A Romantic Cali-inspired Elopement in Val d’Orcia
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Taylor & Matt eloped in the peaceful serenity of the Val d’Orcia landscape, with little touches reminiscent of their homeland in California. Their wish was to marry in secret and surprise their family with the photos once back home and that’s exactly what happened. After a moving symbolic ceremony officiated in the heart of the unique landscapes surrounding Locanda in Tuscany, Taylor & Matt left for a fun ride in a seafoam green vintage FIAT Cinquecento. Their evening unfolded with a romantic dinner just for two surrounded by the Tuscan sunset and the silence of the magical Val d’Orcia hills.
The Couple’s Story
Taylor and I wanted the chance to have a very intimate and personal ceremony while also doing something we love, which is traveling, so we decided to elope at Locanda in Tuscany. I don’t think we possibly could’ve chosen a better venue and Marika was amazing throughout the process. We played off the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside and kept our style classic and simple. Since it was only the two of us we centralized our ceremony and experience around love, food, and wine! Consuelo did an amazing job with Taylor’s makeup and Jo from Tuscan Pledges incorporated some very beautiful and meaningful rituals to our intimate ceremony. Aggie and Margherita from Love Folio were so thoughtful and made for the most relaxed day of photos and we love them for that. I also don’t think we could have put any of it together without our absolutely amazing wedding planner, Roberta.
How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
Marika and Locanda in Tuscany provided beautiful neutral and very classic Italian decor that was simple and perfect, most memorably the magnificent dinner table set by the fireplace. The rolling hills and views of the villa made for an unforgettable setting.
Did you personalize the day in any way?
We spent our time in Tuscany ripping around in a classic Fiat 500, eating cheese, and drinking wine, which for us is very personalized. We had an amazing sunset wine tasting at Podere la Bruciata the evening before our wedding and woke up and swam at the serene pool outside our vila.
What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
Our favorite part was saying our vows to one another while the guitarist Francesco played some of our favorite songs. We also need to give an extra special shoutout here to our wedding planner Roberta, who went so far above and beyond to make every moment special for us. She is famiglia.
Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day outfits?
Taylor chose her wedding dress because it was fitted and flexible which came in handy when traveling around Italy for a couple weeks before the wedding. She also liked it because it wasn’t a traditional dress and, well, we weren’t having a traditional wedding. Matt wore whatever Taylor told him to, but really who can’t look good in a blue suit in Italy?
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
For us, the most special part was being there in the moment with just us. We didn’t have to worry about anyone but ourselves and that allowed us to be very in the moment and intimate with one another on a much higher level. All the people we worked with were so kind and wonderful and, after all, they were our only guests!
Do you have any wedding planning that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
We would just say if you’re planning a wedding make sure to stay true to yourselves throughout the entire experience, be in the moment, and just have fun.
Advice From Their Planner Roberta
What makes Locanda special?
Locanda in Tuscany is an enchanted place, shrouded in a magical allure, ideal for charming elopements in the middle of their grain fields with a stunning view on the Val d’Orcia, UNESCO World Heritage site. The Locanda is a labor of love for owners Luca and Claudia. They wanted their couples to fall in love with the venue and Locanda was the place where that could happen, where they could offer their couples a gift to carry in their hearts forever.
What sustainability considerations are particularly important when traveling to this area and planning an elopement here?
The Val d’Orcia is a cultural landscape and rural agricultural ensemble that is well preserved and authentic in its form and design, materials, use and function, setting, spirit and feeling. A wedding planned in this region has to reflect this important cultural and natural heritage considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
Top tips for planning an elopement in Val d’Orcia
Start planning your elopement quite in advance to be sure to find venues available on your favorite elopement date. Make sure you rely on your personal means of transportation when you travel to Val d’Orcia.
Rent A Car
We strongly recommend to rent a car, a vintage car is absolutely perfect for this region.
Hire An Amazing Photographer
Hiring very talented photographers is a great investment if you want to make sure to go back home with some gorgeous memories of this dreamy getaway together. What better way to treasure such a wonderful experience other than reliving it through timeless photographs?
Plan Carefully If You Visit In the Summer
Little warning: Summer months in Tuscany can get very hot and crowded. It is still a lovely period to visit but our personal advice would be to avoid traveling over weekends and during the hottest hours of the day. Bring with you lots of suncream, water (in refillable bottles!!), and a hat!
Make the most of the whole region
Try to make the most of the experiences that this region can offer: wine tastings, unique hot springs, visits to the beautiful towns and villages, natural spots, culinary excellence, hiking, vespa tours, and bike tours. There’s just so much to experience!
The Vendors
Photographer: Love Folio Photography
Wedding Planner: Al Fresco Wedding
Makeup Artist: Your beauty Team
Dress: GRACE LOVES LACE
Officiant:Tuscan Pledges
Transportation: Slow Hills
Floral Designer: FLOWERS LIVING
Ceremony Location: Locanda in Tuscany
