A modern bride in a post Renassaince villa in Lucca
When two Italians living in London decide to come back to Tuscany to celebrate their wedding, you know it’s going to be something special.
Virginia and Castruccio chose Villa Grabau, near Lucca, for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere — the perfect backdrop for a celebration that felt both elegant and deeply personal.
the getting ready
The morning began quietly at the villa, with a mix of calm and excitement in the air. Virginia got ready with her closest friends in one of the villa’s guesthouses, surrounded by laughter, music, and the usual last-minute details that make the hours before the ceremony so special.Meanwhile, Castruccio prepared at his grandmother’s house nearby — a place filled with memories that made his morning feel personal and familiar.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place in the Church of San Pancrazio, a small and intimate church just above the villa. We decorated the stairs and the altar with simple floral arrangements, leaving the aisle lit only by candles to create a soft, romantic feel. A local choir performed throughout the ceremony, giving it a personal and heartfelt tone.
The morning had begun cloudy, but as the couple stepped outside the church, the sky cleared — just in time to welcome them with sunshine and applause.
Back to the Villa
After the ceremony, Virginia and Castruccio drove off in a vintage red Alfa Romeo Spider, a small but iconic detail.
Meanwhile, guests made their way back to the villa on foot, accompanied by a marching band. This walk turned into a cheerful parade — a simple idea that made the transition between ceremony and reception light and enjoyable.
Aperitivo in the Gardens
The aperitivo took place in the villa’s Lemon gardens, surrounded by spring colors and afternoon light. Guests enjoyed great food, live music, and a relaxed mood that quickly turned festive — a few people even started dancing before dinner.
To give a local touch, we included the Peschino, a traditional drink from Lucca, which became a small but much-loved surprise, especially among international guests.
Dinner in the Limonaia
Dinner was held inside the Limonaia, one of Villa Grabau’s most distinctive spaces, where plants hang from the ceiling and the atmosphere feels naturally elegant.
We chose a modern floral design in white and green tones with calla lilies and hydrangeas, combining classic tableware with subtle terracotta accents that matched the walls of the Limonaia.
The result was a balanced and cohesive look — modern yet timeless — that complemented the character of the space without overwhelming it.
Cake & Party
After dinner, guests gathered outside for the live show-cooking of the wedding cake — a traditional millefoglie prepared right in front of them. It’s always a moment that people enjoy, and this time was no different: everyone loved watching the cake come together before sharing it.
The party continued inside with music by a DJ who was also a close friend of the bride, which made the atmosphere even more relaxed and personal.
At midnight, guests were served mini burgers and traditional lampredotto sandwiches — a final Tuscan touch that was appreciated by everyone and the perfect way to end the night.
We also set up a confettata table, allowing guests to fill small bags with their favorite sweets to take home — a personal touch that everyone appreciated. Alongside this, each guest received a handmade terracotta flower, created by the association of which the bride’s sister is a member, adding an extra layer of meaning and connection to the day.
What made this day so special were all the thoughtful choices — the villa connected to family roots, the food and drinks inspired by local traditions, the marching band that kept the celebration alive, and the design touches that brought harmony to every moment. We believe it’s this kind of care and attention to detail that defines our work: crafting weddings that feel authentic, personal, and exactly right for each couple.
CREDITS:
Photographer: D2 Photography
Catering: Galateo Ricevimenti
Florist: Silvia Mattera
Hair and makeup: Antonella Macaluso
Musicians: Boys4Road
Audio and Light: Wedding Music and Lights
Graphics: La Precisina
Contacts
I'm Francesca, a wedding planner specialized in sustainable events in Tuscany with more than 12 years of experience.