A Bride Adorned in Vintage Lace Ties the Knot at a 16th-Century Church in Naples
In a tale that weaves romance with history, Italian noble Anna Virginia Visocchi Sanseverino di Marcellinara found herself captivated by Corso Sestini Branca di Romanico, a member of the renowned Fernet Branca family. Their initial encounter took place during a lunch gathering with friends in Milan, where Anna Virginia reminisces, "It was one of those instant connections—just a glance exchanged between us that hinted at something extraordinary." However, she noted, “It wasn’t yet our time.”
Fast forward a year, and fate had other plans for them. They crossed paths again in the same setting, filled with the same vibrant energy but this time without any barriers. "We began discussing our mutual love for exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations around the globe," Anna Virginia shared. It was in that moment she felt an inexplicable familiarity with Corso, as if he were a long-lost friend. Their relationship deepened during an unexpected third meeting, turning a simple conversation into a romantic dinner and ultimately blossoming into a profound love.
Just a week later, Corso extended an invitation to Anna Virginia for a trip to Lugano. “True to his gentlemanly nature, he sought permission from my brother Giorgio, who was already his friend,” Anna Virginia recounted with a smile. Her brother, always with a hint of humor, responded, “Are you certain? My sister can be quite challenging… proceed at your own risk.” Corso chuckled, and from that moment on, they became inseparable.
One late summer weekend, the couple ventured to Belgium to attend a wedding. Reflecting on their journey, Anna Virginia described how upon arriving at the picturesque countryside surrounding their lakeside accommodations, Corso noticed a small rowing boat. “He thought it would be a brilliant idea to ‘borrow’ it without seeking anyone’s permission. We left everything behind—our phones, distractions, and the outside world. Just the two of us, accompanied by a pink sunset and graceful swans gliding nearby,” she recalled. In that serene setting, Corso knelt down with a ruby ring that had belonged to his grandmother, having previously sought her father’s blessing. "It was a magical moment: intimate, spontaneous, and emotional... though slightly perilous as the little boat began drifting away,” she laughed. “But none of that mattered. Our entire universe existed within that small boat, surrounded by water and awe—a perfect instant I will cherish forever."
When it came time to select a venue for their wedding, the choice felt inevitable to Anna Virginia. “We decided to celebrate at home, in the 18th-century villa near Vesuvius that holds a special place in my heart, largely due to the cherished memories of my beloved great-grandmother Lilly, a remarkable woman who made that space part of my identity.” The villa was undergoing restoration, and fortunately, it was completed just in time for their wedding on July 5, 2025. The ceremony was set to take place at the historic Church of the Gesù Nuovo, a location rich in familial significance for the bride. "This church, with its rugged façade and almost ethereal ambiance, was once the residence of Prince Roberto Sanseverino, one of my ancestors," Anna Virginia explained. "Being there, in a location so intricately tied to my lineage, imbued every moment with meaning."
Interestingly, Anna Virginia had never envisioned a grand wedding; thus, she enlisted the help of her mother, Selvaggia Sanseverino di Marcellinara, along with Carolina Pignata Lambert, the owner of La Festa by Homeating. “Each time we traveled to Naples for wedding planning sessions, my mother was completely immersed in the preparations, overflowing with ideas and surrounded by countless meters of fabric—samples for tablecloths, napkins, cushions, and upholstery,” Anna Virginia shared. “Corso looked amazed when we decided on the thread color for 400 crocheted doilies crafted at the Marcellinara family estate, one for each guest’s bread plate. It symbolized our intention to welcome every guest with the same warmth one would feel entering a home.” Family members contributed their talents to bring their vision to life: Corso’s mother Ilaria Branca managed invitations, his brother Carlo curated welcome boxes, while Anna Virginia’s brother Giorgio assisted with music and seating arrangements. “Everyone poured their hearts and efforts into this collaborative creation,” Anna Virginia remarked.
