Barbara Vanni of BWEDDINGS in Chicago, Illinois and was certified with us in September of 2013. If I remember correctly, at that time she was going back and forth between Toronto, ON in Canada and Miami, Florida in the US. We have seen her grow by leaps and bounds are are so happy to showcase her this month as the August WPIC Planner of the Month! ~Tracey Manailescu, WPIC Co-founder and Vice President.
Chicago Botanic Garden – Sapan Ahuja Photography
You plan weddings in both Chicago and Italy, two incredible but very different markets. What are the biggest differences couples should expect when planning a wedding in each destination, and what do you love most about both?
One of the things I love most about my career is that I get to design celebrations in two places that have completely different personalities, yet both offer something truly extraordinary.
Chicago is vibrant, sophisticated, and incredibly versatile. It offers world-class venues, exceptional vendors, and endless possibilities for couples who want a refined, modern celebration. Weddings here often have a faster pace, with logistics that require thoughtful coordination, detailed timelines, and seamless vendor management. I love helping couples create an experience that feels effortless while showcasing the energy and elegance of this beautiful city.
Italy, on the other hand, invites you to slow down. Weddings there are less about following a schedule and more about embracing the experience. Whether it’s a villa overlooking Lake Como, a vineyard in Tuscany, or a historic estate on the Amalfi Coast, celebrations naturally become immersive, multi-day experiences centered around family, incredible food, meaningful traditions, and genuine connection. There’s a romance and authenticity that is simply part of the Italian lifestyle.
The biggest difference couples should expect is the overall approach to hospitality. In the United States, weddings are often highly structured and production-driven, with every detail planned to the minute. In Italy, while thoughtful planning is just as important, there is a greater emphasis on creating an atmosphere where guests can truly relax, linger, and savor every moment. It’s a beautiful balance of elegance and effortless hospitality.
Olympia Field Country Club – Janelle Jaqueline Photography
Having been born and raised in Italy and now calling Chicago home, I feel incredibly fortunate to understand both cultures from the inside. I can help American couples navigate the nuances of planning abroad while bringing an Italian perspective to celebrations in Chicago. My goal is always the same, regardless of location: to create a wedding that feels deeply personal, beautifully designed, and filled with meaningful moments that reflect each couple’s unique story.Italy continues to be one of the world’s most sought-after wedding destinations. What trends are you seeing for destination weddings in Italy, and which regions are becoming favourites for your couples beyond the classic locations?Italy has always been synonymous with romance, but what I’m seeing today is that couples are looking for something even more meaningful than a beautiful backdrop. They want an authentic Italian experience, one that immerses their family and friends in the culture, the cuisine, and the incredible sense of hospitality that makes Italy so special.
Destination weddings have evolved from being a single-day celebration to becoming an entire wedding weekend, or even a multi-day experience. Couples are welcoming guests with aperitivo evenings, hosting pasta-making classes or wine tastings, exploring local villages together, and ending the festivities with a relaxed farewell brunch. The wedding itself is just one chapter of a much larger story.
While Lake Como, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast continue to be timeless favorites and for good reason I’m seeing more couples embrace regions that offer extraordinary beauty with a stronger sense of authenticity and privacy.
As someone born and raised in Genoa, I have a special appreciation for Liguria, which I believe is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. The Italian Riviera offers breathtaking seaside villas, colorful coastal villages, exceptional cuisine, and a relaxed elegance that feels both luxurious and genuinely Italian.
I’m also seeing growing interest in Puglia, with its iconic masserie, olive groves, and whitewashed towns; Sicily, for couples drawn to rich history, dramatic landscapes, and incredible culinary traditions; and Umbria, often called Tuscany’s quieter sister, where couples can enjoy stunning countryside and historic estates in a more intimate setting.
What couples are searching for today isn’t necessarily the most famous destination—it’s the destination that feels most authentic to them. They want places where their guests can connect with the local culture, discover hidden gems, and create memories that extend far beyond the wedding day.
Adler Planetarium – Ed & Aileen Photography
Chicago is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, and world-class venues. How do you incorporate the city’s unique character into your weddings while ensuring every celebration reflects your couple’s personality?
Chicago is one of the most inspiring cities to design weddings in because it offers an incredible balance of timeless architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, world-renowned hospitality, and breathtaking waterfront views. But for me, the city should never become the focal point of the wedding, the couple should.
I see Chicago as the canvas, not the masterpiece. My role is to thoughtfully weave the city’s character into the celebration in a way that feels authentic to each couple’s story. Whether it’s incorporating the skyline into a rooftop reception, embracing the elegance of a historic Gold Coast mansion, celebrating on the North Shore’s beautiful lakefront estates, or choosing a venue with iconic architectural significance, every decision is intentional and personal.
One of the advantages of being based in Chicago is having an intimate understanding of the city’s logistics, neighborhoods, and exceptional vendor community. From navigating transportation and guest experiences to curating the right creative partners, we’re able to create celebrations that feel effortless while showcasing the very best the city has to offer.
At the same time, I never believe in designing weddings that simply follow trends. I spend a great deal of time getting to know my couples, their traditions, personalities, family dynamics, and what they want their guests to feel. Those conversations become the foundation for every design decision, from the venue and floral artistry to the menu, entertainment, and overall flow of the day.
Whether we’re planning an elegant black-tie celebration in downtown Chicago, a romantic garden wedding on the North Shore, or a multicultural wedding that beautifully blends family traditions, my goal is always the same: to create an experience that could belong to no one else.
Luxury isn’t about creating the biggest wedding, it’s about creating the right wedding.
Planning weddings across countries requires exceptional organization and strong vendor relationships. What systems or strategies have helped you successfully manage weddings for clients both locally in Chicago and abroad in Italy?
Planning weddings across two countries has taught me that exceptional organization is just as important as creativity. Behind every beautiful celebration is a well-structured process, clear communication, and a trusted team of professionals working toward the same vision.
At BWEDDINGS, we’ve developed a planning experience that allows our couples to feel confident and supported, whether they’re planning a luxury wedding in Chicago or a destination celebration in Italy. Every wedding begins with a personalized planning roadmap that includes budget management, vendor curation, design development, milestone checklists, and a detailed planning timeline. We believe our couples should always know what’s happening next, without ever feeling overwhelmed.
Relationships are another essential part of our success. Over the years, I’ve built a trusted network of exceptional venues, artisans, and hospitality professionals in both Chicago and Italy. Those relationships allow us to connect our couples with vendors who not only produce outstanding work but also share our commitment to service, professionalism, and collaboration.
Being born and raised in Italy has also been an invaluable advantage. I understand the culture, the pace, and the nuances of working with local vendors, while also understanding the expectations of American couples planning from abroad. I often find myself acting as both planner and cultural bridge, ensuring communication is clear, expectations are aligned, and every decision respects both local traditions and my clients’ vision.
Perhaps the most important strategy, however, is believing that no two weddings should ever follow the same formula. While our planning systems are highly organized, our approach is always personal. Every recommendation, every timeline, and every design decision is tailored specifically to the couple.When I look back on my journey with BWEDDINGS, I’m not sure I can point to a single proudest moment. Rather, it’s the path itself that fills me with gratitude.
Torre San Marco, Italy – Matteo Cuzzola Photography
Looking back on your journey with B Weddings, what has been your proudest career moment so far, and what advice would you share with WPIC planners who dream of expanding their businesses into international or destination weddings?
Leaving Italy, building a business from the ground up in Canada, and then starting over again after relocating to Chicago was both exciting and incredibly challenging. Every step required resilience, patience, and an unwavering belief in the value I could bring to my couples. Today, seeing BWEDDINGS recognized as a trusted luxury wedding planning studio serving both Chicago and Italy is something I’m deeply proud of, not because of the accolades, but because of the relationships we’ve built and the hundreds of couples who have entrusted us with one of the most important days of their lives.
One milestone that holds a special place in my heart was establishing our destination wedding division in Italy. As someone born and raised in Genoa, it feels incredibly meaningful to bring couples back to my homeland and introduce them to its beauty through a local’s perspective. Being able to blend my Italian heritage with the experience I’ve gained planning weddings in North America has allowed me to create celebrations that are not only beautiful but also deeply authentic.
For WPIC planners who dream of expanding into destination weddings, my advice is simple: build your expertise before you build your marketing.
Destination weddings are about so much more than beautiful photographs. They require an understanding of local customs, legal requirements, cultural expectations, hospitality standards, logistics, and, most importantly, relationships. Invest time in visiting the destinations you hope to serve, get to know the venues and vendors personally, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Your clients are trusting you to be their expert, and that trust is earned through experience, not just online research.
I also encourage planners to stay true to their identity. It’s easy to look at social media and feel pressure to follow trends, but the strongest businesses are built on authenticity. My Italian heritage has never been something I tried to fit into my business, it naturally became one of BWEDDINGS’ greatest strengths because it reflects who I am.
Finally, never stop learning. Our industry is constantly evolving, and the best planners remain curious, adaptable, and committed to raising the standard of service they provide. Beautiful weddings may capture attention, but it’s professionalism, integrity, and genuine care that build lasting careers.
At the end of the day, our role extends far beyond planning an event. We have the privilege of guiding people through one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives. If you lead with passion, humility, and excellence, opportunities whether local or international, will naturally follow.
The Drake Hotel – Artebelka Photography
Barbara Vanni is the Founder and Creative Director of BWEDDINGS, a boutique luxury wedding planning studio specializing in elegant celebrations throughout Chicago, the North Shore, and destination weddings across Italy. Born and raised in Genoa, Italy, Barbara combines her European heritage with over a decade of experience and more than 300 weddings planned to create thoughtfully curated, highly personalized celebrations. Known for her refined aesthetic, meticulous planning, and concierge-level service, she is passionate about transforming each couple’s vision into an unforgettable experience that reflects their story, culture, and style.
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