartfelt thanks to the expert seamstresses and exceptional staff who made sure her gown fit perfectly, “Finding the perfect bridal alteration team was one of the most important aspects of my wedding planning. My Pnina had to be perfect… and it was! The seamstresses are meticulous, and the staff are simply exceptional. They made the entire experience a sheer pleasure and stress-free. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.”
The Dream Team: Vendors Who Brought the Vision to Life
It takes a village to bring a wedding like this to life, and Susan and Giuseppe’s team of talented vendors helped create an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.
Matteo De Luca (Florist): The flowers were nothing short of spectacular, from grand floral arrangements to delicate blooms that decorated the venue and reception spaces.
Annalisa Macchione Films: Capturing every intimate moment on film, Annalisa’s team immortalized the magic of the day.
Ilenia Caputo Photography: Ilenia’s photography captured not only the beauty of the day but also the raw emotion, making every photograph feel like a work of art.
Ricci di Mare (Musicians): Traditional Calabrese musicians set the perfect tone for the evening’s festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Francesca Ragone (Beyote Makeup Artist): Francesca’s expert touch ensured Susan looked radiant as she walked down the aisle, with flawless makeup that lasted all night.
Pnina Tornai (Wedding Gown): Susan’s dream gown was the work of the legendary Pnina Tornai, bringing her bridal vision to life in the most extraordinary way.
Manolo Blahnik: Known for creating footwear that exudes luxury and style, Manolo Blahnik’s shoes were the perfect finishing touch to Susan’s bridal look.
A Memory Forever in Our Hearts
Susan and Giuseppe’s wedding at Castello de Serragiumenta will forever remain in the hearts of everyone who attended. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and enchantment, and we’re honored to share their journey with you. Their story reminds us that, with the right team and a lot of love, dreams really do come true.
For all the future brides out there, Susan’s advice is simple but powerful: “Trust in your vision, and surround yourself with an incredible team who will help bring it to life. Your wedding day should be nothing less than magical.”
With love and joy, we wish Susan and Giuseppe a lifetime of happiness and endless love.
Vendors:
Florist: Matteo De Luca
Filmmaker: Annalisa Macchione Films
Photographer: Ilenia Caputo Photography
Musicians: Ricci di Mare
Makeup Artist: Francesca Ragone (Beyote)
Wedding Gown: Pnina Tornai
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
We can’t wait to see the magic that each of our brides creates on their special day. If you’re planning a wedding that is as enchanting and unique as Susan and Giuseppe’s, we’d love to help bring your vision to life!