Planning an Italian Wedding

From the Creative Team:

As a wedding planner in Ontario, Canada, I’ve had the privilege of orchestrating countless weddings in a variety of styles and with diverse budgets. From grand celebrations to intimate ceremonies, each event is unique and special in its own way. But when it came time to plan my own wedding with my husband, I found myself facing the same question that so many of my clients do: What direction should we take?

Jarrett envisioned a smaller, more intimate ceremony, while I dreamed of something that felt distinctively “us” — a celebration that reflected our personalities and the love we share. We considered many options but kept coming back to the idea of a destination wedding. The allure of combining our wedding with a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our closest friends and family felt perfect.

After much research, we narrowed it down to Villa Castelletto in Tuscany, a breathtaking venue that could accommodate our group and offered the magical atmosphere we were seeking. Planning an international wedding from Canada was an exciting challenge, but luckily, I had my talented boss, Amanda Jerome, by my side. Together, we embraced the adventure of navigating time zones, researching vendors, and working through the logistics of creating a seamless celebration across continents.

The Planning Process

One of the most important aspects of destination wedding planning is finding trustworthy vendors. From the start, we connected with professionals who understood our vision and made us feel confident despite the distance. Their expertise and communication were invaluable in bringing our plans to life.

Once we arrived in Italy, all the hard work paid off. The villa became a home away from home for us and our guests, and we savored the days leading up to the wedding, sharing laughs, local wine, and authentic Italian cuisine with our loved ones.

The Wedding Day

The day of our wedding exceeded even our wildest expectations. Every moment felt like a dream, starting with our first look near the villa, surrounded by the iconic rolling hills of Tuscany. We exchanged a private moment of excitement and love before the festivities began.

The ceremony itself was a heartfelt affair, set against a backdrop of cypress trees and sun-drenched vineyards. As the sun began to set, we captured golden hour photos with Madeline Kimberley Photography, creating some of the most cherished images of our day. The light cascading over the Tuscan landscape was nothing short of magical — a perfect reflection of the joy we felt in that moment.

Dinner was held under a canopy of twinkling lights, where we shared delicious Italian dishes and heartfelt toasts with our guests. The laughter, clinking glasses, and warm evening air created an unforgettable ambiance. Later, we danced the night away in the villa’s Tuscan wine cellar, surrounded by the love and energy of our closest friends and family.

Reflections

As a wedding planner, I was prepared for the complexities of organizing a destination wedding, but living through the experience as a bride gave me a whole new perspective. The process was smoother than I ever imagined, thanks to careful planning and a team of incredible vendors who brought our vision to life.

Looking back, I’m so grateful for the memories we created in Tuscany — the laughter, the love, and the moments that will stay with us forever. Jarrett and I wanted a wedding that was intimate, meaningful, and uniquely ours, and we found all of that and more at Villa Castelletto.

To any couples considering a destination wedding, my advice is this: embrace the adventure. With the right team and a clear vision, you can create a day that goes beyond your dreams and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.