"Daisy Diaz first visited Florence "fresh out of high school for a mosaic restoration course." She fell in love with the culture and lifestyle immediately. Little did she know she would meet and fall in love with her husband Federico Vannini, too.

After graduating Boston College she returned to the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance pursuing a career as an interior designer. Working closely with local artisans, it was only a matter of time and chance before she would meet Federico, who works exclusively with Old Master paintings.

Their first encounter was in 2005 on an "unforgettable summer evening" in the Italian gardens of Federico's cousin, Alex; coincidentally he also happened to be a dear friend of Daisy's. "We spoke for hours that evening surrounded by the ancient cypress, lemon groves and the wild perfume of lavender and rosemary," recalls Daisy.

Of course, making it work did not come easy. Traveling back and forth between Florence and Miami, Fla., their relationship began in a whirlwind. "We were in love form the beginning, but it was the difficult test to make things work out that made us realize how much we truly wanted to be together," Daisy notes.

While visiting Miami for her birthday, Fede—as she so lovingly calls him—took Daisy out to lunch at her favorite French restaurant and gave her an eternity band. Overwhelmed by the "beautiful and generous gift" they returned home to relax for a bit. Daisy closed her eyes on the couch for a few minutes, only to "wake up and find Federico on his knees with yet another small box in his hands." This time it was an engagement ring.

Having lived in Italy for the past several years, it was very special for Daisy to have "all of my family and dearest friends gathered in my adopted city." They began the multi-day affair with a welcome dinner of authentic Italian cuisine, followed by cocktails at an art museum.

For the wedding location, it is only natural that they chose what is described as one of the finest Romanesque structures and most beautiful churches in Italy to be married in: the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte. "When I walked in I only focused on Fede waiting for me at the altar," recalls Daisy. "When I saw Daisy coming down the altar looking so calm and radiant I could only think that this was indeed the most beautiful day of my life," reciprocates Federico. 

After they exchanged vows in the historical basilica, they celebrated in grand style with a luncheon set on the hillside overlooking Piazzale Michelangelo and then escaped to an evening gala set in the Chianti countryside where they all "danced until the early hours the next morning in the villa's wine cellars and cantinas."

For their honeymoon Daisy and Federico went to Kenya for a month holiday. They visited a couple of years ago and "remember that trip with great nostalgia." Daisy adds, "We travel many months of the year for work or to visit family so it is important for us to completely disconnect...the African savannas are the perfect romantic retreat."

> Written by Jessica Latimer