American & Russian Destination Wedding in Portofino

This Portofino Coast destination wedding brought together Russian and American traditions in one of Italy’s most breathtaking settings. As celebrant and MC, I guided an international celebration that honored diverse backgrounds while embracing the natural beauty of Liguria’s coastline.

The Couple’s Journey

A. and C.’s love story began in Boston during their university years. After a brief romance, life took them in different directions. Years later, a serendipitous conversation about Italy reignited their connection. What started as travel recommendations turned into a reunion, followed by time spent together that solidified their bond.

Their relationship flourished across continents – from Monaco to Paris, London to New York. Portofino became their special place, ultimately where they chose to celebrate their love with family and friends from both sides of the Atlantic.

The Location

Hotel Excelsior Palace, Rapallo – Portofino Coast, Liguria
June 24, 2024

The couple selected a stunning sea-view terrace at the historic Hotel Excelsior Palace in Rapallo for their Portofino Coast destination wedding. The location offered everything they envisioned: natural Mediterranean beauty requiring minimal decoration, breathtaking views of the Ligurian coastline, and the authentic Italian Riviera atmosphere.

For many of their international guests traveling from Europe and America, this marked their first visit to the region, making the celebration even more memorable.

The Brief & Couple’s Vision

A. and C. had already completed their legal marriage in a small, intimate ceremony with immediate family due to Italy’s complex marriage requirements for foreign nationals. This symbolic ceremony was designed to be a joyful celebration with their broader circle of loved ones.

Their Priorities:

• Seamless coordination: Having attended weddings where poor organization affected the experience, they emphasized the importance of smooth transitions, clear communication, and well-rehearsed moments

• Meaningful storytelling: They wanted their unique journey woven throughout the ceremony in an authentic way

• Cultural inclusion: With A.’s Russian heritage and C.’s American background, incorporating meaningful elements from both traditions was important for their Portofino Coast destination wedding

• Guest experience: Creating a memorable day for friends and family, many of whom were experiencing Italy for the first time

What They Didn’t Want:

The couple was clear about avoiding organizational mishaps they’d witnessed at other weddings, particularly music mix-ups and unclear guest direction. They wanted every moment choreographed but naturally flowing.

The Challenges

• Blending two cultures: Creating a ceremony that honored both Russian and American traditions within the Italian Riviera setting

• Managing speeches and toasts: Wedding speeches, especially those driven by emotion and improvisation, can extend beyond planned timeframes. The challenge was maintaining the evening’s flow while respecting speakers’ heartfelt moments

• Coordinating international guests: With attendees from across Europe and America, creating an inclusive atmosphere while celebrating the Portofino Coast location

• Balancing formality and celebration: Moving from a meaningful symbolic ceremony to an energetic reception without awkward transitions

• Meeting high expectations: The couple had a clear vision for organization and execution, requiring careful planning and transparent communication throughout the process

Script & MC Approach

Ceremony Structure

• Opening Invocation
  I began by acknowledging the extraordinary journey that brought everyone to this terrace overlooking the Ligurian Sea, welcoming guests in both English and Italian to honor the international nature of the celebration.
• Love Story Narrative
  Rather than a traditional reading, I wove elements of their personal history into the ceremony, focusing on themes of reconnection, perseverance, and the role special places play in our lives.
• Declaration of Intent
  The vows section reflected what marriage meant to them: mutual support, daily gestures of care, and being each other’s champions through all of life’s moments.
• Cultural Element
  A.’s sister performed a reading in Russian, creating an emotional moment that honored his heritage while remaining inclusive through the universal language of family love.
• Symbolic Ritual
  We incorporated the ring warming ceremony, allowing each guest to hold their wedding bands and infuse them with positive energy – a perfect choice for a couple who valued their community’s support.
• Pronouncement
  The closing celebrated their commitment and the journey that brought them to this moment, affirming the strength of their bond in one of the most beautiful settings on the Italian Riviera.

MC Approach for Reception

• Seamless Transitions
  Working closely with the venue staff, DJ, and wedding planner, I ensured every transition was precisely timed. From the couple’s entrance to the first dance, toasts to dinner service, nothing was left to chance.
• Speech Management
  One of the most delicate aspects of reception flow is managing speeches and toasts. Guests, especially family members, often feel compelled to share heartfelt stories that can extend well beyond anticipated timeframes. My role was to coordinate with speakers beforehand, providing gentle guidance on timing while ensuring their contributions remained authentic and meaningful. I also worked with the couple to tactfully manage spontaneous toasts, ensuring the evening maintained its rhythm without dampening the emotional sincerity of the moment.
• Energy Building
  As wedding MC, I guided the evening’s emotional arc – from the tender ceremony moment to the cocktail hour’s relaxed elegance, building toward the reception’s celebratory atmosphere. Announcements were made in both English and Italian, making international and local guests feel equally welcome.
• Cultural Integration
  We incorporated elements that celebrated both cultures: acknowledging A.’s family traveling from Europe, C.’s from America, and the Italian setting that united them all.

Collaboration with the Wedding Planning Team

Working alongside the wedding planner and her team was essential to achieving A. and C.’s vision of flawless execution. From our first planning meetings, we established clear communication channels and mutual respect for each professional’s role.

As both celebrant and MC, I coordinated closely with the wedding planner on timing, guest flow, and ceremonial elements. We held detailed rehearsals to ensure the ceremony transitions – from processional music to symbolic rituals – aligned perfectly with her overall timeline. During the reception, this collaboration became even more critical: I worked in tandem with her staff to coordinate speech timing, meal service, and entertainment transitions.

The couple appreciated having a unified team that communicated seamlessly. When adjustments were needed – as they always are on a wedding day – the wedding planner and I could adapt in real-time without creating visible disruption. This kind of professional synergy is what transforms a well-planned wedding into a genuinely smooth experience for couples and their guests.

The key to successful collaboration in Portofino Coast destination weddings is recognizing that every vendor brings unique expertise to the table. My role was to handle the ceremonial and hosting aspects while supporting the wedding planner’s broader vision, ensuring A. and C. could simply enjoy their celebration without worry.

The Outcome

June 24, 2024, delivered the perfect Ligurian summer day. The ceremony unfolded on the terrace with flawless timing as the Mediterranean sun created natural magic that no amount of decoration could improve. Guests were moved by the personal storytelling, the emotional Russian reading, and the genuine affection evident between A. and C.

The reception flowed seamlessly from heartfelt speeches to joyous celebration. The pacing kept guests engaged and the dance floor energized throughout the evening. The couple’s vision of a perfectly organized, meaningful celebration came to life.

What made this Portofino Coast destination wedding truly special was witnessing a love story celebrated in a place that held deep meaning for the couple – proving that sometimes, the perfect places in our lives become perfect for a reason.

Why This Wedding Worked

• Personal Storytelling: Every element connected to their authentic journey

• Cultural Sensitivity: Honoring Russian and American traditions within an Italian celebration

• Meticulous Organization: Meeting high standards through detailed planning and professional collaboration

• Location Synergy: Choosing a venue that required minimal enhancement

• Professional Collaboration: Close coordination between celebrant, MC, and planning team

• Guest-Centric Focus: Creating an experience that transcended the ceremony itself

Testimonial

“You were flexible, attentive, and very professional while still bringing a sense of humor and entertainment to the event. We are so glad that we hired you and would recommend you for any other couples who are considering.”
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As an Italian wedding celebrant and MC with C1 English certification, I specialize in creating personalized ceremonies for international couples planning their destination wedding in Italy. I honor diverse cultural backgrounds while embracing the beauty of Italian locations, from the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como, Tuscany to the Italian Riviera. My approach combines Italian warmth with professional hosting, helping couples craft meaningful celebrations that reflect their unique love stories.

Services: • Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies • Wedding MC Services • Personalized Ceremony Writing • Cultural Integration

Locations Served: Portofino Coast, Rapallo, Liguria, Italian Riviera, and destinations throughout Italy

👉 Get in touch for a free consultation

Cover image by Elisabetta Riccio Wedding, courtesy of Tala Design.