“We spent a lot of time on the details of the wedding, and ensuring we worked with and supported people and businesses we really believed in,” says Annastasia. La Dogaressa Flowers created her simple bouquet.

“I couldn’t stop smiling—I felt so happy and was so thrilled to see my dearest friends and family, I didn’t feel nervous.”

“Hair and make-up for me was incredibly important! Paola Magliocchi, the owner of Cheri Natural Beauty, created a relaxed look for the civil ceremony and a chic updo for the church blessing. Make-up for both ceremonies was very natural, by Giulia from Cheri Natural Beauty.”

“Cristian wore a Hugo Boss tuxedo for the civil ceremony.”

“We decided to read our vows in each other’s first language, so Cristian read his vows in English, and I read mine in Italian.”

The couple fell in love after meeting on a flight from Stockholm to Amsterdam.

Annastasia’s Roksanda dress “felt very classic but with a
little drama.”

“After the civil ceremony, we walked through the streets of Venice with our photographer and arrived at the famous San Marco Square. A group of students started cheering for us, and then the whole square cheered—it was amazing! I threw my bouquet to the students—many of whom fell over trying to catch it—both dramatic and hilarious!”

“I felt incredibly lucky that we could get married in such beautiful and historic venues—it doesn’t get more romantic than Venice.”

“Cristian had arranged a surprise gondola ride for our arrival at the St. Regis Venice—the perfect entrance.”

“We got engaged at the St. Regis, which is also where we had our first holiday together, and where we took Cristian’s parents for their 50th wedding anniversary, so it holds lots of special memories.”

“We are both big foodies so enjoyed working with the chefs on special menus.”

After the civil ceremony, the bride and groom and their small wedding party enjoyed a black-tie dinner at the St. Regis.

A kiss for the newlyweds.

Venice holds special memories for the bride and groom, who had their first holiday as a couple in the Floating City.

“At the church ceremony on day two, my father-in-law Giuseppe walked me down the aisle to ‘Amazing Grace’.”

“Cristian walked down the aisle with his mother to ‘Ave Maria’.”

“Both ceremonies were full of love and grace. It was important to us that both our cultures were represented and celebrated.”

The bride’s veil was handmade from Chantilly lace with a rose motif.

“The vows were emotional, and the music was so moving.”

For the church blessing, Cristian wore a Carlo Pignatelli suit, Bulgari cufflinks, and Fratelli Rossetti shoes.

“I didn’t have bridesmaids and we had just 20 guests at the wedding. Everyone looked wonderful!”

Guests shower the newlyweds with confetti.

“After the church service, we walked and stopped for a tramezzino in a little café—just the two of us, and took a little time to reflect on the wedding.”

En route to Mazzorbo, a small island in the Lagoon of Venice, after the church blessing.

“We spent a lot of time on the details of the wedding, and ensuring we worked with and supported people and businesses we really believed in.” The couple chose a young talent, Jean Lapin, as photographer, and non-profit Venice Music Project provided the music. The venue for their wedding luncheon is lauded for its sustainability efforts. “It was important to both of us that we created an experience that was thoughtful and unique.”

The bride in her Benveniste wedding gown.

The island of Mazzorbo.

After the wedding, the couple feel “perfectly content and calm”, the bride says. “We are enjoying being back at work and travelling, and loving our new life together.”

The couple planned their wedding with the help of insider tips from their Venetian friend, Candace Wood. The menu at Venissa was specially prepared by Francesco Brutto, one of Italy’s best young chefs.

Spectacular Venice views.