Small and Colorful Wedding at Villa S. Andrea in Tuscany

Bride & Groom’s Story as told by Wedding Planner

When Lauren and Tom approached me in September of 2013 to plan their big day in Tuscany, their ideas of what they wanted were pretty clear. They had in mind a small, intimate event for their closest family and friends (25 guests in total). The traditional scenario of the Tuscan countryside of vineyards and olive trees, and a simple no ­fuss venue that would represent the heritage of this stunning region, where they could all enjoy an unforgettable weekend surrounded by their beloved.

I did not hesitate to suggest Villa S. Andrea, which truly embodies quintessential Tuscany. The Estate is located in a vineyard, in the little village of San Casciano Val di Pesa, twenty minutes from Florence. There are three farmhouses in addition to the B&B in the main old building.

Lauren and Tom chose one of these farmhouses – Casale di Montelodoli – as the location for their wedding. It is a stunning traditional country house on top of a hill, surrounded by a beautiful garden with a private swimming pool and a stone cottage. It overlooks the Chianti vineyards, the perfect location for a small, intimate wedding.

The couple decided to go for fresh, country ­style chic for their decorations. They wanted simplicity but at the same time something different from the usual muted white ­ivory palette. They were really keen to include color and, being graphic designers, to use their own creative skills.

It was also important for their family and friends to be involved in creating something unique which would reflect their style and taste:

• Lauren’s mother made over three hundred tissue pompon that were used to decorate the garden and courtyard of the villa where the ceremony was held.
• Friends cut meters of multi­-colored ribbons to decorate the chairs at the long table where dinner was served.
• The bride created paper flowers for the men’s buttonholes and for her bouquet. She chose a vibrant composition of coral pink and glowing red to brighten the delicate pink, ­green, and ­ivory palette of the wedding.
• The three bridesmaids looked stunning in their coral dresses, and created an outstanding feature in the whole design scheme of the event.

Samuela from Fioridea, the local florist, added gypsophila, ivory and pink lysianthus, pink and light yellow carnations, ipericum and blue eucalyptus, and lots of rosemary, sage and olive leaves to complete the scheme. The result was amazing and simple all at the same time.

A very special time during the weekend was when Lauren was transformed into a bride. The setting was so romantic ­ in the top ­floor room of the ancient turret of the Casale. I am sure it will be something Lauren and her mother and the bridesmaids will never forget. The room, traditional and cosy, with timber beams and a terracotta tile floor had a stunning view over the Tuscan hillsides, and was the perfect location for the girls while they were helping each other and the bride get ready. Glasses of prosecco were raised many times during this happiest of mornings that the women shared.

The pretty little stone barn in the courtyard of the Casale was the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony. That was followed by an aperitivo in the red sun light, and a dinner served in the garden of the Casale in front of the house where guests were staying. A u­-shaped table enabled everyone to sit close to each other and enjoy a scene that resembled an impressionist painting, as it was lit by a spectacular Tuscan sunset.

Lauren and Tom were keen for their guests to enjoy true Italian food. A Tuscan-­style meal was prepared and served by the local caterers, Mommopretto, that included hand­made pasta and a traditional fresh millefoglie wedding cake. Of course, a dance party under the moon followed.

The stunning photos from the talented Emma of Innocenti Studio reveal a day full of emotions, in which everyone was relaxed and able to savor every special moment. You can see in many of Emma’s shots the joy that sprang from this day of love. Each moment of this wedding was relaxed and happy, allowing all the family members and friends to fully enjoy each others company along with beautiful Tuscany at its best.

Simplicity, joy, sharing of emotions … and pure Tuscany! This was exactly what Lauren and Tom had always dreamed for their wedding in Italy.