Planning a destination wedding in Italy is always special—but every now and then, a love story comes along that reminds me exactly why I do what I do. Jacquelina and Gordon, a beautiful couple from Australia (with Scottish roots on Gordon’s side), dreamed of a celebration in Tuscany that blended romance, intimacy, and a true sense of Italian dolce vita. And as soon as they discovered Borgo Stomennano, an iconic estate in Monteriggioni, they knew it was the place where they wanted to start their forever.

But this wedding wasn’t just about stunning views, good food, and warm Tuscan sunlight. Their dream included a very important element: a legally binding marriage in Italy.

And that meant one thing—paperwork, logistics, timelines, and a thoughtful plan to make it all flow seamlessly.

As their Tuscan wedding celebrant, I had the privilege of guiding them every step of the way.

Why Jacquelina & Gordon Chose Borgo Stomennano

Few venues in Tuscany carry the same magic as Borgo Stomennano—a historic private estate with ancient cypress-lined paths, classic architecture, olive groves dancing in the breeze, and a timeless Italian soul.

For a couple coming from across the world, the venue offered everything they dreamed of:

A sense of history and authenticity
A picture-perfect setting for a symbolic ceremony
Space to gather their guests for a beautiful cocktail hour
Close proximity to the local registrar office—a key advantage for couples planning a legal civil signing

This last point became essential in creating their “two-ceremony” celebration.

A Wedding with Two Ceremonies — and One Perfect Flow

Like many international couples, Jacquelina and Gordon wanted:
- A meaningful symbolic ceremony in front of their guests
- A legally binding civil ceremony recognized in their home country

But in Italy, legal weddings can only take place at authorized registrar locations—not at private venues like Borgo Stomennano.

So together, we created a plan that honored both moments equally.

Step 1: The Heartfelt Symbolic Ceremony at the Venue

Their day began in the romantic gardens of Borgo Stomennano, surrounded by family and friends who had traveled from Australia and Scotland. As their celebrant, I crafted a personalized ceremony reflecting their journey, their cultures, and the warmth they share.

One of the most touching parts was the candle ritual, symbolizing unity, intention, and the blending of their lives. It brought so much emotion to the moment—exactly the kind of intimate, soulful detail that makes symbolic ceremonies incredibly powerful.

The couple exchanged vows, rings, and joyful tears. Their guests celebrated. The magic was real.

But the day wasn’t over yet.

Step 2: Guests Enjoy Cocktail Hour — While a Small Team Slips Away

To make the timing seamless, we prepared two separate photo/video teams:

Team A stayed with the guests during cocktail hour
Team B joined the couple for their civil signing

This allowed the celebration to continue uninterrupted—no one felt rushed or left behind.

Guests enjoyed prosecco, small bites, laughter, music, and the sunshine at the venue while the couple quietly transitioned to the next phase of their wedding day.

Step 3: Off to the Registrar’s Office for the Legal Civil Ceremony

As soon as the symbolic ceremony ended, we moved into phase two.

Because Borgo Stomennano is located very close to the registrar office of Monteriggioni, the logistics were simple and stress-free. We had already arranged:

A comfortable car
The photographer & videographer
Two witnesses
All necessary documentation prepared ahead of time

This allowed the couple to experience a private, intimate civil signing—just the two of them, their witnesses, and the camera team to capture the moment for their families back home.

In Italy, the civil ceremony is short but beautifully official. In just a few minutes, with signatures and smiles, Jacquelina and Gordon were legally married.

Then they returned to their guests to continue the celebration.

Wedding Planner Tip: How to Combine a Symbolic Ceremony + Legal Civil Ceremony in Italy

If your dream is to marry at a private villa but still want a legally recognized wedding in Italy, here are the key things to plan for:

✔ 1. Choose a venue close to the registrar office: A 5–15 minute drive makes everything possible.

✔ 2. Have a car ready for the couple, witnesses, and photo/video team: Timing matters—this keeps everything smooth and stress-free.

✔ 3. Assign separate teams for the venue and the civil signing: Guests should continue enjoying cocktail hour without missing the couple too much.

✔ 4. Work with a planner experienced in Italian legalities: Paperwork for international couples can be complex. Having someone handle the process ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

✔ 5. Blend the ceremonies intentionally: Make the symbolic ceremony emotional and meaningful—this is what guests experience.
Make the civil ceremony efficient and organized—this is what makes it official.

A Celebration That Felt Like Italy, Felt Like Them

What I loved most about Jacquelina and Gordon’s day was how authentic, heartfelt, and effortless it all felt. The symbolic ceremony captured their personalities, their story, and their shared cultures. The legal signing honored their desire for recognition and commitment.

And the entire experience allowed their guests to enjoy the joy, beauty, and flavors of Tuscany without interruption—exactly the dolce vita experience they wanted to share.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that in Italy, you can have a wedding that is both deeply emotional and perfectly legal—all in one unforgettable day.

Looking for a Professional Symbolic Wedding Officiant in Tuscany or Umbria?

If you dream of a celebration that blends
- heartfelt storytelling
- legal guidance
- cultural respect
- breathtaking Italian scenery
- and a smooth, stress-free planning experience

—I would love to help you craft a wedding day that feels beautifully, authentically YOU.

Send me an inquiry and let’s begin your Italian love story.

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