Inside: A Romantic Italian Wedding In The Umbrian Hills

From a chance encounter outside an ice cream shop to exchanging vows in a 12th-century monastery tucked into the Umbrian hills, step inside Jaclyn and John Rea’s romantic Italian wedding – a celebration where timeless elegance met meaningful intention in the heart of the countryside.⁠

The Story So Far

John and I met in high school, just a week after I got my driver’s license. Two of our closest friends were going on a blind date, and we both, independently, decided to crash it. It was very high school of us. We locked eyes outside an ice cream shop that night, and the rest is history.

Over the course of our 10-year relationship, we spent five years doing long distance. Both student-athletes, John played soccer at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and I ran track at the University of Utah. After college, we moved back home to Arizona to begin our careers. Not long after, we moved in together.

The day we met may have been chance, but every day since has been a conscious, beautiful choice.

We got engaged while on vacation in Kauai, celebrating our eighth anniversary. John designed the ring himself. It features a classic emerald-cut diamond set on a yellow gold band. It’s timeless and absolutely perfect.

The Venue

We were married at Abbazia San Pietro in Valle, a 12th-century monastery nestled in the rustic Umbrian countryside, just a few hours outside Rome. The property is steeped in history and charm, with beauty tucked into every corner.

After we started considering a destination wedding, a friend recommended the abbey. The moment we saw a few photos online, we were smitten. Within a week, we had booked our date. Choosing the venue was one of the most important, and surprisingly easiest, decisions we made during the planning process.

Our celebrations spanned three days. We kicked things off with a cozy pizza party on the lawn, complete with an acoustic guitarist to set the tone. Of our 60 guests, 40 stayed on the property with us, which made it feel like our own little village for the weekend.

The morning of the wedding, we started the day with an early breakfast together and exchanged private vows over coffee. Before being swept into the excitement and energy of the day, we wanted to slow down and spend time with just each other, doing something that felt like us. Sharing that quiet moment first thing in the morning was one of our favorite parts of the entire weekend.

Later, unexpected weather forced us to make last-minute changes to the ceremony and reception locations. In the end, the new setup was even better than what we had envisioned. It was intimate, spontaneous, and a little rainy. It felt like pure magic.

We wrapped up the weekend exploring the nearby town of Spoleto with our loved ones. That evening, we ended the night playing card games and sipping spritzes on the lawn as the sun set.

Fashion

For the welcome party, I wore a high-neck silk gown by Sau Lee. John chose a custom linen suit from Suitsupply. On the wedding day, I got ready in a floor-length silk gown and matching robe that had been passed down from my mom’s wedding. It was such a meaningful detail and felt incredibly special to wear. For the ceremony, I wore a strapless fitted dress by Madi Lane, paired with a cathedral-length lace veil. I wanted a look that felt elegant, simple, and timeless – something that would complement the rustic beauty of the abbey without overwhelming it.

John wore a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie, also custom-made by Suitsupply. For the after-party, I changed into a halter-style mini dress by Aston Bridal. I had ordered it on a whim from Australia, but it turned out to be perfect. Sparkles on top, feathers on the hem – it was fun, flirty, and ideal for dancing the night away.

Jewellery

I kept my jewellery minimal and meaningful. I wore my mom’s pearl bracelet and paired it with pearl earrings by Shashi. John wore silver Gucci cufflinks and a matching Gucci watch.

Bridal Party

The bridesmaids wore classic black, and I let each of them choose their own dress so they could feel comfortable and confident in their look. The result was a stunning mix of lace, silk, ruffles, and chiffon – each one different, yet beautifully cohesive. Together, their individual styles created a timeless and elegant overall aesthetic.

Beauty Regime & Wellness

Makeup was one of the most important elements of my bridal look. Our wedding planner, Bottega d’Amore (@bottegadamore), recommended Melania (@melania.mariano), and the moment I saw her Instagram, I knew she was the right artist for me.

I had a clear vision and wasn’t willing to compromise. Melania’s style is radiant and soft glam – photogenic, yet always natural and refined. She enhanced my features with such a sophisticated lightness. I felt luminous, confident, and completely myself. The photos by Marta D. Weddings (@martad.weddings) speak for themselves. I truly couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Melania exceeded every expectation. I felt like the best version of myself.

Honeymoon

Right after the wedding, we jetted off to Sardinia and Mallorca for our honeymoon. Both islands were breathtaking and offered the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation after the whirlwind of the wedding weekend.

Advice

Carve out intentional time just for the two of you on the wedding day. Those quiet, private moments will become some of your most treasured memories.

Stay by each other’s side as much as possible. Let guests come to you, and soak in the day as a team.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Something will inevitably go “wrong,” but it truly doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, you’re marrying your best friend.