Colorful Destination Wedding in Tuscany

Kelly Major
Jan 16
3 min read

As wedding photographers, Amanda and Mike have become close friends of ours in the industry. When they approached us to help them plan their TWO celebrations, we were honored and bustling with excitement. The first, to be a small elopement at their favorite restaurant in the neighborhood and the second, a destination wedding in a location to be determined. We immediately said YES and hit the ground running.

For their destination wedding, we explored multiple cities along the mediterranean coast of Europe. A+M knew they wanted to go to Europe, host about 40-50 people, and find a location where everyone could stay together and enjoy some sunshine surrounded by love. Amanda's family is from Italy, so when we found Valle di Badia it not only resonated because of it's beautiful aesthetic, but personally was a loving connection to where she came from.

We began planning the June celebration immediately. While planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when hosted abroad, our experience, paired with an exceptional on-site planning team, made the process seamless. We brought a photographer and hair and makeup artists from Boston, while partnering with talented local vendors for florals, rentals, and catering. Together, we curated a three-day celebration for 40 of Amanda and Mike’s closest friends and family.

The beauty of a destination wedding is that it becomes more than a single event, it’s a shared experience. Guests gather not just to witness a wedding, but to fully disconnect, connect with one another, and celebrate Amanda and Mike together in an unforgettable international setting. Each family had their own apartment on property, all surrounding a communal pool and terrace where they could enjoy drinks, local flavors and connection. In between planned celebrations, guests were able to enjoy their own Italian vacation in a communal setting with close friends and family.

A Tuscan Welcome

The first night on-property, we welcomed guests in true Italian fashion, with a classic Tuscan-style dinner under the stars. A long communal table stretched beneath a glowing wall of lights, instantly setting the tone for the week ahead. The evening was intentionally laid-back: local cuisine, good wine, and unhurried conversation. It gave everyone space to settle into the rhythm of Tuscany and feel at home in this beautiful place before the celebrations truly began.

A day Full of Color

While the welcome dinner leaned into a more traditional Tuscan aesthetic, the wedding day was designed to fully reflect Amanda and Mike’s personalities. From our very first conversations, we knew color would play a starring role. Bold, bright hues were layered in monochromatic combinations to create a joyful, high-impact design that truly wowed guests. Our local floral partner, Giorgia Carolini Florals, brought the vision to life—delivering a series of unforgettable moments at every turn.

From the moment guests turned the corner onto the chapel lawn and encountered the lush ceremony installation, smiles were instant. The interplay of shape, color, and texture set an exuberant tone for the intimate ceremony. Ceremony florals were then thoughtfully repurposed for the sweetheart table, illuminating the blank canvas of the dinner space. Paired with varying color palettes at each table, the overall design captured Amanda and Mike’s eccentric, playful spirit in a way that felt both intentional and effortlessly joyful.

From their touching first dance to heartfelt toasts by some of the people closest to them, dinner felt like a relaxed and emotional continuation of an already joyful day. Guests savored Italian flavors, raised glasses of local wine, and eventually made their way to the dance floor to celebrate well into the night. One of the most special aspects of hosting a destination wedding where guests stay on property is the way the celebration unfolds effortlessly—allowing everyone to linger, connect, and toast together long after the formal moments have passed.

A day of rest

After a busy few days of celebration, guests wrapped up their stay with a sun-soaked pool party filled with Italian flavors, local wine, and plenty of laughter. As a planner, there’s no better feeling than hearing the stories from the night before as guests reminisce about such a memorable celebration. We so rarely get to slow down, sit alongside our guests, and fully revel in the joy—but a destination wedding creates the space for exactly that, allowing us to be part of the celebration in a truly meaningful way.

Amanda and Mike’s celebration is one we will never forget. Destination weddings are a truly special experience—not only for our clients and their guests, but for our team as well. They allow us to travel to new places, fully immerse ourselves in the celebration, and experience the joy right alongside the people who matter most.