There are lots of really great reasons for a destination wedding in Tuscany. For Eline and Niels, it was about fond memories, the food, and a sports car.
“We both love Italy. I used to go there with my parents for every holiday, and Niels hoped to rent a Lamborghini for his wedding day. Besides, there is no better food than Italian. We didn’t end up renting a Lamborghini because we got married in a castle and didn’t have to drive anywhere. As consolation, we mounted the rings on a small toy Lamborghini which was passed along to all guests.”
When she began her dress search, Eline and Niels had just moved to Toronto. So, her mom and best friend flew in from the Netherlands for Eline’s appointments at three bridal shops across two days. “I’d chosen the stores from internet, based on dresses I liked. Lea-Ann Belter was the first shop, and I loved its boutique feel. Before trying on gowns, I had no idea what I wanted, so tried on multiple ones. Although it was quickly clear what type I liked. The Starling gown I eventually chose was the third one I tried—every dress after that just wasn’t as beautiful.”
After their gorgeous Tuscan wedding (in a castle!), these two honeymooned in Venice, where they had another wedding shoot. Get all the details from our lovely bride below.
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Starling via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Flexmi, By Dianne Fotografie | scroll down for full vendor list
How did the two of you meet?
“We met at an online dating website called Lexa in The Netherlands. Niels was Eline’s first date (but not the other way around!)”
How did you know the other was “the one”?
“He knew what he wanted and he made me feel special. Hard to explain, it was just a feeling.”
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
“Eline learned to stress less, while Niels learned to be more frugal.”
Tell us about your outfits! How did you choose your gown?
“We just moved to Toronto, so I did not really know a lot about the area yet. My mom and best friend flew in from the Netherlands, and we had appointments at three stores on two days. I’d chosen the stores from internet, based on dresses I liked. Lea-Ann Belter was the first shop, and I loved its boutique feel. Before trying on gowns, I had no idea what I wanted, so tried on multiple ones. Although it was quickly clear what type I liked. The gown I eventually chose was the third one I tried—every dress after that just wasn’t as beautiful.
The day after that, we had two other appointments at different stores and between the two I went back to Lea-Ann to put on my gown one more time and then I knew this was the one.”
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
“We both love Italy. I used to go there with my parents for every holiday, and Niels hoped to rent a Lamborghini for his wedding day. Besides, there is no better food than Italian. We didn’t end up renting a Lamborghini because we got married in a castle and didn’t have to drive anywhere. As consolation, we mounted the rings on a small toy Lamborghini which was passed along to all guests.“
Tell us about your day!
“We planned the wedding by ourselves and didn’t ask any input from family or friends. The whole weekend was a surprise for them. This made the wedding exactly how we wanted it and all the guests were super enthusiastic and grateful.”
What was the funniest moment of your day?
“Despite not renting a Lamborghini, we did rent a vintage Fiat 500. We used this car to enter through the castle gate before the dinner (on the song Fireworks). Nobody expected this, as the whole weekend was on one location. There was no use to drive anywhere. Later on, we used the car to make candid party pictures.”
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
“The private look. We had a private look on top of one of the castle towers, just the two of us with the photographers. This was great as we could take the time to soak up our outfits (I hadn’t seen Niels his suit before the first look at all). And had time to just talk to each other.“
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We like to say we had a minimoon. We stayed in Italy just over a week after the wedding. The most special thing we did was an after wedding shoot in Venice. It was very special to get ready together and walk through the city in our wedding outfits again, everybody stopped to congratulate us. And we have great pictures.”
Any tips for couples getting married?
“Just do it! Enjoy the day and do it your way!”
Eline + Niels’ Tuscacny Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Starling via the flagship Toronto bridal boutique | photographer: Flexmi, By Dianne Fotografie | planner: Trouwen in Toscane | venue: Castello di Santa Maria Novella | makeup: Karina Makeup & Creative | florals: FunkyBird | catering: Novelle Cousine
