After so many years, I still feel incredibly fortunate to do this work. Once I commit to a wedding, it becomes deeply important to me. I care about the people, the details and how they experience the entire journey, not just the final celebration. Their celebration may last a few days, but for me, the commitment begins much earlier and stays until I know everything has been taken care of…”
Grazia Micalizzi, founder and creative director, Grace Boutique Wedding
Grazia Micalizzi is the founder and creative director of Grace Boutique Wedding, based in Milan. She plans destination weddings in Italy, with a particular focus on Lake Como and the Italian Lakes, for international couples seeking an elegant, highly personal Italian celebration. Her work is based in Italy, while her couples mainly come from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Grace has recently been featured in ELLE Spose and Weddings & Honeymoons. Here we discuss wedding venues, fashion, style, and inspiration…
C&B: “Grace, you have a beautiful portfolio of work; how many years have you been a planner?”
GM: “I founded Grace Boutique Wedding in 2010 and have worked in events and wedding planning for more than fifteen years. I decided to start my own agency while I was on maternity leave. Looking back at my professional experience, I realised it was time to create something of my own — a career where I could combine creativity, organisation and relationships with people, while surrounding myself with beauty. It was a personal and professional turning point, and ultimately a very natural next step…”
My influences come from fashion, design and hospitality, but my relationship with fashion began much earlier. My mother had a tailoring business, so I grew up surrounded by fabrics, colours, craftsmanship and the attention to detail that goes into creating something beautiful. Perhaps that is why fashion has always felt so natural to me. I love the understated elegance of Prada, Ralph Lauren, Bottega Veneta, Max Mara and Loro Piana. I also spent a year in a Milanese architecture studio while completing my degree, and Milan itself remains a constant influence…”
Grazia Micalizzi, founder and creative director, Grace Boutique Wedding
C&B: “How would you describe your style, and how has it evolved over the years?”
GM: “My style is elegant, refined and contemporary, with a strong appreciation for architecture, fashion and beautiful materials. Today I work increasingly as a creative director and planner, focusing on the vision, the right partners and the coherence of every detail…”
Experience has taught me to be selective: I look for personality and balance rather than decoration for its own sake. I have learned that sophistication often comes from editing rather than excess…”
Grazia Micalizzi, founder and creative director, Grace Boutique Wedding
C&B: “Grace, in your opinion, what are the essential elements that contribute to a successful wedding and/or event?”
GM: “A clear identity, a strong sense of place and genuine attention to the people behind the event. The aesthetic matters, but so does the guest experience — everything should feel effortless from their perspective. And above all, there must be trust between the couple and their planner…”
C&B: “Which wedding/event venues are your favourites in Italy are your favourites, and why?”
GM: “Villa Erba for its architecture and versatility; Villa Pizzo for its beautiful balance of grandeur and intimacy; Villa Balbiano for its iconic, cinematic quality; Villa Sola Cabiati for its regal elegance; and Passalacqua for its understated luxury, warmth and extraordinary interiors…”
I believe what sets my company apart from other planners is the combination of experience, empathy and personal involvement. Every couple needs something different, and I try to understand that from the beginning. I also use technology to make the planning process clearer and easier for international clients, without losing the personal relationship at its centre. I work with a deliberately boutique approach because I want every wedding to receive the attention it deserves…”
Grazia Micalizzi, founder and creative director, Grace Boutique Wedding
C&B: “And final question, Grace: what would be your dream project?”
GM: “A three-day celebration for around 70 guests in one of Italy’s most beautiful venues: original and scenographic, but never excessive, perhaps entirely white with influences from fashion and contemporary art. That would be my Signature project!”
CONTACT: http://www.graceweddinginitaly.com
