When Stephen and JR first dreamt of their wedding, they envisioned an experience that was the very essence of Tuscany: romantic, authentic, and utterly joyful. Their search led them to Villa Catignano, a stunning historic estate near Siena that captured their hearts. They fell in love with its perfect blend of rustic charm and noble elegance, from the grand villa and stone farmhouses to the idyllic cypress groves and fragrant lemon garden.
Their vision was not just for a beautiful backdrop, but for a multi-day celebration where their family and friends could truly immerse themselves in the magic of Italy. As their planners, we were tasked with bringing this heartfelt vision to life, ensuring every moment felt both grand and deeply personal. It was a celebration of love, heritage, and the breathtaking beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
- Couple: Stephen and JR
- Season: Late Summer
- Style: Elegant and traditional at a quintessentially Tuscan villa.
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
Wedding Highlights:
- An incredibly emotional first look in the villa’s historic gardens.
- A romantic ceremony held in the villa’s fragrant lemon garden.
- A unique tablescape design featuring a multitude of crystal candle holders instead of flowers, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
- A vibrant party that saw guests dancing late into the Italian night.
A Tuscan Morning and a First Look
The wedding day began with a palpable sense of joyful anticipation. Stephen and JR prepared separately, surrounded by the warmth and support of their closest family. The atmosphere was calm yet filled with excitement for the moments to come. Once they were ready, we coordinated their first look in one of the villa’s secluded garden corners. It was a profoundly emotional moment, filled with happy tears as they saw each other for the first time. Hand-in-hand, they were ready to begin their life together.
A Ceremony in the Lemon Garden
From their first look, Stephen and JR walked proudly down through the classic Italian garden to the ceremony location they had fallen for: the villa’s enchanting lemon garden. The setting was quintessentially Tuscan and wonderfully intimate. vows were exchanged under the late summer sun, creating a memory that was both sacred and serene.
After the ceremony, they exited to a shower of rice. As Sabrina always explains to our international couples, this is a cherished Italian tradition symbolizing fertility, luck, and prosperity, and it created a wonderfully candid and joyful photographic moment.
The Art of the Italian Aperitivo
Following the ceremony, guests were guided to a spectacular cocktail hour, or aperitivo. We believe the guest journey is paramount, and for us, this part of the day is about creating an atmosphere of abundance and effortless hospitality. Guests mingled and relaxed while indulging in Prosecco and an incredible spread of authentic Tuscan hams, charcuterie, fresh vegetarian dishes, and cold pasta salads. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of a perfect Italian holiday.
A Dinner Bathed in Candlelight
For the reception design, Stephen and JR wanted something truly unique. Together with Sabrina, they decided to forgo traditional floral centerpieces in favor of a multitude of crystal candle holders in varying shapes and heights. As evening fell and the candles were lit, the effect was breathtaking. The entire courtyard was bathed in a warm, flickering glow, with the light dancing off the crystal to create a magical and incredibly romantic ambiance. For our creative director, Jules, capturing this play of light was essential to preserving the evening’s atmosphere.
Dinner was punctuated by heartfelt and emotional speeches that left not a dry eye in the house. Afterward, the celebration moved into the villa’s beautiful gray hall, where an open bar and an incredible party awaited, keeping guests on the dance floor for hours.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Stephen and JR’s beautiful day showcases just one of the incredible possibilities that await at this historic estate. To learn more about the logistics, capacity, and unique spaces for your own celebration, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Villa Catignano.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision to life.
