Thomas and Francesca moved around a lot before getting engaged, so there wasn’t a place that overwhelmingly felt like home to them. In addition, the couple’s guests would be traveling from across the globe to attend the wedding anyway. Without a natural pull to a specific location, Thomas and Francesca looked for a country that allowed legal marriage to happen on the day as the symbolic ceremony. Among the fitting countries, one stood out.

“Once we decided on Italy,” Francesca says, “we did a lot of research online about the different regions that we could be married in. In doing so we found that the green regions of Umbria and Tuscany appealed to us most and had a huge number of venue options to suit our wedding size of 100 guests.”

Thomas and Francesca’s initial trip to Umbria during the planning process was just three days long, and in that time they wanted to visit six venues they’d flagged as potentials online. However, their highly anticipated option of Castello di Rosciano ended up being a little further away from the other venues than anticipated, making it impossible to reach the castle in time for their scheduled visit.

“When another venue canceled and we made it to the castle, we both instantly knew we had found the right place. Every space was beautiful, the views were incredible and there were so many options for where we could hold each part of our day,” the couple says.

In addition, the venue had the capacity for most guests to stay on-site – a huge bonus for the couple. They let their guests know about the option to stay at the castle via their wedding website. The website also provided guests with as much information about the wedding day, travel and accommodation options as possible. 

“Our guests had far fewer questions, which allowed us more time to concentrate on the planning for the day itself,” says the bride. 

After recruiting a team of trustworthy vendors, the couple’s wedding planners were able to take over and facilitate the planning so nothing could get lost in translation. 

Although the couple spent more on things like hair and makeup than they might have elsewhere, the budget balanced out with an accommodating venue and affordable catering. 

“The best thing about planning our destination wedding was to have so much freedom with our choices. Nothing was too much trouble for our venue and if we weren’t quite sure about something, they were happy for us to change it to be what we wanted,” the couple says.

By having a destination wedding, Thomas and Francesca could enjoy the company of their guests in one place for three whole days. Additionally, knowing that people had traveled from all over the world to witness the couple’s marriage provided a special layer of joy for the couple on their wedding day.

Exchanging vows with sunny skies above and stunning views of Umbria all around, Thomas and Francesca had made a new home in their hearts for Italy.

Vendors: Photographer: Anneli Marinovich Photography; Wedding Planner: The Wedding Boutique Italy; Ceremony/Reception Site: Castello di Roscian; Florist: Fiore all’Occhiello; Stationery: Minted (invitations), Zazzle (menu cards, table numbers), Project Pretty (table plan), Caligrafia (name cards); Cake: Santino Panetteria Pasticceria; Hair & Makeup: Anna Yurilina; Gown Designer: Stella York; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Ted Baker; Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Little Mistress & Ted Baker; Band: Love Beats; DJ: DJ Lozzy; Videographer: Wedding Motion Italy; Photobooth: Booth Revolution