For Lisa and Niklas, their wedding wasn’t just a single day; it was a multi-day Italian holiday designed to delight and surprise the people they love most. Their vision was to create a journey for their guests, immersing them completely in the warmth and romance of Tuscany. The celebration began not with a formal reception, but with an unforgettable welcome dinner that perfectly blended relaxed elegance with a touch of theatrical magic.
This was the opening chapter of their wedding story, an evening we designed to set a tone of celebratory ease and create a lasting first impression. It began with a secret, unfolded in a breathtaking location, and centered on the simple, powerful joy of sharing incredible food and wine under the Tuscan sky.
- Couple: Lisa and Niklas
- Season: August
- Style: Romantic family-style welcome dinner embracing Tuscany
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
An Unexpected Journey Begins
The evening began with a clever piece of stagecraft. Guests gathered in the familiar, beautiful courtyard of Villa Catignano, their home base for the wedding weekend. There was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air, but no one knew what was truly in store. On our cue, the group was invited to join the couple for a short walk.
This was the first surprise. We led them from the villa, down a quiet country road, and onto a rustic path that felt worlds away. The walk culminated at the entrance to a magnificent, centuries-old driveway lined with towering cypress trees, a quintessentially Tuscan portrait. At the end of this dramatic path, the grand gates of Villa di Geggiano swung open, revealing the secret destination and marking the true beginning of the evening’s festivities.
A Tuscan Welcome with a View
As guests stepped through the gates, they were instantly enveloped in the villa’s historic charm. Before them lay pristine Italian gardens, stunning architecture, and an incredible panoramic view of Siena in the distance. Our team was there to greet everyone with chilled Prosecco and a curated selection of canapés, allowing them to mingle, absorb the spectacular new surroundings, and feel instantly cared for.
The entire experience was designed to be seamless. The surprise journey transitioned perfectly into a relaxed aperitif, giving guests the time and space to socialize and connect while a pianist, stationed at a grand piano on the open-air theatre stage, provided a beautiful acoustic backdrop.
Dinner, Music, and Unforgettable Moments
When it was time for dinner, we invited guests to take their seats at a magnificent long imperial table. The décor was intentionally simple and elegant, with clusters of deep red roses adding a touch of romance without distracting from the natural beauty of the setting. It was free seating, encouraging a relaxed, family-style atmosphere.
For the meal, Lisa and Niklas wanted to give their guests a truly authentic taste of Tuscany. We arranged for a classic Tuscan barbecue, with the celebrated Fiorentina steak as the star of the show. The barbecue itself was set up on the lawn, providing a bit of culinary theatre as chefs masterfully prepared the feast. As dusk settled and the stars began to appear, our carefully placed uplighting illuminated the villa’s dramatic architecture, transforming the space into a magical, glowing backdrop. At the perfect moment, the happy couple stood to make a heartfelt welcome speech, officially kicking off their wedding celebration surrounded by the warmth and support of their family and friends.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Lisa and Niklas’s beautiful welcome dinner showcases just one of the incredible possibilities for a multi-day celebration in Tuscany. To learn more about this historic estate, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Villa di Geggiano.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision to life.
