Kit and Vinny’s luxury destination wedding at Villa Gamberaia in Florence, Italy was recently featured on the home page of Style Me Pretty, a platform that continues to define and refine the visual language of weddings on a global scale. Set in the heart of Tuscany, this celebration blended timeless Italian architecture, candlelit alfresco dining, […]
Sun-soaked terraces, ancient olive groves stretching toward the Arno, and the gentle rustle of centuries-old gardens became the backdrop for one of the most heartfelt celebrations I’ve had the privilege to craft. Kit and Vinny’s luxury wedding in Florence at Villa Gamberaia was not about spectacle, it was about presence, intention, and the quiet poetry […]
This week, I had the honor of speaking at THE EVENT: Florence, an international gathering hosted by Italy for Weddings and Convention Bureau Italia that brings destination wedding planners together with some of Italy’s most respected venues and hospitality partners. For anyone passionate about luxury destination wedding planning in Florence, this event is an important […]
Returning to Florence and THE EVENT This week I am returning to Florence to speak at THE EVENT: Florence, the national destination wedding gathering hosted by Italy for Weddings. Florence is not just another stop on my calendar as a luxury wedding planner in Italy. It has meant something to me for most of my life. […]
There are weddings you love. And then there are weddings that stay with you. When Kit and Vinny’s Florence celebration landed on the cover of Modern Luxury Weddings Chicago, I had one of those pause moments. The kind where you look at the image, remember the air that evening, the light against the stone, the […]
There are milestone celebrations that you plan, and then there are milestone celebrations that you feel. This intimate Florence anniversary celebration was very much the latter. I had the pleasure of designing a dinner for a couple celebrating fifty years of marriage. Set against the warm glow of an autumn evening in one of the […]
In 2019, my family and I embarked on a journey that was as personal as it was unforgettable. That year, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and my husband, Collin, and I celebrated our first. To honor both love stories, we planned an unforgettable trip for a luxury destination celebration in Italy —one of […]
Florence is one of those places that has a way of staying with you—and I find something new to fall in love with every time I visit. My most recent trip was a quick few days filled with wedding scouting, reconnecting with friends, and soaking in everything the city has to offer before heading to […]
Holiday wedding magic, Firenze edition is here and it has us swooning. If you’ve ever considered a European destination wedding during winter, let us be your first supporter and biggest cheerleader because O.M.G! It is one of our favorite times to be in Italy, specifically Florence. 🤩. The city is magically illuminated and there is […]
Thank you to Destination I Do for featuring our gorgeous creative collaboration from Florence! We are so elated. 🤩✨🤩✨ Originally published on Destination I Do Florals in Florence Inspirational Shoot Friday, April 1, 2022, Words by Jessie Allen While on a trip to Florence with her photographer husband, Michelle, of Michelle Durpetti Events, wanted to create some inspirational wedding […]
December in Italy is a beautiful time to get married! The sun is shining, the crowds are much smaller and there are so many options for amazing venues 🤩 Recently on my trip to Florence, I had the amazing opportunity to work with the Lungarno Hotels (you may remember that I also worked with them […]
It was such a pleasure and privilege to create this event in a city that I love, and using a language that I love. I am profoundly grateful to the creative partners that helped me bring it to life. Anniversary Dinner in Florence Inspired by Still Life Paintings “In 2019, my parents are celebrating their […]
We’re excited to share that James and CaLeigha’s wedding weekend at Villa Nemora has been featured on Loverly. Set in the heart of Tuscany, their celebration blended modern style with the warmth and ease that make destination weddings in Italy so memorable. From thoughtful design details to an atmosphere that encouraged guests to slow down, […]
Hospitality has always been about more than serving a meal. At its heart, it’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful, intentional, and memorable; values that guide everything Michelle Durpetti does, whether she’s welcoming guests into a historic restaurant or designing extraordinary celebrations around the world. We’re honored to share that Michelle was recently featured […]
We’re honored to share that Michelle Durpetti was recently featured in Travel + Leisure as an expert source in their latest story highlighting the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations. It’s no surprise that the list features Italy honeymoon destinations. In the article, “We Asked 5 Honeymoon Planners Their Favorite Romantic Destination—and They All Picked This […]
The Venue Isn’t the Wedding. It’s the Beginning. Some of the most common Italy wedding planning mistakes begin with a moment that feels exactly right. You arrive at a venue, the light hits perfectly, and everything feels cinematic. The architecture carries history in a way that feels impossible to replicate anywhere else. It is easy […]
The Role of a Luxury Destination Wedding Planner A luxury destination wedding planner does far more than coordinate vendors or design a beautiful celebration. At its core, destination wedding planning is rooted in hospitality. anticipating guest needs, managing complex logistics, and creating an experience that feels effortless from the moment guests arrive. Can you picture […]
Reflections from The Privé Retreat in St. Moritz I did not expect to fall this hard for Switzerland. As someone who plans destination weddings in Italy regularly, I didn’t expect a Swiss destination wedding in St. Moritz to feel so immediately compelling, but it did. My heart is usually firmly rooted there. Florence, Tuscany, Sicily. […]
A Letter from Michelle There are years that feel busy — and then there are years that feel full. This past year at Michelle Durpetti Events was the latter. Full of movement, meaning, milestones, memories, and moments that reminded me exactly why I love this work so deeply. Not because of accolades or stamps on […]
As summer made its graceful exit, we couldn’t imagine a more beautiful way to say addio estate, ciao amore than by celebrating a love story that has only grown stronger with time. This Italian-inspired vow renewal brought together warmth, family, and la dolce vita charm in the heart of Chicago — and we were honored […]
Dreaming of saying “I do” in Italy? Let’s talk about what really goes into bringing that vision to life. From knowing which region reflects your love story best, to choosing the right season, to navigating language and culture fluently — every detail matters when you’re planning a destination wedding abroad. At Michelle Durpetti Events, we’ve […]
There’s something really special about being recognized for the work you pour your heart into—especially when it comes from a publication as iconic as Modern Luxury Chicago. I was recently featured in their latest issue as a destination wedding expert, and to be honest, it felt like a full-circle moment. Why? Because when I began […]
Italy has long been considered the crown jewel of destination weddings, and for good reason. Its enchanting landscapes, centuries of history, and world-class cuisine create the perfect setting for love stories of every kind. When Fox NFL Sunday’s Jay Glazer and model Rosie Tenison chose the Amalfi Coast for their wedding, they discovered firsthand why […]
When it comes to romance, timeless beauty, and unforgettable moments, few places rival Tuscany. From the rolling hills and cypress-lined drives to historic villas and world-class wine, Tuscany is an iconic destination for couples dreaming of a luxury wedding in Italy. At Michelle Durpetti Events, we specialize in destination weddings in Italy—because we speak the […]
Why Puglia Might Be the Perfect Place for Your Destination Wedding in Italy Ciao from Puglia! 🇮🇹 I recently had the chance to spend time in this absolutely breathtaking region of southern Italy—and let me just say: I’m in love. As a destination wedding planner, I’m always searching for venues that not only provide a […]
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we believe that a truly extraordinary wedding is defined not by location, but by intention, detail, and execution. While Chicago and Palm Beach are our homes, our hearts—and our passports—are always ready to go wherever our clients’ love stories take us. One celebration that continues to stand out in our portfolio? […]
We’re thrilled to share that Michelle Durpetti Events has been featured in Green Wedding Shoes in their Expert-Approved Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding Outside the U.S. 🎉 This feature is such an honor, not just because of the incredible publication, but because destination weddings are at the heart of what we do here at […]
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we believe in the magic of moments, the power of connection, and the strength of a truly incredible team. While our weddings span continents and cultures, our foundation is built on trust, collaboration, and a little bit of Italian sunshine. And what better way to share a peek behind the scenes […]
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we pride ourselves on uncovering extraordinary spaces for unforgettable celebrations—and the Saloni della Principessa inside Palazzo Brancaccio in Rome might just be one of the most enchanting we’ve ever experienced. Nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, Palazzo Brancaccio is the last princely residence built in Rome, a place where […]
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we specialize in curating one-of-a-kind destination weddings throughout Italy. From Tuscany to Sicily, Florence to Lake Como—we know that when it comes to choosing the right location, it’s about more than just a beautiful venue. It’s about finding a space that tells a story, evokes a feeling, and creates an unforgettable […]
As a wedding planner who has been traveling to Italy since childhood, and now plans destination weddings across this beautiful country, few places have left me as inspired as Borgo Egnazia in Puglia, Italy. Nestled along the Adriatic coast and designed to resemble a traditional Apulian village, Borgo Egnazia is more than just a luxury […]
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting journey filled with dreams of picturesque venues and unforgettable experiences. However, amidst the allure of exotic locations, one crucial step often gets overlooked: the scouting trip. Michelle was invited to share her thoughts for a piece on Destination I Do to emphasize the importance of visiting your chosen […]
Last week, the renowned Engage! Summit took place in the heart of Tuscany—and Michelle had the incredible honor of joining the speaker lineup. From personal milestones to professional reflections, she shares the unforgettable experience from her point of view as a Breakout Session Speaker below. Michelle Durpetti: Speaker at Engage!25 Tuscany As a destination wedding […]
Walking into March with an open heart and a full schedule, I’m reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me here where my passions for event planning, hospitality, and my Italian heritage come together to create unforgettable experiences. You can currently find me in Davos, Switzerland taking in all it has to offer. So […]
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we are beyond thrilled to share that we have been featured in the March/April 2025 issue of Bridal Guide! This recognition is a testament to our passion for luxury wedding planning, our dedication to creating unforgettable weddings, and the love we infuse into every detail of our events. An Honor to […]
As we welcome 2025, we’re embracing fresh wedding trends that reflect thoughtfulness, creativity, and a modern approach to celebrations. At Michelle Durpetti Events, we’re dedicated to working with our couples to craft authentic, innovative, and deeply personal wedding celebrations. While we specialize in Italy – a destination close to our hearts – we’ve also had […]
We are thrilled to share that our Anniversary Dinner in Florence has been featured on InsideWeddings.com in their article “25+ Stunning Ideas for Fall Wedding Décor.” This feature highlights beautiful seasonal inspirations, and we’re honored to see our gorgeous destination event among the stunning examples. Dive into the full feature for creative ideas and timeless […]
We’re thrilled to share that our very own Michelle Durpetti was recently featured on Inspired By This in an insightful article titled “5 Things a Wedding Planner Wants You to Know Ahead of Your Engagement Session.” As a leading destination wedding planner, Michelle’s expertise and passion for creating unforgettable celebrations shine through. Whether you’re planning […]
Happy Easter, Buona Pasqua amici miei! Easter Sunday is this week and with it comes spring, the return of baseball and so many good things that tell us we made it through winter! We are currently underway with 5 events over the next 6 weeks in THREE countries! We couldn’t be more excited. But first, […]
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, filled with endless possibilities as far as location goes! One of the most significant decisions for any couple when deciding to have a destination wedding is in selecting the perfect destination. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding, a romantic city affair, a quaint countryside ceremony, or a […]
Let’s talk cocktail hour, shall we? I love when that hour celebrates the day so far while tantalizing guests with what’s to come in the reception. 🤩 And that includes entertainment – I recently spoke with someone who kept trying to tell me that a vocalist should *never perform during cocktail hour because “people want […]
Gosh I love a good holiday table, don’t you? Sharing a few faves from one of my more favorite tables today. I just loved this take on classic holiday. I like to call it fresh nostalgia because while it reminds me of everything I loved about Christmas growing up, it was current and clean as […]
Hello amici miei and merry everything! Whatever words you use or traditions you honor, I wish you the happiest of holidays and send much love! We have had a wonderful month that included a fabulous trip to Tuscany with Kit & Vinny to search for the perfect Italian Villa for their wedding, some exciting site […]
School is about to start again and summer is coming to an end – although it doesn’t feel that way with this heat does it?! It has been such a fast-paced summer for all of us, don’t you think? I saw a meme the other day that said “July went by in 8 minutes. Christmas […]
You guys already know how ecstatic we are when we get to share our featured couples, right?! Well today, we are sharing a peek of a very special vow renewal that was set in Italy. Intrigued? To add to the excitement, the couple consists of our founder, Michelle, and her husband, Collin. They took to […]
