Originally featured in The White Wren Volume 8: Little Love Stories, this film editorial from Anna Grinets Photography transports us to the romance of Northern Italy without ever leaving the shores of Lake Michigan.
Perched above the water, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum carries the spirit of an Italian palazzo – terracotta rooftops, carved stone balustrades, formal gardens, ivy-covered walls, and Renaissance-inspired architecture softened by the warmth of summer light. It became a natural setting for an editorial inspired by old-world romance, art, and the unhurried beauty of la dolce vita.
Photographed entirely on film, the imagery embraces the softness and nostalgia of another era. Sunlight moves through the villa’s loggias and gardens while the couple wanders among stone staircases, statues, roses, and cascading greenery. Rather than recreating Italy literally, the creative team drew from its textures, craftsmanship, and sense of timelessness.
The bridal look centered around a lace Claire Pettibone gown, where intricate embroidery, sheer tulle, and statement sleeves evoke the femininity of Renaissance dress through a modern silhouette. Valentino heels detailed with lily of the valley and heirloom-inspired rings from The North Way Studio added subtle touches of couture, while softly glowing makeup and an undone romantic updo kept the look effortless.
A sun-washed palette of ivory, blush, dusty rose, and gentle green carried through the floral design by Studio Fleurette. Peonies and delicate roses felt as though they could have been gathered from the villa gardens themselves, while styling by A Day in Provence brought together textures and tones reminiscent of an intimate Italian celebration.
The Vintage Inkwell completed the story with a stationery suite of hand-torn edges, classic calligraphy, wax seals, and muted tones – small, tactile details that echoed the sense of history found throughout Villa Terrace.
Together, the elements create something beautifully transportive. Painterly light, architecture, florals, fashion, and film come together in an ode to romance that feels less concerned with a particular moment in time and more interested in the enduring beauty of slowing down and falling in love.
Explore more from Volume 8: Little Love Stories →
From the Creative Team
“This wedding editorial is a celebration of art, architecture, and amore, a journey that reminds us that romance is found in every place that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and fall in love all over again.”
Photography: Anna Grinets Photography / @annagrinetsphotography
Venue: Villa Terrace / @villaterracemuseum
Makeup: Melody Sopa Artistry / @melodysopaartistry
Hair: Tiffany Arnold / @tiffanyarnold_
Stylist: A Day in Provence / @adayinprovence
Florals: Studio Fleurette / @studiofleurette
Bride’s Shoes: Valentino / @maisonvalentino
Men’s Boutique: MartinPatrick 3 / @martinpatrick3
Rings: The North Way Studio / @thenorthwaystudio
Model: Giovanna Reyes / @its.giovanna.love
Model: Joshua Rusniak / @joshuarusniak
Gown: Claire Pettibone / @clairepettibone
Stationery: The Vintage Inkwell / @thevintageinkwell
Photo Lab: Richard Photo Lab / @richardphotolab
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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