Luba Mitnik Gankin has organized all kinds of events since her childhood. She speaks English, French, Russian and Italian, lives in Boston, and is in love with Italy. Luba is also a PhD scientist. For many years she worked as a director at an international innovation company, coordinating many complex, multinational projects and developing deep cultural and business ties across the globe. Luba has always had a passion for bringing people together and is now using her extensive research and project management skills in creative ways as a Certified International Event and Wedding planner. She focuses on beautiful Italy and charming New England. Her motto is perfection and her priority is you. But now, we can discover more about Luba Mitnik Gankin with an exclusive interview.
Tell us about you and how and when you decided to become a Wedding planner.
I have organized events since childhood, from intimate gatherings to huge charity events, global school reunions, concerts, bar/bat mitzvahs, and milestone birthday parties in the US, France, Portugal, and my beloved Italy. It has been a hobby of mine my whole life, and after a long management career seven years ago, I decided to pursue my passion full-time and help people plan events they will remember forever. I am not a rocket scientist — my PhD is in chemistry — but I have distinguished myself in the wedding planning industry for my management skills and a methodical attention to details others might miss.
You are a leader in the Luxury destination wedding planning business in Italy and Boston, Massachusetts. Can you tell us more about your favourite venues in these Countries and why?
I need help naming just a few venues in Italy, as I love many of them. In Boston, I love the Boston Harbor Hotel for its unique location in the centre of the city and by the water, its superb facilities, great food, and super-helpful staff. In Tuscany, my heart belongs to the Castello Banfi, where we celebrated our Silver Anniversary, but also to Castello di Celsa, Castello Vicchiomaggio, Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte, Villa Medicea di Lilliano. I love Villa Cimbrone a Ravello and Villa San Micheli in Capri. Each venue has its unique beauty and charm, but they also have fantastic managers, professional and helpful, which is a must when planning a destination wedding.
How long is the destination wedding planning process? When do you recommend starting?
As soon as possible! It can easily take two years to plan a wedding, especially if you have a particular date and venue. When my clients have some flexibility with dates and are open to considering multiple venues, it may be a shorter time, 18 months. But when they start just one year before their preferred date, it might be tricky. In addition to securing a venue, we would need to rush to find and book all other essential vendors.
How has the wedding world changed after the Pandemic?
People are eager to get married and to celebrate after a long wait. They crave positive emotions. At the same time, the cost of services raised significantly, and weddings are getting substantially more expensive. As a result, I am experiencing an influx of demands.
What are the strengths of your service?
I am super-well organized and focused and am trying to be available to my clients. I understand they are all busy people, many live in different time zones, and I do my best to accommodate their schedules. I am putting my heart into my work, and my clients feel it.
What is the priority of your couples today?
My couples want to have unique weddings and are genuinely interested in creating an unforgettable experience for their guests. Sometimes I even must remind them that their marriage is, first of all, about them.
What main aspects must a couple consider for a destination wedding in Italy?
The couples need to understand the location of their venue and the related logistics. I always encourage the travel to the location before the wedding to familiarize yourself with the venue, the details, and the staff and better visualize the events’ flow. It helps a lot when creating the timelines, the design, and additional services such as transportation and lodging.
What are the challenges today when planning a Destination wedding?
International travel is getting rather complicated, which may affect trips in 2023. We must be prepared for unexpected changes and always keep Plan b (and C) in mind. I always recommend arriving at your destination ahead of time and adjusting to the different time zones, etc. Responsible and knowledgeable help when planning your celebration, such as a WP and a travel agent, is essential.
Is there any place in Italy where you still need to do a wedding but would love to?
Oh my! There are many places I would love to explore! In Tuscany, that would be Il Borro, Castiglion del Bosco, and Four Seasons in Florence, to name a few. Castello del Reschio in Umbria. I would happily have a wedding on the Lake Como at Villa Del Balbianello. I also dream of a magical wedding in Venice.
What would it be if you had to choose one Italian city to live in? Why?
My heart is split between Florence and Milan. As I grew up in a big city, I would choose Milan, but I will visit Florence, this incredible cradle of the Renaissance, every week!
Enjoy even more @ Primavera Dreams
Photo Credits: David Bastianoni Studio – Michael Zennaro Photography – Anna Fowler Photography – Aqua Wedding Photography – Zonzo Studio – Alex Gordias Photography – Stepan Vrzala Photography – Elena Foresto Photography – Lace and Luce Photography.
Article edited by Diana Da Ros