Meet Sonja
of FunkyBird
Luxury Wedding Florist in Tuscany, Italy
I’m Dutch-born, and I grew up between the tulip fields and the North Sea dunes, surrounded by color, texture, and the quiet rhythm of nature. I always felt the pull to explore the world, and at 22, I followed that instinct all the way to Florence, Italy.
After a series of odd jobs, I found myself working at a local floral studio, La Rosa Canina, and something instantly clicked. I fell completely in love with the art of flowers, their movement, their emotion, and the way they transform a space. That discovery changed everything.
A few years later, I started my own business, and FunkyBird was born. (Fun fact: the name came from Milos, our photographer, during one of our early wedding collaborations.) What began as a creative experiment quickly grew into a studio designing weddings across Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and beyond.
I design flowers for people who love deeply, celebrate intentionally, and see beauty in every detail. My work is inspired by the landscapes of Tuscany, and by the stories each couple brings.
Ready to see what happens when artistry meets emotion?
Keep reading to explore how FunkyBird celebrates every kind of love, creating inclusive, meaningful floral designs for LGBTQ+ couples and beyond.
Our Approach to Luxury Weddings in Italy
At FunkyBird, we’re all about lush, expressive florals that stop you in your tracks. Over the years, our work has evolved alongside Italy’s top planners and most beautiful venues, creating weddings that feel elevated, modern, and full of emotion.
Every installation is an opportunity to go big, to turn a moment into an experience. Forget the idea of “just a few olive branches on the table.” We design to wow, crafting immersive floral worlds that reflect each couple’s style and story.
Couples come to FunkyBird because they value creativity, communication, and intention. Paying a premium for flowers means every detail gets our personal time, energy, and artistry. Quick responses, custom designs, thoughtful planning, this is a fully bespoke experience, built around your vision.
Each design blends texture, color, and movement to create luxury weddings across Italy.
Sonja and her team were incredible. She absolutely understood our brief – romantic flower arranements, but not too wedding-y and with some whimsy. We were blown away. We highly recommend Funkybird!
Emily and Stephen - wedding at Borgo Bastia Creti
Celebrating Every Kind of Love
At FunkyBird, love is love, and it’s at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every couple deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and be completely themselves on their wedding day.
As an inclusive wedding florist based in Italy, FunkyBird creates floral designs that go beyond trends or traditions. From same-sex weddings in Tuscany to destination celebrations across the Amalfi Coast and Lake Como, each event is designed with intention, creativity, and a deep respect for the people at its center.
Because at the end of the day, weddings are about joy, the laughter, the dancing, the pure fun of being surrounded by people who love you. Tuscany offers the perfect backdrop for that: golden light, incredible food, and a sense of freedom that lets couples celebrate love in their own way.
These weddings aren’t just about beautiful flowers (though there are plenty of those). They’re about connection, about creating spaces where families, friends, and lovers of all kinds come together.
Sonja’s approach is rooted in care and connection. She listens, she sketches, she dreams with you. Every flower is chosen with intention, every color has meaning. The result? Floral designs that hit different
Want to see how it all comes together?
Read our full story about same-sex weddings in Tuscany here.
Why Tuscany Is a Dream Wedding Destination
There’s a reason everyone falls for Tuscany. The golden light. The long tables under olive trees. The way time seems to slow down just enough for you to actually feel the moment.
For couples planning a destination wedding in Tuscany, it’s not just the views, it’s the vibe. The mix of history, food, and that effortless Italian charm makes every celebration feel cinematic. It’s the kind of place where laughter carries late into the night, and every photo looks like it belongs in a magazine.
Everything in Tuscany feeds the creative process, the setting always tells its own story and we love to weave yours into it.
Tuscany has our heart, but Italy keeps us inspired. Whether it’s the drama of Lake Como or the glow of the Amalfi sunset, we’ll bring the FunkyBird magic wherever you say “I do.”
When to Get Married in Tuscany
Timing is everything, especially in Tuscany. Each season brings its own rhythm, its own light, its own magic. Spring is all soft colors and wild blooms, summer turns everything golden, and autumn wraps the hills in warm, hazy tones that photographers dream about.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Tuscany, think about how you want it to feel. Long summer nights for dancing under the stars? Or a cooler, quieter celebration when the crowds fade and the sunsets hit deeper? Both have their charm, and their price tags. High season means higher costs, while spring and fall often bring better rates (and just as much beauty).
Flowers follow their own kind of season, too. Some months explode with local color and abundance, others rely more on imported blooms. Each has its strengths, it’s all about knowing how to work with what’s naturally in season.
Curious which time of year fits your style — and your budget?
Read more about [the best seasons for weddings in Tuscany] and [seasonal wedding flowers in Italy] to plan your day beautifully, from the light to the last petal.
Destination Weddings Across Italy
While Tuscany will always be home, our flowers have travelled far. Over the years, FunkyBird has designed and collaborated on weddings and creative events across Italy and beyond from the dramatic peaks of the Dolomiti to the sun-drenched cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, and the bustling city of Amsterdam.
Each region has its own rhythm, its own light. The island of Elba inspires wild, textural designs with coastal blooms; Umbria brings understated elegance and soft countryside tones; Sardegna surprises with its rugged landscapes and endless sea views. Lake Como exudes luxury and timeless sophistication, while Puglia is the up-and-coming jewel of southern Italy, authentic and full of warmth.
What makes destination weddings in Italy so special is how adaptable they are, no two celebrations ever look or feel the same. FunkyBird approaches each one as a collaboration between place, people, and flowers. Every color palette, every installation, every stem is chosen to echo its surroundings and capture that sense of where you are.
Want to see how it all comes to life?
I’ll soon share a behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite luxury wedding designs in Tuscany, from the first sketches to the final candlelight glow.
The FunkyBird Experience
Every wedding starts with a story, yours. When I begin designing, I want to understand how you imagine your perfect day: the atmosphere, the mood, the flowers you’ve always dreamed of. I listen closely, because those first conversations are where the vision takes shape. Together, we explore how your ideas can come to life within your chosen Italian venue, adapting to the season, the light, and the natural beauty of the setting.
Once we’ve defined the vision, I create a dedicated floral mood board that captures the essence of your celebration. From the bridal bouquet to large-scale installations, every detail is designed to reflect your personality and story. I love experimenting with out-of-the-box elements and bold compositions, always with the goal of creating something unforgettable.
For couples who want a fully cohesive look, I also offer complete event design, going beyond flowers to include curated table settings, custom linens, and design-led rentals. I love crafting spaces that feel immersive, creative and emotionally resonant.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re planning your wedding in Italy and want flowers that feel personal, joyful, and full of character, I’d love to chat. I’m based in Florence and design weddings across Tuscany and throughout Italy, in countryside villas, historic towns, and beautiful coastal spots.
Tell me what you imagine for your day, the colors, the mood, the flowers you love most, and I’ll help you bring it to life. Together we’ll create a design that feels natural, true to your story, and perfectly in tune with your venue and season.
If you’re ready to start planning your wedding flowers in Tuscany, Italy, get in touch here. Or, if you’d like a little inspiration first, have a look through some of my real weddings to see what’s possible.
Best florist ever! Amazing service, amazing quality, amazing people. Couldn’t ask for anything better. Sonja made my dreams come true! Highly recommended.
Florien ad Giulio - destination wedding in Tuscany
