I might be impartial, but I think Italy is the best place for destination weddings.
Still, Italy is a big country with 20 regions, each offering an impressive choice of locations. How does one make the right choice?
It requires time, research, dedication, and trusted specialists to navigate the road toward selecting the venue that is right for you.
Primavera Dreams is here to help you make an educated decision!
Today I want to talk about one of the most charming and sought-after venues in Tuscany – Borgo Stomennano.
Beautiful borgo, whose history dates back to the 11th century, is located near Monteriggioni castle and is linked to illustrious names like Medici and Dante.
The current owners took possession of Stomennano back in 1700. They ran it as a family business, opening its doors to couples who wanted to get married at this enchanting location.
Enchanting indeed, with its cypress alley, flowering gardens, olive grove, sculptures, and fountains, the elegant villa of Stomennano has an incredible appeal. It is no surprise that my couple, Catherine and Marlon, based in the Bay Area in California, fell in love with this place at first sight.
After 18 months of planning, visiting the premises, and a food tasting, we celebrated their union in the company of 80 guests, who all crossed the Atlantic for this 3-day event.
The Welcome Pizza Party was the first get-together for everyone. It took place in a secluded area of the villa. Tables were decorated with fresh herbs and colorful vegetables, and big pillows were put on the grass for a picnic feel.
It was a relaxing evening, where the guests enjoyed freshly-baked pizza, local wine, cheeses, cold cuts, tiramisu, beer, prosecco, and artisanal gelato to die for!
I rarely eat ice cream in the US, but I couldn't resist this gelato. We had four flavors, and each was heavenly good. But if you were to ask me what I preferred: pizza or gelato, I would not be able to answer. Both were delicious.
Wedding Day.
The next day started early with a yoga class. The wedding party was then busy getting ready. In the meantime, the florist, caterer, and entertainment team started working on a setup. Soon, the photographers from Aqua Wedding Photography arrived to document all the details.
Catherine, both moms, and her girlfriends were getting ready in the bridal suite.
Marlon and his groomsmen were relaxing in a separate area, then putting their tuxes on.
Catherine and Marlon decided to have their First Look before the ceremony. Then the Wedding party joined them for a few shots.
When everything was ready, the bus with the guests who stayed at the charming Hotel Monteriggioni arrived, and everyone was invited to the ceremony area.
Finally, the ceremony began. It was conducted by a family friend and was full of happy emotions, joy, and laughter.
And after the pronouncement: "The Groom may now kiss the Bride," they were called Husband and Wife!
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed an incredible cocktail hour by Roland's Catering. It was a hot day, and the guests appreciated Aperol Spritz and other refreshments, mouth-watering finger food, and colorful food stations. A talented trio of musicians played and sang during the cocktail while many guests danced.
The couple took tons of pictures with families and friends, and then we invited them to the dinner reception area.
What is unique about Stomennano is that the area where most dinners are usually held is curved. As it was getting darker, the whole place became illuminated by candles, and the villa's walls were also lit. Together with fairy lights and chandeliers, it created a truly unique, magical atmosphere.
After the Grand Entrance, dinner began. It was filled with great speeches and toasts, and the multi-course meal was delicious.
In the end, we had the wedding cake show, when the pastry chef assembled a traditional Italian millefoglie cake with the help of the newlyweds.
After the cake, everyone was invited to the dance floor, with the DJ and the bar area ready. Drinks, sweets, and late-night snacks were served there, and the guests danced until early morning.
Despite this long day, many were ready for yoga class the following morning! Stomennano has a charming space on the roof of one of its buildings for yoga. This was followed by a morning swim in the pool, and finished off with brunch.
Some guests took off afterward, while others joined the bride's parents for a trip to a nearby winery for a wine tasting.
The celebration concluded with a farewell dinner in a nearby open-air local restaurant.
These three days are the beginning of the story of a new family, which will be kept in its "memory treasure box" and cherished for the years to come!
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