Still pinching myself.
I spent the week traveling through some of my favorite places in Tuscany—from Lucca to Florence to Viareggio to Castelfalfi—and I had the joy, the honor, and the very full-circle life moment of speaking at Engage! Tuscany, the luxury wedding industry’s premier summit.
This wasn’t just any speaking engagement. This was the one.
For the last four years, I’ve dreamt of being part of the incredible line up of speakers at Engage! (read on my first experience with Engage here), sharing my story in the country that raised my family and helped shape who I am. And last week, that dream became real.
I had the opportunity to lead a breakout session during Engage! Tuscany that dove deep into the personal side of my journey—what my family and I have faced in recent years, the rollercoaster of emotion that came with stepping in to lead Gene & Georgetti, and the grit, evolution, and sheer fortitude it took to rebuild, reimagine, and keep going.
Rooted in Resilience
Sharing that story—one grounded in legacy, grief, growth, and a whole lot of love—was emotional, empowering, and a little surreal. I was joined by a room full of incredible humans: friends I’ve known for years, peers I deeply admire, and new connections who showed up with open hearts and minds.
The energy we created together in that room? I’m still feeling it.
And to the friends who sat in those chairs, nodded along, held space, and lifted me up—I see you. I appreciate you. I love you.
To my husband, Collin—thank you for being my tech support, emotional anchor, favorite photographer, and my ride-or-die. You’re the real MVP, now and always.
Why Engage! Tuscany? Why This Moment?
Being able to share my story in Tuscany—a place that feels like home to me—was nothing short of divine timing. This is where I studied during university. Where I still return to visit family in Lucca. Where I plan weddings for clients who fall in love with Italy the same way I did as a little girl.
This place isn’t just a destination—it’s a heartbeat.
Which is why it meant the world to speak not just as a planner and creative entrepreneur, but as a woman who’s built a career blending her heritage, her passion, and her lived experience into something meaningful.
Specializing in Destination Wedding Planning in Italy
As the founder of Michelle Durpetti Events, I specialize in luxury destination wedding planning, with a deep focus on Italy. From Florence to the Amalfi Coast, from Tuscany to Taormina, my team and I help couples plan unforgettable celebrations in the most breathtaking corners of the country.
We combine bilingual fluency, cultural knowledge, vendor relationships, and boots-on-the-ground experience to make the destination wedding experience seamless and elevated—for couples and their guests alike.
We’re not just here for the pretty (though we love the pretty). We’re here for the logistics, the design, the nuance, and the magic of storytelling through every curated detail.
So yes, speaking at Engage! in Tuscany was a milestone. But it was also a reminder of why I do what I do—and how proud I am to help my clients celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with intention and heart.
To the Team That Made It Happen
To the phenomenal Engage! team—Kathryn Arce, Rebecca Grinnals, and everyone behind the scenes—grazie mille. You bring the magic, and you do it with such grace.
To the dream team at Castelfalfi—thank you for your hospitality and care. You made it all look easy (and beautiful).
And to the two men watching from above—my dad and my Nonno—I know you helped line this one up. I felt you there.
More to Come
There’s so much more I’ll be sharing soon from Engage! Tuscany and my most recent trip. But for now, I’m holding tight to the gratitude, joy, and surreal beauty of this moment.
Because now that I’ve had this opportunity in bella Toscana, I am more ready than ever for what’s next.
Want to plan your destination wedding in Italy with a team who truly gets it? Let’s talk. We’re already packing our passports.
— Michelle
Photos by Cat Galletti
