A Tuscan Wedding

Reshma and Christopher

Reshma and Christopher had a stunning wedding at Castello Di Gabbiano in Tuscany.

From: London
Wedding location: Castello Di Gabbiano
Number of guests: 70
Our proposal: It all happened on Via Margutta in Roma... after a good amount of Limoncello!

Wedding Theme/Colours...

Vintage/Bohemian

We Chose Our Location Because....

At first it seemed tricky, with his roots being American and mine being Kenyan/Indian and with us both having lived in London for several years - between us we had family and friends spanning across four continents.

But our ongoing love affair with Tuscany made it a natural choice - we were of course confident that it would be a very well received choice of destination with the promise of a spectacular backdrop of rolling hills, beautiful wine, gorgeous food .. and a weekend of relaxed celebrations under the Tuscan sun.

To come across Gabbiano is like finding a hidden gem in the hills of Tuscany. Whilst being just outside Florence making it very easy to get to, it still felt like you were going far enough off the beaten track into the country side - and there it was nestled in the middle of Chianti where it's just all about the wine. From the drive up the winding private road leading to the Castello, to walking in and around the grounds, to the magnificent uninterrupted views from all angles - it was truly perfect and just what I would have imagined it all to be about.

What set Gabbiano apart from the other venues was the accommodation on site for friends and family to stay with us - and more importantly the quality of the accommodation. Every room was tastefully decorated, with its own individual style and charm - all of which was contemporary but oozing lots of old school Tuscan country charm.

The Castello became like a lavish "home away from home" for the weekend - it was very relaxed, we had the privacy to enjoy it with our friends and family.

Our Ceremony...

Symbolic ceremony - which was intimate and private on the grounds Gabbiano.

My Favourite Part of my Wedding Day...

Well I would have to say... it was "having my cake and eating it"- literally. The whole day/weekend unfolded effortlessly and there was a lot of attention to detail which I had provided some direction on - but there was one which I had totally and consciously not bothered with and that was the wedding cake - on the basis that if there has been one consistent theme, weddings cakes always disappoint and tends to be the general expectation! But I stand corrected. It was such a small thing that became an instant culinary delight - and almost a year on, the memory of this cake lives on vividly as it still comes up in conversation.

My advice for other brides...

Just one Golden Tip: It comes in the form of a lady called Barbara Cal� - the choreographer of what was a perfect weekend which excelled all levels of expectation. All credit goes to her because without her none of it would have been possible.

It was never a dream of mine to plan my wedding and in fact it was quite the opposite- only the thought of it was enough to bring on a migraine. So in fact my husband should show all his gratitude to Barbara as I may never have survived the planning stage! She guided me through a process which is long and tiring - but when it came to the day I was totally relaxed and was able to unwind with my friends and family - and to just have a good time, which is really the point of it all.

Over and above playing her role as my planner, I would like to think we became good friends over the months - she is extremely warm, impossible not to get along with, very generous with her time and goes beyond the call of duty. One thing I will never know how she manages to do is leave you feeling that the only wedding she is planning, living and breathing is yours alone - and that is pretty special.

The Perfect Partners

Wedding Planner: Barbara Cal� of Infinity Weddings and Events�

Reception Venue: Castello di Gabbiano - Tuscany

Flowers: Infinity Weddings and Events�

Designer of the Bridal Gown: Ian Stewart- Sancerre

Photographer: Alfonso Longobardi Photography Studio