
The world of weddings captivates me, and the prospect of creating unique experiences in Italy and Spain for couples who dream of the most important day of their lives truly inspires me…”
Roberto Raspollini, RoRas Destination Weddings
Roberto Raspollini has always been passionate about the realms of culture, art, and entertainment. After completing his classical studies, he began working with cultural and entertainment associations to gain a deeper understanding of himself, his qualities, and his aspirations. He is the founder of RoRas Destination Weddings, a company based in Tuscany that organises weddings throughout Italy and Spain. In this discussion, we explore Roberto’s background in the industry and the reasons he has chosen to focus his work in these two locations…

Creating beauty is something that has always fascinated me; after working in London within the world of luxury hospitality, a trip to Thailand provided me with the opportunity to work alongside a wedding planner in Phuket who specialises in luxury destination weddings. That’s how my journey began…”
Roberto Raspollini, RoRas Destination Weddings
C&B: “Roberto, both Italy and Spain are both known for their beautiful, elegant locations – why did you specifically choose to launch your business there and which aspects most appeal to your clients?”
RR: “I chose to operate in Italy and Spain because Italy is where I come from, and I know well the beauty that surrounds me; it is one of the best places to make any couple’s dream wedding come true. Spain has always been my second home; after living in Ibiza, I decided to establish my business here as well. Spain vibrates with vitality and energy! In Italy, the starting point is always the location; every region offers splendid villas, castles, and exceptional villages – consider the area of Lake Como, for example. Couples are captivated by these unique destinations because they want their guests to be left speechless. Thus, we select these dream locations to create a distinctive experience. Another fundamental aspect is that our weddings authentically embody Italian traditions, from food to entertainment, while reinterpreting them in a contemporary manner…”

We ensure that couples understand that the event is not solely about securing a unique location; rather, it also relies on achieving the right balance among the venue, suppliers, and planning…”
Roberto Raspollini, RoRas Destination Weddings
RR: “In Spain, many couples are drawn to the islands, where an ocean-view ceremony often becomes the focal point. The islands symbolise an ‘escape,’ making them ideal for destination weddings. Additionally, Spain also offers stunning inland locations and here’, tradition significantly influences the creation of a luxury event. The initial approach, in contrast to Italy, begins from a psychological perspective; couples often start with a specific emotion they wish to convey throughout the event…”
C&B: “Could you share a memorable experience or story from one of the weddings you’ve planned in either Italy or Spain?”
RR: “Yes – I’d like to share with you the story of an intimate wedding for only 15 people; although it wasn’t a grand, spectacular event, it fully represents my way of working. An Irish couple had decided to get married on Lake Garda in Italy. The bride had lost her mother to an illness, and for this reason, the destination wedding in Italy became a way to celebrate her. Even though it was an intimate event, they decided to have impeccable organisation without compromising on anything. Each supplier was chosen with great care. The religious ceremony took place in a church, followed by the reception at an intimate location. I recount this wedding because it meant a great deal to me personally. At every stage of the organisation, I asked myself whether my choices would be appropriate and understood. This illustrates that the greatness of an event depends on how much heart is invested in it. In the end, the couple thanked me and said, ‘Roberto, we know that you usually create grand events of a higher caliber, but what you did for us is something unforgettable. You gave us the dream we desired so much, and for us, it is worth everything.’ I was moved; perhaps for the first time in my life, I truly understood the value of my work…”

An essential aspect of wedding design is the understanding of tradition, which must be reinterpreted within a contemporary context. In this regard, my personal inspiration, which stems from my curiosity about art, fashion, and entertainment, becomes crucial in offering a distinctive touch…”
Roberto Raspollini, RoRas Destination Weddings
C&B: “Can you describe your approach to planning a wedding, particularly in the culturally rich environments of Italy and Spain?”
RR: “In Italy we have many locations, if we want to talk about the very top venues, they include the areas of Lake Como, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. However, many lesser known places are becoming popular, and I believe they can become valid alternatives very soon. For example, Sicily is a magical place that’s becoming increasingly important options in destination weddings. As far as Spain is concerned, the Balearic Islands are very popular, and Ibiza has the added advantage of spectacular boutique hotels and beach clubs…”
C&B: “How do you work with overseas clients to understand their vision and preferences for their big day?”
RR: “Working with foreign couples, the main communication is via video calls and a dedicated WhatsApp group. The first approach is to have them tell me their story, understand what they are looking for, what their desires and expectations are. Another important aspect is to understand any concerns; I always try to put myself in their shoes – I know how difficult it can be to trust someone who will be responsible for organising the most important event of their life. This is why getting them to talk about their concerns becomes essential to create a solid bond. ‘Empathy’ is the key word. I attempt to put myself on the same level without creating any distance…”

The elements that contribute to the success of an event include research, the desire to be adventurous by understanding trends in advance, the observation of reality that creates inspiration…”
Roberto Raspollini, RoRas Destination Weddings
C&B: “What main advice would you give to couples who are considering a destination wedding in either Spain or Italy?”
RR: “The advice I’d offer is to have a clear and precise budget in mind. It is essential to understand what aspects of the wedding are truly important – those elements that the couple cannot forgo. One should avoid creating a spectacle solely for the guests, even at the most extravagant events. The couple’s essence should be reflected in every choice, as this will ultimately make a significant difference…”
C&B: “How do you stay updated with the latest wedding trends and styles in both Italy and Spain?”
RR: “Regarding wedding trends, reading industry blogs is fundamental; however, as I mentioned earlier, inspiration must also be drawn from reality and the beauty it presents. Therefore, it is not only essential to conduct research within the wedding sector, but it is equally important to broaden one’s perspective and observe what art and cultural research have to offer…”

C&B: “Can you discuss the importance of vendor relationships in your planning process and how you cultivate those connections?”
RR: “Suppliers are very important in a wedding because they give life to the vision that has been created. This is why creating relationships of trust and esteem is essential. For me it is very important that the supplier knows the couple, and so a first approach via a video call gives that added value. The supplier automatically becomes a person and not a presence that hovers on the day of the event. I have trusted suppliers and at the same time I always try to open up to new collaborations. Every time I look for a new supplier, observing the work done in other events is fundamental, then obviously creating a direct contact to understand that it is in line with my values…”

C&B: “And finally, Roberto, what do you love most about your job as a wedding planner, and what keeps you motivated within this competitive industry?”
RR: “When I reflect on my profession, the aspect that brings me the greatest joy is the opportunity to realise the dreams of two people who love each other. The happiness reflected in the eyes of each couple at the end of their event is something for which I am profoundly grateful, and it provides me with an impressive sense of fulfillment. I am consistently moved by the gratitude they express towards me, and I always take the time to thank them for the emotions they inspire in me. I couldn’t pursue this profession if I didn’t engage with it on such a deeply emotional level…”
CONTACT: http://www.rorasdestinationwedding.com