For a destination wedding to be truly unforgettable, it must be more than a single day; it must feel like a beautiful holiday shared with your most cherished friends and family. This was the vision for Chanelle and Daniel, who traveled from New York to the heart of Tuscany with guests from all over the world. Their celebration began not with a formal ceremony, but with a warm, convivial welcome dinner at Borgo di Castelvecchio, designed to instantly immerse everyone in the magic of the Val d’Orcia.
The goal was simple yet profound: to create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere where connections could be made and excitement for the wedding ahead could build naturally. We designed an evening that felt like a beautiful, expertly hosted family gathering, setting a standard of effortless elegance and heartfelt hospitality that would define their entire wedding weekend.
- Couple: Chanelle & Daniel
- Season: May 2019
- Style: Fun festive celebration for a welcome party
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
Wedding Highlights:
- Authentic Tuscan family-style dining with grilled meats, vegetables, and fresh pasta salads.
- A relaxed, open-seating plan to encourage movement and mingling among international guests.
- Live, roaming musicians who walked among the tables, creating an intimate and festive atmosphere.
A Warm Welcome to the Val d’Orcia
As guests arrived at the historic Borgo di Castelvecchio, they were greeted not by formality, but by the incredible rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia bathed in the soft, golden light of late spring. The journey for many was long, and our first priority was to make them feel immediately at ease and cared for. We transformed the Borgo’s courtyard into a rustic yet elegant haven, a space where guests could take a deep breath, sip a glass of Prosecco, and truly begin their Italian escape.
The Family-Style Tuscan Feast
Chanelle and Daniel wanted their welcome dinner to feel communal and generous. We worked with caterers to design a menu that was both delicious and interactive. Long wooden tables were set for a family-style meal, overflowing with classic Tuscan fare: perfectly grilled meats and vegetables, vibrant pasta salads, and local cheeses. This style of dining is something we love to orchestrate; it breaks down barriers and invites guests to pass platters, start conversations, and share in the simple joy of a beautiful meal together. The open seating plan further encouraged guests to move, greet old friends, and make new ones, creating a dynamic and social energy throughout the evening.
Music, Mingling, and Unforgettable Moments
To elevate the atmosphere from a simple dinner to a true celebration, we arranged for live musicians to roam among the guests. This is a wonderfully effective way to create moments of personal connection and delight. Instead of being confined to a stage, the music wove its way through the evening, drawing smiles and getting everyone into the festive spirit. For us, planning is about crafting the feeling of a day, not just the logistics.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Chanelle and Daniel’s beautiful evening shows how a thoughtful welcome dinner can set the perfect tone for an entire wedding weekend. To learn more about this stunning property and its incredible possibilities, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Borgo di Castelvecchio.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision for an unforgettable Italian celebration to life.
