A wedding is made of hundreds of decisions, changing emotions and details that only reveal themselves when someone is truly present. Technology can support the process, but listening, intuition and trust build the experience. I believe deeply in human intuition, knowledge of the territory and real presence. I’m not interested in creating weddings that all look the same or following a trend simply because it is fashionable; I want every couple to recognise themselves in their wedding, and their guests to think: ‘This could only ever have been their day…”
Miriam Canestrini, Founder, Wedding & More
Miriam Canestrini is the founder of Wedding & More, an Italian destination wedding planning company based in Bolzano, South Tyrol. She works closely with couples who choose to celebrate their weddings across different destinations in Italy. You may have seen Miriam’s projects featured on the blog of British bridal house Caroline Castigliano and in recent publications dedicated to weddings and destination weddings. For Miriam, every feature is an opportunity to show not only the final beauty of a wedding, but also the individuals, process, and emotions behind it. Here we discuss locations, themes, and dream projects…
C&B: “Miriam, you are already a very established name in the luxury sector; how long have you been planning weddings?”
MC: “I’ve been planning weddings for five years. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to build collaborations with prestigious venues and to work with highly experienced professionals in the industry. It’s been an intense journey of growth, teaching me that this profession requires not only taste and creativity, but above all listening, organisation, responsibility and genuine presence…”
I believe that planning a wedding is much more than coordinating suppliers and timelines – it means getting to know the couple, understanding what truly represents them, and turning that into an experience that feels beautiful to live as well as to remember…”
Miriam Canestrini, Founder, Wedding & More
C&B: “Italy has a huge variety of incredible locations and venues across the country, from top to bottom – which would you say are the most popular in your area, and why?”
MC: “South Tyrol is special because it brings together very different worlds: castles, historic residences, vineyards, mountains and the Dolomites. International couples love its understated elegance, natural beauty and the possibility of creating a destination wedding where the guests’ entire stay becomes part of the experience. My work never begins with a destination alone. I start with the couple, then look for the place and atmosphere that genuinely reflect who they are. One Italy, so many ways to feel at home…”
Unexpected situations are part of this job: weather, last-minute changes, complex logistics or plans that suddenly need to be rethought. I believe that good organisation should almost disappear on the wedding day. You should not see the hundreds of decisions behind an event. You should simply feel that everything is exactly where it needs to be. My role is to be present, anticipate problems and find solutions, allowing the couple to truly live their day…”
Miriam Canestrini, Founder, Wedding & More
C&B: “As the principle, which local and/or international vendors do you choose to work with on creating the ‘perfect wedding’ vibe?”
MC: “I don’t work with a standard list of vendors. Every wedding has its own identity, so I build the team around the couple, the venue, the style and the priorities of the project. I look for excellent professionals, but also for people who are reliable, generous and able to work as a real team. When there is harmony behind the scenes, the couple can feel it in the final experience…”
To me, true luxury is not excess, but quality. I love Italian menus connected to the region, the season and local ingredients, presented in an elegant, contemporary way. I prefer a few memorable dishes to an overly long menu. The rhythm of service, wine pairings, table setting and attention to guests are all part of the experience. Luxury is when everything feels effortless, even though every detail has been carefully considered…”
Miriam Canestrini, Founder, Wedding & More
C&B: “Final question, Miriam – in an ideal world, what would be your dream project?”
MC: “My dream project is not tied to one specific venue or to the size of the wedding. It would be a project where the couple truly trusts me and we can create something with a strong, personal identity. I love when the setting, food, music, details and guest experience all tell the same story. It would probably be in Italy, in a place that is already beautiful enough not to need transforming. Elegant but alive, bringing together people from different countries and leaving them with not only the memory of a beautiful celebration, but also a little piece of Italy…”
CONTACT: http://www.weddingandmore.eu
