A Palio di Siena Italian-Inspired Wedding: Old Sugar Mill Wedding Florist

~ The Love Story ~

Inspired by their summer in Italy, Kelsey and Mike brought the Palio di Siena, Italy's most famous horse race, to their wedding at Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, California.

The Story of the Contrada:

The Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice each year in Siena, Italy. Ten horses and riders, bareback and dressed in the appropriate colors, represent ten of the seventeen contrade, or city wards of Siena. The race is run for three laps of the Piazza del Campo and usually lasts no more than 90 seconds. The Palio is more than a simple horse race. It is the culmination of ongoing rivalry and competition between the contrade, each represented by an animal or symbol.

The Old Sugar Mill's historic brick building – featuring an expansive indoor space and a wide outdoor plaza – was the perfect setting to replicate the ambiance of a medieval Tuscany town. The festive day, including its colors and details, were captured by photographer Carmen Salazar.

Bridal bouquet of #peony #roses #ranunculus #eucalyptus #olive

We procured a romantic floral design for Kelsey and Mike's Italian-inspired wedding day with wine-inspired hues of burgundy, merlot and deep purple, balanced with lighter shades of reds, pinks and ivory, grounded in a foundation of soft greens. Wedding florals featured in the bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony, reception decor and centerpieces included: peony, roses, ranunculus, astilbe, hanging amaranthus, carnations, chrysanthemums and protea, plus the greens of olive leaf and branches, eucalyptus varieties and rosemary.

~ The Ladies ~

~ The Gents ~

~ The Ceremony ~

The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, California. Two floral arrangements dress the stunning altar.

~ The Reception: Cocktail Hour ~

From the Tuscan wine country to the Clarksburg appellation… the labels on large glass wine jugs were used to list the guests' table assignments, with each table designated by a different contrade's coat of arms.

~ The Reception ~

Long tables were dressed with a combination of high olive branch displays and low floral centerpieces, setting the scene for family-style dining.

A long floral garland draped the length of the head table and another was used as a swag beneath the window above.

~ The Cake ~

~ The Favors ~

~ The Vendors ~

Ceremony Venue: Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament / Reception Venue: Old Sugar Mill / Photographer: Carmen Salazar / Planning & Design: KMK Design + Events / Catering: Mama Kim Catering / Florist: Visual Impact Design / Rentals: Standard Party Rentals / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen / Reception Paperie: Moochie Creative / Bridal Beauty: Christi Reynolds Beauty / Bridal Gown: Sarah Seven / Invitation: Crane and Co. / Cinematography: Chair 7 Films / Cake: Divine Desserts by Aguirre / Entertainment: Jeff Jones Band / Calligraphy: Katie Davis Creative / Photo Booth: Giggle and Riot