#realchicbride Zenaida in Berta Privée at her Italian Wedding
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
We met in college while working at the FIU Recreation Center and quickly became close friends, always secretly drawn to each other but never admitting it for nearly two years. When we finally did, beginning our relationship felt like the most natural thing in the world. Our lives and families blended seamlessly, and we knew right away that we were meant to be. Years later, after countless adventures, on a beautiful day in Phuket, Thailand, David got down on one knee. It was the most magical and unexpected surprise, completely taking me off guard in the best way possible.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
We always envisioned an intimate celebration surrounded by the people dearest to us, a wedding that radiated love and felt like an unforgettable escape. We wanted it to feel both personal and romantic, in a destination that would take everyone’s breath away. Our wedding in Lake Garda, Italy was everything we dreamed of and more. Though we were only 47 guests in total, every moment felt grand, filled with emotion, beauty, and an overwhelming sense of love.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
We wanted our guests’ experience to be extraordinary! Something they would never forget. Every detail was intentional, from the surprise element to the smallest personal touches. We took a playful risk and didn’t tell our guests the location ahead of time, only giving them a meeting point for the morning of the wedding. From there, boats whisked them away across the lake to our stunning venue, Isola del Garda. As a couple who loves to host and surprise our guests, hearing their gasps and excitement as they arrived was one of our favorite moments. We also made sure to include our aussie, Cherry, who couldn’t be there in person. Her spirit was woven into the day, from custom napkins to her signature cocktail, the Aperol Spritz ("Cherry's Choice” for the night!).
How did you decide on the location?
We visited Lake Garda a few years before getting engaged and instantly fell in love. It felt like a hidden gem- serene, romantic, and still under the radar, for the most part. Over the years, it became our secret escape, and when David proposed, we knew immediately that this was where we wanted to begin our forever. Sharing this special place with our loved ones felt like the perfect full-circle moment.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
I’m still obsessed with my dress!! I wish I could wear it all the time haha. I had several appointments lined up, convinced I’d need to see so many dresses before finding the one. Chic Parisien was my first stop, and after trying on about eight dresses, I remember thinking, “This is going to be impossible, they’re all so beautiful.” Then a few dresses later came the dress — my dress. The moment I looked in the mirror, I envisioned myself walking down the aisle in it and started crying. It sounds cliché, but when you know, you truly know. I bought my stunning Berta Privée gown on the spot and canceled every other appointment without hesitation.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
Keeping our wedding location a secret, even from our moms, was one of the hardest (and most fun!) parts of planning. We wanted the entire day to feel like a shared adventure, and it truly was. Our family and friends were the heart of our celebration; their energy and love made every moment unforgettable. They embraced every surprise, every emotion, and every bit of joy with us. We couldn’t have asked for a more incredible group of people to celebrate our love story with.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
There are so many unforgettable moments, it is really really hard to pick just one. So I'll mention two. The first that stands out vividly is our boat ride to the reception at La Torre di San Marco. Just as we crossed the lake, our captain turned around, mouthed “three, two, one,” and suddenly, we hit a wall of rain! Instead of ruining anything, it felt cinematic, almost magical. As the Italians say, “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” meaning a wet bride is a lucky bride. And I truly felt that in that moment. And of course, I have to mention one of the most unforgettable moments of the night, standing hand in hand with my new husband, surrounded by everyone we love, as “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay played and fireworks lit up the sky above us. It was pure magic and truly one of the best moments of my life.
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
I wanted my look to mirror the essence of our wedding, timeless, romantic, and effortlessly elegant. My gown had such a classic beauty that I paired it with soft Hollywood waves, nothing too polished or structured. When we transitioned to an updo later in the evening, we left loose, cascading waves to keep it natural and dreamy. For makeup, I chose soft, glowing tones with a deeper nude lip, my favorite look for something sophisticated yet understated. My makeup artist, @belaya_lyudmila, completely understood the vision.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
This is such an impossible question because every single one of our vendors went above and beyond! But if I had to name a few, our dream team included:
Wedding Planner: @weddings_at_lake_garda
Photographer: @martailardo_photos
Videographer: @dk_wedding_film
Hair & Makeup Artist: @belaya_lyudmila
Roaming Band: @thebrotherrockers
Florals: @lisatorelliflowers
DJ: @rallo_official – who kept the party going long after it was supposed to end!
Each one played such an integral role in bringing our vision to life, and we’ll forever be grateful for them.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
Since we were already in Europe, we kicked things off with a “buddy moon” in Mykonos alongside a few close friends and family, then continued island-hopping through Greece for our mini-moon. Milos absolutely stole our hearts! The turquoise water and tranquility were unforgettable. We’re still dreaming about it and can’t wait for our full honeymoon soon, back to Thailand, the place that marked the beginning of our forever!