An Intimate Wedding in Italy with Classic Tuscan Charm
Coachella 2016 was in full swing when Emily Bonham and Peter Marcucci first met. The two were introduced through mutual friends, and they instantly connected while enjoying the music and atmosphere of the festival in Palm Springs. Despite having to head back to two different cities separated by more than 1,000 miles, both Emily and Peter realized there was something special happening between them.
“We remember the exact moment we were introduced,” Emily shares. “It felt magnetic. Although we went our separate ways after that magical weekend, our paths soon intertwined again when I visited Pete in Santa Monica a few months later. Shortly after, I made the leap to move to Los Angeles, and that's when our love story really began.”
“We remember the exact moment we were introduced; it felt magnetic.”
A Proposal in Paris
Paris was one of the first places where the couple traveled abroad together, and it has since become a very special city to them. On New Year’s Eve 2022, Emily and Pete found themselves in the City of Light with friends, enjoying a cozy dinner at Pink Mamma in the vibrant Pigalle quarter. After dinner, the group made their way to the Eiffel Tower, just in time for its midnight sparkle.
“As we posed for what I thought was a casual photo,” Emily describes, “Pete surprised me by dropping to one knee along the Seine, with the tower shimmering behind us. It was a moment out of a dream, and I couldn’t believe how perfectly he had planned it. I said 'yes,' surrounded by our friends and the magic of Paris.”
Planning an Intimate Wedding in Italy with Classic Tuscan Charm
As soon as the wedding planning process began, Emily and Pete knew they wanted to celebrate their nuptials with an intimate wedding in Italy. They always dreamed of a destination wedding, which would also serve as a family vacation for immediate and extended family.
For their wedding venue, the couple chose Borgo Stomennano for its classic Tuscan charm, and rented out the entire estate for their guests.
“We wanted our wedding to be more than just one day,” Emily adds, “but a full weekend of relaxation and joy for everyone to share in. From quiet strolls around the property, private wine tours, lounging by the pool, and enjoying brunch at everyone’s leisure, the weekend was designed to embrace both celebration and tranquility. The Borgo Stomennano team exceeded our expectations, making everyone feel like they were part of something truly special.”
The week leading up to the wedding was filled with adventures in Florence and Rome. Accompanied by their families, the bride and groom created lifelong memories while savoring gelato and pasta, dining al fresco, and exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, galleries, and landmarks. Since it was a destination wedding, the couple also wanted to give their guests the opportunity to appreciate the surrounding area of Borgo Stomennano, with its close proximity to Siena, Florence, and the castle town of Monteriggioni.
“On the first night,” says Emily, “we rented the lovely restaurant Le Torri in Monteriggioni, creating a wow factor where everyone would feel transported back in time to a place very different from what our guests could ever imagine experiencing in the U.S. The following night, the night before the wedding, we hosted a dinner in the Borgo Stomennano wine cellar, catered by the property, followed by a welcome reception and celebration at the Grand Hotel Continental’s main ballroom in Siena. The evening featured music, cocktails, champagne, toasts, and delicious bites.”
An Enchanting Fairy Garden
When the wedding day arrived, 80 of Emily and Peter’s closest loved ones surrounded them for a celebration that was repeatedly described as “magical.”
“We were enveloped in indescribable love and joy,” says the bride. “The intimacy of the celebration made every moment feel even more special, and the magic of it all was something we’ll carry with us forever.”
Complementing their venue’s classic Tuscan charm, the wedding décor consisted of a colorful palette of pastels that paired perfectly with the dramatic green landscape and gardens. One of the couple’s close friends lovingly referred to their wedding as “an enchanting fairy garden,” which provided the ultimate atmosphere for sipping Aperol spritzes while the tunes of a saxophone player filled the air. Cocktail hour seamlessly blended into the night, and a DJ and saxophone duo created an idyllic balance of energy and elegance.
During the reception, guests dined amidst the estate’s beautiful gardens, with breathtaking views of Monteriggioni in the distance. The wedding tablescape provided a stunning décor focal point – a single, winding table adorned with lush greenery, with chandeliers and flickering candlelight casting a warm glow throughout the evening. For the wedding menu, the couple opted for classic Italian food and chic hors d’oeuvres, while finishing things on a sweet note with gelato and an iconic Millefoglie wedding cake.
“One of the most special moments for us was when the sun peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills of Tuscany with the saxophone playing in the background,” the bride reflects. “It felt surreal, and we spent that time savoring the moment with our guests – chatting, laughing, and creating memories as we enjoyed cocktail hour together. The night ended with dancing, laughter, and the joy of celebrating under the Tuscan sky.”
The Ultimate Italian Honeymoon
The couple’s destination wedding in Italy was followed by the ultimate Italian honeymoon. Their itinerary included visits to the southern coast of Italy, Taormina, the Amalfi Coast, Ischia, and finally a stop in London.
“My husband’s grandparents emigrated from Sicily,” Emily shares, “making it a bucket list destination for us, so it was the perfect choice for our first stop. We stayed at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, where breathtaking views of Mt. Etna, combined with exquisite food and wine, created an unforgettable experience. Our days were spent relaxing at the Sant Andrea Hotel’s beach club, while our evenings were filled with sipping local wines and negronis on the Timeo’s charming patio.
The most memorable moment was chartering a boat to explore the Amalfi Coast. We spent an incredible day exploring the coastline and swimming between the enchanting Li Galli islands with friends who joined us on their own boat, followed by a romantic dinner at La Sponda in Positano.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, Italy; Planner: In Tuscany Wedding; Floral Design: Stiatti Fiori; Cake & Caterer: Bachini & Bellini; Lighting: Central House Lighting; Engagement Ring: Custom; Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven; Bridal Salon: Lovely Bride Denver; Reception Dress: Vintage Dolce & Gabbana; Hair & Makeup: Megan Bonham; Groom’s Watch: Cartier; Entertainment: Tasten’Sax; Invitations: Print for Love; Cinematography: Lumiere Wedding Films; Photography: Damiano Salvadori & Donatella Barbera