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Bride in a two-piece ivory outfit leans against a rustic terracotta wall covered in greenery at Villa Catignano.

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.

Bride and groom share a tender moment surrounded by blooming jasmine at Villa Catignano, holding a cascading white orchid bouquet.

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.

Wedding gowns hang elegantly in a painted armoire beneath an ornate ceiling at Villa Catignano.
Bride sits gracefully as her veil is placed before the ceremony inside Villa Catignano.
villa-catignano-bride-window-eve

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.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup at Villa Catignano with wooden chairs lined on the lawn facing a stone arch and greenery.
Bride and groom share a quiet moment beside an elegant dinner table in the rustic courtyard of Villa Catignano, framed by ivy and string lights.
Black and white portrait of the groom in a tuxedo sitting on a cream sofa beneath a chandelier at Villa Catignano.
Wedding gowns hang elegantly in a painted armoire beneath an ornate ceiling at Villa Catignano.
Black and white portrait of the bride and groom walking through Villa Catignano’s garden, smiling lovingly at each other.
Aerial view of Villa Catignano’s formal Italian garden with symmetrical hedges and statues surrounded by lush greenery.
Softly styled detail of champagne coupes and a bowl of green olives on white fabric at Villa Catignano.
Newlyweds walk through the manicured maze-like hedges of Villa Catignano’s formal gardens surrounded by statues and Tuscan scenery.
Intimate close-up of the couple touching foreheads, the bride wearing a pearl choker at Villa Catignano.

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.

Aerial panorama of Villa Catignano and surrounding Tuscan vineyards and cypress-lined roads at golden hour.
Bride laughs as the groom whispers in her ear during dinner at Villa Catignano, surrounded by yellow flowers and candlelight.
Bride and groom walk hand in hand between stone statues in the manicured gardens of Villa Catignano at sunset.
The historic chapel entrance at Villa Catignano with a draped white wedding banner hanging beneath the brick archways.

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.”

Romantic black and white photo of the couple sharing a kiss while dancing inside Villa Catignano.

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

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