Both artists and enthusiasts of all things “Italy,” Aubrie and Russell had no hesitation about where they’d celebrate the beginning of their marriage. “We travel to Italy every summer and there’s something magical about the Tuscan light, countryside, food, ambiance and atmosphere,” Aubrie says. 

Initially, the couple had open minds about their Tuscany wedding venue. Searching online, they discovered multiple options for their desired aesthetic. Borgo Stomennano, which dates back one thousand years and once hosted the famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri, won out over the rest.

“Dante says he was so struck by the site of the powerful towers of the nearby town Monteriggioni, emerging from the mist that he decided to mention them in the Divine Comedy,” Russell says.

Aubrie and Russell visited the venue to ensure their pick reached expectations in person. It exceeded those expectations, a feat the couple attributes to the ancient pillars, soft stone, worn-over-time look, and the warm and welcoming Griccioli family, the owners of Borgo Stomennano!

To stimulate the local economy and honor their Tuscan wedding destination, the couple sourced all the food and wine locally for three days of celebrating in the Italian countryside. This way, guests could feel totally immersed in the local cuisine and culture. After all, why travel all the way to Italy to eat some kind of American chicken dish?

With ample room for half of the couple’s guests to stay at Borgo Stemanno, Russell and Aubrie could spend all three days with loved ones right by their side. 

“All the other guests we found accommodations in the surrounding countryside and in the town of Monteriggioni,” the bride says. “We had shuttles always available to bring our guests to Borgo Stomennano.”

Personalization characterized Aubrie and Russell’s wedding day itself. Without coordinating with each other beforehand, both the bride and groom ended up wearing outfits that appeared as if they’d emerged from a time machine.

“We looked like we were from another era,” Aubrie says. “Russell wore an exact replica of Michael Corleone’s suit from The Godfather II, with a classic western stetson, and I wore a romantic ball gown.”

An important aspect of the couple’s connection, music, played a huge role in further personalizing their Tuscany destination wedding day. Russell walked down the aisle to The Godfather-themed music, while Aubrie walked down the aisle to Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

“In my vows, I sang acapella, ‘Come as You Are by Nirvana’,” the bride adds.

After the sweet ceremony where the couple stood framed by two stone buildings straight out of a storybook, the party moved to the grounds’ gardens. Several wooden tables were joined together to look like the whole party sat at one elongated, curved banquet table adorned with moss and local flora and fauna. Festivities led into the night as string lights and crystal chandeliers illuminated the garden. 

Aubrie and Russell’s three-day event in the Tuscan hills taught them a few things they’d like to impart to others planning their own destination weddings:

“Serve the best food and wine you can possibly afford. Let the place, the ambiance you’ve chosen be at, the forefront of your celebration.”

Vendors: Photographer: Lifestories Wedding; Wedding Planner: Annie Adair; Venue: Borgo Stomennano; Florist: Rebel Rebel; Catering & Cake: Oste Gentiluomo; Hair & Makeup: Anthony Pazos; Gown Designer: Peter Langner; A/V & Lighting: Kaleydo; Music: Silvana Froli, Colletivo Distillerie, DJ Max