Valentine + Martino by Sarah Bizzini

The mood we envisioned was cosy, intimate, and artistic, with a rustic Italian touch.

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

We are a Swiss-Italian couple who share a love for slow living, cats, ceramics, and all things beautiful. I (the bride) am a ceramic artist, and I find inspiration in everyday moments, textures, and nature. We both deeply appreciate craftsmanship, simplicity, and authenticity, which reflect in our lifestyle and in how we connect to the world. Weekends are often spent at the local market, trying out recipes, or working on creative projects together. We love to travel slowly, explore different cultures, and savour the little things: an espresso in the sun, a conversation with friends, a walk by the lake. What brings us together is this shared sensitivity to beauty, art, and emotional depth, and our connection keeps growing stronger as we evolve side by side. Our relationship is rooted in friendship, laughter, and a deep mutual respect for each other’s individuality.

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

We met in 2012 by the lake when we were still teenagers. It was a summer evening, and something about that moment felt instantly magical. There was a kind of innocence and spontaneity in the way we connected — it really was love at first sight. We were young, but already there was something intuitive and real between us. Over the years, our bond only deepened. We grew up together, shared milestones, built memories, and found strength in each other. Our first impressions have remained consistent — we saw each other clearly from the start. What struck me (the bride) was his kindness and calm presence; for him, it was my creativity and the way I saw the world. From that first meeting by the water to where we are now, it has been a journey full of growth, joy, and love. That lake will always hold a special place in our story.

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

We wanted our wedding to feel like a celebration of la dolce vita — warm, joyful, elegant, and full of meaningful details. Green, our favourite colour, was the starting point for our palette. It symbolised nature, renewal, and harmony — everything we wanted this new chapter to reflect. The mood we envisioned was cosy, intimate, and artistic, with a rustic Italian touch. As a ceramic artist, I was very inspired to incorporate handmade elements throughout: ceramic pieces for the table settings, signage, and small decorative touches that gave the day its soul. We wanted it to feel both refined and relaxed — not over-styled, but beautifully curated. We chose natural materials, soft textures, and lots of greenery paired with creamy whites and terracotta tones. Everything was designed to reflect who we are — understated but full of love and thought. It was important to us that our guests felt welcomed and surrounded by beauty that was deeply personal.

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 combination of natural elements with handmade ceramics was what truly brought the visual identity of our wedding to life. The venue itself was full of rustic charm and authenticity, so we didn’t need to do too much — we simply enhanced what was already there. My ceramic work added a unique and personal layer: no two pieces were the same, and everything felt organic and thoughtful. The florals also played a big role — we went for loose, romantic arrangements with wild greenery and seasonal blooms. The tablescapes were a real highlight, mixing textures like linen, raw clay, and soft candlelight. We also loved the colour harmony: shades of green paired beautifully with terracotta, ivory, and soft neutrals. The whole aesthetic was warm and coherent, without feeling too “done.” The space breathed and told our story. It felt like us — handmade, natural, intentional, and full of soul.

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

I absolutely loved creating the ceramics and stationery for the wedding. Designing each piece by hand was my way of infusing our day with something deeply personal. It was a joyful and meditative process that allowed me to be fully present and connected to the meaning of our celebration. My advice for other couples would be to stay true to yourselves. Don’t get caught up in trends or external expectations. Focus on what feels meaningful to you — whether it’s a certain colour, a type of music, or a family tradition. The best weddings are the ones that reflect the couple’s essence. Also, don’t underestimate the power of handmade or personal details — they bring warmth and intimacy to the experience. Finally, give yourselves time to enjoy the process. The planning can be stressful, but if you approach it with love and creativity, it becomes part of the beautiful journey.

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

We were incredibly lucky with our vendors — each one brought something special to the table and contributed to creating a day that truly felt like us. First and foremost, Casa Scaparone, our venue, was an absolute dream. Nestled in the hills, full of charm and history, it offered the perfect blend of rustic beauty and Italian soul. Their team was warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate. Then there was our amazing photographer, Sarah Bizzini. She managed to capture every moment with such sensitivity and artistry. Her ability to document not just the visuals but the emotion of the day was truly moving. Looking back at her photos feels like reliving every second. Finally, I have to mention Valou Ceramics.

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

There’s no dramatic or emotional backstory to our outfits — and maybe that’s what makes them special. We both had a clear vision from the beginning of what we wanted to wear: something timeless, elegant, and true to who we are. For me (the bride), it was important to feel beautiful but also comfortable — nothing overly grand or restrictive, just something that allowed me to move, laugh, dance, and be fully present. The fabric, the silhouette, the texture — every detail was thoughtfully chosen. My partner wanted something sharp and simple, with clean lines and a touch of Italian flair. What made our outfits unique was how they complemented each other without being too matchy. We didn’t follow any trends or external references; we simply chose what felt right. Getting ready in those clothes, knowing we had chosen them so intentionally, made us feel grounded and confident. They weren’t just outfits — they were an extension of us.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Our rings are among the most personal elements of our entire wedding journey. I (the bride) designed them myself, and that made the process incredibly meaningful. Each curve, each detail, was a reflection of our story and our bond. I wanted them to feel organic and timeless — something that could’ve existed 100 years ago or 100 years from now. No flashy stones or elaborate settings, just pure design and honest material. Working with my hands to shape the wax moulds, thinking of us while doing so, was a beautiful experience. When we slipped them on, it felt like the final chapter of a very intimate creative process. They’re not just rings — they’re small sculptures filled with intention and love. Every time we look at them, we see a part of ourselves. It’s a daily reminder of our connection, our shared values, and the beauty of making things by hand, with heart.

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?).

Ceramics, without hesitation. It was essential for us that this medium — which has been such a big part of our journey — was present throughout the day. We created custom ceramic tableware, candle holders, signage, and decorative pieces that not only added an artistic touch but also reflected who we are. It was a significant investment in time and energy, but it made everything so personal and unique. Beyond that, photography was also something we were willing to spend more on. Memories fade, but photos allow you to relive the emotions, the smiles, the light. Working with someone like Sarah Bizzini, who understands the poetic side of moments, made all the difference. These were the two elements that mattered most to us: creating beauty we could touch and beauty we could remember.

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

Being surrounded by our favourite people in such a special place. There were many unforgettable moments, but one that stands out is the feeling of looking around and seeing all of our favourite people gathered in one place — laughing, hugging, dancing, connecting. That energy was magical. Another precious moment was during the ceremony, when we exchanged our vows with our handmade rings, under the open sky. It felt intimate and sacred, just the two of us, even though we were surrounded by others. Later, as the sun set and the lights began to glow, we danced barefoot under the stars, with the soft sound of music and laughter in the background. That sense of joy, love, and presence is something we’ll carry with us forever. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about connection. Those little, emotional moments — some planned, many spontaneous — are the ones we’ll treasure always.