Real Wedding: A Family Event in a Tuscan Hamlet

Breathtaking destination wedding at Borgo Stomennano

K and J celebrated their nuptials in a stunning Tuscan hamlet with family and friends. For J celebrating in Tuscany was a no brainer…he is a wine exporter after all. What better place to celebrate your wedding than at a 11th century winery?

The Wedding Venue

The stunning Borgo Stomenanno sits atop a hilltop overlooking the Tuscan town of Monteriggioni. The epic venue was once the home to a nobile hamlet who had as a guest the writer Dante Aligheri. The current owners have owned the property since the 1700s. One of their ancestors was even lady in waiting to Queen Margherita; yes the lady responsible for the tasty Margherita pizza. It is a perfect Tuscan wedding hamlet for anyone looking to spend multiple days in the countryside with friends and family while soaking up the warm sun and sipping on a glass of red wine. J+K picked it for its history, elegance, and the possibilty of easily hosting their 90 guests. If you would like to read more about the venue check out our venue on Borgo Stomennano: HERE

The dress

K stunned all of her guests with her bohemian style dress Fox gown by Rue di Seine. Her veil by Tania Maras gave it that classic art deco 1920’s style. She was so stunning that she didn’t need many accesories, other than a Mizuki pendant necklace. Her bouquet complemented the look with its green and white tones.

Bridesmaids’ dresses

The bridesmaids wore strapless hunter green gowns by River Island. The adorable flower girls also wore River Island dresses with babies breathe flower crowns.

Groom’s suit

J’s suit was almost as important as the venue for him and this is why he had a classic custom suit made. RJB design in Auckland, New Zealand designed the swanky two toned suit reminiscenat of the Great Gatsby. The groomsmen had replicas made during a trip to Vietnam– His mate imported champagne from France and the groomsmen made merry preparing for the wedding. Of course his look was completed with a red convertible Alfa Romeo. What epic shot would be complete without it?

The Ceremony

J and K decided to have a catholic ceremony in the neighboring town of Monteriggioni. J arrived in his classic red Alfa- while Kate and her bridesmaids arrived with K’s dad. The church bells began to ring as K and her entrourage walked through the townsquare. There just happened to be a hiking festival that Saturday so the square was more packed than usual. Tourists were already waiting in anticpation after J arrived in his convertible. When K walked around the corner into the square applause and cheers rang through the air. The church was simple and elegantly decorated with an olive garland above the main door.

You know how the bride makes her entrance and everybody turns to look at her?

27 dresses

Yep, my favorite part of the entire wedding is looking at the groom’s face when the bride walks in. Of course, I only get to see it after the fact as I’m normally outside calming the bride…but when I get the pictures from the photographer they never disappoint. I have to say that J and K were no exception. The look on J’s face when K walked in was absolutly priceless.

After the ceremony guests enjoyed a drink in the townsqaure. K and J then drove off into the sunset in their red Alfa Romeo.

The Dinner

Guests arrived to the Tuscan wedding hamlet to a traditional Italian trio, champagne and canapés. K and J arrived in style in their sporty red car. After socializing, and some dancing, the guests sat down for a 3 course meal offered by zenzero biocatering from Florence. The meal was topped off with unforgetable, both hilarious and moving, toasts. The tables were decked with eucalyptus and olives branches with roses carefully placed along the table by our lovely Sabrina. Guests found their seats by different wine labels loved by the couple— J is a wine exporter afterall. Of course the tables were full with candles setting the mood.

The Cake

J and K chose a simple and elegant 2 tiered cake by Marisa Vitali of Sugarcups Greve. Sabrina and I decorated the table with olive garland and tea light candles. And the flavours? Lemon poppy seed and pink champagne… can you say Yum!

The Afterparty

What wedding would be complete without an epic afterparty? It didn’t disappoint. Guests literally danced the night away. At one point J and K were lifted high up by their guests in chairs, followed by some late night swimming. When you choose a Tuscan wedding hamlet you can dance without any curfew.

The day was one of a lifetime…for me as a planner as well. I rarely see a group of such well blended people who really and geniunally enjoy each others company. If I ever decide to reknew my vows and want an epic party, I’ll know who to invite.

Planner: Tuscan Wedding

Dress: Fox dress by Rue de Siene

Veil: Tania Maras

Bridesmaids’ dresses and flower girls’ dresses: River Island

Groom’s suit: RJB design of Auckland

Photographer: Mark Pacura

Cake: Sugarcups by Marisa Vitali

Catering: Zenzero Biocatering

Venue: Borgo Stomennano