Castello di Palazzo al Piano, Italy wedding Proposal

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Alberto wanted to make the love of his life feel like a princess. What better place to do that than by getting down on one knee in front of a 12th century castle in the middle of Tuscany? Alberto convinced his future bride to take a drive to this newly restored remote castle in Sovicelle (about 30 minutes from Siena) since he knew that her friends from the US were in town for another wedding. She was reluctant to stop by as she didn’t want to “bother” her friends while they worked another couple’s wedding but he said he didn’t want her to miss out on seeing her friends during their short time in Italy. What she didn’t know was that Jen (First Pick Planning), Christine (Barefoot Floral) and Rafaela (Allegoria Textiles) were only at the Palazzo to stage a dramatic candle lit aisle FOR HER. Alberto proposed with the Palazzo to themselves, as she has always wanted, but in a grand romantic fashion as he had envisioned thanks to the help of her friends (great to have wedding vendor friends!).

How did you choose the Location?

Jen, the planner: I was in Tuscany coordinating a wedding at another nearby Castello in Sovicelle in the heart of Tuscany and heard that Castello di Palazzo al Piano had recently reopened its doors to events so I went on a site visit to this historic venue. Once I arrived, I was shocked how updated and modern this location is despite being a 12th century restored Palazzo. After my tour, I shared this special place with a few friends and clients and knew a proposal was the perfect opportunity to showcase this romantic space.

Do you require any special permits or permission from landowners to take photos here?

Jen: You do need to rent the space to have a proposal or elopment at the venue, pricing is based on the day of the week and time needed inside or outside the Palazzo to have exclusivity of the spaces. There are a variety of options and they even have overnight accomodations for the couple and their guests, up to 150 people can be on property.

How easy is the location to access? Is it suitable for all ages and abilities?

Jen: The location is private but allows all ages upon rental. The outdoor common area is handicap accessible but some of the rooms within the Castello would be difficult to access for those with impairments walking. The location of the Palazzo is off a remote road, a branch of the Via Francigena which is a famous route once traveled by pilgrims from Scotland to Rome, the Palazzo sits atop a gated fortress. Once inside the walls, the property boasts gorgeous views from above the road and faces west which features the most gorgeous sunsets over the Tuscan hills.

How did you approach capturing photos of the proposal and still keeping it a surprise?

Joel Warren of Wisteria Jade Photography: We approach each session from a perspective that will emphasize the gracefulness of the individuals, the soulfulness of their interactions and the prestige of their lifestyle. Because this proposal was taking place in a high top castle, the images are meant to reflect the peak of the couple’s romantic journey that is heading towards marriage.

Were there any other people involved in planning the proposal?

Jen (First Pick Planning) and Christine (Barefoot Floral), friends from California, and Rafaela (Allegoria Textiles) all traveling from out of the country for another wedding helped to design this proposal in just a few days after receiving word that they could use the Palazzo for an intimate proposal. Our vision was to create a romantic candlelit atmosphere during sunset for this engagement. We envisioned florals emulating the natural and historic beauty of the location with a modern touch with the organic shape of the florals and candle design.

What are your top tips for planning a proposal in this area?

Jen: Tuscany is more remote than tourists may think. Plan ahead, GPS doesn’t always get you to the locations you are trying to find. Cell reception is not always the best and addresses can differ between what you see on Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc. so my advice would be to utilize your vendors for clear directions so you aren’t driving aimlessly and potentially spoiling or missing out on one of the most romantic moments of your life!

Is there a best time of year to visit this location?

Jen: Late Summer/Fall is the most incredible time in Tuscany, the hot temperatures start to cool down in the evening and make for the perfect temps for couples to enjoy the incredible scenery in this region of Italy. September is personally my favorite month of the year to be in Tuscany but it can be very competitive to find available venues, but having a planner to give you the inside track to finding beautiful locations like the Palazzo!

Any other advice or tips you would like to share based on your experience?

Jen: Hire professionals and allow them to use their creativity with the resources they have! It’s great to have a vision, but listen to what options are realistic and let vendors use their magic to create something unique for you! And don’t be afraid of vendors who have never worked at your venue, most of the time that actually works in your favor as we can see things that have never been done before through fresh eyes and open minds!