COVER STORY
Amanda & Timothy’s Romantic Tuscan Wedding at COMO Castello del Ner
With
The Bridal Journey
When Amanda Abdi and Timothy Cheah first met in the summer of 2015 at the University of Southern California, neither of them could have predicted that nearly a decade later, they would be exchanging vows in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Words Compiled by The Bridal Journey / Photography Vlasta Weddings
What started as a coffee date in Singapore evolved into a love story spanning continents, culminating in a breathtaking wedding at COMO Castello del Nero, a 12th-century estate-turned-luxury resort just outside Florence. Their wedding was a seamless blend of modern elegance and timeless romance, with carefully curated details reflecting their love for Italy, fine wine, and meaningful heirlooms. With 90 of their closest friends and family gathered from across the world, Amanda and Timothy’s two-day celebration was nothing short of unforgettable.
AMANDA & TIMOTHY (1)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
A Venue Steeped in History & Meaning:
For Amanda and Timothy, selecting their wedding venue was about more than aesthetics—it was about connection. With its sweeping vineyards and historic charm, COMO Castello del Nero offered the perfect backdrop for their modern-meets-classic vision. Owned by a Singaporean hospitality group, the venue also provided a sense of familiarity and warmth, ensuring that the couple felt at home despite being thousands of miles away. The couple chose to enhance the venue’s natural beauty rather than overshadow it, opting for a palette of soft neutrals, mirrored surfaces, and understated florals that complemented the rustic elegance of the countryside.
“Tuscany was the perfect meeting point between ASIA and AMERICA, where our families are based,” Amanda shares. “I also spent time in Pistoia during my studies, which made it feel even more special.”
ROTEM & MOR (1)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
ROTEM & MOR (1)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
Amanda’s wedding weekend wardrobe was spectacular, blending couture craftsmanship with deeply personal touches. For the welcome dinner, she wore a beaded Oscar de la Renta gown from 2015, accessorised with her mother’s vintage pearl choker—a sentimental piece from her parents’ wedding. Timothy matched her classic elegance in a custom linen suit, perfect for the Tuscan evening. On the wedding day, Amanda made an ethereal entrance in a custom Dolce & Gabbana two-piece gown, embodying modern sophistication while nodding to Italian craftsmanship. She paired her look with a family heirloom diamond necklace and earring set, gifted by her maternal grandfather, which perfectly complemented her oval-cut diamond engagement ring from Tim and a Cartier watch passed down from her mother. Timothy, in turn, opted for a Tom Ford tuxedo, striking the perfect balance between classic refinement and contemporary edge.
“I wanted something that felt timeless but also personal,” Amanda shares. “Wearing heirlooms from my family made everything feel even more meaningful.”
AMANDA’S CUSTOM DOLCE & GABANNA WEDDING GOWN (1)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
AMANDA’S FIRST AND SECOND LOOK (3)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
A PERFECT CEREMONY (4)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
A Ceremony Framed by Tuscany’s Timeless Beauty
The couple’s ceremony took place in front of the Castle’s historic clock tower, framed by florals designed by Flowers Living to complement the surrounding nature. Guests sat in front of a mirrored aisle, a design element that would later be reflected in themirrored reception tables, creating a cohesive visual story throughout the day. As Amanda walked down the aisle, she and Timothy exchanged heartfelt vows that captured the essence of their nine-year journey together. In one of the most moving moments, Amanda shared a promise that resonated with everyone in attendance.
“I now understand what it means when they say true love is when two people choose each other, knowing they can be happy alone but even happier together… I promise to choose you every moment for the rest of my life. I will choose you a million times over, not because I have to, but because I want to.”
With the sun shining despite weeks of predicted rain, it was as if the universe had conspired to create the perfect day.
LOVE & END OF THE NIGHT CELEBRATIONS (3)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
Cocktail Hour: A Homage to Florence’s Wine Windows
Following the ceremony, guests moved to a poolside cocktail hour featuring an inspired seating chart with a custom cocktail window—a nod to Florence’s historic wine windows. Alongside signature drinks, an illustration station by Italian artist Federica Bettarini (La Precisina) offered guests the chance to take home delicate watercolour portraits as a keepsake from the celebration.
COCKTAIL HOUR (2)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
ACandlelit Reception & The Party of a Lifetime: The reception occurred on the panoramic terrace, where mirror-topped tables reflected the candlelight, creating a dreamlike, glowing effect as the sun set over the vineyards. Guests dined on locally sourced Italian cuisine, with a special touch from Amanda’s family—a 1995 Château Pontet Canet, selected in honor of her birth year. As dinner concluded, the night became a celebration of music and energy. Circus Music, the couple’s live band, left a lasting impression on every guest. “Most of our friends and family said it was the best wedding band they’ve ever seen,” Amanda recalls. “The vocals were incredible.”
Amanda changed into a second look for the after-party—perfect for dancing at the Castle’s underground Salone delle Volte, a space exuding old-world mystique. To end the night on a meaningful note, guests returned to their rooms to find custom silk scarves, handwritten thank-you notes, and a personalised “Story of Us” illustration chronicling Amanda and Tim’s nine-year journey together.
THE PARTY OF A LIFETIME (3)
Photographed by Vlasta Weddings
Final Reflections: Love, Legacy & Timeless Advice
Looking back, Amanda and Timothy agree that their wedding was everything they dreamed of. “Having 90 of our closest friends and family together in one place was surreal.” For future couples planning a destination wedding, Amanda shares two key pieces of advice:
“Be present. No matter how stressful the planning process is, the wedding day goes by in a flash. Don’t get caught up in tiny details—just take in every moment.”
“Hire vendors you trust. Planning from halfway across the world isn’t easy. Having a team who understands your vision makes all the difference.”
For a couple whose love story began over coffee in Los Angeles and spanned across continents, their wedding reflected their journey—filled with thoughtful details, deep connections, and a celebration of heritage, family, and timeless love.
