Emily & Todd

Hands up who now wants a Vespa? I know I do. Such a cool way to travel through the Tuscan hills and boy, oh boy have Nordic Photography captured some epic photographs of the bride, groom and their wedding party enjoying them. The golden hour portraits have had me weak at the knees and the festoon light al fresco reception has had me gasping with delight. Follow that up with a truly wonderful account by Bride Emily and you really get a sense of the amazing time her & groom Todd had at their dreamy destination wedding. Now are you ready to be wowed? Thought so...

Emily the Bride: "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair" - Khalil Gibran

Venue

We fell in love with the simplicity, the peace, the serenity, and the natural beauty of S. Annas, an old monetary dating back to the 15th Century. We felt an instant connection with sant Anna's and also with Ornella and Stefano, the wonderful couple who run the monestry in the stunning Val d'Orcia valley. They were an integral part in helping us organize every little detail and ensured nothing was less than "perfecto." 50 of our closest family and friends from near and far arrived at S. Annas in the two days preceding our wedding. New and old friends acquainted and everyone mingled and basqued in the sunshine on bean bags and hammocks. The breeze was soft and the vino was flowing. Each morning our souls were lifted with an outdoor yoga practice lead by the lovely Tania, a special friend since childhood. Seasoned yogis and first timers enjoyed the limbering of joints, then all hopped on bicycles setting off to explore the rolling hills of Tuscany together. The scenery was stunning and wine tasting well deserved! The memories and mishaps of the day were recounted that evening as we enjoyed a special al fresco pizza party at Sant Anna's. Later that evening, beside flickering candlelight and under a blanket of stars, we were serenaded by the lovely tones of the talented Mark Berube. What a special treat!

Wedding

Our wedding day finally arrived and it was a sun drenched September day. The girls enjoyed getting ready in a little secluded garden with scents of wild rosemary tickling our noses, while the boys were busy practicing riding their vintage Vespa's! Roars of laughter filled the air and the excitement was heightening!

Ceremony

Our wedding ceremony was at Pieve di Corsignano in Pienza, a little 14 pew church dating back to the 10th century. The church was beautifully decorated by Emily's mom and dad, and the alter piece created by Puscina Flowers. The wedding ceremony was performed by Fr. Kishor with childhood friends Larry, Natasha and Adam adding to the beautiful ceremony with their wonderful voices (a very special treat indeed) Melodies from an Irish harp added to what was a special, simple, and beautiful ceremony filled with warmth and love. Once hitched, bubbles were popped, and the vespas started! Back to Sant Anna's for the celebrations! Todd and I were off to navigate the rolling hills with love bubbling in our hearts, delight in our eyes, wind in our hair, wild and free! We really were on top of the world! We escaped to capture the sun go down and enjoy a few quiet moments together on a hammock perched within the olive groves before back to sant Anna's for an evening of fine food and festivities!

Wrapped in cozy blankets we enjoyed an exquisite Italian wedding dinner under the stars. A Piñata was popped, Newfie traditions performed, songs were sung, plenty of laughs were had and we danced until the sun came up. At sunrise, a special surprise came. Todd whizzed me away to a little tent he had secretly pitched among the rolling hills surrounding Sant Anna's. We fell asleep on a bed of grass. The next day, after we bid farewell to all our guests, we planted a small olive tree together and we hope to revisit that tree someday in years to come to reminisce on the magic that was, and the beautiful fairytale that transpired.

Bride

My dress was by designer "Helen at Atilier Endeavour". I wanted a simple dress that was soft, flowing and romantic, Helen spent countless hours designing and creating just this, accenting the dress with Sophie Hallette lace.

Bridesmaid

Bridesmaids dresses were by designer "Eliza J". I wanted a splash of colour with the elegance of gold brocade flowers to give the dresses a classy Tuscan glimmering feel.