Daniel + Robert’s chic Tuscan wedding for under €25k
Photographer: Frankie and Marilia
Having intended to marry in 2020, English-born Robert and Chicago-born Daniel decided to halve their guest list after COVID derailed their plans, inviting only family and close friends to host a chic celebration in a 13th-century Tuscan castle.
Now residing in the Hamptons, Robert + Daniel chose Castello di Pergolato as their dream venue after exploring various regions and locations throughout Italy. “Daniel’s top priority for a venue was ‘a gorgeous sweeping view,’ whilst I (Robert) sought ‘a historic building with old-world character.’” making the castle in Tuscany, the perfect fit.
SUPPLIER TEAM
Photographer: Frankie and Marilia | Venue: Castello di Pergolato | Catering: Maurizio Moretti | Band: Blue Moon Italian Jazz Band | Tables, Chairs & Decor: Noleggi Nesti | Daniel’s jacket: Saint Laurent | Robert’s Jacket: Richard James | Daniel & Robert’s shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo
The Engagement
“I proposed to Daniel shortly after sunrise on October 13th 2019, on a beach in East Hampton while walking our dog Moby Dick. The ring was a custom made gold band with inset diamonds from McCarty London, inspired by an English 16th century gold ring that Robert had once seen. Daniel said yes!”
Why Italy?
“As we started to research, the combined cost of a beautiful venue, plus accommodation, catering, band, rehearsal/welcome event, flights (which were also our honeymoon flights) and furniture rental, it was all less than the potential cost of just one marquee tent in the Hamptons (also less than the venue cost of the local yacht club or winery). That really sealed the deal on Italy and the question really became- why wouldn’t we get married in Italy?”
The venue
“We chose a breathtaking 13th century castle located 25 minutes south of Florence. The property sleeps 20 people (enough space to accommodate our family guests, so they only had to plan their own flights), several stately reception rooms, a bell tower, a chapel, and a beautiful large garden with covered patio area and swimming pool overlooking the rolling local countryside and vineyards.”
Top piece of advice
“Don’t be afraid to ask strangers for help, and trust your gut. In addition to research and inspo from La Lista, we simply asked a ‘friend of a friend’ in Rome for help. He put us in touch with his friends in Florence, who then put us in touch with numerous local vendors and places that eventually made our wedding so unique and memorable, in a way that we could never have figured out on our own.”
A change in plans that made for a stand out moment
“Walking into the reception as a married couple with our 2.5 year old, Benjamin. He was born in 2021 and had we been married in 2020, as originally expected, this would never have happened. Getting to enjoy this special day with our son made it all the more magical.”
The budget
“The 3-day event costs came to a total of about $25,000. Could be less if I take out family accommodation and honeymoon flights. I’m quite proud of that because we easily could have had the exact same wedding but spent over $100k. This 25k total includes the full 5 nights in the castle, and our business fare flights that were essentially/also our honeymoon flights (Capri - Rome - Milan)… AND that price includes accommodation for 20 guests for 3-5 nights.”
The cake
“It was a traditional Italian “Millefoglie”wedding cake from a bakery in Florence, sourced by our chef. I was hesitant at first because we hadn’t done a taste test, and it was essentially “store bought”... but it was heaven! And in that moment of taking that first bite, all the planning had come together, all the details were behind us and we were just enjoying the moment, together with our loved ones, that we can treasure in our memories for a lifetime.”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Photographer: Frankie and Marilia | Venue: Castello di Pergolato | Catering: Maurizio Moretti | Band: Blue Moon Italian Jazz Band | Tables, Chairs & Decor: Noleggi Nesti | Daniel’s jacket: Saint Laurent | Robert’s Jacket: Richard James | Daniel & Robert’s shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo
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