Leila + Mikhail by Polina Yarmush

We imagined a long weekend in Italy, full of wine, laughter, countryside views, and real connection.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Mikhail and I both work in IT risk management at one of the Big Four audit and consulting firms – a field where precision and structure are essential, but where human connection and trust are just as important. We met as colleagues, and over time discovered not only a shared professional language, but a shared love of adventure, meaningful conversations, and building something lasting together.

We currently live in the Netherlands, having moved from Moscow a few years ago. Our life in the Dutch village is calm but full, with weekend markets, bike rides through the countryside, and evenings over good wine and long dinners. Travel is a huge part of our relationship: we find joy in planning routes, discovering new places, and turning every journey into a little story. For the last 5 years, we have visited 50+ countries together.

We’re both naturally curious and detail-oriented — which came in handy during the wedding planning process! But above all, we’re partners who truly enjoy each other’s company. Whether we’re navigating complex IT systems at work or Italian mountain roads with our families, we make a good team.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met in Moscow in 2018 while working at the same company in the audit and consulting industry. At the time, we were both focused on our careers, crossing paths occasionally in meetings or team events.

It wasn’t until a year later that something shifted. One evening, after a long day, Mikhail offered me a ride home on his motorcycle. I said yes, not realising that this small gesture would become the beginning of our story. That short ride turned out to be the longest-lasting connection of our lives.

I remember being struck by his quiet confidence and calm energy. There was something very grounded and thoughtful about him. Over time, I came to see the warmth behind his reserved demeanour — a wonderful mix of dry humour and kindness.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

From the very beginning, we knew we didn’t want just a wedding — we wanted a journey. The kind of celebration where time slows down, guests become family, and every detail adds to a shared adventure. We imagined a long weekend in Italy, full of wine, laughter, countryside views, and real connection.

We began at a vineyard estate in Umbria, surrounded by hills, olive trees, and the calm of nature. It was the perfect setting to welcome our guests, relax by the pool, and celebrate my birthday with those closest to us. From there, we continued on to the heart of Tuscany — to the villa we had fallen in love with over a year before — for the wedding itself.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The Tuscan setting gave us so much to work with — rolling hills, warm stone architecture, and the natural elegance of the landscape. We leaned into that softness with a floral design that felt sculptural yet delicate: cascading white orchids in my bouquet, with creamy yellow accents and koalas on the table. The florals were modern, minimal, and luminous against the Tuscan palette — exactly what we envisioned.

What brought the atmosphere to life was the live jazz quartet that played during the aperitivo and dinner. Their sound floated through the villa garden, blending with laughter and clinking glasses. That music made everything feel cinematic — relaxed and emotional at once. The styling wasn’t just visual — it was atmospheric. It made people feel something.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

We loved the planning — truly. Maybe it’s the project managers in us, but coordinating vendors and guests across different countries, planning multi-day travel routes, and crafting shared itineraries for over 20 guests was… oddly satisfying!

What we enjoyed most was the feeling that we were building something special together. Every decision — from the food and music to the road trip route from the Netherlands through Switzerland to Italy — felt like a reflection of our personalities and the people we love.

Our biggest tip? Start early, especially if guests need visas or are travelling internationally. We invited people a year in advance, and many of them turned it into a full holiday. It made everything so much more relaxed and joyful.

Also: let go of the idea of perfection. Something will go off-plan (and that’s okay!). What people remember most is not the perfect bouquet or the table runner — it’s the feeling of love, the laughter during speeches, the way they were welcomed and seen.

And for weddings in Italy — always pack extra sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and Aperol.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Yes — and we’re so grateful to them! Our wedding became a truly international affair: our florist came from Poland, the photographer from the Netherlands, the videographer from Portugal, and the makeup artist from Italy. The catering team was local and served unforgettable Tuscan cuisine. Each vendor brought their own style, professionalism, and passion. Our planner, Nadya, was a huge part of making it all run smoothly. She brought our vision to life while keeping us calm, organised, and inspired. And our photographer captured every little emotion — from tears to laughter — with such intuition.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I had two main dresses that reflected different sides of me. For the ceremony, I wore a gown with a dropped waist by Anastasia Boksha — soft, feminine, and perfectly in sync with the Tuscan backdrop. I paired it with sheer gloves and a delicate scarf tied around my neck, which added a vintage and slightly romantic flair. These small accessories made the look feel even more personal and complete. Later, I changed into a princess-style dress from Rara Avis, adorned with delicate petal-like details that made me feel like a woodland fairy. It brought a dreamy, playful vibe to the dinner and party. It also perfectly matched with Jimmy Choo pearly slingbacks. Mikhail wore a classic tuxedo from Suitsupply that fit like a glove. A detail I especially loved: the inside of his shirt collar was embroidered with our wedding date — a small, hidden touch that made it uniquely his. He even swapped shirts halfway through the evening — a small but memorable moment that added charm and laughter.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Mikhail proposed with a timeless round diamond ring — elegant, delicate, and perfectly “me.” He personally selected the diamond in Belgium, which made it all the more meaningful.

For our wedding bands, we chose classic platinum rings from Tiffany & Co. Mine features a small diamond in the centre — just enough sparkle to feel special, while still keeping a minimalist elegance. Mikhail’s band is simple and refined. To make them even more personal, we had them engraved with a special message — a small secret just between us, carried with us every day. It was the perfect way to add a meaningful detail to something already so symbolic.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography and videography were absolutely worth the investment. We knew that long after the music fades and the flowers wilt, our photos would carry the magic forward. The first preview — especially one particular shot — brought me to tears. It looked exactly like a photo I saved years ago to my Pinterest: romantic, special, and surreal. The venue itself was another key investment — and absolutely worth it. Villa Catignano made everything else feel effortless. Its beauty spoke for itself.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

There were many — too many to count — but one moment stands out with absolute clarity.

Just before dinner, during a quiet moment of golden-hour portraits, I looked around and felt something shift inside me. The light was soft and warm, Mikhail was by my side, our loved ones were gathered behind the villa, and the air was filled with the sounds of jazz floating through the garden. Everything — the journey, the effort, the love — had led to this. I suddenly burst into tears, overwhelmed by the beauty of it all.

It wasn’t sadness. It was joy — pure, overwhelming, heart-bursting joy. I had never felt so grateful or so happy. It was like watching a dream unfold in real time and realising it was ours.

Another small but unforgettable moment was standing hand in hand under the stars later that evening, looking at the table of our friends and family laughing, dancing, and clinking glasses. That image is forever imprinted in my memory: the people we love most, in a place we love deeply, all wrapped in this once-in-a-lifetime magic.