A Tuscan Summer Wedding Weekend at Castello di Brolio & Castel Monastero
Abigail and Jamie’s celebrations began at Castello di Brolio, before continuing at Castel Monastero in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. Photographed by our Fine Art Curation Member Thomas Audiffren, the weekend unfolded across two beautiful settings, the weekend unfolded as an invitation to experience Italy at its most welcoming, with each gathering bringing its own character while sharing a common appreciation for wonderful food, thoughtful details, and the pleasure of bringing people together.
Planned and designed by The Tuscan Wedding, the celebrations moved through a thoughtful succession of settings and styles, each with its own personality while maintaining a lovely sense of continuity. From the first evening overlooking the Tuscan vineyards to the final pizza party, there was an evident appreciation for the details that make guests feel truly welcome.
A Welcome Party In A Historic Winery
The celebrations began at Castello di Brolio, a historic Tuscan estate with a remarkable connection to Italian winemaking. Widely recognized as the home of Italy's oldest winery, the castle is surrounded by rolling vineyards, making the views across the countryside a particularly fitting backdrop for the first evening of the celebrations. There was a lovely sense of occasion, yet the atmosphere remained wonderfully relaxed, giving guests time to settle into their surroundings and enjoy the beginning of the weekend.
Tables were dressed in peachy pink, sage green, and soft yellow, a gentle combination that brought warmth to the setting without feeling overly formal. As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed wines from the region alongside a bespoke cocktail menu celebrating some of Italy's most beloved drinks. Negronis, Grappa, and Limoncello all featured, bringing a little Italian aperitivo culture to the occasion.
Food was equally central to the experience, with a delicious shrimp risotto among the dishes served. With vineyard views, beautiful local wines, and an inviting setting for guests to gather, it was a rather lovely introduction to the celebrations ahead.
An Elegant Garden Ceremony and Reception
The wedding day brought everyone to Castel Monastero, where the gardens provided a beautiful setting for Abigail and Jamie to exchange their vows. Rather than a traditional straight aisle, a gently meandering path led guests toward the focal point of the ceremony. Soft, abundant flowers lined the way, while the tall Tuscan trees formed a natural backdrop, creating a setting that felt intimate and quietly beautiful.
Abigail chose a classic A-line gown by Wona Bridal, its graceful silhouette bringing a sense of understated refinement to the occasion. Against the garden setting, it was a look that needed little embellishment.
As the celebrations moved into the evening, guests gathered for dinner in one of the property's charming courtyards. Strings of lights stretched overhead, bringing a gentle glow as the tables were dressed in fresh green and white. Tall floral arrangements rose above the tables, while candles and thoughtfully placed fruit, including bunches of grapes, added another layer of detail. There was a lovely balance between the considered floral styling and the natural abundance of the setting, with the overall effect feeling wonderfully at home in the Tuscan countryside.
The menu continued the Italian-inspired approach to dining, with traditional pasta dishes alongside beetroot and salmon, before a magnificent cake by Dolci Passioni Di Elisa made its appearance. As the evening gave way to dancing, Abigail changed into a second bridal look, retaining the beautiful bodice of her gown but exchanging the skirt for a shorter silhouette. A lovely transition from dinner to the dance floor, allowing the celebrations to continue well into the night.
The Pool Party
The following day brought a change of mood, with the formality of the wedding giving way to a rather more carefree afternoon by the pool. The color palette returned to something brighter, with sunshine yellow and vibrant orange setting the scene, accompanied, naturally, by plenty of Aperol Spritzes and fresh lemons.
There was a lovely sense of summer about the gathering. Guests drifted between the pool and the sunshine, orange and white inflatables adding a playful note to the water, while sandwiches, bowls of fresh fruit, and a gelato trike offered a delicious excuse to pause between swims. It was the sort of afternoon that makes a destination wedding so appealing: nowhere else to be, no particular schedule to follow, simply the pleasure of enjoying a beautiful place together.
Pizza Party Finale
The final event of the weekend was perhaps one of the most charming. A pizza party brought the celebrations to a close with a distinctly Italian feel, embracing a traditional palette of vibrant reds and an abundance of fresh produce. Tomatoes, peppers, and other seasonal ingredients became part of the styling itself, creating a wonderfully theatrical setting that felt both playful and beautifully considered.
Pizza was, of course, the star of the menu, but it was the additional details that made this gathering particularly memorable. An Italian-inspired market invited guests to browse a selection of treats, including pesto, pasta, and Limoncello, choosing their favorites to fill bespoke tote bags. A thoughtful and rather lovely alternative to the traditional wedding favor, allowing everyone to take a little piece of Italy home with them.
After a weekend filled with beautiful settings, generous hospitality, and plenty of memorable moments, it was a fitting way to bring the celebrations to a close. Relaxed and full of character, the evening captured everything that makes an Italian gathering so appealing: wonderful food, a sense of abundance, and the pleasure of sharing it all with friends and family.
The Art of Hosting
What makes Abigail and Jamie's wedding weekend so inspiring is the thought given to the experience as a whole. Beginning at Castello di Brolio before moving to Castel Monastero, each gathering had its own identity, from the softer tones of the welcome dinner and wedding day to the vibrant colors of the pool party and the traditional Italian styling of the final evening. Yet there was a natural continuity throughout, with a shared appreciation for beautiful food, considered details, and a warm sense of hospitality.
It is a lovely reminder that the most memorable destination weddings are about so much more than the wedding day itself. They are about creating opportunities for guests to connect, discovering the pleasures of a new place together, and making even the smallest details feel special. From parasols thoughtfully provided for the ceremony to gelato by the pool and an Italian market to explore, this was a weekend that made every guest feel part of the experience.
A Tuscan Summer Wedding Weekend at Castello di Brolio & Castel Monastero Vendors
Planning & Design : The Tuscan Wedding
Fine Art Curation Member Photographer : Thomas Audiffren
Second photographer : JD Bascio | Cinematography: Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio | Floral Design: Lilla Florals | Dress: Wona Bridal | Cake: Dolci Passioni Di Elisa | Stationery: Laura Mazzetti - The Wedding Letters | Welcome Party Venue: Castello di Brolio | Reception Venue: Castel Monastero | Band: Fix The Music | MUAH: Giulia Cresci | Il Verreno: Il Verreno Cucina Donnaluisa | Rentals: Preludio Divisione Noleggio | Table Cloth Rental: Tablecloth Rentals | Wedding Music & Lights: Wedding Music & Lights
