Ashleigh Cairns & Mo Clark
15th October 2018
Venue | Abbey San Galgano and Tenuta di Papena, Chiusdino, Italy
Photography | MIP Studio
“We decided immediately that we wanted to get married abroad in the sunshine, and we settled on Italy because visitors can legally marry in the country.
The rolling Tuscan hills and vineyards were our inspiration. We both love Italian food and wines, and wanted our guests to experience the best of both whilst relaxing in a chic but chilled atmosphere.
We visited around four times prior to the wedding as we wanted to see the venues for ourselves and sample the caterers. We were glad we did this because it did take us a while to find a caterer we were completely happy with, and it made such a difference to the day.
Logistics could have been an issue but Mo decided early on that he would drive to Italy! This meant that we could pack the car with everything we needed, including the wedding dress and four kilts (not to mention the odd case of wine and whisky).
We wanted this to feel like a holiday for guests. They were spending money joining us in Italy, so we wanted them to enjoy spectacular scenery, lovely food and wines. We organised a trip to the winery that supplied our wedding wines and also threw a pizza party the night before the big day. Instead of a wedding, it was a three-day wedding festival.
We have to give a special mention to Gini, the owner and host of our reception venue (and where half of the guests stayed for three nights). Tenuta di Papena is the most wonderful venue and Gini was so relaxed and helpful. The setting is beautiful for a wedding and was perfect for our country chic style.”
Destination wedding top tip: “The venue is key. If you find a professional and well-organised host then you may find that you don’t need a wedding planner even when marrying abroad. Oh, in terms of budget, stop counting because it’s the best day of your life and a few extra pennies here and there are totally worth it!”
Brides’ dress Maggie Sottero at Opus Couture
Shoes Jimmy Choo
Rings Jan Rooney
Groomswear McCalls
Catering Guidi Lenci
Bar Event In Bar Catering
Cake “We made the traditional Italian wedding cake in front of all of our guests which was a bit different.”
Entertainment The Waistcoats
Hair and makeup Pamela Leti
