Katie and Howard

Where laughter, music, and togetherness turned a Tuscan castle into home.

Katie & Howard’s Destination Wedding in Tuscany at Castello di San Ruffino

Katie and Howard’s wedding in Italy was defined by a shared joy. From the very beginning, their dream was not about formality or tradition, but about creating an experience where everyone could feel completely at ease, connected, and free to celebrate. Travelling from the United Kingdom, the couple chose Tuscany for its warmth, landscapes, and unmistakable Italian rhythm. When they discovered Castello di San Ruffino, everything fell into place. This was not a classic Tuscan castle. It was something more intimate, more unconventional, and above all, perfectly suited to their vision. With enough accommodations for all guests, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant, the castle became a private world shared by friends and family for an entire weekend.

What made this Tuscany destination wedding truly special was the sense of togetherness. Every guest stayed on site, waking up together, sharing meals, laughter, and anticipation. There were no transfers, no rushing, no separation between moments. The wedding unfolded naturally, like a long, joyful gathering among people who genuinely wanted to be there.

The intention was clear: have fun. Real fun. The kind that comes from music played outdoors, dancing under the stars, and celebrating without limits. From the pre-ceremony cocktail to the late-night dancing, the atmosphere remained light, vibrant, and spontaneous.

Set against rolling Tuscan hills, this wedding in Tuscany felt authentic and personal. It was a celebration that honoured Italian hospitality while reflecting the couple’s relaxed, joyful spirit. And it left everyone with the same feeling: this is exactly how a wedding in Italy should feel.

Wedding planned by


The vision


Katie and Howard's notes

Katie and Howard envisioned a wedding that felt natural, welcoming, and unmistakably joyful. Their inspiration came from elements they loved deeply: lemons and olive trees, symbols of the Mediterranean, of summer, and of simple pleasures shared around a table.

The design concept was rooted in authenticity. Instead of elaborate structures, the couple chose to highlight the beauty of real materials and living elements. Lemon trees and olive branches were used throughout the cocktail and dinner areas, bringing color, fragrance, and a sense of playfulness to the setting. The result was an atmosphere that felt both curated and spontaneous, elegant yet relaxed.

Emotionally, the focus was on making guests feel part of something special. There was no division between ceremony and party, between formal moments and celebration. Everything flowed as one continuous experience, guided by music, conversation, and shared energy.

The florals and styling were curated by Lilla Florals, who translated the couple’s love for Mediterranean elements into a refined yet approachable aesthetic. The long dinner table, decorated with real miniature lemon trees, became the heart of the celebration, a symbol of conviviality and Italian lifestyle.

This vision speaks to couples dreaming of an Italian wedding experience that is warm, genuine, and full of life: a wedding where beauty is found in simplicity, and where happiness is the true luxury.

The five deal breakers

  • Onsite accommodation for all guests
  • Outdoor music and dancing
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Shared experience
  • Tuscan character
placehold

The action plan


How did we pull it off

Planning Katie and Howard’s wedding meant designing an experience that felt effortless, while ensuring that every detail supported the couple’s desire for freedom and fun. The process began with the careful selection of Castello di San Ruffino, chosen specifically for its accommodations, outdoor spaces, and ability to host a full celebration without restrictions.

The planning focused on creating a seamless flow. Guests arrived and were welcomed with a pre-ceremony cocktail, immediately setting a relaxed tone. This allowed everyone to settle in, reconnect, and enjoy the surroundings before the ceremony.

The symbolic ceremony took place on the terrace with panoramic views, accompanied by live violin music. One of the most touching moments came when the violinist was revealed to be the bride’s cousin, adding an intimate, deeply personal layer to the ceremony. It was a moment that felt spontaneous, emotional, and profoundly sincere.

After the ceremony, guests moved naturally to the adjacent terrace for cocktails, where conversation and laughter filled the air. The transition to dinner in the courtyard was smooth and unforced. The long table, adorned with lemon trees and olive elements, became the centre of the celebration, encouraging connection and shared joy.

Music played a central role throughout the evening. The live band Radio Kings, travelling from Rome, brought incredible energy to the courtyard, creating an atmosphere that invited everyone onto the dance floor. As the night progressed, the DJ took over, ensuring that the party continued late into the night.

Behind the scenes, every element was carefully coordinated. Outdoor sound, lighting, vendor timing, and guest comfort were all managed to allow the couple and their guests to fully enjoy the moment. This is the WeddingItaly method: meticulous planning that disappears into the background, leaving space only for emotion and celebration.

This is how we create weddings in Italy that feel real, joyful, and unforgettable.