Kim and Jesse were married in the gorgeous country of Italy last month! They met during their college days and have been together for a super long time. They are always up for a big adventure, both as a couple and on their own. Kim studied abroad in Italy while she was in college and Jesse spent a year living in Japan and teaching English. Two summers ago they took a big trip back to Japan, and that was when Jesse proposed! (in Logan Airport before the flight, so they could celebrate the whole trip 🙂 ) Being the world travelers they are, it only made sense for them to plan a stunning destination wedding! They chose the ever-amazing Italy and brought along their closest family and friends to join the fun.
When K+J are together, you know that it’s right. You know when you meet them that they fit, that they are meant to be each other’s person. They make each other laugh and are both curious and adventurous. They never say no to trying new things, seeing new places and drinking new beers (or new wines, in the case of Italy!). I’m so happy to welcome Kim to the very exclusive married-into-the-Krist-family club 😉
Location: town of Poggibonsi, region of Tuscany, country of Italy. Accommodations: a massive, historic villa on top of a big hill, overlooking other villas on top of other big hills. Ok, now that the stage is set, let’s begin. We were surprised with gorgeous wedding day weather! I say surprised because there had been rumors of rain, but luckily it held out until the very end of the night. Kim, with her sister, Amanda and her best friend, Angela, spent the morning arranging the bouquets and other florals for the day.
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the villa, Jesse and Nate were getting fancy. 
They had a heated debate over what type of knot they should choose for their ties. 
Kim had a very special present planned for Jesse, an engraved watch with the world “Always” which was a tribute to the Harry Potter series. 
Back on the girls’ side of the villa, I snapped photos of all the lovely details while Kim’s big sister did her hair. 
I love that the gals celebrated with a toast on the balcony overlooking rolling fields of olives and grapes!
You might notice that in an earlier photo, Kim had a different hair style. The original option, a low bun, ended up not being exactly how she envisioned and she was a little bummed out. But as soon as she switched the style to a curled, high ponytail, her demeanor changed and I could tell she was so much happier. I’m sharing this story because, brides, if the way your hair looks isn’t making you incredibly happy, change it! This is why hair trials with your stylist are important! Or, if you or a friend is doing your hair, leave extra time in the day, in case the first try doesn’t end up being something you love! 
The wedding ceremony location was about 25 minutes away from the villa, in the adorable town of Siena. Kim, her sis, bestie and I piled into a tiny Italian car and made our way over after the rest of the family had already left. This was to make sure that Kim and Jesse wouldn’t see each other before the ceremony! The trek up to the town center was steep, but gorgeous!
Shortly after we arrived, the ceremony began! It was held in a room with tall ceilings and wonderful art and chandeliers. So amazing!
Their vows were personal and funny and joyous and full of happy tears! 
Yeah, we were all crying at this point.
After family photos, K+J gave me the most precious gift: all the time in the world to take portraits! And BOY was I in HEAVEN. GUYS.
If you ever get married in a small town in Italy, be prepared to be congratulated left and right, get high fives, hugs and even take photos and selfies with locals. This all happened to Kim and Jesse, a LOT, and they were gracious and amused the entire time. 
This was the biggest group who asked to take photos! First, one teen came over and asked if it was OK to take a picture, and J+K agreed. Then the teen waved all of his friends over to be in a big group picture! It was pretty hilarious.
When you get married in Italy, you gotta stop for some gelato during portraits! 
I could not get enough of all the textures and archways and cascading vines that this little town had. ITALY IS SO PRETTY! Obviously I’m still not over it. It was so fun to explore and make all these pretty images with these two! 
When we returned to the villa, the dinner table had been beautifully set and a display of traditional Tuscan appetizers had been set out. Bruscetta, prosciutto, a whole array of cheese and breads, and of course, wine; it was nothing less than divine. The sun was slowly setting and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy. 
We had to get a group photo with this view! This was everyone who was in Italy celebrating with Kim and Jesse! (I took the photo so, technically, I am in it too 🙂 )
Nate and Amanda gave short toasts and then the catering team set a delicious meal in front of us! Mixed salads, ricotta and honey ravioli, pork and steak, rosemary roasted potatoes … my mouth is watering just writing about it. Ah! Take us all back! 🙂 
Once the sun went down, it was time for cake. Aren’t they the cutest! 
I’m not sure a formal ‘first dance’ was on the official schedule for the night, but when your favorite song comes on, you have to go for it!! I’m glad, because it ended the night perfectly! 
Fave 🙂 
Kim and Jesse, I want to thank you for A) agreeing to let me photograph your special day (even though I was going to be there anyways 😉 ) and B) trusting me with your memories. I hope they bring you back to the moment. ITALY! I still can’t believe you got married in Italy! Congrats!!!
~S
[…] brother, Jesse, and our new sis-in-law, Kim, had their stateside wedding reception (they got married in Italy, remember?). So we changed our fancy outfits to different fancy outfits and partied for another […]