From a chance swipe on the apps to a globetrotting romance across Dublin and Munich, culminating in a low-key late-night proposal in Italy, step inside Nora and Denys’ thoughtfully curated Tuscan wedding weekend.
The story so far
We met in Dublin on Tinder in 2018, and the connection was immediate. There was a natural ease between us, a comfort in being completely honest and open that felt rare and effortless. We spent four wonderful years building our life together in Dublin before moving to Munich, where our next chapter began.
Our engagement happened in October 2023 during a trip to South Tyrol, Italy. I was completely caught off guard. Denys had taken our cockapoo, Winnie, out for his last walk of the evening while I got ready for bed. When he returned, he walked into the room holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses, and between them I spotted a small green box. I looked up and noticed how nervous he was. Between the excitement, the emotions, and the nerves, neither of us can clearly remember the exact words he said, but we both remember the feeling: pure joy, disbelief, and a giddy sense of stepping into the next adventure together.
Venue
We spent the days surrounding our wedding at Villa Olmi Firenze, where we stayed and got ready. Tucked just outside the city, the villa offered the perfect calmness and serenity we needed amidst the excitement of our celebrations. Its gardens, quiet pathways, and timeless architecture created a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, making us feel as though we had stepped into our own private world.
Our wedding took place at Villa di Maiano. We searched all over Tuscany for a venue that felt like “us”, and exactly one year before the wedding, we arrived at Villa di Maiano, and within seconds, we knew it was perfect. We returned to the venue three times that same day because we couldn’t get it out of our minds. When Isabella, the owner, suggested we see the villa at sunset, it sealed everything; the panoramic view of Florence bathed in golden light was breathtaking.
The villa offered everything we dreamed of: historic charm, sprawling gardens, natural elegance, and a large olive grove where we envisioned our ceremony. From the beginning, we wanted a venue that allowed us to guide guests through different spaces, each a surprise. Villa di Maiano exceeded every expectation with lush gardens, hidden corners, sweeping terraces, and panoramic views across Florence.
Pre-Wedding Events
On Friday we hosted our Shabbat welcome dinner at Palazzo Budini Gattai, a hidden gem in the heart of Florence. Its terracotta façade and magical courtyard gardens immediately stole our hearts. The palazzo is home to extraordinary works of art, including pieces connected to Leonardo, making it feel like celebrating inside a living masterpiece. Guests enjoyed an Italian dinner party with candlelight, long tables, incredible local food, and a live band that brought the night to life.
On Saturday we threw a relaxed pizza party at The Lodge Club, set along the Arno River. With a vibrant jungle-like atmosphere and lush greenery, the venue felt like an escape from the city. Guests enjoyed cocktails and wood-fired pizzas; it was a playful, relaxed evening before the big day.
Fashion
My wedding dress was by Pallas Couture, purchased at The Wedding Club in London. After trying dresses across Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Ireland, London was my final stop, and ironically, it was the very first dress I tried on that stole my heart. The experience with The Wedding Club was seamless and elegant, making it truly special.
Denys wore a cream smoking suit from Lodenfrey in Munich, tailored by Italian designer Caruso.
Jewellery
I had always known I wanted an emerald-cut diamond. Beyond that, I trusted Denys completely to create something meaningful and unforgettable. He explored countless jewellers, refining our vision at each step, until it became clear that Tiffany & Co. was it. The process with Tiffany was curated and deeply personal. The stone was flown in from New York, and the ring was crafted in Munich. On the day, I also wore a Cartier ring with a Swarovski necklace and earrings.
Bridal party
Bridesmaids were given the freedom to choose their own dresses (to avoid a traditional uniform look). I created goodie bags for them, including Missoma bracelets and beauty products.
Transportation
Guests were transferred from their hotels to the wedding venue by bus.
Tablescape
We opted for minimal white tablescapes with delicate antique-style glasses engraved with floral motifs, single-stem calla lilies in mini vases, and white candles in glass jars, accented with occasional burgundy candles. Menus were printed on linen in Italy and sealed with wax stamps featuring our wedding logo, created with the help of our family. Name cards were simple, with black text and a small pearl underneath.
Food and Drink
Highlights included sage butter ravioli and a wedding cake that guests raved about; several even admitted to having three to four slices! Drinks included a selection of fine wines and signature cocktails, but – no surprise to me – Aperol was a firm favourite…
Entertainment
We had three types of entertainment. For the ceremony, a string quartet played for guests’ arrival and my entrance with “Until I Found You”. During the aperitif, Italian band Gerry Gennarelli played live music, moving among guests and serenading them with Italian classics and Sinatra. They led guests to the dinner area and accompanied our first dance with “Love” by Nat King Cole. At midnight, guests moved to the cellar (Lemonia), where a DJ and saxophonist kept the celebration alive until 4 a.m.
Beauty regime
My beauty routine included micro-needling with PRP, peels, Profhilo, and a consistent at-home skincare regimen. On the day, my hair and makeup were done by Julia Bachmayer (@hairmakeupbyjulia).
Favourite Wedding Gifts
We didn’t have a registry but received wedding cards.
Honeymoon
We took a two-week mini-moon in Sardinia immediately after the wedding. We are considering Thailand and the Maldives for our main honeymoon in March.
Advice
1. Pinpoint what is truly important to both of you for your wedding day.
2. Review the day-of timeline with your planner the day before to ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. On the day, time flies. Between greeting guests and soaking in the celebrations, it’s easy to miss out on the delicious food you’ve carefully chosen. Assign a trusted member of your bridal or groom party to make sure you can find a moment to sample all the aperitif dishes on the day.
With Thanks
Bride: @Nora__Elizabeth
Groom: @Denys.Lichtenstein
Venue: Villa di Maiano, Firenze Italy @villadimaiano
Caterer: @Delizia Ricevimenti
Wedding Planner: Simona Parisi – Brilliant Weddings
Photography & Video: Wilken Weddings
Makeup: Julia Bachmayer (@hairmakeupbyjulia)
Dress: Pallas Couture – @theweddingclubofficial
Groom Suit: Caruso
Lighting: Namida @namida_elegantevents
Florals: Heaven Flowers Fioristi @heaven_flowers_fioristi
Band: Gerry Gennarelli
DJ: Remo Giugni @gerry.gennarelli
Bridesmaid Gifts: Missoma @missomalondon
Wedding Rings: Cartier & Tiffany
Stationery: Designed by the bride, produced in Italy
Tableware: Provided by @Delizia Ricevimenti
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