Welcome. We are so delighted to share the story of Francesca and Max with you. They came to us with a beautiful, ambitious vision: to treat their dearest friends and family to an unforgettable Italian holiday, culminating in a celebration that married the monumental history of the Renaissance with the intimate romance of a Tuscan garden.
This is the story of how we brought that dream to life across two of the Val d’Orcia’s most legendary locations: Pienza Cathedral and the iconic Villa La Foce. It’s a story of art and heart, but also a testament to seamless planning when faced with the beautiful unpredictability of a Tuscan summer storm.
- Couple: Francesca & Max
- Season: Summer – July 2018
- Style: Classical romantic church wedding in Tuscany for a young couple from London.
- Planner: The Extraordinaire (Sabrina Carbone)
A Vision of Art and History
Francesca and Max are a couple with a deep appreciation for history, art, and natural beauty. They envisioned not just a wedding day, but a seamless tapestry of experiences. Their dream was for guests to feel utterly transported, from the moment they arrived in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany to the final dance under the stars. Our task was to create that journey, ensuring every logistical detail was invisible and every moment felt effortless and steeped in beauty.
A Ceremony of Heritage and Heartbreak… and Sunshine
For the sacred vows, only the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta in Pienza would do. Its commanding presence over the valley is breathtaking. As the bride and groom prepared separately at Villa La Foce, a perfect summer day was unfolding. However, as we made the 25-minute journey to Pienza, we saw a storm building dramatically over the historic town.
Upon arrival, a torrential downpour began. This is the moment where true planning is tested. With precise coordination, we ensured Francesca made it from her car to the church doors, shielded and serene, a picture of calm amidst the chaos. Once inside, the world outside melted away. The ceremony was joyful, emotional, and everything it should be, a sacred bubble of love oblivious to the floods and hail outside. And then, as if on cue, a moment of magic. As they sealed their vows, the sun broke through the clouds, streaming through the church’s glass windows and illuminating the couple in a heavenly glow.
Exiting the church, guests showered the newlyweds with cascades of rice, a wonderful Italian tradition symbolizing luck and prosperity, now set against the bright, clean piazza. It was a cinematic transition from the solemnity of the cathedral to the pure celebration that lay ahead.
An Enchanting Garden Welcome at Villa La Foce
The celebration then moved to the world-renowned gardens of Villa La Foce. Despite the storm having passed through the estate, our teams worked discreetly to ensure the grounds were immaculate for the guests’ arrival.
They were welcomed with chic cocktails and delectable aperitivo in the upper gardens, serenaded by a DJ and a live sax player. The atmosphere was electric. This transition between two iconic venues is a complex dance, and one of our core philosophies is ensuring it feels like a beautiful, curated part of the day’s experience, not a chore.
Sabrina’s Insight: The Art of Seamless Flow As I always say, ‘true luxury is when the impossibly complex feels completely effortless.’ Managing a wedding across two iconic locations like Pienza and La Foce requires deep local relationships and meticulous logistical planning.
Our true work was in the background: coordinating discrete guest transport, managing the unpredictable weather, and liaising with the venue to prepare for any contingency. It’s this invisible work that allows our couples and their guests to remain fully present in the magic of the moment.
Dinner, Design, and Dancing Under the Stars
As the sun began its final descent, casting that iconic golden Tuscan light across the valley, we guided guests to a stunning al fresco dinner. A marquee, elegantly nestled between two ancient trees, provided a canopy for the evening. The design narrative was one of ‘sculptural romance.’ A palette of ivory, soft sage, and dusty rose complemented both the ancient stones of Pienza and the lush greenery of La Foce.
The ambiance was paramount; we worked with master lighting designers to make the gardens feel magical as night fell. After a series of funny and entertaining speeches, the celebration flowed into the limonaia for cake cutting and a wild party that lasted long into the night. It was more than a reception; it was an enchanting garden party that felt like a scene from a classic film.
Jules’s Perspective: A Photographer’s Dance with Light The Val d’Orcia has a light all its own. We planned Francesca and Max’s portrait session to perfectly coincide with the ‘golden hour’ at Villa La Foce, capturing that iconic, warm glow against the cypress trees. My goal is never just to document, but to capture the distinct atmosphere of each chapter, creating a gallery that feels as layered and soulful as the experience itself.
Your Extraordinary Celebration
Francesca and Max’s beautiful day showcases just one of the incredible possibilities at this estate. To learn more, we invite you to explore our complete guide to weddings at Villa La Foce.
Ready to begin your own story? Contact us for a complimentary consultation and let us bring your vision to life.
