Samantha and Adam’s Villa Bellezza wedding was color therapy. These two first met as coworkers, bonding over late afternoons at the office that turned into trivia nights at a local brewery. That same easygoing energy followed them right into their wedding day.

Villa Bellezza is basically a slice of Italy tucked into the Wisconsin bluffs. Terracotta roofs, golden stucco walls, vineyard views that stretch for days… It’s like being under the Tuscan sun, but with more humidity.

Sam wanted color, and wow, did she get it. Reds, oranges, pinks—all those bold, fiery tones that felt both lively and elegant. You could feel the energy in the palette alone. And yeah, it was one of those classic Midwestern summer days: hot, muggy, slightly sticky, but with the sun putting in overtime to make sure every color hit just right. The light danced off the vineyard, giving everything that cinematic glow photographers pray for.

Cocktails Before “I Do”

Samantha and Adam said “nah” to the usual wedding flow and flipped the script—cocktail hour before the ceremony. This was a genius move. It set the whole tone for the day. Instead of guests waiting around for things to start, everyone was already vibing, drink in hand, catching up, laughing, and soaking in the sunshine.

Their signature drinks were flowing, and the courtyard at Villa Bellezza turned into a little social hub. You could tell Sam and Adam put serious thought into how they wanted their people to feel that day. Comfortable, welcomed, part of the story. They created space for connection. By the time the ceremony started, everyone was already glowing. Part from the drinks, part from the heat, but mostly from the joy.

Cakes, Color, & Connection for Their Villa Bellezza Wedding

The reception was so Samantha and Adam. Instead of one massive cake that everyone crowds around, they had a cake for every single table. Yeah, you read that right. Each table had its own little masterpiece, and instead of doing the standard “cut the cake once and move on,” these two made their rounds, slicing the first piece at each table while chatting and laughing with guests. It was such a genuine, thoughtful way to slow things down and connect. They were hosting an experience.

I’ve gotta mention the Lego minifig cake toppers because, come on — that’s adorable. Tiny plastic versions of themselves, sitting proudly on top. Little touches like that say so much about who people are as a couple.

As the evening went on, warm, golden-hour light poured over the vineyard. You could hear laughter and music spilling out of the courtyard.

By the end of the night, I found myself just standing there for a second. The architecture, the textures, the light… It’s a dream for anyone behind a camera. If you’re the kind of couple who wants color, connection, and a space that truly comes alive with people, this place? It’s the one.

“You were seriously the best photographer we could have ever hoped to work with! It was so nice to have you and Madison as calming presences on our busy day, and you still made art?? Just amazing!”

Vendors

Venue | Villa Bellezza

Photographer | Maddi Waldo Photo

Planner/DOC | Serce

Florist | June & Jane Flower Co.

Hair | The Undone Updo

MUA | Face by Grace MN

DJ | Tate at Instant Request

Catering | Food Gallery

Bakery | Cafe Latte & Hey There, Cupcake

Dress | Wedding Shoppe Inc.

String Quartet | Ovation String Quartet