As a destination wedding planner, I’ve had the privilege of organizing beautiful weddings across Italy—but the celebration of Celine and Mohamed at Villa Gamberaia in Florence will forever hold a special place in my heart.
From the very first moment we spoke, I knew this couple was special. Celine and Mohamed radiate kindness, elegance, and genuine warmth. Working with them was a joy, and helping bring their vision to life in one of Tuscany’s most iconic villas was an experience I’ll never forget.
A Dream Setting: Villa Gamberaia
Set on the hills of Settignano with panoramic views over Florence, Villa Gamberaia is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and garden design. Its timeless charm was the perfect backdrop for this elegant Lebanese wedding, blending Italian beauty with rich cultural traditions.
A Romantic First Look and a Meaningful Ceremony
Before the ceremony, Celine and Mohamed shared a deeply emotional First Look—a private moment just for the two of them, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the villa gardens. It was intimate, romantic, and full of emotion.
The ceremony itself was a traditional Islamic ceremony with an Imam, held in the magical Grotta del Nettuno. A long white carpet led to a stunning semi-arch of flowers in soft tones of sky blue, blush pink, and white. Around 200 garden-style chairs created an elegant open-air setting, with a lounge area for the couple and their parents, ensuring both comfort and style.
The altar was surrounded by graceful floral arrangements on transparent pedestals, giving the impression of flowers floating in the air—a unique and breathtaking setup that perfectly matched the serene atmosphere of the location.
And Celine… she was simply radiant. Her grace, her smile, her poise—she looked like she had stepped out of a dream. Watching Mohamed see her for the first time, eyes full of love and pride, was one of the most touching moments of the day.
Aperitivo with a View & Traditional Lebanese Joy
After the ceremony, the villa’s terrace hosted a stylish Italian aperitivo. Guests relaxed on velvet lounge furniture, sipped on non- alcoholic Hugo and Spritz cocktails, and enjoyed a live mozzarella bar—a delicious and interactive experience.
This is also where the traditional Lebanese entertainment began: live musicians with typical instruments, bringing energy and excitement to the evening and setting the tone for a night full of celebration.
Dinner Under the Stars
Dinner took place on the bowling green, transformed into a magical dining space with four imperial tables, totaling over 60 meters of floral arrangements. Each table was a work of art, with cascading flowers inspired by Botticelli’s delicate patterns, echoing the designs on the plates. Crystal chandeliers hung above the tables, casting a soft, romantic glow.
At the center of it all was a white lacquered dance floor, ready to welcome the couple’s grand entrance with the traditional Zaffa. The moment was electric—drums, swords, dancing, and pure joy—a celebration of culture, love, and community.
A Sweet Finale in the Limonaia
After dinner, the party moved to the villa’s Limonaia, where guests were treated to a whimsical and delicious dessert experience featuring a gelato cart and a live cannoli maker. It was the perfect ending to a day full of beauty, tradition, and unforgettable memories.
By the Numbers:
- 200+ guests from around the world
- 60 meters of floral table designs
- 4 imperial tables under the stars
- 17 chandeliers
- 200 garden-style ceremony chairs
- 1 unforgettable Zaffa
- Countless joyful memories
A Planner’s Reflection
Planning Celine and Mohamed’s wedding was both a challenge and an honor. Coordinating logistics for over 200 guests in a historic villa, managing floral installations, furniture, lighting, musicians, and more—it required precision, passion, and a dedicated team. But every detail came together to create something truly magical.
Above all, it was the love between Celine and Mohamed, their kindness, and the joy of their families that made this day so extraordinary. Participating in a Lebanese wedding is more than attending an event—it’s living an experience full of emotion, tradition, and unfiltered happiness.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that tells your story in a setting as timeless as Italy, I would love to help make it come true.
Wedding Planning : http://www.cg-eventdesign.it
EMAIL: INFO@CG-EVENTDESIGN.IT
Wedding Planning : http://www.cg-eventdesign.it
EMAIL: INFO@CG-EVENTDESIGN.IT
Photo: Tozzi Studio
Minivan: Baspi bus
Flowers: Simone Bertini
Venue: Villa Gamberaia
Music: Zaffet Mabrouk
Lights: Wedding Music and Light
Catering: Roland's
MUA: Yana Zolina
Stationery: Laura Mazzetti - the wedding letters