Lauren and Brendan held a Roman Catholic blessing in a private chapel at our villa 18, one of our most popular locations.

The villa may be rented for less than a week, and is a refined, elegant private villa in the heart of the rolling hills of Southern Tuscany, with sunset views over olive groves and vineyards, a cool breeze even on hot summer evenings drifts up to the elevated location, and the gardens, pool area, chapel and courtyard offer a superb range of opportunieties for the wedding ceremony, the aperitifs and the seated meal.

The mother of the bride writes:

I just want to thank you again for the wonderful job that you and your company did for my daughter's wedding. It was so beautiful and even more than we expected. Amanda and Andrew have already told you that, I'm sure! Thanks again for such good memories! Wishing you all the best Lanna (Lauren's Mom)

The bride writes:

Hi Ben & Marisa,

Dave & I had the most amazing week at the villa. It was so wonderful to see so many people smiling ALL WEEK. It is hard to put into words how truly amazing our wedding day was.

You took all the pressure off me, and you made it look like it was a breeze for you. Truly professional.

My being in a wheelchair was never an issue, you managed to make me forget about it too! Marisa did such a wonderful job with the flowers, thank you so much.

Nothing was too much trouble. The caterers were fantastic, the buffet evening, the pizza night and of course the wedding day, WOW that cake was incredible! So many of our guests commented on how wonderful the food was on every occasion.

The photographer was a dream, The harp and violin so beautiful, The jazz Quartet - well my Mum was in her element! We ALL had a week to remember and treasure forever, Thanks for making it happen so flawlessly!

All the very best for the future
Michelle & Dave.

Before you head off to your dream wedding and honeymoon, don't forget the packing for the wedding itself. Much will depend on where you're having your wedding and your own personal style. If you're getting married in a formal wedding dress, be sure to carry it with you - don't trust your dress to checked luggage. Most airplanes have coat closets and will allow travelers to hang garment bags. Check with your airline.

Grooms should also carry the clothing needed for the ceremony. If you're getting married in Italiy, you won't find many tuxedo rental shops here... It is easiest to bring clothes with you.

Also, carry all original documents-including birth certificates and divorce papers, if applicable-in your hand luggage. Don't pack these in checked luggage!

Italyweddings works with top beauty salons and stylists who will travel to your villa, so you can make sure your hair is perfect for your wedding day. (If you plan to do your own hair, be sure to check first on the electrical current and plugs at your destination. You may need to bring converters for hot rollers and other appliances.)

For the wedding, you'll want to pack some of these items, depending on your plans:

• Wedding dress
• Special hosiery or undergarments
• Shoes (if you're planning a summer wedding, remember that high temperatures and humidity, coupled with a long flight, can make feet puffy)
• Guest book
• Wedding rings
• Groom's tux or suit
• Groom's shoes
• Address book
• Thank you cards if you'd like to write them on the way home
• Special decorations,and favors - though of course Italyweddings will be assiting you with this, and many couples send us ahead of time special things for the table

In ancient Rome, a loaf of wheat bread was broken over the heads of the bride and groom to ensure a fertile and fulfilling life. Guests would eat the crumbs for good luck.

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