Tuscany Destination Wedding

If ever there was a home base for the rustic wedding, it would have to be Tuscany. Today’s wedding from Lisa Poggi and SposiamoVi takes the whole day down to its basic roots, focusing on simplicity, family, and love above all else. Just as you might expect, the result is nothing short of complete rustic perfection with a jaw-dropping scenic backdrop!

From the bride, Rachael: Above all else, we wanted simplicity. No fuss – just a beautiful day and night celebrating over fabulous food, wine and music with incredible family and friends. As Australians living in Germany, we share a love for travel so we decided to be crazy and have the wedding in Italy! Having travelled through stunning Tuscany before, we knew it would be the perfect setting, particularly the Chianti wine region. Knowing that most of our guests would have to cross (huge) oceans to be there, we wanted to make sure it wasn’t just a wedding celebration, but a week to remember so we planned other events to ensure we spent as much time with family and friends as possible – this included a winery tour with a gelato stop, a delicious wood-fire oven dinner, BBQ and pool party to celebrate all the region has to offer. Erasing all ideals of what our wedding should be, we focused on how we wanted our guests to feel: relaxed and happy. It was beyond special to get married in front of a small group of 50 guests, and celebrate overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. It’s hard to believe it was real and for that we have so many people to thank for bringing it all together and travelling so far to be a part of the celebrations.

Bouquet recipe: White dahlias, white anemones with black center, David Austin roses, peonies and greenery.

We wanted the feel to be rustic, organic and natural. Using lots of candles collected from markets throughout Paris, Munich and Berlin, and hundreds of festoon lights, we worked with a neutral palette of greens, lemon and cream that complimented the (stunning) natural surroundings. We worked with the super talented Zoe Weir to ensure all of the invites and signage reflected the non-traditional feel we envisaged for the event – and Francesca from SposiamoVi to ensure it felt like a huge, fabulous dinner party celebrating our love with brilliant food and wine, followed by far too much singing and dancing into the early hours of the morning.

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Enjoy the process. Don’t sweat the small stuff – everything won’t go to plan, and that’s OK. Lock in the big things, finalize the smaller details and ensure you are organized early on. Then, on the day you can relax and enjoy it! The best advice I received from an old friend was every hour, on the wedding day and night, stand back and take it all in – savour the moment. Ultimately, go with what feels right to you – don’t be bound by every wedding tradition that is out there.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Mango Tree,” Angus and Julia Stone
Recessional: “You Are the Best Thing,” Ray LaMontagne
First dance: “Come Away With Me,” Norah Jones

Wedding Location: Barberino Val d’ Elsa, Italy / Photographer: Lisa Poggi / Wedding Planner and Stylist: SposiamoVi / Florist: Nadia and team from Stiatti Fiori / Venue: Borgo Petrognano / Wedding Dress: Raimon Bundó / Flower Crown: Nadia and team at Stiatti Fiori / Wedding Shoes: Tory Burch via ShopBop / Earrings: BHLDN / Hair and Makeup: Andrea Gennaro / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Groom’s Suit: Custom made from Maile in Munich, Germany / Caterer: Guidi Lenci / Wedding Cake: Guidi Lenci, traditional mille-feuille made on the night in front of guests / Musician: Lucia’s band from Alma Project / Celebrant: Jo Bertolino / Wedding Invitations: Zoe Weir / Videographer: Coco and Maximilian