Tim and Chris’s wedding was more than a picturesque celebration of love and friendship — it was a weekend-long immersion in the heart of Tuscany at a stunning 15th-century villa in San Casciano in Val di Pesa. With only 70 guests, the celebration unfolded over several days, featuring creative workshops, an intimate al fresco dinner, and a heartfelt ceremony. Every detail embodied the essence of Italy’s la dolce vita, thoughtfully curated to give their loved ones an unforgettable experience of warmth, beauty, and joy.
Location: San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Tuscany, Italy
Style: Casual, intimate, rustic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 70
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Tim and Chris’s love story began as friends, and mutual acquaintances in San Francisco introduced them. For seven years, their relationship remained a close friendship, but fate took a surprising turn when a group vacation was canceled, leaving just the two of them to enjoy what became a romantic getaway. That unexpected trip changed everything, and their friendship blossomed into love.
Years later, Chris proposed at his family’s summer home in Carmel, California. They searched for countless venues near home but found nothing that felt right. It wasn’t until they attended a magical wedding on the Amalfi Coast that they were inspired to take the leap and plan their dream wedding in Italy.
Location & Planning
Their wedding took place in the scenic region of Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, historical charm, and world-class cuisine. The venue, a 15th-century villa, provided the perfect backdrop for this summer celebration. The team at Weddings in Tuscany, with their extensive experience working with couples from all over the world, ensured that every detail was thoughtfully planned.
The villa’s sprawling lawns, gardens, and rustic architecture set the scene for both intimate moments and lively celebrations, offering the couple and their guests a truly immersive experience in the Italian countryside.
Wedding Workshops
Tim and Chris planned a special two-day experience for their guests to kick off the festivities, beginning with a series of creative workshops. The first workshop centered around floral arrangements, where guests learned about local flowers and crafted beautiful compositions.
The second workshop was a culinary adventure, where guests rolled up their sleeves and prepared fresh pasta from scratch, sipping local wine guided by expert Italian chefs.
This hands-on experience immersed everyone in the beauty of Tuscan culture and fostered a sense of community, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Rehearsal Dinner
The evening before the wedding, the couple hosted a relaxed and heartfelt welcome dinner in the villa’s garden. Guests spent the day lounging by the pool, soaking in the Tuscan sun, before gathering for a stunning al fresco meal under a canopy of string lights.
The setting was enchanting, with lush greenery, long wooden tables adorned with candles, and plates of authentic Tuscan dishes like fresh pasta, grilled vegetables, and local cheeses. The soft melodies of live musicians filled the air as everyone savored the food, wine, and atmosphere. It was the perfect opening to the main event.
Grooms' Fashion
Tim and Chris chose to reflect their style with custom-made Gucci suits. The first trip to Florence led them to stumble upon the bespoke section of Gucci’s flagship store, where they immediately knew they had found the perfect attire. Their looks were completed with stylish Gucci and Tom Ford sneakers.
Each groom also added a delicate boutonniere, thoughtfully chosen to complement their looks and tie together the soft, natural tones of the day.
Ceremony
The wedding ceremony took place in the villa’s central piazza, on the front steps of the grand building, where elegant floral arrangements by La Rosa Canina added a soft touch of greenery to the scene. The intimate ceremony was officiated by a close friend of the couple, making it even more personal.
Tim and Chris’s mothers walked them down the aisle, accompanied by a string quartet playing contemporary pop songs with a classical twist. The couple exchanged vows they had written themselves, reading from custom-made books crafted from hand-dyed Florentine paper.
Thanks to their photographer Silvia Poropat every candid moment was captured, ensuring no detail of the celebration was missed.
The ceremony was kept short and sweet, a reflection of Tim and Chris’s desire for everyone to relax and enjoy the day without formality.
Cocktail hour
Following the ceremony, guests gathered by the villa’s poolside, where the mood shifted to a more laid-back and joyful vibe. A delightful selection of cocktails was served, including refreshing spritzers and creative mixers garnished with fresh fruits and herbs. Appetizers such as artisanal cheeses and delicate canapés were offered, allowing everyone to savor the local flavors.
The string quartet continued to play softly in the background, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance as the sun dipped below the Tuscan hills.
Private moment
While guests mingled over refreshing cocktails, relaxed, and shared their heartfelt impressions of the beautiful ceremony, the newlyweds stole away for an intimate moment. They wandered through the enchanting garden, embracing and savoring the day, capturing breathtaking photos that would forever remind them of their unforgettable wedding weekend.
Decor & Setting
The decor drew inspiration from Tuscany’s timeless beauty, with each detail carefully chosen by Weddings in Tuscany to enhance the natural charm of the setting. Long, rustic tables were adorned with candles in vintage holders and wildflower arrangements, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. Hand-painted plates, doubling as name cards, added a custom, heartfelt touch.
Chiara and Elena from Weddings in Tuscany brought the couple’s vision to life with authentic Italian flair. By blending traditional Tuscan elements with personalized touches, they ensured that every detail reflected Tim and Chris’s desires. Their creativity and dedication created an atmosphere that was timeless and uniquely tailored to the couple, making each moment feel effortlessly special.
Reception
The reception was served at a single, grand table, where guests savored the Italian dishes. As evening set in, and the beautiful string lights overhead began to glow, the atmosphere became even more intimate.
Friends and family shared heartfelt words, weaving humor and personal memories that brought smiles and laughter to everyone, all while a live string ensemble played softly in the background. The melodies mingled with the gentle breeze, complementing the breathtaking views of rolling Tuscan hills and the iconic silhouette of cypress trees, creating a truly magical scene.
Later, the festivities moved to the villa’s wine cellar, where the couple swapped their casual suits for vibrant, loose-fitting shirts, embracing a more playful and relaxed vibe. DJ Enrico Palazzo took over, filling the night with upbeat tunes as guests danced the night away. Adding to the fun, the newlyweds and their guests put on glow-in-the-dark cowboy hats, creating a lively, party-like atmosphere.
Handcrafted pastries and gelato were served instead of a typical wedding cake, adding a sweet and unique touch to close out the celebration, making the evening as memorable as the joyful energy that filled the night.
Every aspect of the wedding reflected Tim and Chris’s vision for their special day — from the workshops and welcoming dinner to the heartfelt ceremony and lively reception. It was a wonderful weekend filled with love, laughter, and the unmistakable charm of la dolce vita.
"Chiara and Elena were absolute professionals, a delight to work with, and created the most magical, amazing weekend we could have ever imagined!"
Advice from the couple:
• Only plan events and details that you are excited about. Also, plan on having multiple pasta courses whenever possible.
• Don’t do things because you’re “supposed to”; try to make it meaningful!
• When we had our first intro call with Chiara, we immediately felt like she would be someone we could trust with our event, give input where needed, and guide us through the often intimidating process of planning a wedding abroad. During our wedding weekend, Chiara and Elena were behind the scenes but always present. Everything went off without a hitch, and any issues were handled swiftly and deftly before we even had to hear about it.
• Thank you again, Chiara, Elena, and the Weddings in Tuscany team!! We will relive these memories FOREVER!
PLANNER Weddings in Tuscany | PHOTOGRAPHER Silvia Poropat | VENUE & CATERING Mangiacane | FLORALS La Rosa Canina | DJ Enrico Palazzo
