Kelly and Gavin are the definition of a well-traveled couple: expats who met in the U.K., planned their wedding while living in Dubai and recently moved to Australia. With loved ones all over the world, the couple felt their destination wedding options were limitless. The lovebirds settled on a location by narrowing-in on what was most important to them: amazing cuisine, beautiful views and the ability to spend quality time with their guests. Once Kelly and Gavin discovered Villa Catignano in Tuscany, Italy, there was no looking back. “After visiting the venue, we were instantly sold,” says the bride. “The beauty of the property and landscape is captivating.”

In order to best accommodate their guests, the couple gave them 18 months notice and also chose a date during school holidays. On the big wedding weekend, the couple was joined by nearly 70 guests in the Tuscan hills just outside of Siena. Villa Catignano proved to be the ideal setting for the couple’s nuptials with the ceremony taking place in the lemon gardens and the reception held in a courtyard on the villa’s manicured grounds. The bride wanted to let the breathtaking scenery do the majority of the work for the ceremony, so the aisle was decorated simply with eucalyptus and baby’s breath.

After the “I do’s,” the group celebrated in style. “With the stunning terracotta villa as a backdrop on one side and a view of Siena on the other, we opted for one long, rectangular table, so it felt like a Tuscan family feast,” explains Kelly. The night was full of touching speeches and several courses of delicious cuisine. It was the personalized touches that made this couple’s reception extra-special. “There was a dessert bar filled with all of our favorites brought in from around the world,” says the bride. “We also had a fruit and cheese bar, wine from local vineyards and a wheelbarrow filled with beer!”

The couple’s pre- and post-wedding events were just as customized, with a welcome picnic on Italian style blankets and a pizza and pasta party. “The day after the wedding we had an outdoor pizza oven brought in and guests had a great time making their own pizzas,” recalls the bride. “It was an all-around crowd pleaser and the perfect way to thank everyone for joining us.”

Vendors: Photographer: Amanda Donaho Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Catignano in Tuscany, Italy, Bride’s Gown Designer: Custom Design by Susanna Rachel, Bride’s Earrings: Vitrine Designs, Bride’s Hair Vine: Kirena Exclusive, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Custom Design by Doherty Evans & Stott, Groomsmens’ Suit Jackets: LOBO Tailors in Dubai, Bride & Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Custom Design by Ellie Wren, Groom & Groomsmen’s Ties: Handsome and Lace, Hair & Makeup: Giulia Makeup, Catering: Prelude Catering, Audio & Lighting: Audio Visual, Band: Damien McFly, Strings: Lorenzo Borneo, Groomsmen’s Wallets: Teals Prairie, Groomsmen’s Sunglasses: Watch Your Sunglasses, Bridesmaids’ Wallets: The Daily Edited & Favors: Olive Oil from Villa Catignano