Ally and Katie's destination wedding in Lucca, Italy, continued when everyone arrived at La Casa Gialla, a gorgeous villa surrounded by olive groves and drenched in warm evening breezes and sunshine. We absolutely loved the staff at La Casa Gialla. Not only did they capture Katie's vision for her wedding perfectly, they were so friendly, personal, and just plain fun! Katie left no detail untouched - this wedding was filled with the kind of adorable, personal details that made everyone feel welcome and homey as they tucked in for an evening of incredible food, wine, music, and dancing. Before settling in for dinner, provided by the wonderful people of Il Fattore Party Ricevimenti, we took a stroll with Katie and Ally through the olive groves.
I'm pretty sure this image was a misfire, and I have no idea which one of us actually snapped it, but I love it anyway! I love that even when it's an accident, these two look incredible!
The rest of these, however, were definitely not misfires! These two were simply adorable!
And if anything could top the beautiful Ally and Katie, then it would be the absolutely breathtaking reception she designed! Katie opted for a horseshoe layout with the tables to contribute to the feeling of a family celebration with everyone together, and they positioned everything for the best views of the countryside and sunset.
This is one of my favorite favors of all time. A good Italian friend of Katie and Ally's made a special batch of limoncelo which has been haled by them (and now all of their guests) as the best limoncelo they've ever tasted!
Katie centered the entire design around potted herbs, which I thought was BRILLIANT! Each place setting held a menu and a twig of rosemary wrapped up with Katie's signature brown string that all of her stationary and packages came wrapped in.
Tea lights floated in the chandeliers to provide warm ambiance as the night settled in.
I thought this idea was SO CUTE! Each guest got one of these fun finger games (what are they called??) with questions about Katie and Ally. So fun!
Not only was the dinner area set beautifully, but La Casa Gialla and Il Fattore Party Ricevimente spared no detail for the aperitif, which was the Italian version of our cocktail hour.
Prosciutto? Um, yes please!
And an Italian band? Double yes!
This group of guys were the BOMB. They kept it easy and fun during the cocktail hour, but during dinner, they pulled out all the stops and kept the crowd singing and cheering the whole night! I loved them!
Ok, so I mentioned the hats yesterday, and we seriously need to bring this tradition back to the US. All of the women wear the cutest hats and fun hair accessories for weddings. It made the whole wedding so colorful and upbeat.
These two thought of everything for their guests. As the sun went down, pashmina shawls were set out for the girl's to keep warm for the evening, a flat of flip-flops were passed around just before the dancing started, and they even had a balloon artist that kept all of the kids entertained while the adults mingled.
The kids had some fun & hilarious people to keep them entertained...
Does it get any better than this? Talk about a perfect spot for a celebration!
When Katie and Ally lived in Lucca, Ally got a job at Fattoria di Fubbiano, a vineyard outside of Lucca that not only has great wine but fantastic award-winning olive oil. Seriously, the olive oil is spicy and yummy, and Jeff and I ended up bringing home two bottles of it! All of the wine for the wedding was from Fubbiano as a tribute to Ally's amazing year working there.
Katie's dad made everyone cry during his toast. This man was so sweet!
And then Ally's brothers toasted - and definitely roasted - Ally, which is apparently central to Scottish tradition. You know those funny and yet meaningful best man toasts we have here? Yeah, in Scotland it's just funny! It's basically the job of the best man to absolutely rip on the groom and throw him under the bus as much he can! It's hysterical! All the boys, led by Ally's Dad, took it upon themselves to spend the week teaching Jeff this new breed of sarcasm - when Jeff finally got it, he was so proud!
After filling their tummies with delectable food and wine, it was time for the dancing! And it wouldn't be a Scottish wedding without some Scottish dances!
There are so many more images from this wedding that I could easily go on for weeks! But I'll spare you from the mountain of fun times that we had and leave you here. We still have Ally and Katie's day after session in the streets of Lucca coming soon, so keep your eyes open! We can't wait to share it!
Hugs,
Erin
11 comments
Ellie - Wow, amazing pics, it really was an awesome day and actually as beautiful (if not more) then it looks in the pics, wish we could go back!!
Paula Duggan - reminds me again how fabulous your day was
Mo - Looking at these pictures, I wish I could go back and relive it.
Padraic - Would have loved to have been there, and danced with you.
Lyndsey - Katie, everything is stunning – and the attention to detail is amazing! (i especially like the pasmina’s and flip-flops – i’m sure all the women there loved those!!). Such a beautiful wedding
Bahise - Katie, you would be a top wedding planner! The detail and thought that went into it all is immense. I’m glad it was such a huge success.
Jonahtan - oh man you weren’t kidding about those details. They’re LOVELY!!!
Paul Manke - GORGEOUS!! When we renew our vows, that’s exactly what I want…location and gorgeous details!
And I guess you guys will have to come and shoot it!
Melinda - What a lovely atmosphere of warmth and celebration you’ve conveyed with these photographs. I don’t know the bride & groom and live half a world away but I’m sad I wasn’t invited. Lovely images and lovely couple.
Robin - AMAZING! You guys are absolutely the best of the best! So proud of both of you for what you have achieved. I want to see more of this wedding!
David Bjorgen - Such a beautiful place to have a reception. All the little details made the whole thing very memorable.