Tuscany is an incredibly beautiful and romantic place for weddings - gentle rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves provide a stunning backdrop for the big day. This stylish wedding took place at the Palazzo Orsetti in Lucca followed by a reception at the boutique hotel Tenuta San Pietro. Photographer Giorgia Bertazzi has really captured the spirit and joy of the day in her sophisticated and unobtrusive style. We spoke to the bride Victoria who was kind enough to share her memories of the wedding day.

WHY TUSCANY?
We love Italy and have been to Tuscany many times. We wanted somewhere sunny and familiar for the wedding. It was 38 degrees on the wedding day and it was so bright I had to wear sunglasses!

HOW DID YOU PLAN THE WEDDING?
It was a very intimate gathering with only closest friends and family. We had around 50 guests. There wasn't a huge amount of planning and the hotel pretty much organised most of it. At the reception we didn't have a top table and just put people together on tables who wanted to sit together.

The only thing that was difficult to organise was the admin/paperwork side of things. I had a couple of Italian friends who could translate and make phone calls for me. If you're having a wedding in Tuscany I woud definitely recommend you hire a translator.

WHERE WAS THE CEREMONY HELD?
We had a civil ceremony in the Palazzo Orsetti in Lucca. The building was amazing - it was very palatial with huge chandeliers.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE RECEPTION VENUE?
We found the venue, Tenuta San Pietro, online. There was a dining and bar area as well as a fantastic inside space which you need because you can't rely on the weather. We stayed in the hotel the week before the wedding and the staff really became part of the family. Everyone was so excited. We had sole use of the hotel for the weekend of the wedding. They did everything from the menu to decorations and flowers. They even picked people up from the airport. We were so lucky - they were fantastic.

WHERE WAS YOUR DRESS FROM?
My dress was from Jenny Packham and it was the first one I’d seen. It was pink and I had some extra beading added. As it’s very hot in Tuscany I wanted something comfortable that was floaty and fitted in with the environment. I also wanted something I could wear again. My shoes were from Christian Louboutin. As the dress had lots of gold in it I wanted something gold and the Louboutins were fantastic. They were gold woven leather platform sandals and even though they had 6 inch heels they were still comfortable!

WHO DID YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUIP?
My hairdresser Jacqui Rowley, who’s also a friend, did my hair. She’s got a total knack for it and takes into account the shape of your face, what you’re wearing and what style you want. She also made the hairpins I wore to match the beads on my dress. I did my makeup myself  after going to MAC in Harvey Nichols for a makeup lesson and makeover which cost £25. The makeup artist was fantastic and I bought the products she used.

TELL US ABOUT THE FOOD?
The food was really amazing and everyone was raving about it. It wasn’t overly fussy and it was perfectly prepared. For starters we had canapés in the wine bar area which were beautiful. The main course was pasta with rocket, olive oil and cherry tomatoes followed by a beautiful cut of steak cooked Tuscan style with crushed rosemary, potatoes and asparagus. For desert we had tiramisu. It really was the best party I have ever been to. The staff were still serving food and drinks at 6:00am!

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER THE MOST ABOUT THE DAY?
Everything really! - but particularly when we came back from the ceremony to the hotel for the reception. You never know how it’s going to look but when we arrived the sun was setting, we had the beautiful scenery behind us and the canapés were being served - it was just like a dream and was just perfect.

WHAT'S THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE BRIDES TO BE?
To us the day was more of a celebration then a wedding – we wanted a big party with everyone to relax and enjoy themselves. Try to relax and enjoy the whole thing and don’t take yourself too seriously!

Ceremony Venue: Palazzo Orsetti, Lucca

Reception Venue: Tenuta San Pietro www.tenuta-san-pietro.com

Photography by: Giorgia Bertazzi www.giorgiabertazzi.com

Hair by: Jacqui Rowley, Tel: 0207 489 7317

Makeup by: The bride using MAC Cosmetics

Dress by: Jenny Packham

Shoes by: Christian Louboutin

All photos are courtesy of Giorgia Bertazzi
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