A Serene Tuscan Celebration at Villa Catignano
Photographed by Polina Yarmush
From their first ride through Moscow to a sunlit ceremony in Tuscany, Leila and Mikhail’s story unfolded with quiet beauty and natural ease. The couple, both working in IT risk management, met as colleagues before life gently steered them toward something more. “Their story began when Mikhail offered Leila a ride home on his motorcycle — a simple gesture that turned into the beginning of their lifelong journey together,” shares photographer Polina Yarmush. Now based in a quiet Dutch village, they live a life shaped by small joys — countryside bike rides, markets, and dinners that stretch long into the evening.
The wedding took place at Villa Catignano, an 18th-century villa near Siena that Leila had discovered years before and never forgotten. “From the start, they knew they didn’t just want a wedding — they wanted an experience, a journey that would bring their loved ones together in joy and connection,” says Polina. Across three golden June days, the couple hosted a celebration that felt like an Italian dream — filled with warm evenings, live jazz, and the distinct ease of a destination wedding in Italy.
The ceremony took place in the villa’s garden, framed by sculpted greenery and terracotta stone. “Mikhail’s brother officiated, adding a beautiful family touch,” Polina recalls. Guests listened to live jazz as the sun set, with toasts and laughter flowing as freely as the prosecco. It was a setting that perfectly captured the charm of Tuscany weddings — unforced, radiant, and filled with atmosphere.
Leila chose two gowns that reflected different sides of her personality. For the ceremony, she wore a romantic gown by Anastasia Boksha, paired with gloves and a silk scarf for a vintage edge. Later, she changed into an ethereal Rara Avisgown adorned with soft petal details. Mikhail opted for a classic Suitsupply tuxedo with their wedding date embroidered inside the collar — a subtle touch that spoke volumes. Together, they embodied quiet sophistication against the Tuscan light.
The dinner unfolded in the courtyard, lit by string lights and surrounded by the villa’s rustic walls. “The décor was timeless yet organic — white calla lilies, touches of yellow, and soft candlelight,” Polina shares. The couple prepared their mille-feuille cake with the chef, turning dessert into a shared moment. Guests received handwritten letters, engraved ceramic plates, and Italian-themed keepsakes — each a reflection of Leila and Mikhail’s thoughtful spirit. As the evening turned to night, the couple took a brief moment away, watching their friends celebrate beneath the stars — the perfect close to a weekend that was, in Polina’s words, “effortless, genuine, and beautiful.”
Wedding team
WEDDING PLANNER: @farniente.agency
PHOTOGRAPHY: @polinayarmush
VENUE: @villa_catignano
FLORAL DESIGN: @olga__kolos
VIDEOGRAPHY: @alex_movies
HAIR & MAKEUP: @zadorozhna_makeup
DJ & LIGHTING: @salfalcone_livemusic
LIVE MUSIC: @happyquartetmusic
CATERING: @class_ricevimenti
MAIN DRESS: @anastasiyaboksha
BRIDE: @leilyasha