Shannon & Justin - early summer wedding in Tuscany
Planning a destination wedding while working full-time and juggling life’s commitments can feel like an impossible dream. For Shannon and Justin, a couple from the U.S., the magic of Tuscany was the perfect backdrop for their wedding in May 2024. They turned to a trusted local wedding planner (that’s me!) to bring their vision to life—and ensure every detail was handled seamlessly.
From Proposal to Planning
Justin proposed to Shannon during a romantic trip in 2022, and from that moment, they knew two things: they wanted to get married in Tuscany, and they needed a planner to help them make it happen.
After finding a stunning private estate listed on Airbnb, they contacted me to help them verify the venue and ensure it met their needs. I visited the property in person to assess logistics, confirm its amenities, and identify the perfect spots for each part of the celebration. This personalized touch gave Shannon and Justin the confidence they needed to move forward with their dream venue.
The Perfect Venue and Thoughtful Accommodations
The secluded private estate featured two separate buildings, which Shannon and Justin cleverly assigned to each side of their family, fostering connection and bonding. With space for 14 guests on-site, I also helped arrange comfortable lodging nearby for the remaining 10 guests and coordinated transportation to and from the venue.
Having a trusted planner to scout the venue and organize accommodations allowed the couple to focus on enjoying their engagement, knowing every detail was in good hands.
A Two-Day Celebration of Elegance and Fun
With a budget of €40,000, we curated a two-day event that blended vibrant Tuscan charm with elegant sophistication.
Night One: A Colorful Pizza Party
To kick off the celebration, Shannon and Justin hosted a pizza night with a twist. The dress code? Guests wore white while the bride and groom stunned in chic black outfits.
For the tablescape, I designed a vibrant, Tuscan-inspired look featuring colorful chargers, rustic details, and fairy lights that created a warm, festive ambiance. A folk band added to the lively atmosphere, setting the tone for a fun and relaxed evening.
Wedding Day: Timeless Elegance with a Modern Twist
On the big day, Shannon wanted to incorporate black into the design while maintaining an air of elegance. To achieve this, I curated a tablescape with mismatched chargers, gold cutlery, crisp white linen napkins, and a lush floral runner. Black candlesticks and vases, paired with delicate orchids, brought Shannon’s vision to life.
A string trio played during the ceremony, adding an air of romance, while a DJ kept the dance floor alive well into the night.
After dinner, the celebration became even more magical. Guests danced under the string lights as the DJ played a perfect mix of music. A fancy mixology open bar kept everyone refreshed with custom cocktails, and a gelato cart served delicious scoops, adding a playful and authentic Italian touch to the evening.
A Trusted Partner in Planning
Shannon and Justin’s tip for future couples?
"We both knew we wouldn’t have the time to plan our destination wedding with full-time jobs and a new house. Dashiell helped us navigate everything and made us feel safe—especially when she personally scouted the venue for us. That level of care showed us we made the right decision, and we’re so happy we hired her!"
This level of trust is what makes destination wedding planning special. It’s about being your couple’s eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring every detail is perfect and no stone is left unturned.
DREAM TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY: Moko - FLOWERS: Criluflower - MUSIC FOLK BAND: The Italian Wedding Band - MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT WEDDING: Sara Ferrini Music
Planning Your Destination Wedding in Tuscany
Shannon and Justin’s wedding was a testament to how a trusted local planner can turn a vision into reality, even for couples with demanding schedules. From scouting venues to designing unforgettable events, my role is to make your dream wedding in Tuscany or Umbria stress-free and magical.
Are you ready to say "I do" in the rolling hills of Tuscany? Contact me today for a consultation, and let’s start planning your perfect celebration!