There are some love stories that feel effortless from the very beginning. Breana and Marshall’s is one of them. The kind that doesn’t fight to exist, it simply unfolds. This is a story of true love that lead them to their romantic wedding in Italy.
Marshall knew Bre for years, going all the way back to high school through a mutual friend. Life moved, time passed, and like so many stories that are meant to circle back, it did. One night at a bar in their hometown, years later, everything realigned.
From that moment on, it was easy.
They spent 8.5 years building a relationship rooted in comfort, trust, and certainty. No guessing. No hesitation. Even the moment people tend to overthink, saying “I love you,” came naturally. No nerves. No pressure. Just truth.
They both knew early.
They had found their person.
The Proposal
Marshall planned a proposal that felt intimate, thoughtful, and deeply personal.
He told Breana they were heading to Napa to meet his family for a weekend of wine tasting. It felt normal. Expected. Nothing out of the ordinary, until they arrived.
No family. No crowd. Just a quiet winery, a bouquet of flowers, and a picnic set for two.
In that stillness, he got down on one knee.
She said yes, of course.
After they had a moment to themselves, taking it all in, they made their way to another winery where their closest family and friends were waiting. The celebration began the way it should, surrounded by the people who matter most.
A Destination Wedding in Florence
Choosing Florence for their wedding wasn’t about spectacle. It was about experience.
Set at the iconic Villa Cora, their day felt like a full immersion into beauty, history, and intention. Every space inside the villa offers something different, layered textures, rich tones, and a sense of quiet grandeur that elevates everything around it.
But what stood out most had nothing to do with the venue.
It was their people.
From the very beginning, they wanted every guest to feel welcomed, celebrated, and truly part of it all. Every event throughout the weekend was thoughtfully planned with their guests in mind, from the ‘Welcome to Florence’ bags to the after-party wellness kits hung on each of your doors. Every detail was a small way of saying thank you and making sure they felt how much it meant to us to have them there.
They traveled from near and far to be there, and it meant everything that they shared in this day, not just as guests, but as part of their story. That alone says everything. The energy, the laughter, the full presence of everyone in attendance, it created a feeling you can’t replicate.
Breana and Marshall described the day as a blur.
Not because it was rushed, but because it was full.
And the thing they’ll never forget?
Watching everyone they love have the time of their lives.
Letting Go of the Pressure
One of the most honest parts of their story is this.
The thing that made them the most anxious was the photos.
Not because of trust, but because neither of them enjoys being the center of attention. That quiet discomfort that comes with all eyes on you, it’s real.
But it didn’t last.
As the day unfolded, those feelings faded. The experience shifted. It stopped being about being watched and became about being present.
They leaned into the moment, let go, and had fun!
And that’s where the magic lives.
Advice for Future Couples
If you take anything from their story, let it be this:
- Don’t stress the small details, your guests won’t notice what feels big to you
- Focus on the experience, not perfection
- Create space during the day to be alone together, even for a few minutes
- Let yourself feel it all, fully
Because the day moves fast. Faster than you expect.
What stays is how it felt.
Honeymoon in Paris
After Florence, they spent two weeks in Paris.
Slow mornings. Croissants. Wandering streets without a plan.
They visited the Louvre, explored bookstores daily, and took in the rhythm of the city. The kind of honeymoon that isn’t rushed, it’s lived.
They even slipped away for day trips to London and Luxembourg, adding layers to an already unforgettable start to their marriage.
What’s Next
Right now, they’re looking forward to something simple.
Slowing down.
The past year and a half has been full, work, planning, travel, constant movement. Now, they’re ready to return home, reconnect with their dog, and step into the next phase of life with intention.
No rush.
No pressure.
Just building what comes next, together.
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
