Micro wedding at Villa S. Andrea in Tuscany, Italy
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Finding themselves on a relaxed weekend getaway to the villas at Gervasi Vineyard in Ohio, Andrew and Lauren returned with a new status: engaged. The winery resort provided luxury accommodations and a Tuscan-inspired feel. After such an inspired trip, there was only one viable option moving forward – to host a true destination wedding in Italy. After Andrew and Lauren’s incredibly intimate wedding, the couple stayed in Italy for a second week, visiting Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, and Lecce, noting there were too many notable destinations to pick their favorite.
Inspired by Tuscan villas and citrus orchards, Andrew and Lauren hosted a micro-sized Italian destination wedding with an intimate dining experience inside the villa’s limonaia. With fifteen guests in attendance, a ceremony was held at golden hour in the garden. A natural hedge created an altar, marked with two bouquets of roses, as Lauren floated her way down the aisle, donning a mikado ballgown and sparkling crystal tiara. The feature room was originally designed to house lemon trees but was utilized for a cozy reception with an at-home feel. Potted plants hung from the wall, while rustic wooden furniture blurred the lines of contemporary and otherworldly. Guests shared heartfelt speeches by the glimmer of candlelight and dined alongside the couple, sharing one long wooden table altogether. Highlights for the couple included a multi-course dinner, the two-piece band that provided music between the day’s events, and the comforting October breeze let in by the room’s large open windows.
What made you choose Villa S. Andrea for your wedding?
Lauren and Andrew were looking for a villa in Tuscany where they could host all of your guests in one location and host their celebration. They loved Villa Andrea’s close location to Lucca, where they were able to explore the city and enjoy Tuscany.
Can you have a legal ceremony at Villa S. Andrea, or just symbolic?
It was symbolic. They legally got married in Ohio by Lauren’s boss.
What sustainability considerations are particularly important in this area?
We worked to source vendors, some floral and food locally, so we were bringing limited items from the states. We wanted it to be a beautiful event but still focus mostly on the guest experience.
What are your top tips for planning a Destination Wedding in Tuscany?
Think about the transportation to the area for your guests from airports. Ensure your guests feel informed about traveling for a destination event. Lauren and Andrew planned day excursions throughout the week so guests could attend or relax at the villa.
Tuscany is a beautiful area any time of year, but summer or fall are amazing.
how did you meet?
We met in law school in 2011 and started dating later that school year. We got engaged while spending a weekend in one of the Villas at Gervasi Vineyard.
why elope and have a micro-wedding, in europe in particular?
Lauren and Andrew always planned to have a ceremony in Italy, but after reviewing the costs to host a reception in the States, they decided they wanted to go all out on the Italy trip with close family and friends vs hosting a 150-person reception. Because the wedding was so small and in Italy, everything was very specialized. Some of the couple’s favorite parts were the two-person band playing light music for guests before and after the ceremony and the multi-course dinner and place settings in the limonaia. For their honeymoon, the couple stayed in Italy for a second week after the wedding. They spent time in Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, and Lecce.
Any other advice or tips you would like to share based on your experience?
Have fun with it, do what you want, and don’t take it too seriously.
the vendors:
Planner: Oak + Honey Event Planning Co.
Venue: Villa S. Andrea
Photographer: Medis Project
Florist: Elena Mainoldi Floral Design
Entertainment/Band: Italian Folk Band
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Stationer: Rose Gold Studio
Caterer: Chef in Tuscany
Bar: Event In Exclusive Bar Catering
Hair and Makeup: Tuscany Bridal Beauty
Dress: Liliana Bridal House
Suit: Maestro Tailor
