The Welcome Party: Starting Your Italian Celebration with Style
The magic of a destination wedding in Italy lies in the journey, not just the destination. For most of my couples, the celebration doesn't begin with the "I do," but with the clinking of glasses at a sun-drenched Welcome Party.
Whether it’s a chic Pizza Party in the heart of a Tuscan vineyard or a sophisticated cocktail hour overlooking the Amalfi coast, the pre-wedding event is where the nerves fade and the memories begin.
The magic of a destination wedding in Italy lies in the journey, not just the destination. For most of my couples, the celebration doesn't begin with the "I do," but with the clinking of glasses at a sun-drenched Welcome Party.
Whether it’s a chic Pizza Party in the heart of a Tuscan vineyard or a sophisticated cocktail hour overlooking the Amalfi coast, the pre-wedding event is where the nerves fade and the memories begin.
The Aesthetic of the Italian Pizza Party
There is something undeniably iconic about a long wooden table, the scent of wood-fired pizza, and the effortless charm of a rustic setting.
• The Style: I love to capture these moments with a "candid editorial" approach. Think red and white checkered details reimagined with luxury linens, baskets of fresh lemons, and plenty of laughter.
• Why it’s viral: It’s the ultimate "Dolce Vita" dream. It’s relaxed, colorful, and feels like a scene from a classic Italian film.
Breaking the Ice: A Multi-Day Experience
A multi-day wedding allows your guests to transition from "travel mode" to "celebration mode."
• The Atmosphere: The Welcome Party is the perfect ice-breaker. As your photographer, I use this time to get to know your closest friends and family. This creates a level of comfort that results in much more intimate and natural photos on the wedding day.
• The Storytelling: By documenting the rehearsal dinner or the welcome drinks, we add a vital chapter to your wedding gallery, one that focuses on connection, reunion, and joy.
3. Wardrobe: Effortless Chic: This is the time to play with fashion!
• The Look: For the ladies, think linen midi dresses, bold prints, or chic white separates. For the gentlemen, light-colored suits without ties or high-quality Italian knits.
• Photographer’s Tip: The light at a Pizza Party is usually more casual and playful. I love using a mix of natural golden hour light and "paparazzi-style" flash as the sun goes down to capture the energy of the party.
Capturing Your Style: The Informal Portrait Session
One of my favorite moments during a Welcome Party is when we steal away for just 15 or 20 minutes for a relaxed couple’s session. These aren't your traditional wedding portraits; they are a celebration of your personal style in a more casual, "effortless chic" light.
Without the weight of the gown or the formality of the ceremony, these photos capture a different side of your connection, playful, intimate, and deeply romantic.
It’s also the perfect "warm-up" for the camera, ensuring that by the time the wedding morning arrives, you are already comfortable and moving naturally in front of my lens.
FAQ: Planning Your Pre-Wedding Events
1. Should we have professional photography for our Welcome Party?
Absolutely. The Welcome Party often holds some of the most spontaneous and joyful moments of the entire weekend. Having professional coverage ensures that the "story" of your wedding is complete and that the transition from casual to formal is captured with the same editorial eye.
2. How long should photography coverage be for a rehearsal dinner?
Usually, 2 to 3 hours is perfect. This covers the arrival of guests, the initial toasts, and the peak of the atmosphere once everyone has settled in with a glass of Prosecco.
3. What is the best time to start a Pizza Party for the best photos?
I always recommend starting about 90 minutes before sunset. This gives us that magical, warm "Tuscan glow" for your couple portraits and group shots, leading into a cozy, candlelit atmosphere for dinner.
4. Can we keep it intimate or should everyone be invited?
In my experience, "The more, the merrier" works beautifully for Italian welcome events. However, if you prefer an intimate Rehearsal Dinner for just family followed by "Welcome Drinks" for all guests, it creates a lovely pace for the evening that photographs beautifully.
5. Do we have time for couple portraits during the Welcome Party?
Absolutely! I always suggest carving out about 15-20 minutes during the golden hour for a mini-session. It’s a wonderful opportunity to document your rehearsal dinner looks and get some beautiful, candid shots around the property. These portraits often end up being some of my couples' favorites because they feel so "real" and represent the excitement and anticipation of the night before the big day.
The style of your Welcome Party should complement your location. See my Guide to Italian Venues for inspiration on where to host your rehearsal dinner.
A Two-Day Destination Wedding at Borgo di Castelvecchio in Tuscany: Holly & William’s Romantic Celebration
Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany? Holly and William’s unforgettable two-day celebration at the charming Borgo di Castelvecchio is a dreamy example of why this picturesque location is perfect for couples seeking romance, history, and breathtaking views.
A Two-Day Destination Wedding at Borgo di Castelvecchio in Tuscany: Holly & William’s Romantic Celebration
Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany? Holly and William’s unforgettable two-day celebration at the charming Borgo di Castelvecchio is a dreamy example of why this picturesque location is perfect for couples seeking romance, history, and breathtaking views.
Day 1: Pizza Party in True Tuscan Style
What better way to welcome your guests than with a sunset pizza party in the heart of Tuscany? Holly and William kicked off their wedding weekend with a relaxed yet chic pizzata in one of Borgo di Castelvecchio’s rustic courtyards. Long wooden tables covered in checkered tablecloths set the tone for a classic Italian evening. Guests enjoyed freshly baked pizza, a vintage gelato cart brimming with Italian flavors, and the magical glow of the golden hour as the sun set behind the rolling Tuscan hills. The atmosphere was warm, intimate, and brimming with authentic Tuscan charm—an ideal way to bring together friends and family before the big day.
Day 2: The Wedding Day – Rustic Elegance and Timeless Beauty
On the morning of the wedding, Holly and William prepared in separate areas of the Borgo, each surrounded by their closest loved ones. Holly spent the morning getting ready with her adorable twin daughters, while William shared quiet moments with his groomsmen.
The ceremony took place in a stunning garden with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. A rustic floral arch, elegantly decorated with white roses and greenery, framed the couple as they exchanged vows in front of their guests. The soft breeze and the peaceful atmosphere made this outdoor ceremony even more special.
After the “I do’s,” guests gathered poolside for a refreshing aperitivo, enjoying local wines, cocktails, and delicious Tuscan bites, all while taking in yet another breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Dinner Under the Stars: A Magical Tuscan Evening
As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests moved to the main courtyard, where a long imperial table had been beautifully set under the sprawling branches of a centuries-old tree. String lights, flickering candles, and lush floral centerpieces created a romantic, fairy-tale ambiance. The laughter, heartfelt toasts, and clinking of glasses filled the courtyard as everyone celebrated Holly and William’s love late into the night.
This two-day destination wedding at Borgo di Castelvecchio perfectly captured the essence of a Tuscan wedding: authentic, romantic, and unforgettable. From the laid-back charm of the pizza party to the elegance of the wedding day itself, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why Choose Tuscany for Your Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding in Tuscany offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and timeless charm. Whether it’s a casual pizza party under the Tuscan sunset or an elegant dinner beneath twinkling lights, the magic of Tuscany elevates every moment.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding like Holly and William’s, filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of Italy, Borgo di Castelvecchio might just be the perfect place for your special day.
Wp: @glameventsintuscany
Venue: @borgo_di_castelvecchio
Flowers: @agriflor.siena
Catering: @galateoricevimenti
Video: @gattotigrevideo
Muah: @the_tuscan_beauty_wedding
Dress: @morileeofficial
Music: @musicaevento
Celebrant: @tuscanpledges
Lights: @opuseventi @allexisevents
Pizza party
Wedding day
Cindy and Adam | A fairytale wedding at Castello di Celsa | Tuscany
Cindy and Adam's destination wedding in Italy was a two days celebration at 500 year old castle, nestled in the hills of Tuscany.
Cindy and Adam's destination wedding in Italy was a two days celebration at 500 year old castle, nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The inspiration was a pure Italian fairytale experience, from the romantic outdoor ceremony with a large amount of soft and colored flowers framing the couple under a floral arch, celebrated in the gardens overlooking the hills, to the reception, an intimate table set with 2 imperial tables, situated between the Italian chapel and the ancient walls of the castle as a unique background. Every detail, from the light wooden candlesticks, the crystal chandeliers, a soft and colorful palette of the floral arrangements, a touch of gold from the mise en place to the final surprising fireworks moment, gave to the newlyweds and their guests the most incredible magical night experience.
Wedding planner: Weddings in Tuscany by Chiara Sernesi | Venue: Castello di Celsa | Floral design: la Rosa Canina | Muah: Jen Ho Artistry | Video: Urania Wedding Film | Catering: Roland’s Florence | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Welcome Dinner
Wedding Day
Gemma + Mitchel - An exclusive destination wedding in Tuscany at Villa Mangiacane
Staying true to the luxury and art vibes of Villa Mangiacane, Gemma and Mitchel threw a summer wedding that fits right in with all that Italian glamour.
Staying true to the luxury and art vibes of Villa Mangiacane, Gemma and Mitchel threw a summer wedding that fits right in with all that Italian glamour. The sweet couple flew from USA with their families and friends, to this epic venue nestled in the hearth of Chianti region.
The bright and magnificent facade of Palazzo Machiavelli was the perfect setting for their intimate celebration, and with the expert guidance of Alessia, they created a sophisticated feel with a gorgeous ivory, pink, blush, green, white and gold color palette for the florals, wedding party attire, and decors.
After saying “I do”, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed the views of the olive groves and the vineyards under the Loggia, during a typical italian aperitivo.The intimate party then continued under the stars, on the garden terrace. Paper lanterns as place cards, golden lights and organic blooms spilling onto the tables set a romantic scene beneath a canopy of lights. Surely this wedding was nothing short of perfection!
Design and Planning: Alessia B Weddings | Photography: Leti - L&V Photography | Venue: Villa Mangiacane | Flowers: Il giardino delle Fate | Muah: Costanza Sconainechi| Lights: GBaudio Service | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Second shooter: Velluto Photography | Rentals: Cover System
Briar + Tim - An intimate al fresco wedding at Villa Catignano
Outdoor weddings never fail to woo us, especially when they come in Tuscany.
Outdoor weddings never fail to woo us, especially when they come in Tuscany. The stunning Villa Catignano, surrounded by italian nature and courtyards, was the perfect background to celebrate the sweetest couple ever! Briar and Tim’s beautiful wedding day was a perfect balance between romance and lively wonder. These two lovebirds chose Italy for their destination wedding to gather their families and friends together for the most special day! From the mix and match lavender bridesmaid dresses to their lovely reception under twinkle lights, everything was totally on point. Floé team helped their vision come to life, and we can’t be more grateful to have been part of this day.
Design and Planning: Floé Weddings | Photography: Leti - L&V Photography | Venue: Villa Catignano | Flowers: Heaven Flowers | Caterer: Oste gentiluomo | Muah: Giulia Cresci | Second shooter: Velluto Photography | Rings: Cartier | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Entertainment: Wedding Music and Lights
