Lauren and Jasmine’s Intimate Destination Wedding at Casa Cornacchi, Tuscany

Under the amber October sun, Lauren Thomas and Jasmine Shimerda tied the knot at Casa Cornacchi, a private 16th-century estate in Val d’Ambra, Tuscany, outside Arezzo. Their outdoor ceremony took place against a panoramic backdrop of sun-drenched vineyards, rolling silver-green olive groves, and dense autumn forests. For this Kansas City-based couple, the day was the culmination of two years of long-distance planning, resulting in a celebration where both brides prioritized intentional and very personal design.

2 proposals, 1 new home

Lauren proposed first. She had been quietly coordinating with Jasmine’s brother and sister-in-law for several weeks before taking Jasmine to Roose Park, a green space in Kansas City. When they first started dating, they often had picnics there. The park has a rose garden, and Lauren chose a corner of it as the location. What she hadn’t planned for was that during the proposal, they would run directly into another couple in their path, a young man in a tuxedo who took one knee to the woman in formal dress. Lauren turned around without warning Jasmine. “I wasn’t in the mood to compete with a much younger and very fashionable looking couple,” says Lauren. “We were sweaty but still cute, but I’m glad she didn’t see it.” Jasmine didn’t seem to notice anything. They headed to the corner of the room where the family was waiting, and Lauren asked them questions about Father’s Day.

Jasmine’s proposal later took place during the final viewing of the house they were buying together. She had arranged with a real estate agent in advance. Champagne was waiting. Wearing a polo shirt and sweat shorts underneath, Lauren had made concessions to work from home in the afternoon, and had no idea what to expect. A real estate agent took a video of the incident. “I was definitely caught off guard,” Lauren says. Two proposals, two completely different surprise records, and one engagement that lasted two years in front of Italy.

Plan a destination wedding in Italy

Hosting a wedding from Missouri to Tuscany requires special determination. The couple worked with Eleonora Gobbo of Peach Perfect Weddings, who coordinated the day on-site at Casa Cornacchi. Photographers Viviana and Andrea and videographer Wedding Film Italy recorded the celebration. Hair and makeup was done by the Your Wedding Beauty team and additional photography was taken by Eleonora Grasso.

Floral arrangements by La Fioreria di Mario Berti were in keeping with the estate’s agricultural character, with pink roses and hydrangeas at the ceremony and pots of fresh herbs between the tables at the reception. The pink and green color palette continued throughout the day and was soft enough to nestle naturally against the Tuscan stone.

Music was provided by DJ Chiara Trallori. The first dance was to Brandi Carlyle’s “Pride and Joy.”

Questions with the violinist

One of the most vivid memories of that day concerns the requests that the brides made very little. A violinist was included in the program at Casa Cornacchi, but the pieces the couple wanted were outside of her repertoire. The venue reportedly had no plans to provide it. The brides asked anyway. she learned it. she played it.

“I think sometimes people are afraid to ask for fear of rejection,” Jasmine says. Whether it was Cortona’s violinist, real estate agent, or florist, their willingness to ask questions became something of a guideline for how the couple approached every decision in the planning process. “Don’t be afraid to ask what you believe or need to make your day special for you and your partner,” says Lauren. “Be confident in what you want for your day. Don’t settle for something less than perfect.”

A moment for those who aren’t there

One of the most personal decisions the couple made was how to make space for those missing from the room. Photos of deceased parents and grandparents were displayed, and memorial candles were lit. Jasmine also spoke her vows directly to her two daughters at the ceremony. Before the ceremony began, the brides got ready separately and shared their first look.

About representation and finding your own path

While planning this wedding, something that both brides were clearly feeling came to light. “Representation is so important, and queer weddings don’t really have that,” says Lauren. “At times we had to get creative and think outside the box, but in the end I think we had a really perfect day without a lot of conflicts and challenges that straight couples might not face.”

Their advice to vendors is equally direct. “It’s important to listen intently and not make assumptions,” says Jasmine. “It’s so important to allow couples to talk about their dreams and work to support that as vendors and venues,” she points out, and Casa Kornacchi has done just that. “It was such a beautiful place that worked hard to make our day special.”

For couples in the early stages of planning, Lauren makes it clear: “We were dreamers and had a vision, and we met amazing people who helped make that vision a reality.”

that day itself

“The casa was wonderful and everything went without a hitch,” says Jasmine. “The wedding planner took care of everything and was so kind and helpful.” Viviana and Andrea and Wedding Film The photos and videos from Italy were among the most important things both brides brought back from Italy.

It was probably the quietest measure of the day, and it worked. Two women who flew from Kansas City to Tuscany with a specific vision of playing a piece no violinist had ever played before returned home with everything they wanted. “We cherish the photos and videos from that day,” says Jasmine. ❤️

Featured LGBTQ+-inclusive and queer-affirming wedding vendors

Photographer: viviana and andrea

Wedding venue: Casa Cornacchi

Florist: La Fioreria di Mario Berti

Planner/Coordinator: Eleonora Gobbo joins Peach Perfect Wedding

DJ: Chiara Traloli

Videographer: italian wedding movies

Hair and makeup: your wedding beauty team

Additional photographers: Eleonora Grasso