Jessica & Brandon welcomed their loved ones to an elegant old world Italian wedding set amidst the vineyards of Villa Bellezza — a setting crafted with the perfect combination of stucco, rustic roof tile, and vineyard vines. The couple’s design inspiration found its full and perfect fit here and I couldn’t be happier! In a palette of white, cream and black, their day carried an easy, sun-warmed elegance from the first look to the last dance.

Old World Italian Elegance

Villa Bellezza’s cultivated rows of grapevines surrounded Jessica & Brandon’s ceremony in the vineyard pavilion. Every design choice for the day leaned into the winery’s old world Italian character. Colonnades tucked guests into the comfort of the shade. Allure Event Florists designed lush, romantic pillars in soft whites for the altar space. Jessica wore her Martina Liana gown, electing for a dramatic overskirt sweeping behind her with every step. Brandon matched her elegance in a custom tuxedo from Milbern featuring a satin paisley design. The joy on his face as she walked towards him was so precious.

I love the way that Brandon’s family participated in so many aspects of the ceremony. Brandon’s father took Jessica by the hand, leading her down the aisle. His mother shared with heart and could barely contain her joy as through tears she expressed how much love she felt for the couple. The ceremony included a wine mixing unity moment using Villa Bellezza’s own white and red wines. Brandon’s brother officiated the exchanged of vows. Guests relaxed afterwards in the Piazza Bellezza, sipping their drinks nears the fountain. The old world doors, the masonry, and the entire design of the Villa gave the feeling of a destination wedding right in Pepin Wisconsin!

A Vineyard Reception Full of Toasts and Tradition

Guests moved into the Sala Grande of the Villa for a reception dinner and delighting in catered by Deco Catering beneath vaulted wooden ceilings. Tables were set with gentle cream linens, accents of crystal, and florals. The wedding party entered through the Torre de Sognatori, a lofted space overlooking the Sala Grande.

The evening’s most moving moment belonged to Brandon’s mother who gave a toast welcoming Jessica into the family — sharing, through tears, just how delighted she was to call her a daughter-in-law. It was the kind of toast that summed up the whole day: a family opening their arms wide. True to who they are, Jessica & Brandon spent the night doing what they do best — enjoying the simple joy of being together, surrounded now by an even bigger family cheering them on.

Letter to the Couple

Jessica & Brandon,

From your engagement session near the Como Zoo Conservatory to your very last dance at Villa Bellezza, one thing has been so clear: you two simply love doing life together. There’s nothing complicated about it, and that’s what makes it so beautiful to witness. I have loved getting to know you and your genuine joy for all the goodness in life. I’m so happy that your wedding design for an old world Italian wedding day came true! Watching Brandon’s dad walk Jessica down the aisle was a quiet and beautiful memory of witnessing how Jessica has been received so fully into your family. I’m so grateful to know you and that you chose me to capture your day. I loved every minute! Cheers to you both and a marriage full of that same simple, steady joy.

With Love,

Jennifer

Italian Villa Bellezza Winery Wedding Vendors

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa Bellezza Winery 

Planning: Sally Berry & Co (Instagram)

Photography: Jennifer Sanders Photography 

Florals: Allure Event Florists 

Hair: Primped (styled by Kimmy)

Makeup: Emma Whitney Beauty

Bridal Dress Boutique: Bridal Accents Couture — Martina Liana

Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita via Bridal Accents Couture

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Milbern 

DJ: Midwest Sound 

Catering: Deco Catering 

Cake: Buttercream

Stationery: Blonde and Brindle / Paperless Post 

Rentals: Linen Effects 

Bartending: Villa Bellezza Winery

Villa Bellezza Winery sits along the Mississippi River in Pepin, Wisconsin, just over the border from the Twin Cities metro, where rolling vineyards meet an old world Italian-style estate. The property comfortably hosts weddings for up to a few hundred guests, with a large bridal apartment off the Sala Grande and a groom’s suite tucked into the Pavilion, plus indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions alike. I love Villa Bellezza for the way its vineyard rows and warm stone architecture do so much of the design work on their own — it’s the perfect backdrop for a couple wanting old world romance without leaving Minnesota’s backyard.

June Villa Bellezza Winery Wedding | Pepin Wisconsin Vineyard Wedding | Old World Italian Wedding | Lake Pepin Wedding Venue | Minnesota Vineyard Wedding