My Journey to Building a Luxury Travel & Wedding Empire
Growing up between New York and Florence, my life was always a blend of cultures, traditions and languages. It was a unique upbringing that shaped my love for travel, storytelling, and meaningful experiences. But if you had told me years ago that I’d be running a luxury travel and destination wedding business, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.
Like so many women, my journey wasn’t linear. It wasn’t a straight path from one career to another – it was filled with detours, unexpected opportunities, and, let’s be honest, some real struggles. But isn’t that the beauty of it? The road to success, especially for women, is rarely easy, but it’s ours to pave.
A love for music that led me to travel
My first passion was music. I studied jazz vocals at Berklee College of Music and later earned a master’s degree in music business. I spent years working in the industry, moving between New York, London, and even Italy. But the reality of corporate music? It was nothing like what I had envisioned. It felt rigid, uncreative, and, in many ways, far removed from the artistry I fell in love with.
Also, I hate modern music. Like, I really do. Apart from Adele, there’s just nothing that excites me. Ella Fitzgerald is about as modern as I like to go. That made working in the industry even harder—I felt disconnected from what was popular, and I knew I had to find a different path.
Then came a moment of complete burnout. I felt stuck, uninspired, and unsure of what was next. That’s when an opportunity arose – to take a job at NYU’s Florence campus. It wasn’t part of my grand plan, but something told me to say yes. And that yes changed everything.
Falling into my passion: Weddings & Travel
At NYU, I found myself organizing student trips and cultural experiences. For the first time in a long time, I felt creatively alive again. The logistics, the storytelling, the problem-solving – I loved it all. And, just as importantly, I realized how much I loved using my Italian roots to bridge cultural gaps.
From there, I took another leap – working for a luxury wedding planner in Italy. Suddenly, I was immersed in a world of private jets, high-end venues, and planning dream weddings for clients who wanted something truly one-of-a-kind. It clicked: This was my space. It combined everything I loved: theater, coordination, culture, food, and the magic of bringing people together for life’s most beautiful moments.
Building Bono Events International
Bono Events International was BORN in 2019 New York City! I met my now dear friend and first client, Jordan, who was in town fashion week and we met through our mutual friend. Within a couple weeks, and a few conversations, she hired me as her wedding planner. Jordan had a vision for her dream Florentine wedding, and together, and all our fabulous vendors, we made the magic happen and even got featured in Bridal Guide - not bad for my first wedding, right?!
All it takes is that one person who believes in you enough to give you the opportunity.
Women supporting women
…is what it’s all about.
Like many female entrepreneurs, I started my business not because I had everything perfectly planned out, but because I saw a need and knew I could fill it. I wanted to redefine luxury travel and destination weddings, not just by offering beautiful venues and Michelin-starred dinners, but by curating deeply personal, immersive experiences.
Luxury, to me, is not just about what you spend – it’s about how you feel. It’s about knowing that every single detail is taken care of so you can be fully present in the moment. That’s the ethos behind Bono Events International, and it’s why I pour my heart into every event, every itinerary, and every client relationship.
The reality of being a woman in this industry
This business didn’t come without challenges – especially as a woman. Let’s be real: Women in leadership, especially in industries like luxury hospitality and weddings, have to prove themselves over and over again.
I’ve had to fight to be taken seriously. I’ve had to learn to say no (which, trust me, is a skill!). I’ve had to work harder, plan better, and advocate not just for myself, but for my clients, ensuring that their experiences exceed expectations in countries and cultures where things don’t always run on time or go as planned.
I’ve also had to navigate the balance of being deeply invested in my clients’ happiness while maintaining boundaries, because the truth is, when you love what you do, it’s easy to give everything to it.
Redefining luxury through cultural immersion
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is designing experiences that go beyond the standard ‘luxury’ checklist. It’s not just about a five-star hotel — it’s about the feeling of stepping into an Italian home and making fresh pasta with a local nonna. It’s about my husband, Tano, sharing his sommelier-level expertise in cheese and wine, curating private tastings that transport you into the heart of Italian gastronomy.
These are the kinds of moments that change people. That’s what true luxury is to me.
Empowering women through travel & business
As a female entrepreneur, I want to create spaces where women feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Whether it’s helping a bride bring her dream wedding to life, designing a once-in-a-lifetime anniversary trip, or simply inspiring other women to take bold steps in their own journeys, I believe in lifting others up.
I’ve also made it a priority to employ female freelancers and support small women-owned businesses whenever possible. It’s important to me that my success also creates opportunities for other women to grow, thrive, and build their own legacies. And beyond that, I hold space to mentor new business owners, sharing what I’ve learned and helping them find their own path in this industry. Because when one woman rises, we all do.
So, to all the women out there building their dreams, navigating challenges, and making it all work: I see you. Your path doesn’t have to be linear. Your success doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. And most importantly, you deserve a seat at the table (or better yet, your own table).
So, I celebrate the women who came before us, the women beside us, and the women who will follow. May we continue to break barriers, redefine luxury, and create experiences that last a lifetime.
Salute to us!