David and Rowena’s Wedding at Villa Catignano, Tuscany
Updated: Oct 6
When I first met David and Rowena, they were deciding between a wedding close to home and a destination wedding in Italy.
After exploring the options together, they chose Tuscany.
They always knew they wanted an outdoor wedding and this was one of the main reasons for choosing this location.
They imagined a Tuscan villa with a courtyard and countryside views. Villa Catignano immediately came to mind.
The photographs introduced them to the setting:
After considering the fit, they chose their date, booked the venue and arranged a visit in January 2023.
Villa Catignano’s historic buildings and gardens offered the atmosphere they wanted, with Siena nearby for guests who wished to explore.
Venue Visit to Villa Catignano
During their two-day visit, David and Rowena spent the first day exploring Siena.
The next day was cold but bright, with a light dusting of snow giving the gardens a romantic atmosphere.
We explored the grounds and the rooms that could host the celebration if the weather changed.
Planner’s Tip
Choose a venue with a weather alternative you would be happy to use. Confirm its capacity, layout and any extra costs before booking.
A Shared Stay at the Villa
For David and Rowena, the villa offered a setting where family and friends could stay together and share the celebrations.
The Wedding Week at Villa Catignano
Welcome Pizza Party
They hired Villa Catignano for four nights, giving them time for relaxed evenings with family, friends, good food and local wine.
The welcome pizza party had a traditional Italian feel. Class Ricevimenti supplied catering and furniture, with table decorations by Stiatti Fiori. The photographs below were taken on my iPhone.
The Wedding Day at Villa Catignano
The wedding morning brought a change of plan.
Rather than sunshine, we woke to rain.
The forecast made it clear that we would use our agreed indoor arrangements.
After monitoring the forecast, the couple and supplier team agreed the rooms for our weather alternative. Suppliers arrived early to transform the Grey Hall into an intimate ceremony space.
Special Events Audiovisual created a starry lighting effect, with candles and flowers from Stiatti Fiori completing the room.
Planner’s Tip
Discuss the weather alternative and any additional styling costs early, and keep a practical contingency within the budget.
While we were setting up the rooms for the day, the couple were enjoying a leisurely breakfast with their guests.
Hair and make-up preparations began with Adrienne Aereboe’s team.
Chrissy G Photography arrived to capture the preparations.
The morning gathered momentum as everyone got ready.
Rowena chose her gown from Bridal Reloved in West Sussex. David and his party wore suits from:
Planner’s Tip
Allow time for portraits once you are ready, agreeing the schedule with your photographer and preparation team.
For this wedding, that also included Rowena’s first look with her mum.
Details
If detail photographs matter to you, gather your stationery, shoes, flowers and accessories in one place for the photographer.
Planner’s Tip
Bring a carefully packed copy of your stationery suite if you would like it included in the photographs.
Before the Ceremony
This quieter part of the schedule gave the couple time for photographs with the people closest to them.
The Ceremony at Villa Catignano
David chose to walk down the aisle with his sons before taking their places.
The Rocky theme brought cheers and applause from the guests.
Rowena and her party made their way to the ceremony through the wet weather, excited to begin.
The couple saw the finished ceremony space for the first time as they arrived, and their reactions made the preparation feel especially worthwhile.
Jo from Tuscan Pledges led a personal ceremony, with vows written by David and Rowena and readings from their siblings. It was full of warmth, emotion and happy tears.
After the ceremony, the joy and happiness was radiating from the couple as they exited the hall and waited to greet their guests.
Guests then enjoyed aperitivo supplied by Class Ricevimenti.
Planner’s Tip
Allow enough time for aperitivo, conversation and any planned group photographs. Agree the length with your photographer and caterer.
It also gives the photographer plenty of opportunities for any group photos requested by the couple and once these are done, they can then whisk the couple away for some incredibly romantic couple shots.
Couple Photo Shoot at Villa Catignano
The rain stopped during aperitivo, giving Chrissy a chance to take David and Rowena into the gardens for portraits and a little time together.
Dinner is served in Tinaia Hall at Villa Catignano
Meanwhile, guests moved to Tinaia Hall for dinner. The floral, lighting and catering teams had prepared a welcoming indoor reception.
The atmosphere felt just as considered as the original courtyard plan.
First Dance in Tinaia Hall at Villa Catignano
After dinner and speeches, David and Rowena performed the first dance they had rehearsed together. Gaetano Sicari provided sound and cold sparks for the moment.
And then there was cake!
Next came the wedding cake, much anticipated by the children.
The couple chose millefoglie, made in a live demonstration by the pastry chef, with David and Rowena joining in.
Great fun and absolutely delicious.
After Party in the Grey Hall at Villa Catignano
After coffee, limoncello and grappa, the party moved to the Grey Hall, with Eventin’s bar and Gaetano Sicari’s DJ entertainment.
Sunshine returned the next day. A later breakfast and relaxed afternoon gave guests time to explore Siena or enjoy the villa.
Farewell Party in the courtyard at Villa Catignano
The farewell barbecue took place in the small courtyard, with catering from:
Chrissy had returned to the United States by then; the farewell photographs below were taken on a guest’s iPhone.
It was a warm, relaxed ending to their time together.
This wedding shows the value of a carefully planned weather alternative and space to enjoy more than one day with your guests.
We offer venue sourcing and full planning in Cilento, Puglia and Sicily, with Tuscany celebrations considered individually. Get in touch to discuss your plans.
With Thanks to the Wedding Team
Wedding planning
Wedding photography
Caterers
Celebrant
Hair and Make-up
Music, sound system throughout the day and cold sparks
Florist
Lighting
Venue
Bar
Bridal gown
Men's Suits
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