Tuscany Destination Wedding

Suzanne & Brooke: A Colorful Ethiopian-American Wedding in Tuscany

2026

 

Suzanne & Brooke blend Ethiopian traditions with Tuscan elegance

Some weddings stay with you because of their authenticity and cultural richness. Suzanne and Brooke’s celebration was exactly that: a vibrant fusion of Ethiopian heritage and American spirit against the backdrop of Tuscany’s golden landscapes. Having planned destination weddings for fifteen years, this four-day Ethiopian wedding in Tuscany was truly unforgettable.

Brooke is Ethiopian and Suzanne, born Schiavone, is Italian-American. They both work as teachers in the United States, where they immigrated. When they decided to get married in Tuscany, they wanted to stay true to themselves, so there was no pretence: just two people bringing their everyday lives, their bicycles and their colourful world to the Tuscan hills.

The wedding took place in June and lasted four incredible days. As well as the ceremony, we organised an in-depth exploration of the Brunello region. We visited Podere Le Ripi, enjoyed lunch at a traditional vineria and explored the Abbey of Sant’Antimo. We also walked through Montalcino’s medieval fortress. Suzanne and Brooke, along with many other guests, even joined the winery’s wine club afterwards.

Color was everything. In Ethiopian culture, vibrant colors carry deep meaning, and this Ethiopian wedding Tuscany style honored that beautifully. Beatrice Ramirez of Erbe e Fior created bold floral arrangements echoing the Ethiopian flag. Even Brooke chose a stunning green suit instead of traditional black—perfectly reflecting his heritage.

The celebration coincided with the Ethiopian Orthodox Easter. We created a menu that took this into account: 80% vegetarian and fish-based to honour Brooke’s roots, with prosciutto added for the American guests. The catering, provided by Fonte di Bracca, bridged both worlds and was paired with Brunello from Podere Le Ripi. To finish, we served an Italian wedding cake: millefoglie.

The celebration centred around traditional Ethiopian dances. Guests formed circles and sang blessings in Amharic, filling the Tuscan evening with joy and tradition. Photographer Andrea Fabbrini made the most of the golden hour, positioning the couple amongst the wheat fields surrounding the villa — that magical late June light made everything look luminous.

This wedding celebrated exactly who they are: teachers who value authenticity over spectacle, who brought their colorful, genuine selves to Italy. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Tuscany that honors your heritage, explore our wedding services.

Con amore,
Etis

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A woman in a white wedding dress holds a colorful bouquet and smiles while standing outdoors near a potted plant.

Credits:

A woman in a hat hands a bouquet of colorful flowers to another woman with curly hair in a floral dress inside a room with framed art on the walls.
Two women help a bride adjust her dress in a room, captured in black and white.
A woman in a white dress fans herself while another person holds a portable fan toward her in a room with framed pictures on the wall.
Six men in formal attire walk along a curved gravel path bordered by tall trees and manicured hedges under a clear blue sky.
A woman in a white wedding dress holds a colorful bouquet and smiles while standing outdoors near a potted plant.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks outdoors accompanied by two adults, while guests seated on white chairs watch.
A wedding ceremony outdoors shows a couple standing at the altar with a celebrant, surrounded by seated guests and trees in the background.
A bride and groom stand facing each other and smiling, holding a bouquet, with guests seated and watching during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
A groom in a suit places a ring on the bride’s finger during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Ethiopian wedding tuscany. A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle, smiling and holding hands, as guests throw flower petals in celebration.
A bride and groom in formal attire drink from glasses outdoors, surrounded by applauding wedding guests.
A tall, tiered fruit arrangement featuring watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blackberries, and rolled fruit slices, displayed on a glass stand outdoors.
Slices of baguette topped with cheese, cucumber, and anchovies are arranged in rows on a white tray.
Seven women pose together outdoors, with one in a white bridal gown and the others in colorful dresses, standing on grass in front of tall greenery.
Two long tables with white tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and white chairs are set up outdoors for an event, with string lights overhead and greenery in the background.
A close-up of a colorful flower arrangement with snapdragons, marigolds, carnations, and other assorted blooms in an outdoor setting.
Two people stand close together on a stone terrace under tall trees with sunlight streaming through the branches in a black-and-white outdoor scene.
A couple poses outdoors; the man in a suit kisses the woman, who wears a white dress and smiles while holding her hands near her chest.
A couple in wedding attire stands holding hands in a golden field at sunset, facing each other and smiling, with hills and trees in the background.
A bride and groom stand smiling together in front of a hedge, with a sunlit european village and church in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a garden path, smiling, surrounded by greenery and trimmed hedges.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a gravel path toward a large hedge archway flanked by stone statues in an outdoor garden setting.
Two people sit at a decorated table with flowers and candles, under string lights at an outdoor event in the evening.
An outdoor evening event with guests seated at long tables under string lights, surrounded by tall hedges and trees.
A bride and groom stand together outdoors at night, smiling as they cut a large cake on a table decorated with flowers and a bottle of champagne.
Two people in formal attire feed each other cake outdoors at night under string lights, with a large cake on the table in front of them and tall trees in the background.
A bride and groom dance outdoors at night under string lights, surrounded by guests watching and taking photos.
A bride and groom dance together outdoors at night, surrounded by guests clapping under string lights.
A group of people dance together indoors, raising their arms. One woman in a colorful dress stands out at the center, smiling and engaging with others.
A bride and groom dance under string lights at night, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with warm glowing bulbs overhead.
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