Jewelry Designer Rene Barnes Creates All Her Wedding Looks for Tuscan Castle Ceremony
On May 8, 2026, jewelry designer Rene Barnes tied the knot with real estate broker Christian DiCroce at Castello di Celsa in Italy, a year after their engagement in Charleston, South Carolina. Their love story began on October 6, 2022, at Bar 167, and Christian popped the question on May 8, 2025, on Chalmers Street. For her wedding, Barnes collaborated with couture dressmaker Mary Funt, utilizing fabrics sourced from Mendel Goldberg Fabrics. Her ensemble featured a cream Dior silk dress, an Oscar de la Renta creation, and a gown crafted from Italian silk jacquard. Christian donned a custom tuxedo from Casa dei Tessuti. The ceremony, led by Barnes' father, included music by The Cool Boyz and was organized by Fabiana Vernetti, with photography by Anne Rhett.
Key facts
- Rene Barnes and Christian DiCroce married on May 8, 2026, at Castello di Celsa in Italy.
- The couple met on October 6, 2022, at Bar 167 in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Christian proposed on May 8, 2025, on Chalmers Street in Charleston.
- Rene designed all her wedding clothing and jewelry, working with couture dressmaker Mary Funt.
- Fabrics sourced from Mendel Goldberg Fabrics, including deadstock Dior, Oscar de la Renta, and Armani silks.
- Christian wore a bespoke tuxedo from Casa dei Tessuti in Florence.
- The welcome dinner was at the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena, in a room where Madonna had celebrated her birthday.
- The ceremony was officiated by Rene's father, and the band The Cool Boyz performed.
- Photography by Anne Rhett.
- Planner Fabiana Vernetti and paper goods designer Nicole Ferguson of Every Little Something assisted.
Entities
Artists
- Rene Barnes
- Christian DiCroce
- Mary Funt
- Fabiana Vernetti
- Nicole Ferguson
- Anne Rhett
- Alice (from Mendel Goldberg Fabrics)
Institutions
- Mendel Goldberg Fabrics
- Casa dei Tessuti
- Every Little Something
- The Cool Boyz
- Grand Hotel Continental
- Castello di Celsa
- Vogue
Locations
- Castello di Celsa
- Italy
- Charleston
- South Carolina
- United States
- Siena
- Florence
- Tuscany