Emma + Duncan’s classic Tuscan wedding
Photo: Claire Hebert
Emma + Duncan’s September celebration had all the elements of a classic Tuscan wedding - the fun, crowd-pleasing wedding cake construction, the live band setting the scene during aperitif, a courtyard dinner. Planned themselves, the couple cleverly coupled tradition with modern touches - we love the black bridesmaid dresses against the bridal white.
Mindful of their 70 guests flying in from across the world, this UK/New Zealand couple knew Italy and Castello di Badia in particular would be the perfect location for their wedding.
SUPPLIER TEAM
Photographer: Claire Hebert | Venue: Castello di Badia | Caterer : Class Ricevimenti | Bridal fashion : Chosen by Kyha | Groom fashion : Reiss
The Dating
“We met at a summer camp in the US in 2011. Duncan was working as one of three wakeboarding instructors and I was the lifeguard. We fancied each other from pretty early on and I started spending most of my time on his boat and less with the other two! We had a trip to Mexico together after camp finished and then we went our separate ways back to the UK and New Zealand. The following year when I'd graduated Uni, I went travelling and went to New Zealand. I was meant to be there for a short time but ended up moving in with Duncan and stayed for years! We've moved back and forth between the UK and New Zealand since, with a short stint living in South Korea too.”
The Engagement
“Duncan proposed to me in a spot we'd been visiting for years to go camping and get away from the city. He had managed to keep it a complete surprise tricking me into the drive up north on the promise of surf. It was beautiful, we were the only people around and it was at a very meaningful time to us.”
Why did you choose Italy?
“With people coming from all over, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to have a holiday for everyone and who doesn't love Italy!”
Did anything go wrong?
“We were really lucky with our planning and had the most amazing caterers who helped us with planning the timeline and arranging the settings. We enjoyed getting stuck into it all ourselves but it is a lot to think about! ”
Top Piece of Advice
“It's not planning advice but advice for on the day - put your dress down! I feel like I spent most of the day with my dress in my hand and I'm not sure why. Let it go on the floor, it will get dirty anyway and you'll be thankful when you aren't hiking it up in most of your photos!”
Stand out Moment
“It was all gorgeous and I literally can't stop thinking about it. I really loved having a long outdoor dinner and just looking around the courtyard at all our loved ones in candlelight having an amazing time!”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Photographer: Claire Hebert | Venue: Castello di Badia | Caterer : Class Ricevimenti | Bridal fashion : Chosen by Kyha | Groom fashion : Reiss
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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