Speaking on Luxury Destination Wedding Planning in Florence at THE EVENT

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 moment of connection, collaboration, and forward-thinking conversation.

Designed as two focused days of dialogue and relationship-building, THE EVENT creates meaningful connections between global planners and Italian properties. It is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and continue positioning Italy, and especially Florence, as one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury weddings in the world.

A Panel on Destination, Location, and Luxury

I was invited to join a panel on destination, location, and luxury alongside Daniel Blake of Matthew Oliver Weddings, Victoria Kursova Olivieri of Palazzo Eventi, Billy Folchetti, and Samar Shawareb of Arabia Weddings, who moderated the discussion. The conversation was thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real experience.

We explored how couples define luxury today, what makes Florence such a compelling destination wedding location, and how planners can design extraordinary celebrations responsibly within historic and culturally significant settings. These conversations are central to how I approach luxury wedding planning in Florence and throughout Italy.

Why Florence Is Personal to Me

Florence is not just another market for me. I lived there during university, and I still have family nearby. I return often to design weddings across Florence and throughout Tuscany. It is a city I know intimately, both personally and professionally, and one that continues to shape how I think about destination weddings in Italy.

I have also shared in more depth what it truly means to plan a wedding in Florence, from logistics to location strategy, on my YouTube channel. If you would like a closer look at how I approach planning a wedding in Italy, you can watch that conversation here:

Why Events Like This Matter for Our Clients

Although I was in Italy for just thirty-eight hours, the time was incredibly meaningful. Gatherings like THE EVENT directly benefit my clients. They allow me to deepen relationships with venues, stay informed on evolving hospitality standards, and remain closely connected to the professionals shaping Italy’s destination wedding landscape.

When couples choose Florence, they deserve more than inspiration. They deserve guidance rooted in experience, cultural understanding, and ongoing engagement with the region. This is at the heart of how we approach luxury destination wedding planning in Florence and Tuscany at Michelle Durpetti Events.

Grateful for the Community

I am grateful to Italy for Weddings, Convention Bureau Italia, Laura, and the many creative partners who made these two days so valuable. Florence continues to be one of the places I love most to work, and it was a privilege to contribute to this important conversation.