It was not a coincidence that Johanna had invited me to lunch on the same day she washosting Sally Atrocchi. As an author, always alert to interesting story possibilities and knowing that I was off to Italy in two weeks, Johanna was introducing me to a friend of hers who happened to be an expert on wedding venues in Italy. Johanna could see a potential bRo article in the making

Sally, an American who has lived in Italy over 17 years, is currently developing a property referral company, representing many exclusive estates and villas throughout Italy. As we chatted, I understood how perfect an historic villa, with guest rooms and ceremony/reception possibilities, could be for a destination wedding. I wanted to see them for myself.

Before Johanna’s delicious lunch came to an end, Sally and I had devised a plan to meet in Italy near the end of my trip for a personalized tour of a few of her favorite Tuscany properties.

Later that month, when Jeff and I settled into our B&B, just south of Florence, I called Sally to arrange a time for us to meet. I was delighted when she offered to pick us up and do all the driving. After two weeks in Italy, Jeff and I were still not comfortable driving on the same roads with the Italians! It was a pleasure to be passengers in Sally’s car as she navigated the narrow roads and fearlessly matched the speed and aggressiveness of the drivers she had been living with for 17 years.

I was able to relax and enjoy the beautiful drive around Florence and up winding roads into the rolling hills of Tuscany. We soon arrived at our first stop, a turreted, walled, massive castello (castle), built in 1031. Jeff and I had to crane our necks to see the top of the battlements. The doorway though which we entered the walled courtyard was flanked by two incredibly tall and thick doors, which, when closed, would have provided serious protection for the residents inside!

Sally had arranged for the property manager to take us on a private tour. Manyofthe original walls, doors, stairways, and stonework are in tact today. However, now there are electric lights instead of torches, radiant heat instead ofdraftyfireplaces, and manicured gardens instead of moats. What remainpractically untouched are the incredible views from the castle and the almost tangible peace of the Tuscan countryside. Wedding couples and their guests can now enjoy themagnificence and magic of this castle, fully restored after years of painstaking work by engineers, artisans, sculptors, and glassmakers.

According to our host, the castle is booked almost every Saturday and Sunday for weddings. Seventy percent of the couples are Italian, but the castle is now being discovered by other Europeans and a few Americans.

In this venue, I did not have to imagine the wedding scenario, as the hostess described in animated, rapid-fire Italian (translated by Sally) the wonder of a typical wedding and reception.

The bride and groom have full use of the castle for their wedding day, including several comfortable sitting rooms, with original murals, suits of armor, and spears as part of the décor. The wedding ceremony is often held in the ornate private chapel, followed by aperitifs served on theexpansive terrace where guests can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Tuscan hills and be entertained by a stringed quartet while they savor delicious Tuscan wines and antipasti.

At sunset, guests are invited into the magnificence of the inner courtyard. Candlelight washes over all the surrounding stonewalls. A medieval fountain at the center of the courtyard contains masses of floating gardenias. Intriguingaromas emanating from the 5-course meal fill the courtyard -- a precursor to the long evening of dining pleasure ahead. We were told that celebrations in the castle often extend into the wee hours of themorning and are topped off by a fireworks display viewed from the terrace.

The guests then drive a short distance from the castle to their luxurious accommodations in the 15th century villa, the next stop on our tour. Only 3 kilometers from Florence, the villa, is built around a medieval tower and stands at the intersection of two ancient roads. Even though the bustling city of Florence and the beautiful Pitti Palace are within walking distance, the area here is un altro mondo (another world), un’oasi verde e silenziosa (a green peaceful oasis), according to the guests.

Wine and olive oil, produced on the villa property, can be purchased by guests. Sally and the villa manager showed us the outdoor oven in the courtyard where,perhaps for the rehearsal dinner, pizzas can be made to order by a chef from thelocal trattoria, and accompanied by the best of the villa-made wine.  These are the memories that will last a lifetime for the wedding couple and their guests.

The “real Italy” is very accessible. As a wedding planner, I would be excited to pair the romance and charm of a wedding celebrated in Italy with the discovery of the Italian countryside and its wonderful people.

Jeff and I then headed for Milan, where we returned our rental car and reluctantly boarded the plane for San Francisco. Each part of our trip had been wonderful and unforgettable in its own way. Now that I have fallen in love with Italy, I want to help couples create memorable weddings there and find their own special places to return for many, many anniversaries to come.

Jeff and I are already planning our 30th anniversary trip to Italy, that is, if we can wait that long!

Ciao, bella,

Jean Marks,
Wedding Coordinator

EPILOGUE
There are many beautiful and elegant wedding venues in Italy. But, as wedding coordinator Jean Marks discovered, these villas, castles, and abbeys offer much more than an exquisite backdrop for a wedding celebration; they are expressions of the Italian culture, one of sincere hospitality, strong family connections, love of beauty, and incredible pride in all they create, from castles, to 5-course sumptuous meals. What could be a better location for a meaningful celebration of family, love, and life-long commitment than Italy?

For help in planning your destination wedding in Italy, contact:
Jean Marks, or Sally Attrocchi.