If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun, Amanda and Jonathon’s wedding at Villa Valentini Bonaparte is the kind of story that will have you packing your bags for Italy. Their weekend celebration in Castiglione del Lago was more than a wedding—it was a three-day love letter to la dolce vita, filled with pasta making, fireworks, fine wine, and even their dog, Riley, in a tuxedo.

But let’s start in the middle, because that’s really where the magic happened. Picture this: guests gathered under a pastel sky as a tenor’s voice carried through the gardens, singing Nessun Dorma. “Listening to the tenor’s powerful voice while looking out at the sun setting over the Tuscan hills, surrounded by our closest family and friends, savoring local food and wine, was a moment that brought together everything we love in perfect harmony,” Amanda recalls. It wasn’t just beautiful, it was goosebump-inducing.

A Love That Took the Scenic Route

Amanda and Jonathon’s story didn’t begin in Tuscany. It actually started six years earlier, when they met on a dating app in New York. “We felt an instant spark,” Amanda says. But life had other plans. Both had demanding careers, Amanda as a partner at an IP law firm and Jon as a CFO, and they drifted apart. Years later, fate (and matching foot injuries) brought them back together. “Caring for each other when we were both in need made us realize we had the makings of a true partnership,” she says. From there, love blossomed, this time for good.

When Jon proposed, he already knew where their story’s next chapter would unfold. Tuscany wasn’t just a destination for Amanda, it was a homecoming. “I’m half Italian, and Tuscany holds a special place in my heart,” she explains. “It was about more than our wedding or a trip to Italy; it was our way of capturing the spirit of la dolce vita and inviting those dearest to us to live it by our side.”

The Tuscan Weekend Everyone Wishes They Were Invited To

From the moment guests arrived, Amanda and Jonathon made sure they were immersed in Italian culture. The festivities kicked off with a lively welcome dinner featuring an Italian folk band and a feast of Bistecca Fiorentina grilled over an open flame, paired with local wines, and served under the stars at a single long table draped in gold and olive green.

The next morning began with a workout led by the groom, followed by a pasta-making class using produce from the villa’s garden and a leisurely pool party. That evening, guests boarded a shuttle to Salchetto Winery, where they sipped wine overlooking Montepulciano as a jazz band played in the background. By the time the wedding day rolled around, everyone felt like lifelong friends. “It was the in-between moments, sipping prosecco and laughing by the pool, lingering conversations over breakfast, that wove a special bond among everyone,” Amanda says.

A Ceremony Fit for a Fairytale

The ceremony itself was intimate, romantic, and filled with personal touches. The couple exchanged vows under a wrought iron dome surrounded by cypress trees, as a string trio played Spring 1 by Max Richter. Their officiant, “Aunt” Marie, Amanda’s mother’s best friend, had married both of Amanda’s brothers and now had the honor of officiating hers. And then there was Riley, the couple’s dog, who made the transatlantic journey to Italy and proudly walked down the aisle in a tuxedo. “Many thought we were crazy to fly him across the world,” Amanda laughs, “but Jon insisted he be there. It truly wouldn’t have been the same without him.”

Dinner, Fireworks, and a Birthday Surprise

If there’s one thing Italians and newlyweds agree on, it’s that great food is non-negotiable. The couple’s wedding dinner was an ode to Italian gastronomy, starting with pear and pecorino tortello, followed by pici with duck ragù, and veal Rossini topped with foie gras and truffles. “The food was unforgettable, and despite the whirlwind of the evening, Jon and I savored every bite,” Amanda says.

After dinner came the grand finale: a live cake assembly (a pistachio millefoglie in honor of Amanda’s Sicilian roots), fireworks set to A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, and a surprise birthday moment for Jon, complete with cake and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” fitting since their wedding date, September 21, is the one immortalized in the lyrics.

Then came the after-party, where Amanda switched into a sparkly Helsi dress and the DJ and saxophonist kept guests dancing well into the early morning.

Advice from the Bride

Amanda’s biggest takeaway from planning an Italian destination wedding? “Every detail should feel intentional and true to your story.” And when your story involves fireworks, fresh pasta, and a dog in a tuxedo under the Tuscan stars, it’s safe to say Amanda and Jonathon’s version of happily ever after is one for the ages.

Vendors: Photographer: Francesco Spighi; Wedding Planner: Olivia Sodi; Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa Valentini Bonaparte; Florist: Voglia di Verde; Stationery: Yula Letterpress; Caterer & Cake: Preludio Catering; Hair & Makeup: The Porfirio; Wedding Dress: Lihi Hod; After-Party Dress: Helsi; Welcome Dress: Milla; Jewelry: Verstolo; Groom’s Clothing Designer: The Suit Spot; Fireworks: Gianvittorio; Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Strings: Firenze Classica; Italian Folk Band: The Tuscany Folk Band; DJ & Saxophonist: DJ Zano & Team