A wedding under the Tuscan sun!

 Loro Ciuffenna is not one of the main towns or villages that come to mind when you think of Tuscany. However what is so great  about this town is it is real, not just for tourists but a place where the locals sip spritz in the late afternoon sun and Paulo shouts at Max across the road about the football... The rest of the town is peaceful and sleepy!

Inside this hidden gem are four restaurants all of which are perfect locations for any event surrounding your wedding and extended stay for your guests.

Located a short drive away is one of my favourite villa's for a private Villa destination wedding in Italy. I have pondered if my admiration is because of the love and care that goes in to this villa or if it is more because of the team who run it with such kind hearts... either way it is such a lovely welcoming villa that it feels like a private home, making it a great backdrop for your wedding weekend!

The Villa is so perfect it needs little to no sales pitch, that is why I'm going to focus the photographs on weddings at this beautiful villa...

Villa Belpoggio is a beautiful historical house, located in the Chianti area on the slopes of Pratomagno mountains, making a perfect location for exploring the areas famous towns of Florence and Siena as well as the beautiful countryside and thousands of small Tuscan villages and towns.

The garden with its panoramic swimming-pool and the landscape all around the Villa offer incredible views over the Chianti hills. Mix the ambiance with genuine Tuscan hospitality you and your guests will be left with unforgettable memories of this beautiful Villa.

Offering a sense of formality however at the same time remaining informal and welcoming, this small charming boutique villa hotel has retained the feeling of a private home.

Civil ceremonies

There are 2  beautiful town halls, both located in historical towns less than 20 mins away, that are laden with character and the perfect setting for a romantic Italian civil wedding.

Kate and Pete were married in a very simple ceremony the day before their religious blessing

Catholic weddings

For more photos of Kate and Peters wedding please click this link

There are 4 different churches in the local area where you can celebrate your marriage with a Catholic mass. The local priest speaks fluent English and is a lovely man who makes your wedding celebration very special.

Joanne and Dave celebrated their wedding in a medieval church set in the olive groves less than 2 miles from the villa.

Other religious weddings may be celebrated in the Chapel on site or in the garden. Unfortunately Catholic weddings may not be celebrated here because it is a private Church and only the Catholic wedding of a family member can be celebrated here.

The Chapel on site.

Luckily the Chaplin from Florence is happy to come out and celebrate Church of England and Church of America weddings.

Kelly decorating the entrance to the Chapel

Nadia our wonderful and trusted florist setting up with Kelly

Outside catering is required and we have wonderful catering companies to cater for every budget. They take care of your every need and your guests will be raving about the fabulous dishes that they ate at your wedding in Tuscany!

It is always good to see a happy chef!

For fewer than 40 guests no additional venue charges are applicable however there is a small charge for larger groups.

The accommodation caterers for everyone, there is a junior suite, nine double bedrooms, and two independent apartments. All of the accommodation is comfortable, charming and of the highest standard. Each room has its own private newly refurbished bathroom. Most of the rooms have air conditioning; only three rooms do not have it because of artistic and historical obligation. All rooms have a mini bar -fridge, tea/coffee facilities, direct dial phone, TV, safe. Fine old-fashioned furniture and colours have been chosen and matched with great care. On the top floor, the "Alcova" room, the Terracotta room and the "Rondini" room can be offered as an independent apartment for 6 people with a spacious common living room. Similarly on the first floor of the Villa, the "Camino" room and the junior suite can be offered as an elegant Suite for 5 people. In addition there are two fully equipped independent apartments, with air conditioning, TV, safe, cooking area and bathroom with shower on the grounds. 3 of the rooms are located on the ground floor, and are perfect for your less mobile guests.

Accommodates 28 guests on site but there are additional accommodation in the area including one that is an easy walk away.

How to reach Loro Ciuffenna: We work with a totally reliable bus hire and tour company who we liaise with for any airport transfers, transfers to the town hall or church, any day trips or dinners out which would require transport to and from the restaurant, leaving you and your guests free to relax and enjoy your stay!

Nearby: Visit Castelfranco di Sopra, Laterina, the Setteponti area

Distances: Arezzo 40 Km - Florence 55 Km - Siena 60 Km - Pisa 130 Km

For additional information visit www.villabelpoggio.it/
For candid photos and reviews www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g644276-d532371-Reviews-Relais_Villa_Belpoggio-Loro_Ciuffenna_Tuscany.html

A wedding for two or 200, hosting your wedding in Florence is perfect! Tuscany part 2

Getting married in Florence!  The capital of Tuscany is often referred to as the "Jewel of the Renaissance". With thousands of visitors every year Florence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is on a lot of must visit in your life time lists!

Town hall of Florence where civil marriages are celebrated

Florence is a vibrant and fun city full of history and  a lot of heart! In the past we have organised weddings where all the guests are accommodated in a villa just outside of the city, in a hotel in the heart of the city and in apartments dotted around the city. There really is a lot of choice to suit all budgets.

Catholic wedding in the heart of Florence

Florence is one of Italy's iconic cities instantly recognisable by the skyline and the dome of the cathedral, the ponte vecchio and Piazza del signoria....  When I am asked to recommend a city location my preference over Rome is Florence.

There is an elegance to this city and with so many incredible locations to host your wedding celebrations  from a castle over looking the city to a villa owned by nobility or a hotel with views over this beautiful city. It makes it a perfect choice for a city wedding in Italy!



Town hall of Florence

 In Florence there is the American church and the Church of England church in Florence where religious ceremonies may take place. If you were thinking of hosting your wedding celebration at a private villa, both the ministers from these churches would be delighted to come out and perform the blessing.

For non Catholic weddings you would have to be married legally first.

Florence also has a stunning synagogue but please note the synagogues in most cases only marry Orthodox couples who have fulfilled all the religious requirements. If you wish to hold a Jewish ceremony in a villa or castle, we recommend you fly over with your own Rabbi. Although there is a couple of lovely Rabbi's in Italy who are happy to perform your wedding celebration at a private villa.

For part one of our look at locations for weddings in Tuscany please click here