La Badia, an ancient castle in Orvieto, Italy, provides the perfect backdrop for Elaine and Todd Masoni's outdoor wedding.

The couple opted to do a photo shoot outside Duomo di Orvieto, a 14th-century cathedral in the town of Orvieto in Umbria, central Italy. Photos, Lilian Haidar. Floral and Event Design, Matthew Robbins of Matthew Robbins Design, New York.

To help guests stay cool, paper fans with the programs printed on them and hydrating mineral water spray were available at each chair.

Bunches of rosemary -- a fragrant plant indigenous to Orvieto -- were tied to the chairs at the ends of the aisles.

The entrance of the open-air courtyard was flanked with olive trees, and the La Badia castle ruins provided a natural stage for the ceremony.

The bouquet, in shades of ivory, yellow, and verdant green, complemented the faded terra-cotta stone of the old castle.

The centerpieces were simple arrangements of vanda orchids, phalaenopsis orchids, hydrangeas, rosemary, hypericum berries, and eucalyptus leaves.

Less-traditional greenery such as rosemary, olive branches, and eucalyptus leaves can add a surprising touch and have the added bonus of smelling terrific, Robbins advises.

Candles at the same height as the centerpieces provide a romantic glow and light the long tables.

Miniature crostini hors d'oeuvres were perfect for this outdoor wedding in a warm climate.

The beauty of the Bellini is its versatility and simplicity. Fill a glass halfway with fruit puree (any seasonal fruit will work). Finish by adding Champagne or sparkling white wine. For a nonalcoholic variation, top with club soda instead of wine.