WEDDING BLOG

What started as a friendship, built over years of shared dinners, group trips, and long conversations, eventually became something deeper for Alina and Aaron. After meeting at a mutual friend’s brunch in New York City back in 2017, the two spent years growing close before officially dating in 2021. By the time they began planning their wedding, trust, familiarity, and a shared love of celebrating life defined their relationship.

That sense of ease carried seamlessly into their Castello di Celsa wedding, a multi-day celebration set against the rolling Tuscan countryside. With a classic white color palette, dramatic florals, and touches of Italian extravagance, the experience felt romantic, immersive, and thoughtfully paced from start to finish.

What We Love About This Castello di Celsa Wedding

• A classic black-and-white dress code that made the florals and architecture stand out
• Multiple events that highlighted different areas of the venue
• A limoncello seating chart that doubled as a guest experience
• Candle-filled welcome party with a magical, intimate glow
• Fireworks and a champagne tower that surprised guests in the best way

Featured Vendor:

The Tuscan Wedding

Selecting a Destination Venue That Works for a Full Weekend

Alina and Aaron knew early on that they wanted a venue that felt historic and unmistakably Italian, while also offering flexibility for a full wedding weekend. Castello di Celsa delivered on all fronts.

Each event unfolded in a different part of the property, allowing guests to experience the setting in layers. The rehearsal dinner took place beside the castle’s greenery, creating an intimate, enclosed atmosphere. The welcome party followed in the courtyard, where floating candles set the tone for a romantic evening. The ceremony was held in the gardens, framed by sculpted hedges and sweeping countryside views, while dinner and dancing unfolded near the chapel overlooking a long, hedge-lined walkway.

From the Junebug Editors: Look beyond a venue’s usual “recommended” locations when planning each moment of your day. A ceremony on a staircase, cocktails on a dock, or dinner in a garden can shift the perspective entirely—often making the experience feel more personal and unexpected, logistics permitting.

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Why Hiring a Region-Based Planner Makes a Difference

Planning a destination celebration comes with its own set of challenges, so finding the right planner was essential. After speaking with several teams both in Italy and the U.S., Alina connected with Junebug vendor The Tuscan Wedding and immediately felt understood.

“She understood my vision perfectly, while also giving her expert opinion and pushback when needed,” Alina shared.

Working with a Tuscany-based planner meant having access to trusted local vendors and someone who could guide decisions with regional expertise. Frequent communication and ongoing collaboration helped turn their vision board inspiration into a cohesive Castello di Celsa wedding weekend that felt polished but never overdone.

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Making Style Choices That Complement the Setting

Fashion played a major role in reinforcing the wedding’s aesthetic. Guests were asked to wear all-black black tie attire for the wedding day, creating a striking contrast against the white florals and stone architecture.

Alina wore a strapless gown paired with a lace veil that suited the Italian setting. She continued the lace theme throughout the weekend with her rehearsal dinner and afterparty looks. Aaron complemented the classic tone with a black tux for the ceremony before switching into a white jacket for the evening celebration, keeping things elevated while embracing the fun of outfit changes.

For couples planning a multi-day event, changing looks can be a simple way to mark different moments while keeping the overall style cohesive.

A Timeless Ceremony with Meaningful Touches

The ceremony design centered on a classic white color palette, with abundant florals used to frame the space and guide the eye down the aisle. Arrangements lined the ceremony walkway, leading to a full floral arch set against the stone ruins and sweeping countryside views.

By keeping the color consistent, the florals worked naturally with the surrounding greenery and architecture. The setting felt fully styled without pulling attention away from the landscape itself.

While the design was undeniably elegant, the ceremony remained deeply personal. Alina and Aaron wrote their own vows, which became one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

To honor loved ones who couldn’t be present, they reserved two chairs for Alina’s late parents and observed a moment of silence during the ceremony. The gesture was simple and meaningful.

Creating a Reception Space That Feels Warm After Dark

The reception was set outdoors, with long tables arranged across the lawn and dressed in white florals, candles, and simple place settings. Crystal chandeliers were hung above the tables, bringing light to the space while still keeping the setting open to the surrounding greenery.

The setup focused on keeping everything cohesive and easy for guests to move through once dinner began. With consistent table layouts and a neutral palette, the space felt polished without feeling overly styled, allowing the setting and celebration to take center stage.

As the evening unfolded, the reception began with a champagne tower and fireworks that surprised guests and quickly became the highlight of the night. The DJ set the tone immediately by blending several songs chosen by the couple into an upbeat introduction that carried through the entire evening. “The dance floor was packed all night and we didn’t want it to end,” Alina shared, noting how often guests complimented the music.

Planning Ahead to Stay Present on the Wedding Day

Looking back, Alina and Aaron emphasize the importance of time and perspective. They recommend allocating more time than expected for getting ready, especially if you’re planning a first look and portraits before the ceremony. Creating a photo checklist ahead of time can also help ensure no moments are missed.

Most importantly, they encourage couples to enjoy the process. Planning can feel overwhelming, but remembering what the celebration is truly about helps keep things in perspective. Hosting multiple events throughout the weekend allowed them to spend more meaningful time with loved ones, making their Castello di Celsa wedding feel less rushed and more connected.

Their celebration is a reminder that when intention leads the way, even the most elaborate destination weddings can feel deeply personal.