It’s almost a given that a wedding held at a castle in Tuscany will be beautiful. But it becomes even more so when it’s full of warmth, love and meaning. Elyse and Ryan, college friends turned couple years later, hosted their intimate nuptials at Tuscany’s stunning Castello di Magona. Their romantic and personal event was one that guests won’t soon forget.
Elyse + Ryan | September 16, 2017 | Campiglia Marittima, Italy
The Ceremony
We had an intimate 60 person wedding in a 16th Century Castle in Tuscany overlooking some olive groves with views extending out to the sea. Our ceremony was held on the terrace off one of the main bedrooms in the castle. We had a harpist and flutist to complete the event. Since my husband let me organize all the details, I was able to sneak in a few surprises with the music. I had the musicians learn “Eye of the Tiger” so that he and his groomsmen walked down to the aisle to that song. My husband and his 3 groomsmen are all from Philadelphia so Rocky has a very special place in their hearts. I also had the musicians learn “Despacito” since it’s one of my favorite songs and that is what my bridesmaids walked down to which made them laugh. Finally, I walked down the aisle to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars which is one our favorite songs. The ceremony was officiated by one of my best friends from college because that is where I met my husband nearly 18 years ago. Although we were just friends in college, it was special to have my friend officiate who has seen us grow then to now.
The Reception
Since it was a beautiful day, we had our reception outside on the castle grounds. The harpist and flutist continued playing music, we had lots of passed appetizers, a full bar and plenty of prosecco. There were tables and chairs set up throughout the garden so people could mingle and take lots of photos. My friends were posting Instagrams left and right because when’s the next time you’re going to be at a wedding in a castle in Tuscany? It was legitimately like the first two episodes of the second season of “Masters of None.”
Elyse’s Wedding Dress Search
I probably tried on at least 25 dresses. I didn’t want to spend a lot on a dress so I started at Anthropologie’s BHLDN and found a dress that was great and at a perfect price. However since it was only the first experience, I wanted to see other options. I went to a few trunk shows but finally decided that because I live in New York City I should try Kleinfeld to get a feel for different styles and designers and hopefully buy a PreOwned wedding dress online. Once I tried on my Pnina Tornai, I had that feeling and knew I had to have that dress. My two friends convinced me that I needed to have it. With the peer pressure and the fact that we face-timed my parents and I saw their reaction, I had to have it. So it was WAY out of my budget but I loved it. And that’s why I want to sell it, so someone else can experience my joy at a fraction of the cost.
How She Felt In Her Pnina Tornai
Stunning, Elegant, Sexy
Why She’s Selling Her Wedding Dress
It was an expensive and high quality dress. I live in an 800 square foot apartment in Manhattan and don’t have room for it. Realistically I know even if I kept it in storage or in my parents’ basement, I’m never going to do anything with it. It brought me so much joy and I’ve never felt more beautiful in my whole life so I wish that kind of happiness on another bride. Weddings are so expensive and everything just keeps adding up. If I can help another woman experience her dreams by saving a little on the dress, that makes me happy.
