Ana Sofia + Juan Pablo colourful Tuscan wedding
Photo: Samantha Rivieccio
An easy-flowing June wedding at Tuscan venue, Villa Grazianella was hosted by Ana Sofia and Juan Pablo. With their home in Mexico, this couple had fallen in love with Europe and Italy in particular sparked their imaginations as to the type of wedding they could have there. Traditionally Mexican weddings are very formal and on a large scale - so you’d be looking at 300 people minimum to get married in their home country, Ana Sofia tells us.
A day full of bright colours and big smiles, Ana reminisces on her favourite part of the day being “just before the sunset, with the sky painted so beautifully and us about to say our vows."
With an intended budget of under 30k euro, the couple stretched this to secure their dream wedding, with their final spend coming in just under 40k. Just wait and see how amazing their day turned out for them and their 85 guests.
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue + Caterer: Hotel Relais Villa Grazianella | Photography: Samantha Rivieccio | Planner: Simonetta Pollera | Hair and Makeup: Olga Gaidasheva | Florist: Roberto Fiori | Cake: Il Quintovizio Pastry & Gelato | Dress: Vivienne Westwood | Groom Fashion: Harris and Frank | Lighting and Music: Wedding Central House | Equipment hire: Preludio and Nencioni | Celebrant: Father Marcelo Halún | Church: Chiesa di S. Leonardo in Montefollonico | Gelato: Gelati dei Molini
The Dating
“We met at a mutual friend’s casual reunion, in January 2017. We barely spoke but the eye contact was strong. I was wearing an old sweater, no makeup and glasses, so I can safely say he liked me in my natural state.”
“A colourful, exuberant and stylish wedding.”
Samantha Rivieccio, photographer
“My best styling feature was my Vivienne Westwood dress! It was my dream wedding dress and I got it just 1 month before the wedding, second-hand. I'm founder of a second-hand online marketplace in Mexico called Gloset.”
Ana Sofia
The Engagement
“July 30 2022, the hottest day in the summer in Mexico, we went for a hike with my dog in our city (Monterrey, México) and he proposed when we reached the summit.”
“A top piece of advice - even if it's not supposed to rain, trust your vendors!”
Samantha Rivieccio, photographer
Why Italy?
“We wanted it to be small, in a beautiful location. We both love the South of France and Italy - both very special. We always joked we would elope in Tuscany because usually weddings in Mexico are giant (+300 people minimum) and we wanted something more intimate and a full travel experience rather than just a party. It ended up being 85 guests.”
How did you make the decision about your venue?
“We knew Montepulciano was one of the prettiest places in the Tuscan area, and a girl I knew from Mexico had her wedding reception there around 10 years ago! We saw Google Maps, talked to the manager, and decided to do it there.”
Top piece of planning advice for our readers
“If you are the type that likes to go into every detail, you should tell your planner beforehand so she knows what to expect and that you will be looking for vendors too! I think our bigger struggle was looking for vendors on our side (to match our style and also for better prices) and then trying to convince a planner to use those vendors instead of her proposals. Also, enjoy the process!!!!”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue + Caterer: Hotel Relais Villa Grazianella | Photography: Samantha Rivieccio | Planner: Simonetta Pollera | Hair and Makeup: Olga Gaidasheva | Florist: Roberto Fiori | Cake: Il Quintovizio Pastry & Gelato | Dress: Vivienne Westwood | Groom Fashion: Harris and Frank | Lighting and Music: Wedding Central House | Equipment hire: Preludio and Nencioni | Celebrant: Father Marcelo Halún | Church: Chiesa di S. Leonardo in Montefollonico | Gelato: Gelati dei Molini
Travel into Italy is changing and we have the latest ETIAS information for you. This is a must read for couples planning their weddings from mid-2025; it would be slightly dramatic if you weren’t permitted into the country for your wedding!
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