Inspiration

I literally can't wait for you to see this gorgeous Tuscany wedding captured by Lelia Scarfiotti as I know you're going to fall in love with it as much as I have. Can I also suggest some tissues for when you watch the short film by Marco Abba Videography as it's. Just. So. heart wrenchingly romantic. Set at the incredibly beautiful and picturesque Borgo Stomennano in Monterrigioni is an intimate wedding breakfast table of dreams. Styled by Sonja of Tuscania Events using a chandelier, ornate frames, ribbons, candles and more, and all adorned with the most wonderful flowers from Fleur Decor. Talking of blooms, Claudia wears a truly stunning floral headpiece that sets off her romantic classic bridal look perfectly. She really is an elegant bridal beauty in her customised lace Allure Bridal gown as are her maids in sophisticated mis-match navy gowns from Reformation. Pinning fingers at the ready folks, you're going to want to be reminded of this dreamy destination wedding again and again.

The Location

Claudia the Bride: We got married at the breath taking Borgo Stomennano in Monteriggioni - Tuscany (Siena), Italy. Tuscany is so dearly special to us because that is where we got engaged. Plus, it’s the most romantic place in the world. It complemented our wedding style because of its history, our love of food and wine and the simplicity of its beauty. We wanted our wedding to be intimate, romantic, unique and elegant – there is no better place in the world to have it besides Tuscany!

The Dress

I knew exactly what I wanted before trying on a hundred dress: a long sleeve, high neckline, low deep V back, fitted lace dress. I searched every single store in Montreal (Canada), it did not exist. Instead of making week-end trips to other big cities in order to find my dream dress, I decided to have it made by the store Créations Vézina in Laval (Quebec, Canada). I ended up ordering a strapless sweetheart dress from Allure Bridals. The head seamstress at the store ordered extra organza material (to make the sleeves and high neckline) and lace. She was going to make me the dress of my dreams. It was hard to imagine what it was going to look like when they would finish all the work, but I trusted this was the one. It had everything else I was looking for: a long, fitted, elegant lace wedding dress. I decided to go with a simple long veil.

Bridal Accessories

I had beige suede Jimmy Choo heels for the ceremony and cocktail followed by blush pink Prada flat sandals for the dinner and dancing. I wore my mother’s pearl earings and a ring my parents gave me when I was 10 that is extremely sentimental. I did not wear any bracelets and necklaces as the dress’ details were exquisite. I chose to wear a long veil for the ceremony and pictures, then put on a beautiful flower crown for the reception and to dance the night away.

Beauty

Lara Navarrini was my hair and make-up artist. I wanted simple, soft waves that would complement my veil and flower crown. She did an amazing job! Lara Navarrini also did my make-up, I wanted a soft but smoky eye make-up with neutral tones and a nude lip with subtle pink.

Bridesmaids Dresses

I gave the bridesmaid one guideline to pick their bridesmaid dress: long navy blue. They all had different styles that suited their taste and body type. I love navy blue, it is such a rich and elegant colour – plus, it perfectly matches the soft pink and gold undertones I wanted to showcase in the wedding details.

Groomsmen Attire

The two groomsmen had the same navy blue suit, white dress shirt, black shoes and navy blue tie. I wanted their attire to ‘’mis-match’’ the bridesmaids.

Stationery

We sent up a ‘’vintage’’ Italian post-card with rustic tones as a save-the-date invitation one year in advance. We did not send wedding invitations as it was a small wedding and there was so much information to share with our guests that we decided to do a website with Wedding Wire.

Favours

Our guests checked in to the villa to find a welcome bag that had a 'CM' (Claudia & Mike) monogram. It was made of burlap and had navy blue details. They got a variety of little goodies inside the bag. We also gave each of our guests a bottle of Tuscan Olive Oil and had a personalized label made for our wedding (CM monogram).

Flowers

Fleur & Decor di Anna Circhetta. We wanted to take advantage of the beautiful Tuscan natural surroundings and emphasize them with soft, romantic, feminine flowers.

Colour Scheme & Decor

The colour pallets were navy blue, blush pink, gold and rustic beige with a romantic, rustic and whimsical theme. We had white rose petals down the aisle and path, cones filled with rose petals on each guest’s chair, two big flower compositions at the front of the aisle. The natural, beautiful nature surroundings and the Tuscan rolling hills complemented very well and our chairs were decorated with flowers and burlap lace strings. My favourite wedding detail was the exquisite reception dining table. Located between the sleeping willow trees facing the front of Borgo Stomennano, there was a chandelier hung in the middle of our long imperial table decorated with a blush pink ribbon and flowers. Our table had different height candles and flowers that made the perfect combination of romantic and rustic. We had soft lights, which emphasized the beauty of the Borgo Stomennano and fairy lights down the main path of the villa. We had a big chalk board – which was our table setting and a big mirror that detailed our wedding menu.

Ceremony

A special moment for me was walking down the aisle and locking eyes with Mike for the first time – it was so emotional seeing him. Our celebrant was Giuseppe from ‘’Blessings From Italy’’ he was excellent, professional and gave the most beautiful, touching and emotional ceremony ever. Both Claudia and Mike’s mothers’ read a poem. We said traditional vows and exchanged an intimate love letter right before the ceremony. Ceremony songs: Marry Me (Train), Pachabel in Canon D (bridesmaid entrance), Can’t help falling in love with you (Elvis Presley – bride entrance), Ave Maria and Halleluyah (songs during ceremony) and I’m Yours (Jason Mraz) at the end of the ceremony. 

Entertainment

We had live musicians play for the ceremony and for the cocktail (the cocktail was jazz inspiration) and had a DJ play a selection of songs that we chose for the dinner (jazz : Michael Bublé, Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, etc) and for the party evening. The DJ had put up fairy lights beside the infinity pool that made our dancing night special. The catering company brought a bar that lit-up so it created a nice atmosphere all together. Our first dance song was Love me Tender by Norah Jones

Food

It was all italian food and inspiration. We had a cocktail with two different meat and cheese corners, 8 different canapés, 5 different salads. The for the sit-down meal we had 1) burrata stuffed ravioli with pine nuts in a tomato sauce; 2) porcini mushroom risotto; 3) beef medallions in a truffle cream sauce with sautéed spinach in olive oil. We had an Italian Millefoglie with several layers of cream and pastry – it was made by the chef in front of everyone!

Photographer

After briefly speaking on the phone with Lelia Scarfiotti, we instantly connected and confirmed she would be our photographer. She immediately put us at ease and has a great personality. We loved the pictures we saw on her website and thought the way she introduced herself (photography style) was unique. She has the ability to capture the most intimate moments – she is incredible! We can’t get over how incredible and amazing our wedding pictures are – literally blown away by her talent!

Videographer

Marco Abba was our videographer, he filmed special, intimate moments throughout the day of our wedding.

Advice

The day goes by so fast, no-one will notice the small details you stress about months in advance! Don’t try to make everyone happy, this day is about you and your husband – that’s it. Everyone wants to give you advice and try and tell you whats best. But you know what? Its YOUR wedding day. Trust your instinct and make decisions with your better half, this day is not about other people. As soon as you say the word wedding, things get expensive. Look at every single detail and challenge everything vendors try to push down your throat.
Lorna Shaw

Written by Lorna Shaw

Dress Designer: Allure Bridal | Bridal Boutique: Créations Vézina | Wedding Planner: Sonja at Tuscania Events | Venue: Borgo Stomennano | Celebrant: Blessings Fromitaly | Catering: L'Oste Gentiluomo | Florist: Fleur Decor | Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Hair & Makeup: Lara Makeup Artist | Bridesmaid Dresses: Reformation | Videographer: Marco Abba Videography

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