a black-tie indian wedding in umbria

A romantic, vibrant, and utterly unforgettable event in the heart of Italy – this black-tie Indian wedding in Umbria was a dream to capture! Karyna and Trace chose the gorgeous Castello di Montignano for their destination wedding, blending cultures, traditions, and timeless Italian charm.

With Karyna’s Indian and South African roots and Trace’s American heritage, their wedding was a seamless fusion of cultures, set against the stunning backdrop of the Umbrian countryside. Castello di Montignano, a beautifully restored medieval borgo, was the perfect venue: not only for its historic charm but also for its no-curfew policy, which was essential for a celebration that lasted well into the night!

The day began with Trace getting ready alongside his closest friends, while Karyna prepared with her parents, a particularly special touch as her father also did her hair. She looked absolutely radiant in a white and silver beaded sari, complemented by delicate jewelry and elegant (and fashionable!) feathered sleeves.

After an emotional and excited first look with her bridesmaids, Karyna met Trace for their own intimate first look, a moment filled with pure joy and anticipation. Their ceremony took place in the borgo’s picturesque piazzetta, surrounded by lush white and green florals. In keeping with the black-tie theme, all guests wore black, making Karyna’s sparkling sari stand out even more beautifully.

The ceremony was a heartfelt blend of cultures, featuring a symbolic Western exchange of vows alongside readings from the Bhagavadgītā, the Bible, and other non-religious texts dear to the couple. Officiated by close friends, it was intimate, personal, and deeply moving.

As newlyweds, Karyna and Trace made their way straight to a joyful cocktail hour by the pool, indulging in Italian delicacies before slipping away for some romantic portraits in the quiet streets of the borgo.

Dinner under the stars followed, with a limoncello-inspired seating plan and a delicious, traditional millefoglie-making experience. The reception unfolded with heartfelt dances: first between the couple, then with their parents – before the dance floor came alive with high-energy Indian wedding traditions.

And in true summer wedding style, the night ended with an impromptu jump into the pool, the perfect finale to an extraordinary wedding in Italy!

To follow, you can find the highlight video and a selection of photos; at the end of the page, the complete wedding video and a link to the complete gallery.