Real Wedding | Allie + Sam

Tell us about yourselves!

Sam and I met in Tampa but have lived in Boston for the past 5 years. Our favorite things are exploring new places and cultures, eating seafood, and enjoying music.

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

We had lots of back and forth, but ultimately decided on something small. When I was a kid, my family spent the summer at this same castle, before it was renovated, and coming back to Castello Bonaria to get married was beyond special.

How many guests did you have?

38 guests.

What was your budget?

We kept the wedding to about $50,000.

Tell us about your outfits!

My aunt Mindy showed me Danielle Frankel designs before I was even engaged. I fell in love with the movement and warmth of her styles. My mom and I made a trip to the Danielle Frankel studio in New York City, and every piece was art - but the Noa always stuck out to me. 

For Sam, we wanted that juxtaposition of formal and comfortable. We ditched bowties but kept the tux.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

Sam and I wanted the wedding to be an experience. We both had been to our fair share of large wedding parties and big ballrooms – which are so much fun!! – but for us, we wanted something intimate. And we wanted to share this beautiful place in the Italian countryside with our close friends and family.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. There’s something perfect in the imperfect.

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

We wanted to prioritize photography. When we saw Katie Jean Photography’s portfolio, there was something so personal and elegant about her work. She has a gift for storytelling. Being a small wedding in a remote setting, Katie rolled with the punches and became part of the group instantly. She captured the small moments that I’ll remember for a lifetime. 

Castello Bonaria is a beautiful 19th century restored castle on the hill in the sweet town of Campiglia Marittima. The staff are kind and accommodating, and the property is stunning. The day after the wedding they hosted a fun (and competitive!) cooking class, and guests could use the beautiful spa whenever they pleased. 

The coordinator, Chiara, who is one of the kindest people you’ll meet, helped make recommendations based on past weddings. She also was the first to be totally energized when we wanted to try something completely different. Chiara recommended terrific local vendors: 

Our celebrant, Roberta from Your Wedding Celebrant in Tuscany, is the loveliest person who has kept in touch with us to this day and will always be part of our story. Stefania Novelli, the local florist with the best can-do attitude, had to shift plans completely when it stormed most of the day. Her work is marvelous. And finally Roberta Rosetti, who made the most delicious and gorgeous wedding cake I could dream of. All of our vendors were so talented, but most importantly wonderful people with warm energy, who made our day even more special.

Photographer: Katie Jean Photography @katiejeanphotos | Ceremony + Reception Location: Castello Bonaria, Tuscany @castellobonaria | Celebrant: Your Wedding Celebrant in Tuscany @yourweddingcelebrantintuscany | Entertainment: Blue Mood Jazz Trio @bluemoonitalianjazzband | Flora: Stefania Novelli @dalgiardinodistefania | HMUA: Anna Kalytyak @annakalytyak | Catering + Beverages: Castello Bonaria, @castellobonaria | Cake: Roberta Rosetti @robertadessert | Dress: Danielle Frankel @daniellfrankelstudio | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik @manoloblahnik