Courtney + Anton’s Tuscan monastery wedding
After falling in love with the Tuscan monastery venue Quercia al Poggio, US couple Courtney + Anton planned their 3 day celebration in the Chianti hills. After a breathtakingly beautiful Catholic ceremony at Abazzia dei Santi Salvatore e Cirino, the American couple enjoyed the drive in a vintage white Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider back for their Tuscan feast.
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue: Quercia al Poggio | Photographer: Urška & Domen | Planner: Olivia Sodi | Florals: Puscina Flowers | Mua: Beauty on Fleek | Catering: Class Ricevimenti | Ceremony music: Note a Nozze
The Dating
“We met in 2016 while Anton was in his first year of medical school. He was classmates and good friends with my sister. I was in town visiting her one weekend and a group of us, that included Anton, went to dinner at their local Indian spot. Sparks started to fly that night and the rest was history.”
The Budget
“Our day of wedding was under €65,000, though we did have extras like a farewell pizza party and of course travel cost.”
The Engagement
“In June 2021 while we were on a trip to St. Maarten, we made evening reservations at a cocktail spot that was known for the sunset views. Before we walked into the restaurant, which was located right on the beach, Anton asked if we could walk along the water first. On this walk, he popped the question! It was so special that it was just a moment the two of us shared. When we arrived back at the restaurant, they were aware of what happened on the beach and everyone (including all the guests!) were cheering and holding up sparklers to celebrate us. That was such a fun and unexpected way to celebrate the rest of the night.”
Why did you choose Italy?
“I have Italian heritage through my mother and Anton and I have always shared a love for Italy. Getting married in Italy was a dream I had that we were fortunate to make a reality through my parents support! Anton is Albanian from Montenegro as well. So doing the wedding in Europe vs the US made it easier for some of his family to attend from Montenegro too. A destination wedding there just fit for us.”
The Venue
“Our planner, Olivia Sodi, sent us a selection of venues to explore that she picked based on our wishlist. Quercia al Poggio checked all the boxes. It is so special as it is an organic Chianti winery at present but was once a monastery that dates back to the 18th-century. As soon as we saw photos of the main courtyard, we fell in love.”
Stand out moment
“The drive back to our reception at Quercia al Poggio in a vintage white Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider. We had a Catholic ceremony in the Abazzia dei Santi Salvatore e Cirino and then all of our guests gathered outside to see us off to the reception. We had some rain before and during the ceremony, but it perfectly cleared up on our drive back to Quercia al Poggio and we spotted a rainbow along the way. ”
Would you have changed anything?
“Maybe a reception dress change. Yes it is easier to dance in a lighter dress and fun to have a second look, but the ceremony dress is still worn for just a short time, so enjoy it! Plus it will get dirty either way so why not dance the night away in it.”
Top planning advice
“Plan what you can, but the rest is out of your control. When the day arrives, just try to go with the flow as everything will be what it is! Also, hire a fantastic planner like Olivia Sodi so you have no worries.”
Stand out supplier
“So hard to choose as we loved everyone! Certainly our day wouldn’t have been captured as perfectly if we didn’t choose Urska & Domen Photography. I also loved our florist, Puscina Flowers, and how they brought the tablescape vision to life.”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue: Quercia al Poggio | Photographer: Urška & Domen | Planner: Olivia Sodi | Florals: Puscina Flowers | Mua: Beauty on Fleek | Catering: Class Ricevimenti | Ceremony music: Note a Nozze
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