Taylor + Matt’s gorgeous 4 day Tuscan wedding celebration

Wedding in Tuscany at Palagina, photographer David Bastianoni, Wedding planner Elegante by Michelle J — Photography by David Bastianoni

After being set up by mutual friends at a party in Las Vegas, US couple Taylor and Matt quickly hit it off. They spent several years in New York City before settling in Laguna Beach, California, where Matt is originally from. With a shared passion for travel, after the couple got engaged in Mexico they decided to host a four-day wedding celebration in Italy- an ideal destination to celebrate their love with a ‘home away from home’ allowing them to share their love of travel with their guests.

To bring their vision to life, they needed a spacious venue that could accommodate all their guests. They found the perfect location at Palagina in Tuscany, which not only provided enough rooms for all their guests it also had multiple areas to create different vibes for each event throughout the weekend. With guest experience at the heart of their plans, Taylor and Matt designed a celebration that truly reflected their love, making lasting memories with their loved ones.

“We prioritised guest experience, so the elements of delicious food, great wine, a fabulous band, and the creation of a well-thought-out flow for the evening were central elements for creating our perfect wedding celebration.”

SUPPLIER TEAM

The Rehersal Dinner

“It was a fabulous 4 day celebration that begun with an al fresco dinner in a tree lined avenue, themed around lemons and blue chinoiserie. This was an intimate evening for close friends and family, keeping with the US tradition of speeches being open to everyone.” - Michelle, Wedding Planner

The Welcome White Party

“The second day was a white party at the pool, to which T&M turned up in pink - each event was led by fashion and a look book was provided to guests beforehand. It was particularly special as the whole guest list arrived, and as T&M gave their speech we let off fireworks at its close. Everyone was so emotional and it was a real celebration of the next few days that were about to begin.” - Michelle, Wedding Planner

The Last Supper

“On the third day (the last day before the wedding), they indulged in a classic Tuscan feast. Centred around classic Tuscan meets modern American style. A big focus on fashion-led design, while embracing the authenticity of the Tuscan venue.” - Michelle, Wedding Planner

The Budget

“We had a four-day wedding overseas so we had to increase our original budget as we understood the costs more. For the entire 4 nights of events, flights, attire, etc. we came in about 25% over budget.”

Why Italy?

“Italy has wonderful food, delicious wine, and a spirit of natural warmth and hospitality that really can't be replicated. We wanted our guests to feel like we were hosting them in a home away from home, and after being fortunate enough to travel much of the world together, we just don't think anyone makes you feel at home like the Italians.”

Black tie tuxedos at Tuscan wedding, shot by David Bastianoni

Plan B

“We didn't luck out with the weather - every evening needed to be reworked due to challenging rain. I would recommend couples visualise and think through what their plan Bs look like so they can more easily pivot if needed.”

Stand Out Moment

“Nothing could ever top the joy and pure love I felt at the aisle saying my vows to my husband - I've never felt more calm and self-assured, despite the weather doing its best to shake us. As part of our ceremony, we worked with Katie at True Blue Ceremonies to add a surprise hand fasting element. Months before our wedding, we had asked our mothers to share some fabric from their wedding dresses and our fathers to share a piece of fabric special to them. Unbeknownst to them, we used those fabrics as the braid for our handfasting ceremony. To us, it was a beautiful way to incorporate the lasting love in our families into our special day.”

The First Dance

“Our first dance together... after three evenings of events, it felt like the perfect crescendo for the entire event. Taylor is a natural dancer, but it took me about five lessons to finally get the whole thing. I was nervous I was going to forget the steps, but it went off as planned, and some of my favourite pictures are from that moment.”

The Perfect Ending

“A stand out moment was the first song after the band wrapped up, a personal favourite of Taylor and mine, All These Things That I've Doneby The Killers. We love to scream-sing that song, and it felt like the perfect ending to the wedding!”

SUPPLIER TEAM

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Taylor + Matt’s gorgeous 4 day Tuscan wedding celebration

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