Tell us a little about yourselves!
Dave and Maddy have been together for over a decade, but from the get to knew that their special day would be spent in the rolling hills of Tuscany. Why? Well, Dave is half Italian, with his late father being from the region. So the landscape, culture and country are incredibly important to him, and now Maddy also. Having their special day in Tuscany, surrounded by friends and family was a dream come true.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
We’d visited Palagina before, alongside David’s late Babbo Ruggero and mother Helen. We felt the venue was very authentically Tuscan. So it certainly met the brief! But once we decided to move ahead and consider booking, we were sold by Elia and his superb staff at Palagina. Elia was a superb venue manager, hand holding us the whole way through with a smile and sense of humor. Honestly the venue was not only stunning, but the team an absolute pleasure to work with. Nothing was too much of a drama, and they really made us feel like family from day one. Also we wanted a place where all out guests could stay, so it really felt like a party - and it did!
How many guests did you have?
70.
What was your budget?
We certainly didn’t overspend. When you compare pricing to what such an event would cost in Australia, the final price for a two day event was extremely reasonable.
Tell us about your outfits.
My dress was a design I had In mind for some time. I had a concept in mind, and worked with a dressmaker (Vassi Bridal Couture) to bring it to life. She nailed it. Dave’s suit was from P Johnson who are (IMO) the only place to go for a high-quality affordable men’s suit. Their care, attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship is superb.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
To enjoy the process. Our wedding planner, Silvia Ciolli Weddings, is the best in the business and the only person to work with if you’re planning a Tuscan wedding. She made the process from the first meeting an absolute pleasure. She is warm, kind, amicable, energetic, smart, talented, agile- the list goes on.
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
We wanted to celebrate the region of Tuscany, so we selected specialities such Bistecca Fiorentina, ciocole and prosciutto, drank negroni and had olive leaves as decorations. We also wanted to utilise the venue as much as possible, so we tried to have each part of the wedding (incl pre-dinner) in a different space, so that things felt fresh and new for the guests.
Any tips for couples getting married?
Only that if you’re having a wedding in Tuscany, book Silvia Ciolli Weddings as your wedding planner, Elisa Rinaldi as your photographer and book Palagina (with Elia as the venue manager) - That’s it!!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Loredana Mazzuoli, our son’s babysitter was amazing and provided a great service for my son and other guests needing care.
My hair and makeup artist Silvia Gerzeli was also incredible!
Photographer : Elisa Rinaldi @elisarinaldiphoto | Videographer : Mario Albanese Pereira @mario_albanese_pereira | Ceremony + Reception Location : Palagina @palagina_la_dimora @palagina_la_fattoria | Celebrant : Laura Christie @laurachristiecelebrant | Entertainment :
Matthew DJ + Opus @matthew.thedj @opuseventi | Planning + Styling: Silvia Ciolli Weddings
Flora: IF Designer @if.designer | HMUA : Silvia Gerzeli @silvia.weddingmakeupitaly | Catering + Beverages : Palagina @palagina_la_dimora @palagina_la_fattoria | Ice Cream Cart: Cassia Vetus
@cassia_vetus | Stationery: Design Alessandra Carcasci @designalessandracarcasc | Bridesmaids + Bride's Sleepwear Piyama @piyama_co | Dress: Custom Vassi Bridal Couture @vassi.bridal.couture | Suit: P Johnson @pjohnsontailors | Engagement + Wedding Rings: CushlaWhiting @cushlawhitingjewellery | Wedding Party Attire : Zimmerman, Shona Joy + MJ Bale @mjbale