Making couples truly happy is my greatest achievement. Seeing their faces light up in surprise and joy – that’s what I work for. This job has a beginning and an end, and every project is a new challenge, even the simplest ones. We never really ‘arrive’ in this profession. There’s always more to learn, more to improve. But if I can create something beautiful and meaningful that they’ll remember forever – then I know I’ve done my job…”
Beatrice Anichini, Founder, Al Fresco Wedding
Beatrice Anichini is founder of Al Fresco Wedding which exclusively organises celebrations across Italy, a country where every region has its own unique story. Here we discuss her background and dedication to creating authentic weddings that are memorable in every way…
C&B: “Beatrice, did you always want to become a wedding planner, or is it a career that evolved over time?”
BA: “I actually started working in the wedding industry completely by chance. My background is in tourism – I have a degree in languages and spent several years organising both outgoing and incoming travel. During a job interview at a castle in Tuscany, the director told me I’d be handling weddings. I replied, “What do you mean by that?” Back then, wedding planning wasn’t common in Italy, especially for local couples, but that particular castle worked mostly with foreigners. It was a challenge – and I’ve always loved challenges! In my first year, I planned over 30 weddings. It was intense, but I discovered a whole new world. What fascinated me most was the mix of cultures, the family stories, and the emotions. You’re part of something so personal – it teaches you how to stay calm under pressure and support people when they need it most. After several seasons in the same venue, I felt the need for more creative freedom, so I decided to launch my own brand, Al Fresco Wedding. Looking back, after many trainings, courses, and an intense personal and professional journey, I can say I’m a different person, because this job shapes you and it has taught me patience and perseverance. I never imagined I would end up here, but I would not change a thing…”
I believe in harmony and coherence. A wedding should reflect the couple, the location, and the season. I don’t like to transform venues – I want the beauty of Italy to shine through. I often mix fabrics, florals, and textures to build layered atmospheres, always guided by the personality of the couple. I also think styling matters – for both the couple and the guests. Dress codes help set the tone and create visual harmony. For those who want more, we offer a full style consultation with professionals…”
Beatrice Anichini, Founder, Al Fresco Wedding
C&B: “How do you support international clients?”
BA: “We’re a full team – planners, designers, concierge experts – and we handle every detail. Clear communication, trust, and cultural understanding are key. I guide clients through every step, manage the vendors, and make sure they feel supported even from afar…”
C&B: “Once you have had the initial consultation with your client, what is your first step towards organising the wedding?”
BA: “Venue selection is the first big decision. We listen, and based on the couple’s needs, we curate a list of venues that reflect their style, guest count, and budget. The venue sets the tone – it’s the stage where everything else happens. We work with a trusted network of local vendors. Coordination means more than timelines – it means aligning everyone under one vision, anticipating problems, and making sure everything runs smoothly so our couples can relax and enjoy…”
Weddings today are often multi-day experiences. We organise welcome dinners, brunches, tours, tastings – authentic Italian experiences. My deep local knowledge helps me offer more than a wedding – it’s a meaningful journey, tailored to the couple and their guests…”
Beatrice Anichini, Founder, Al Fresco Wedding
C&B: “How do you incorporate authentic local Italian culture into the weddings you plan?”
BA: “Most of our vendors are Italian, and I’m proud of that. We know how to work very well together. One couple told me: “We didn’t expect such professionalism in Italy”, and that meant everything to me. Every region – and often every town – has its own traditions, materials, and flavours. I love using small, thoughtful touches that reflect this. For example, once we included ‘brutti ma buoni’ which are locally produced almond cookies, in welcome bags. No one had heard of them, and they were a huge hit. It’s all about creating an emotional connection to the place, a memory that lasts…”
Every wedding we plan is one-of-a-kind. No templates, no copies. Even a timeline can reflect a couple’s personality. We use style questionnaires to understand their taste, background, and priorities – things they hadn’t even considered yet…”
Beatrice Anichini, Founder, Al Fresco Wedding
C&B: “You clearly put a huge amount of thought and effort into making your weddings a personalised experience for your couples… which so far has been the most memorable for you personally?”
BA: “That would be Al and Anne. Two Americans, getting married for the first time at age 68! It was a five-day celebration in Tuscany with 80 guests, three venues, and five totally different events – from a cooking class and a wine tasting, to an opera dinner under the stars, fireworks, and a grand finale in a castle. The whole week was filled with love, joy, and surprise. It reminded me why I do this job…”
Styling is important for both the couple and their guests – it may be a custom-printed tablecloth, a monogrammed napkin, or a dramatic use of colour. Lately, I’ve loved adding bold touches – like black accents in a neutral palette. A simple ribbon or detail can create a huge impact – I love working with fabrics and scenography. I collaborate with a cinema set designer who constantly inspires me. Together we create atmospheres that feel like stories. That’s what makes the difference – working with people who care…”
Beatrice Anichini, Founder, Al Fresco Wedding
C&B: “Final question, Beatrice: What themes do you see coming up over the coming months?”
BA: “More entertainment, more immersive experiences, and more personality. Flowers are no longer the only focus – fabrics, lighting, music, and bold colour choices are coming in strong. Couples want to ‘wow’ their guests and express themselves fully. Creativity is leading the way – and I’m here for it!”
CONTACT: http://www.alfrescowedding.com
