CROATIA TRAVEL VLOG: OUR HONEYMOON IN CROATIA

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Adam and I on our 10 day honeymoon in Croatia

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Our Croatia Honeymoon

Croatia was never the original plan. When Adam and I first started planning our wedding in Italy and talking about where we could go for our honeymoon right after, Sardinia was the target destination. After a little bit of research though, we realized mid to late September was not the ideal time of year to go to Sardinia so instead we pivoted to Croatia. And what a great pivot it was!

By the time we made the switch though, we were only a month away from our wedding and since I was seriously deep in the trenches of planning our wedding, I left it in Adam’s court to plan our Croatia travel itinerary. We had 10 days to enjoy and explore as much of Croatia as possible, and other than me requesting a few days to just chill and recharge directly following the wedding, our main goals were to experience some Croatia sailing, visit Dubrovnik and eat as much delicious traditional Croatian cuisine as we could.

Our 10 Day Croatia Itinerary

Following our wedding in Italy Adam and I were mentally and physically exhausted. Not only had we organized three days of wedding celebrations in Tuscany, but we met up with friends for a whirlwind weekend in Florence beforehand. We were desperate for a recharge. Adam’s itinerary had us flying from Rome to Split before catching a ferry to Hvar where we would be staying for the first 3 days and 3 nights of our Croatia honeymoon.

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Along the edge of Vinogradišće bay is where you will find Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant Hvar

Our Luxury Boutique Hotel in Hvar

Our first accommodation in Croatia would be a boutique hotel in Hvar called Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant. A 5-star accommodation in Hvar, Zori is a beachfront property with 4 residences/villas, each with their own outdoor swimming pool. Each of the residences come with all the luxury fixings you would imagine with a 5 start property including air-conditioning, large wardrobes, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. In additional to great room amenities the hotel also has a small fitness centre but more importantly features one of the best restaurants in Hvar! Palmizana Beach as well as Laganini beach club (one of the best beach clubs in Hvar during the summer season) can also be found a stones throw away.

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The ‘Cloud Residence” at Zori Timeless Hotel and Restaurant is a one bedroom suite with a large terrace and rooftop Jacuzzi pool

While at Zori, Adam had booked for us to stay in the ‘Cloud Residence’ which featured a one bedroom suite with two swimming pools and a wide-open terrace overlooking Vinogradišće bay. Our beautiful rooftop pool with Jacuzzi provided stunning views of the bay and became our favourite spot to chill, drink and relax. Adam had also organized a half board stay with our accommodations which meant that not only was breakfast and dinner included with our room but so was all the non alcoholic beverages in our room and at the restaurant. The room itself was beautiful, spacious and modern. The atmosphere was so relaxing and just what we needed to recharge our batteries. Upon check in, we found a beautiful bottle of Chandon and some freshly baked cookies in our room, a gift from the hotel to help us kick off our honeymoon. A great touch if you ask me!

Over the course of three days Adam and I feasted at Zori Retaurant. Known for being one of the best restaurants in Hvar, the restaurant itself is a destination. It wasn’t uncommon for small boats of people to arrive just to dine there for dinner and no wonder, the food was fantastic! The best we had on the island in fact! The menu was full of delicious fresh seafood and creative interpretations to otherwise classic dishes and there was always a cocktail that paired perfectly with whatever you were craving.


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Breakfast is served! The food at restaurant Zori is so good!

During our stay at Zori, we had a member of staff (Mr. Martin) looking after us exclusively. He would organize activities for us, recommend us dishes based on our like and preferences, and made sure we were have the best stay possible. No little detail was overlooked and Mr. Martin made sure we never left a meal hungry or wanting for anything. He also made notes of what we enjoyed the most (like a whole grilled fish for me at dinner) so he could make sure the kitchen always had one available for me.

The next day Adam and I got up early, had a full breakfast before heading out for a casual hike. Mr. Martin had told us about a rugged walking path that takes you into several bays from which you can swim or admire the view.

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Adam and I on our hike

Desperately in need of a some exercise after weeks of excessive drinking and eating, Adam and I packed a bag and headed out on a little adventure. In reality the hike was more of an hour and a half trail walk. It did take us to some pretty amazing bays with the most beautiful aquamarine waters though where we could dive in and enjoy a swim (just watch out for the sea urchins)!

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Laganini beach club (one of the best beach clubs in Hvar) and Palmizana Beach are so close to the hotel, you can see it from the terrace of our one bedroom suite at Zori Timeless Hotel

Feeling pretty good after getting in some exercise Adam and I headed to Palazana beach beside the hotel with a pitcher of Carona’s tucked under our arm to enjoy a swim and spend the rest of the afternoon baking under the Croatian sun.

On our third and last full day at Zori, Adam and I were determined to soak up all the luxury. From here on out, we would be ‘roughing it’ in comparison to the lavishness we experienced at Zori, so we made sure to make the most of our last day. Mr Martin had helped us to arrange an in room massage so after breakfast, Adam and I went out for a quick walk in the opposite direction of where we hiked yesterday to check out Palmazana Marina, before returning to our room for our 90 minute massages.

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Our lovely therapist ready to pamper us with a 90 minute in room massage

More photos from our time at Zori Timeless


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Sad to leave but looking forward to our upcoming sailing adventure, Adam and I headed to Hvar to catch our ferry to Dubrovnik. Since we didn’t have time for breakfast, Mr Martin actually packed us some sandwiches to take on the ferry! Such a thoughtful sendoff!

Upon arriving in Dubrovnik, we went straight to the docks to board the catamaran we would be sailing on for the next couple days.

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While planning our honeymoon in Croiatia, Adam found a Croatia Sailing Charter company that offered individual cabin rentals (as oppose to entire boats) and a variety of tours ranging in length, departure destinations and excursion offerings. Adam had booked a 4 day Croatia sailing holiday for us which would take us to varies elephiti islands and towns including Sipan, Polace on Mljet island, and Broce and Ston in the Peljesac Peninsula. During our 4 day sailing itinerary we would have opportunities to swim, stand up paddle board, snorkel, cycle and go hiking. In the evenings we would be docking in small towns where we had the convenience of buying snacks and drinks from the market for the next days sailing.

Sailing to Sipanska Luka, Sipan

Once settled into our nice and clean cabin, we headed to the upper decks and got aquatinted with the crew and other guests. Unfortunately there wasn’t much wind so we couldn’t do any sailing but we did make a pit stop for a swim in a little cove on the way to our first island.

That evening we would be docking in Sipan, a small inhabited island 17km north west of Dubrovnik. The crew had arranged a reservation for dinner for all of the guest which made settling in for the evening quite effortless.

Sailing to Polace Village on Mljet Island

On day two of our Croatia sailing holiday we departed Sipan early and heading towards Mljet Island. In no rush, we ended up stopped in Prožurska Luka (a small bay and village on the northern shores of Mljet island) to swim, paddle board and explore the surrounding before continuing on. After about an hour of motoring, we finally arrived at our destination, Polace village on Mljet island. Not only would we be docking here overnight but our skipper and guide had organized an e-bike excursion for us to explore Mljet’s National Park on the northwest part of the island.

Mljet National Park is a large park that surrounds two saltwater lakes – Veliko (the larger late) and Malo Jezero (the smaller lake). The lakes stretch 4 kilometers and there is a great biking/walking path around them that you can cycle on. While cycling, as you look out into the middle of the lake you will also see a small island, Melita (Sveta Marija) with a large building (formally a Benedictine monastery erected in the 12th century). Today, a café/restaurant occupy the building and visitors to the national park can jump on a boat (included with your 15 Euro entrance fee) to pay it a visit.

Dinner that night was at another restaurant arranged by our skipper, called Konoba Antika. The food was phenomenal, plentiful, and typical of traditional Croatian dishes. Adam and I ordered the squid ink risotto and their signature octopus dish, cooked in a covered ban under hot coals with veggies! It was so good!

NOTE* Konoba Antika does not take credit cards so bring cash!

Sailing to Sipanska Luka, Sipan

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Finally, on our last full day on the catamaran, we had some strong enough winds to put up the sails! Originally the plan was to head to Peljesac peninsula for some fresh oysters but given there was a big storm heading our way, our captain decided it head back to Sipan to dock and take refuge.

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Between rainstorms Adam and I did manage to go on a short hike in which brought us to a beautiful olive tree grove above the town of Sipanska Luka. Sweaty from both the exercise and humidity we headed to the beach bar for a quick swim before another huge storm rolled in for the night.

Sailing to Lopud Island and Dubrovnik

The next day we departed Sipan early and headed to Lopud, the last stop in our catamaran sailing adventure.

Lopud Island Restaurants

Since we only had an hour and a half to check out the island, Adam and I walked the main esplanade before settling down for a bite at Obala. This family owned waterfront restaurant offers stunning views of the bay and delicious traditional Croatian dishes. I think they knew we were coming because the first thing they did once we sat down was show us a platter of fresh fish. Even though they didn’t have my favourite Scorpion fish, they did have a large Turbot which Adam and I had heard of and had been meaning to try. The food here was delicious and Adam said it was his favourite meal next of this whole sailing portion of our trip, next to Konoba Antika.

Next Stop: Dubrovnik!

Accommodations in Dubrovnik

Adam and I were so excited to explore the old town in Dubrovnik. We were both really into the Game of Thrones series when it was on TV so we were excited to see what ‘kings landing’ in real life was like. Our accommodations in Dubrovnik was actually a short term apartment rental above the old town of Dubrovnik. The owner greeted us at the door and helped us with our bags. He gave us fresh towels, a map and a couple welcome beer to enjoy on the patio. The view from our apartment is what sold us. It was maybe an 8 minute walk into old town but it was perched so high on the hill that it offered spectacular views of the old town.

Eager to experience the old town of Dubrovnik, Adam and I quickly showered, got ready and made our way down towards the town. On the path that led down to the town from our Airbnb we came across so many ornate, beautiful doors! I loved all the different designs and entrance ways and I had to stop and take a few pictures of my favourites. Once in old town we quickly learned that Old Town Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! Even at night the old town is packed with people and finding a good restaurant to eat at without a reservation or massive line was difficult.

Restaurants in Old Town Dubrovnik

After a few failed attempts, we eventually settled in at a small sushi restaurant called Mediteraneo Sushi and Seafood, before grabbing some ice cream at Aroma and calling it a night.

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The next day Adam and I got up early and made our way back to old town as things just started to open. Hoping to beat the tour buses and swathes of people that came with them, Adam and I spent a good part of the morning walking the wall around the whole town where you got to experience spectacular views of the walled city.

Walking the walls of Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist activities you can do while in Croatia. The wall is visited by more than 1.2 million visitors a year and spans nearly 2 kilometers around the town which took us close to an hour and a half to walk. There is an admission fee to walk the walls of Dubrovnik which cost 35 Euro per adult in peak season (March to October) and can be purchased at the entrance of the wall.

After walking the wall Adam and I were feeling hungry. We had plans to go to this specific restaurant for lunch but since it wasn’t open yet we snacked on Burek from Milnar and fruit from a local market* we found while wondering around old town.

*I later found out that Gundulić Square Market operates six days a week starting at 7 am, selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, liqueurs, flowers and cheese.

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Lady Pipi in Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia does not take reservations

Finally it was time for lunch! Adam and I headed up to the top of the walled city to Lady Pipi’s for some grilled fish and meats. We had tried to go here the night before but the line was too big and we knew we wouldn’t make it in before it closed. Instead of risking the line we decided to come back for lunch instead and beat the line by showing up 10 minutes before they open.

The food at Lady Pipi’s ended up being really good and actually fairly priced for ‘old town’ standards. It easily turned out to be one of our best meals while in Dubrovnik consisting of primarily grilled meats and seafood.

After lunch Adam and I headed to Buza Bar for a drink! Located not the side of a cliff and only accessible through a hole in the wall, Buza bar is a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy views of the Adriatic. Adam and I stayed here for a couple hours talking over cocktails and a bottle of wine while occasionally stopping to people watch.

After a couple hours, another big storm began rolling in so Adam and I took the opportunity to head back the Airbnb for a quick refresh before dinner at Dalmatino Dubrovnik.

A Quick Trip to Lokrum Island

All things must eventually come to an end but before we headed to the airport, there was still one last thing Adam and I wanted to do, visit Lokrum Island.

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Adam and I on the ferry to Lokrum Island

A quick 15-20 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s old town harbour, Lokrum is home to a Benedictine monastery where you will find and can take picture with the famous Iron Throne, a sprawling botanical garden, and secluded salt lake. It is also home to about a bajillion peacocks which roam the island freely. Adam and I spent a few hours exploring the island, walking around and taking pictures. If we had more time we likely would have sat down at one of the cafe/restaurants on the island for a drink or went for a swim in the secluded salt late.

Note: The price of the round trip ferry ride plus entrance into the ‘Nature Reserve of Lokrum’ costs 27 Euro

Thank you so much for joining Adam and I on our honeymoon to Croatia. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below, otherwise don’t forget to subscribe as I’ll be back with more travel content soon. Ciao for now!

- Soheila


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ITALY TRAVEL VLOG: OUR WEDDING IN TUSCANY!

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Photo by Arash Moallemi taken at Villa Podernovo in Tuscany, Italy

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Our Wedding In Italy!

This past September my fiancé Adam and I finally tied the knot in Italy. After 11 years together, we exchanged rings in one of the most romantic settings in the world surrounded by friends and family. All the hard work and wedding planning my mom and I put into creating the perfect destination wedding finally paid off and the look of wonderment and delight on everyone’s faces (especially Adam’s) made it totally worth the while.

One of Adam and I’s favourite part of the entire experience was relishing in such a magical setting alongside our friends and family. It not only prolonged the celebrations (which otherwise felt like they flew by) but made the payoff and memories 10x more abundant. To this day, our guests are still sending us photos from their time in Italy and remarking on how amazing their experiences were. We never tire of hearing stories from everyone's perspective and enjoy remembering all the funny and heartfelt moments that made the wedding such a special occasion.

I also feel so lucky to live in a time where everyone has cameras on their phones so we can document each moment and capture memories to reflect on later. Even though the ‘lead up’, ‘day of’ and ‘post wedding’ celebrations lasted nearly a week, it still felt like it went by in a blink of an eye and making these travel vlogs have actually helped me delight in each moment all over again. I feel that as a bride it’s hard to be present on your big day and you become so over stimulated with the activities, tasks, and conversations that it’s hard to remember all the little details. I feel so lucky to have these memories captured on video so I can look back on them for years to come. I really hope you enjoy my wedding travel vlogs (it was too long to make into one video so I had to split it up into two parts) and get inspired to plan a trip (or wedding) to Italy. We really had such a blast, loved our accommodations and ate at some amazing restaurants so feel free to take notes and follow in our footsteps next time you find yourself in Italy!

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Drone views of Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery and Duomo Firenze from our Florence accommodations - Palazzo San Niccolo

Florence Accommodations

Finding reasonably priced accommodations in Florence can be quite challenging and coupled with the fact that we were going to Croatia for our honeymoon right after the wedding, we wanted to save our luxury experiences for then. Enter, Your Place In Florence’s Palazzo San Niccolo, an apartment style hotel located in what once was a 13th century monastery. Today the hotel boasts a contemporary design with a retro spirit and features a beautiful courtyard garden which makes for the perfect refuge from the bustle of a busy, high-tourist city like Florence. Perfectly situated in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Florence, Oltraro, you are surrounded by artisan workshops, wine bars and charming cafes, while only being 5 minutes from Piazza Michelangelo and 8 minutes from Ponte Vecchio. Our room ended up costing us around $440 CAD a night (in September) which we thought was great value given it had a little kitchenette/dining space and living room area. The hotel also has laundry machines you can use (which could come in handy if you’re in-between destinations) as well as offers laundry service so you get those customized upgrades should you wish. Complimentary sparkling and filtered natural water fountains can be found in the basement as well and rooms come with free wifi, air conditioning, iron and ironing boards, hairdryers etc. If you need anything additional like grocery delivery, a private driver, or a place to park your car, the front desk can arrange it for you as well as cooking classes, private tours and luggage storage. Lastly, in addition to the communal courtyard they also have a lounge where breakfast and coffee is offered in the morning.

Adam and I especially loved how the communal courtyard in our Florence accommodations allowed us to friends and invite family to join us for a drink and nibbles before our planned Sunday dinner. We had asked for permission from the concierge beforehand and given we had another group of friends staying at the same accommodations I think it helped persuade them to allow it. We of course were mindful of our noise level and left just after sunset to ensure we didn’t disturb other guests . We also made sure to clean up after ourselves. Definitely another great reason why it’s one of the best places to stay in Florence Italy.

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The flambé tagliatelle truffle pasta we had at Osteria Pastelle in Florence, Italy.

Restaurants in Florence Italy

Knowing we would only be in Florence for two nights, we made sure to make reservations at some of the best restaurants!

Known for having the best pasta in Florence Osteria Pastella was one of those restaurants I had been dying to try for awhile. Their flambé tagliatelle truffle pasta made table side in a large Grana Padano wheel and finished off with freshly saved black truffle first caught my eye while perusing on IG and let me tell you, this experience was even better and more delicious than I could have imagined! I absolutely loved our meal here and the casual atmosphere of the restaurant. It definitely won’t be Adam and I’s last visit!

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The Favaloso (Sbriciolona salami, cream of pecorino cheese, cream of artichokes and spicy eggplants) from All’ Antico Vinaio in Florence Italy!

Crowned as ‘the best sandwich shop in Florence’ by my (then) fiancé, All’Antico Vinaio is one spot we always visit every time we are in Florence and it never disappoints. There is always a line but it goes fast and since the first time we came here in 2017 they have now expanded to four storefronts within 50 feet of the original, which just attests to how awesome they are! We like to order the FAVOLOSA (Sbriciolona salami, cream of pecorino cheese, cream of artichokes and spicy eggplants) when we go and always add a spicy chilli spread for a little extra spice.

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Our pre-wedding group dinner at La Giostra Firenze! What a turn out!

For our group dinner on the Sunday Adam and I made a reservation two months in advance at our favourite restaurant in Florence, La Giostra. A hot spot for celebrities this restaurant features traditional Tuscan style cooking and has one of the best steak Florentine’s in the city! Our group dinner here was a total success and had everyone feasting on seafood, steak and delicious pasta dishes. As expected, it was a total crowd pleaser.

Florence Photo Dump

Some extra photos from our time in Florence including our visit to the Duomo di Firenze and shopping for wedding shoes at Gucci for Adam.


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Our Visit to the Designer Outlet Mall in Florence

If you love designer clothes and are okay with purchasing last seasons overstock you have to check out ‘The Mall Firenze’, Florence’s luxury outlet mall. Located about 30 minutes outside Florence off the highway, Adam and I stopped in at The Mall on our way to our wedding villa to see if we could score any cool finds. From Prada to Fendi, Gucci, Bottega, Balenciaga and more, The Mall is a large promenade style shopping centre (meaning its outdoors so you may want to go on a nice day) with over 35 designer stores to explore. Even though no purchases were made this time, it was still a lot of fun to peruse the stores and discounts.

After our visit at the designer outlet mall in Florence we headed to Monticiano where we stayed at aunt Linda’s rented farmhouse for one night before we could check into our Tuscan wedding villa. We spent the rest of the day relaxing poolside with Adam’s west coast cousins, drinking and laughing well into the evening.

The following day Adam and I got up early and headed to the the municipality office in Chiusdino to meet with our legal paperwork coordinator. Introduced to us through our wedding planner, our wedding paperwork coordinator Antonella had been such a great help guiding us through the documentation requirements we needed to obtain our marriage license in Italy. Since she is fluent in English and Italian, she became such a great asset to Adam and I as we planned our wedding in Italy and really helped us though the legal process of getting married in Italy. Now, having all the paperwork in order, there were still a few documents we needed to sign and submit to the local municipality before our big day.

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The outside of Abbazia Di San Galgano, our wedding ceremony venue in Tuscany, Italy

Our Wedding Venue - Abbazia Di San Galgano

After a quick visit to the municipality office, Adam and I picked up our wedding photographer Arash Moallemi and headed to Abbazia Di San Galgano, our wedding ceremony venue, for a site visit. I had been to the abbey before in April with my mom during our planning trip, but this was Adam’s first time and I think he was pretty blown away by how beautiful it was in person.

Located in the Tuscan countryside of Italy, San Galgano Abbey is one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in Tuscany. Built in the 13th century, the abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is regarded as one of the most important church ruins in Italy. The abbey's remote location adds to its otherworldly beauty, making it a popular destination for both national and international visitors. While the San Galgano Abbey is not currently used for religious services it is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Italy and features an open air cathedral!

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Inside Abbazia Di San Galgano, our wedding ceremony venue in Tuscany, Italy

Fun facts about Abbazia San Galgano & the legend of the Sword in the Stone:


The abbey's most iconic feature is the sword in the stone. Legend has it that the man who was later to become San Galgano was a knight who thrusted his sword into a rock and declared that he would give up his life as a soldier to serve God. The sword still stands in the chapel, serving as a potent symbol of San Galgano's legendary story and the power of faith.

Once we wrapped up at the abbey it was time for us to check into our wedding villa.


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Villa Podernovo an 18th century Tuscany holiday villa we rented for the wedding

Our Tuscany Wedding Villa

Villa Podernovo is an 18th century Tuscany holiday villa located just outside the town of Monticiano, 45 minutes from Siena. It is here where we would be hosting our welcome dinner, wedding reception and post wedding brunch, and where we and our immediate family would be staying for the next three days.

Only 8km from Abbazia Di San Galgano, Villa Podernovo features sprawling lawns, courtyards, and even a pool. The villa itself features 5 apartments with a total of 9 spacious bedrooms (many with en suite bathrooms) that can sleep about 18 adults. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a stunning living room with a fireplace, and comes with access to a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can soak up the Tuscan sun and enjoy an al fresco meal with friends and family.

By the time we arrived our wedding planner Diana (who also owns Villa Podernovo) was setting up and getting things ready for our first event, the Welcome Pizza Party!

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Our Italian wedding planner Diana Grandii setting up for the Pizza Welcome Party at Villa Podernovo

Our Italian Wedding Planner!

Diana Grandi, has been organizing weddings at the villa for several years and offers her wedding planner and coordination services to guests who rent the entire villa for their wedding. Over the past few months leading up to the wedding she had become such a great asset, providing me with a list of vendors she recommended and helping us organize all our wedding events, decorations, transportation to the Abbey, layouts for the reception, and coordinating our wholesale liquor deliveries. Hiring a wedding planner in Italy was one of the best decisions my mom and I made during the planning process and I can’t imagine what it would be like to do it all without her now.

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Villa Podernovo staff preparing the wood burning pizza oven for our welcome dinner.

Our welcome pizza party was incredible. Diana organized all the decorations and brought in a master pizza chef and additional staff to make sure everything went off without a hitch. The only thing we were in charge of (by choice as we could have paid to bring in a bar service) was putting out the wine and beer and mixing cocktails. In the end it was a great way to kick off the celebrations and get everyone mingling.

Montalcino Winery - Casa Raia - Bevilo Red Wine

The red wine served at our wedding events was from our family friend’s winery in Montalcino, a beautiful Tuscan Bevilo from Casa Raia winery!

Our Wedding In Tuscany - The Day Of

Too excited to sleep, I got up early and went down to breakfast. Diana and her staff had already began to set up a large buffet table full or cold cuts, cheese, juices, cereals & muesli and homemade cakes, and soon everyone in the villa trickled in for coffee and breakfast before wedding preparations began.

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Getting ready for my wedding at San Galgano Abbey and Villa Podernovo

The girls and I got ready in a private room in the day time villa while Adam and his groomsman got ready in the night time villa. Each group had a few bottles of cold Prosecco waiting for us to enjoy as we got ready. I had chosen to do my own makeup and my lovely little sister (who had been practising with me over the last two months) did my Hollywood waves! She did such a great job!

BTS of Us Getting Ready For The Wedding

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The beautiful bouquets my Italian wedding florist made for my bridesmaids!

Tuscany Wedding Florist

Mid wedding prep we got the most wonderful delivery from our Italian wedding florists Marta and Patrizia.

Highly recommended by Diana, the Italian wedding florists did a wonderful job encapsulating my vision and bringing it to life. I love the pastel colours of a sunset and the flower arrangements, bouquets, boutonnières and the flower crowns they made for the flower girls mimicked just that. Even after the ceremony they brought the flowers back from the abbey and rearranged them to use during the cocktail reception and sit down dinner which was amazing and totally added additional beauty to the ambience of both events.

Photos of the Florals and Tablescape Setup

Our Italian Wedding Caterers

During this time our catering company Roland Social and Business Catering was also setting up. Although their lack of communication leading up to the big day was very nerve wracking, I have to say their execution on the day of was outstanding. They came early and started setting up all the tables for both the cocktail reception and the sit down dinner. They brought lots of wait staff with them and their event manager ran his team with military precision. The tablescapes complimented the florals perfectly and the mise en place presentation was impeccable.

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Adam and I got married at a 13th Century Gothic, roofless abbey in Tuscany, Italy called Abbazia Di San Galgano

Once ready the girls and I headed to the abbey for the ceremony. Adams cousin Nashlyn and her husband Louise are both musicians so they played the most beautiful acoustic rendition of ‘Is This Love’ for my entrance. My mom who had been by my side for this entire planning process honoured me by walking me down the aisle to Adam’s side. The mayor of the municipality was the officiant of the ceremony while Diana, our Italy wedding planner, translated.

Following the ceremony everyone headed back to the villa for the cocktail reception. Rolands had set up multiple tables around the oak tree and upper courtyard where guests could help themselves to cheese bouvettes, fresh cold cuts, and finger food like bruschetta, beef tartare with quail egg and truffle; wafer cone with burrata cheese and candied tomato. The waiters handed out warm finger foods of mini eggplants Parmigiana millefeuille; medallion of cornmeal with burrata cheese and caramelized onion; while the bartenders mixed our signature drink, a Cocktail Hugo made of elderflower syrup, Prosecco, mint and lime.

Photos from our Cocktail Reception

After about an hour and a half, our guests were encouraged to make their way up to the dinner reception and find their seat. Adam’s brother and best man Patrick was our MC and welcomed guests before dinner began and the first course, a risotto with zucchini and saffron was served. Following the risotto came a pappardelle with wild boar ragout which was definitely my favourite dish and tasted even better then it did at our April tasting. For the mains, guests had a choice between a seabass fillet with thyme and lemon, millefeuille of parmesan eggplants, and beef tagliata with rosemary olive oil.


Villa Podernovo - wedding villas in italy - our wedding venue in tuscany - wedding reception

Guests finding their seat at our wedding reception at Villa podernovo

The food was plentiful with waiters coming by to offer additional servings to guests after each course. To finish off the dinner Rolands began the preparation of the wedding cake in front of guests, lopping in Adam and I to assist in its construction part way through. Once Adam and I cut the cake they served it with a shot of Limoncello and mini olive oil cakes to end off an already amazing meal.

Photos of Our Dinner Reception

Villa Podernovo - wedding villas in italy - our wedding venue in tuscany - wedding reception

We were blessed with the most amazing sunset the evening of our wedding!

Following the dinner it was time to dance! To get things started we kicked off the next part of the celebrations with some traditional Macedonia Oros which included a bread dance before transitioning into a ‘father-of-the-bride and bride' dance and ‘mother-of-the-groom and groom’ dance. After that it was a free for all on the dance floor and things got pretty wild the further into the night we partied.

Photos of Our Dance Party

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The pool at Villa Podernovo all ready to welcome our guests for the pool party brunch!

Following the wedding day Adam and I had planned to host everyone for a ‘Hangover Pool Party Brunch’ at the Villa. Starting at eleven the majority of our guests returned to the villa for a few hours of relaxing drinks and nibbles poolside before we dispersed once again to get ready for the final wedding event - dinner at a Michelin star restaurant in Siena.

Photos of Our Post-Wedding Pool Party

Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico in Siena Italy - Tuscany

A photo of Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico in Siena Tuscany, Italy I snapped on the walk to dinner.

Our final wedding event was dinner at a historic restaurant in Siena with deep roots in Tuscan cuisine. Situated just a stone’s throw from Piazza del Campo, Ristorante Mugolone serves elevated Tuscan cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and modern approaches. Professional yet friendly service, we booked both dining rooms for our 56 person private dinner and feasted on a delicious prix fix menu of beef tartare with black truffle and pecorino cheese, brioches bread with chicken liver patè and vinsanto sauce, tagliatelle lamb ragù with coffee, risotto saffron with crunchy bacon and gorgonzola, veal check with chocolate sauce, potatoes and leeks; and cheesecake with wild strawberries for dessert. Overall the dinner was exquisite and presentation was immaculate. It was also really nice to spend an evening in Siena with everyone as it is such a beautiful city to explore (even more beautiful than Florence in my opinion) and a place with rich history that I had yet to enjoy.

Photos From Our Dinner at Ristorante Mugolone Siena

Overall our wedding in Tuscany was a dream come true. Everything was perfect and we loved every minute. I feel so blessed to have so many great people in my life willing to travel halfway around the world to see us tie the know and for all the help we received from our amazing Italian wedding planner Diana Grandi, Antonella for helping us with the paperwork, and Patricia and Martha for the amazing job with the floral decoration. We would also like to thank Casa Raia for offering to supply the red wine for our wedding, a beautiful Bevilo from their Montalcino winery. Adam and I managed to bring a few bottles of it back to Toronto which we have set aside for our future anniversaries as a memento of this wonderful journey.

Thank you so much for listening to Adam and I’s story about our experience getting married in Tuscany, Italy. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below, otherwise don’t forget to subscribe as I’ll be back with more honeymoon and travel content soon! CIAO!

- Soheila

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CHICAGO TRAVEL VLOG: MY 'UNOFFICIAL' BACHELORETTE WEEKEND IN CHICAGO!

Memories from my Chicago bachelorette - Millennium Park - Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture

My ‘Unofficial’ Bachelorette in Chicago!

For as well travelled as I am, there are still so many places in the US that I have yet to visit. I am definitely guilty of returning to the same place several times, but I had never been to Chicago and there was something about it that I have always found alluring. Perhaps it’s its major metropolitan appeal, its beautiful architecture or its world renowned restaurants, but Chicago has always been a place I have wanted to go and, coincidentally, I am not the only one.

Rewind to this past winter, I was out at this cool French restaurant in Toronto with my two girlfriends, Emma Bain and Jocelyn Teng, and I had just asked them to be part of my wedding party. Instantly the topic of what we would do for my bachelorette came up and I could tell the girls were excited at the prospect of a trip. Of course the usual New York and Miami suggestions came up but none of it really excited me. ‘How about Chicago?’ I said. ‘I’ve never been!’ Excitement swept across the table. ‘Neither have I’, said Jocelyn, ‘Same!’, said Emma, and just like that it was decided!

I did have a special ask of the girls though. As much as I wanted to go to Chicago, bachelorette traditions like wearing a sash and being paraded around town is not my vibe. I would much rather go to nice restaurants, experience the city and do more than just drink. Of course cocktails would have their place in the itinerary but doing an Architectural boat tour of Chicago, eating at a Michelin star restaurant and checking out ‘The Bean’ were also a top priority among the group. And with that planning commenced for my ‘unofficial’ bachelorette weekend in Chicago.

If you want to see a day-by-day breakdown of our Chicago weekend itinerary, you can watch my travel vlog below. Otherwise see what rose to the top as our favourite activities below!

Things to do in Chicago

Aboard the CAC River Cruise’s Chicago's First Lady Architectural boat tour!

When it comes to standout experiences from our trip, the architectural boat tour definitely took 1st place. Truly the best way to see Chicago - 90 minutes on CAC River Cruise’s Chicago's First Lady flew by so quickly. Not only was the guide captivating with her storytelling, but the weather was incredible which made spending the afternoon on the water in the sunshine bliss. The girls and I not only learned so much about Chicago’s history and architecture, but we also relished in the opportunity to relax, take in the sites, and sip cocktails after an active morning exploring. The boat itself has an open air upper deck, a large front deck and a climate controlled interior salon with a full service cocktail and snack bar. We showed up 20 minutes prior to departure and it’s a good thing we did because the queue was already starting to build. Once passengers were let on board there was a bit of a rush to find a good seat and thankfully we secured three at the front of the boat. The cruise first moved west towards Goose Island before turning around and making its way south. Once at River City, the boat turns around again and heads back north east to the mouth of Chicago River where passengers get an opportunity to snap pictures with the entire Chicago skyline as a background before returning to the dock.

Hot tip: bring a light cover up or a hat if you are worried about getting too much sun as there aren’t really any shady areas to sit outside.

The girls and I at Millennium Park in Chicago visiting Cloud Gate (often referred to as ‘The Bean’)

The girls and I at Millennium Park in Chicago visiting Cloud Gate (often referred to as ‘The Bean’)

Talk about cultivating joy! Our Saturday morning adventure to Chicago’s Millennium Park ended up being, hands down, one of the best parts of our trip! The girls and I were enamoured by Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate (aka The Bean Chicago) and spent at least a half hour walking around it, filming ourselves inside it, taking videos and snapping photos. It was surreal to see the sculpture in person and made our leisurely morning in Millennium Park before the Art Institute opened, one to remember.

Centrally located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown, Millennium Park is a lakefront campus where you will find interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks (in the winter), rock climbing, and plenty of green space. It is also home to Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion & The Great Lawn where a free summer series workout class was being conducted. Since the girls and I had some time to kill we continued our walk around Millennium Park to the Crown Fountains, an interactive video sculpture fountain by conceptual artist Jaume Plensa that features two towers with LED scenes that display enormous faces of Chicago locals. In the summer, the towers cascade with water and wouldn’t you know, Emma kicked off her shoes and went right in.

Since Emma is a galleriest and Jocelyn is an amazing painter, I knew we were going to enjoy our visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, but what I didn’t realize was just how much we were going to love the featured exhibit! The main floor featured a couple of Canadian artists including Duane Linklater and Lotus Laurie Kang, which was a pleasant surprise, and the Gary Simmons Public Enemy exhibit was unbelievably powerful and moving.

Hot tip, their gift shop is incredible and way better then the Art Institute of Chicago. So if you are looking for little gifts or souvenirs to bring home, you’ll definitely find them there! The girls and I spent a leisurely hour and a half at the museum on our last morning in Chicago and although we preferred it over the Art Institute of Chicago (which was also great), our preference had to do with the current exhibits. That being said both museums are worth going to but which one is better will depend on what exhibit is on during your visit.

Jocelyn Teng checking out Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, part of the permanent collection at the Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world. It’s full of iconic works like Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, and Grant Wood's American Gothic. The girls and I received Fast Pass admission to the Art Institute of Chicago with our Chicago CityPASS and spent a good chunk of Saturday morning wandering though its many galleries. Although lower on this list of things to do, we really did enjoy our time at the institute. Unfortunately we all had seen many pieces from the travelling Van Gogh exhibit currently on display, but there were many pieces in their permanent collection that were new to us. It is also a great way to work up an appetite for brunch.

Fun Fact: Ferris Buller’s Day Off’s iconic art museum scene was filmed at the Art Institute of Chicago!

Our visit to Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park neighbourhood was short but sweet. Our day had been full of activity already but as the sun began to set, we arrived at Wicker Park for a quick stroll down Milwaukee Ave. Wicker park’s Milwaukee Ave is full of trendy stores, music clubs, cafes, restaurants and cool fashion boutiques. The girls and I did pop into a few just to check them out quickly but given how lively our day was up to this point, we were more interested in sitting down and getting a drink. Needless to say, we found just that and more at the rooftop of The Robey Hotel located at the base of Milwaukee Ave. Here we took in skyline views of Chicago and a round of tropical cocktails during sunset. It was just the relaxing afternoon activity we desired and the perfect way to unwind before dinner. Had we had more time in Chicago I am sure we would have gone to brunch in Wicker Park and visited a few more of the vintage stores but alas, it will have to wait until next time.


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Chicago Restaurants

Highlights from our dinner at Sepia - Ricotta Cavatelli with Parmesan butter, pine nuts and crispy sourdough

Highlights from our dinner at Sepia - Ricotta Cavatelli with Parmesan butter, pine nuts and crispy sourdough

Our Michelin Star restaurant experience at Sepia was well worth the splurge! Known for their inventive American cuisine, we dined at Sepia on our first night in town. We decided to each order a different dish and share so we could try almost everything on the menu. The food, the presentation, and the service were all spectacular and made for a beautiful evening.

Currently, Chicago is home to 23 Michelin Star restaurants so even if you can’t snag a table at Chicago’s famed three Michelin Starred restaurant, Alinea , there are so many outstanding dining experiences to be had. I may not be the kind of girl willing to wear a sash and be paraded around on her bachelorette, but I am the kind of girl who enjoys getting all dressed up and going out to a nice dinner to celebrate! Know what I’m saying!

Chef Thai's famoust crispy chicken wings - HaiSous Vietnemese Kitchen Chicago

Chef Thai’s famous crispy chicken wings from HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighbourhood was clearly made for foodies. The vibe is refined Vietnamese and considering they have been Nominated four times for a James Beard Award and have received 5 Michelin Bibb Gourmand, for the price it’s a steal. Service was impeccable but more importantly, the food was show-stopping. The girls and I accidentally ordered way to much but I am happy to say Chef Thai’s famous crispy chicken wings made it back to our hotel room and I will vouch, they made for a great snack the next morning!


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Chicago Brunch Spots

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Duck Duck Goat in Fulton Market - a delicious dim sum brunch!

Our last meal of the trip was a delicious dim sum brunch at Fulton Market’s Duck Duck Goat! We started off with a round of cocktails before diving in to house made soup dumplings, spring rolls, their famous duck fried rice omelettes and a bowl of their delicious, hand-pulled, spicy noodles! The food was so delicious, inventive and energizing, and was one of our favourite meals of the trip! Duck Duck Goat is Chef Stephanie Izard’s third venture with Boka Restaurant Group and after our brunch experience at Duck Duck Goat I’m intrigued to try out their other restaurants ‘Girl & the Goat’, ‘Little Goat’, and ‘Cabra’ too!

Bachelorette in Chicago - Brunch restaurants in chicago - obelix chicago

The Pain Plissa;adoere from Obélix Chicago

After our morning at the Art institute of Chicago, the girls and I headed to Obélix in Chicago’s River North neighbourhood for an upscale French brunch. From escargot, to the foie gras Monte Cristo (their take on French toast), Obélix does a decadent brunch right. Although we did enjoy our meal at Obélix when it came to ranking our dining experience, this brunch came last. Perhaps we are spoiled with good French restaurants in Toronto or perhaps it was just that they had really steep competition. Either way it was good, just nothing to write home about.

The cafe inside Venteux, a french brasserie in downtown Chicago.

Our first morning in Chicago the girls and I stumbled upon Venteux while walking to Millennium Park. In desperate need of a good morning coffee, we crossed the street to check it out. A gorgeous French brasserie, cafe and oyster bar, the restaurant features a front cafe with outdoor patio seating and large dining room in the back. Since hunger had yet to strike, we grabbed a couple of ice coffees and a few pastries before continuing on our walk to Millennium Park. But there is no doubting this spot’s appeal and given their coffee was good I was left definitely wanting more.

Chicago Cocktail Bars

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One of the cocktail presentations from our night at Aviary in Chicago

After our Michelin Star dinner at Sepia, we headed out for a nightcap to Alinea Group’s Aviary. We didn’t have a reservation and were a little worried about just showing up, but it seemed like luck was on our side because we managed to snag a table fairly quickly. The bar’s decor felt a little dated (it was giving airport lounge vibes) and the crowd was definitely more mature (not surprising considering cocktails start around $20), but we really enjoyed our evening of elaborate presentations and deliciously creative cocktails. It was a great way to end the night after such a fantastic dinner and a unique experience we all really enjoyed.

Determined to make the best of our last night in Chicago, the girls and I made our way to Three Dots and a Dash, A Polynesian tiki bar in Chicago’s bustling River North neighbourhood. The place was packed which made it challenging to get a drink but once we did, we had no problem getting in the dancing mood. The one thing I would do different is call ahead. Bar seating is very limited and there isn’t many great places to put your drink down. Had we had a reservation we could’ve sat down and ordered drinks from a waitress and gotten up to dance while still having a place to set our drinks down instead of standing the whole time.

All in all the girls and I had a great time on my ‘unofficial’ bachelorette trip to Chicago. There are so many fun things to see and do in Chicago, it’s hard to fit them all into one weekend. If you have any questions or comments about our trip to Chicago, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I’ll also be posting more wedding content soon so don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube and Instagram pages! Until next time!

- Soheila

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Map of All The Places We Visited In Chicago


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ITALY TRAVEL VLOG: PLANNING MY WEDDING IN TUSCANY!

Planning my wedding in Italy, Abbazia di San Galgano Abbey - my wedding venue in tuscany italy

Visiting Abbazia di San Galgano - My wedding venue in Tuscany!

Planning My Wedding In Italy!

When I was five years old my mom and her friend rented a villa just outside the picturesque Tuscan hilltop town of Montalcino. Little did I know then, that summer would become the most magical summer of my life! I have vivid memories of chasing my older brother through vineyards, eating peaches so ripe the juices would run down our arms, and feeding our neighbours goat. Looking back, it was one of the most carefree and happy summers of my life and it’s where my love for Italy really bloomed.

Now at thirty five my love for Italy only continues to grow and over the years I have had the good fortune of returning several times. One of my most recent trips was in 2017 with Adam after 5 years of dating. We started in Florence, spent a night in Cinque Terre, and then drove through Tuscany to Montalcino for a few days before ending in Rome. It was Adam’s second time in Italy but only his first time experiencing the beauty of the Italian countryside. Of course I knew he enjoyed our trip, but It wasn’t until a few months ago when he suggested we get married there that I realized how much he also loved Italy.

So this past winter, my mom and I decided to plan a trip to Italy for the end of April to start planning my wedding!

A luxury boutique hotel in rome - Hotel De'Ricci Roma

The Small Luxury Boutique Hotel we stayed at while in Rome - Hotel De’Ricci Roma

One Day In Rome

Since we were flying into Rome we decided the best way to manage our jet lag was to spend our first day and night there. After 10 hours of travel we checked into the cutest luxury boutique hotel in Rome called Hotel De’Ricci. Located near some of our favourite Rome attractions, Hotel De’Ricci is a boutique hotel with 8 spacious and luxurious contemporary suites. Its cozy bed and chic decor couldn’t keep us from heading out to explore the city though and we kicked off our arrival with celebratory Aperol Spritz in Piazza Navona! Having both visited Rome many times before we didn’t feel the need to rush around to see everything but we did make sure to visit a few of our favourites including Chiesa Sant'Agnese, the Trevi Fountain, where I threw in a coin for good luck, and the beautiful Spanish Steps! After walking around for hours, we ended the evening with dinner in Trastevere followed by a good nights rest at our hotel.

P.s. If you are looking for some good restaurants to try out in Rome, check out my Rome food guide.

Rome attractions - Mom and I at Piazza Navona

My mom and I in Piazza Navona - one of the Rome’s attractions that we walked to from our hotel on our first day in Italy!


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Planning my wedding in tuscany Italy, Abbazia San Galgano Abbey - my wedding venue in italy

Adam and I’s wedding venue in Italy - Abbazia San Galgano Abbey

Planning My Wedding in Tuscany - San Galgano Abbey

After a great first day and a good nights rest, my mom and I checked out of our hotel in Rome and took a bus to Siena before grabbing our rental car and heading straight to Abbazia Di San Galgano.

Located in the Tuscan countryside of Italy, San Galgano Abbey is one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in Tuscany and where Adam and I are planning to tie the knot. Built in the 13th century, the abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and is regarded as one of the most important church ruins in Italy. The abbey's remote location adds to its otherworldly beauty, making it a popular destination for both national and international visitors. While the abbey is not currently used for religious services it is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Italy and features an open air cathedral!

I first learned about San Galgano Abbey a few years ago while scrolling Instagram. I thought it was one of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world and had saved it to one of my folders without much thought. It wasn’t until Adam suggested we get married in Tuscany that I remembered the photos of San Galgano and searched to find them. Once I showed Adam the photos of the Abbey it was pretty much a done deal as he too was taken by its beauty.

Fun facts about Abbazia San Galgano & the legend of the Sword in the Stone:


The abbey's most iconic feature is the sword in the stone. Legend has it that the man who was later to become San Galgano was a knight who thrusted his sword into a rock and declared that he would give up his life as a soldier to serve God. The sword still stands in the chapel, serving as a potent symbol of San Galgano's legendary story and the power of faith.

Villa Podernovo in Monticiano, the heart of Tuscany, Italy - an18th century Tuscan holiday villa that we are renting for the wedding

Our Wedding Villa in Tuscany


After spending about an hour at San Galgano Abbey taking photos and droning, my mom and I headed towards the villa we would be renting for the wedding. Located 8km from Abbazia Di San Galgano and just outside the small town of Monticiano, Villa Podernovo is an18th century Tuscan holiday villa with sprawling lawns, courtyards, and even a pool. The villa itself features 5 apartments with a total of 9 spacious bedrooms (many with en suite bathrooms) that can sleep about 18 adults. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a stunning living room with a fireplace, and comes with access to a beautiful outdoor terrace where you can soak up the Tuscan sun and enjoy an al fresco meal with friends and family.

Adam and I will be staying at Villa Podernovo for a few days before and after the wedding as well as hosting all our other wedding festivities there, but for the purpose of this trip my mom and I had planned to stay at the villa for only one night so that we can meet with our wedding planner, legal paperwork coordinator and florist. Since our meetings weren’t until the following day I spent the majority of that first afternoon running around taking photos and droning while I still had some beautiful afternoon light and once the sun had set, we enjoyed dinner at a restaurant in a nearby town.

Getting Married in Italy

To excited to sleep, I woke up early the next day and went down to breakfast to meet with our wedding paperwork coordinator.

Originally, Adam and I had planned to get legally married in Canada before our wedding. When we went to book the Abbey for our ceremony however, we learned that the local municipality only permits two symbolic marriage ceremonies at the Abbey a month. Unfortunately for us, both spots had already been filled for the month of September so if Adam and I wanted to still get married at San Galgano, we would need to legally get married in Italy.

Introduced to us through our wedding planner, Antonella will be our wedding paperwork coordinator. She will be guiding us through all the documentation requirements, coordinating with the embassy in Rome, organizing appointments and helping with anything else we may need to obtain our marriage license in Italy. Since she speaks fluent English and Italian, I know she is going to be such an asset to Adam and I as we plan our wedding in Italy and has already eased any worries I was feeling around what legally getting married in Italy would entail.


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Our Wedding Planner in Italy

The next meeting my mom and I had scheduled was with our Italian wedding planner who also happens to be the owner of Villa Podernovo. Diana Grandi, has been organizing weddings at the villa for several years and offers her wedding organization and coordination services to guests who rent the entire villa for their wedding.

During our meeting we discussed transportation to the Abbey, planned out the room chart for those who would be staying at the villa, did a walk through of the grounds, discussed how we envisioned each day playing out, talked about decorations and possible layouts for the reception, and addressed any outstanding questions we had.

Prior to meeting in person she had also provided me with a list of vendors she recommended so I could select people I would like to meet while in Italy as well as arrange our tasting menu. Having a wedding planner in Italy has been so helpful and is something I would definitely recommend. Not only has she made sure my ‘wedding vision’ doesn’t get lost in translation but she has also saved me hours of research and time spent going back and forth with unknown vendors.

Tuscany Wedding Florist

Our last meeting of the day was with the local florist Martha who came highly recommended by Diana. Prior to the meeting I had shared my wedding Pinterest board with Diana and Martha which I think was very helpful in giving both ladies a visual idea of what I would like my bouquet to look like and the overall colour palette. Having Diana present at the meeting also proved to be very helpful as she made sure to translate any questions I may of had and relay answers to my concerns.

It was so nice to meet everyone in person and get to know them more intimately. It honestly made any anxiety melt away and gave me the confidence to let go and not worry about micromanaging everything.

My mom and I enjoying an afternoon in Montalcino, Tuscany at Casa Raia Winery in Italy

Montalcino, Tuscany

After our last meeting my mom and I packed up our bags, got in the car ,and headed to Montalcino. My mom had not been back in 30 years so I was excited to show her how much it had changed.

While in Montalcino, my mom and I would be staying at the same quaint hotel Adam and I stayed at back in 2017 called Si Montalcino. Located less than a kilometre from the town centre, it offers comfortable and renovated rooms with either a terrace to enjoy a glass of wine on or a small stone garden area. Although very charming, my mom and I didn’t have any intention of spending a lot of time at the hotel so we quickly dropped off our bags and headed to our friends villa and winery, Casa Raia, for afternoon drinks outside and dinner.

Tasting Menu for Our Wedding In Tuscany

Once again the beauty and allure of Montalcino had captured our hearts, but we still had a few more items to check off our list before we could completely finish with the wedding planning, so we jumped back in the car once again and headed towards Florence.

Truth be told, this entire trip to Italy was planned around doing our tasting with the wedding caterers. When Adam and I showed my mom the extensive menu we had to choose from for the wedding, my mom suggested we plan this trip around the tasting. Recommended by Diana, our tasting appointment at Roland Social and Business Catering was held at their facility 30 minutes outside Florence. Over the course of 5 hours we drank Prosecco, tried five different signature cocktail options, went through all the cold and hot appetizers Adam and I selected, and enjoyed first, main and side dishes (all paired with wine) before ending with a mini version of our traditional Italian wedding cake.

Overall, the tasting went well and in addition to our original selection, Roland’s also provided a few more menu suggestions to try like their risotto with zucchini and saffron, which ended up being my favourite dish of the whole meal. We were also able to spend some time with one of their coordinators after the tasting who guided us through their ‘mise en place’ selection and I ended up finding the perfect table setting to fit the wedding palette.

Planning my wedding in Italy - hair and makeup trial in Florence

Planning my wedding in Italy - Doing my hair and makeup trial while in Florence, Italy

One Day In Florence, Italy

Following our tasting my mom and I dropped off the rental car and checked into our hotel in Florence. Since we were absolutely stuffed from eating all day and tired from all the moving around, we decided to take it easy and have an early night. The following day would be our last day in Italy and I had one last appointment for hair and makeup before all our wedding planning duties were over.

It was really only during my hair and makeup trial that the gravity of this whole experience really began to hit me. The week leading up to this point had been go-go-go with a lot of moving around and meetings. It was only then when I got to take a break, breath and process that I began to realize how incredible of an experience this all was. I had the best time planning my wedding in Italy with my mom and am so grateful for this special time we got to spend together.

Since it was our last afternoon in Italy, my mom and I decided to grab a panini from a Florence landmark a ‘whole in the wall’ sandwich bar called L’Fratellini, before walking around the city on foot to some of our favourite spots like Piazza Del Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio!

Restaurants in Florence, Italy

Florence was surprisingly packed despite it being only April and thankfully I had the foresight to book our dinner reservation in Florence weeks before our trip. Regina Bistecca Al Duomo is one of the best steak restaurants in Florence and where my mom and I splurged on a nice bottle of wine and feasted on steak tartar, bone marrow and of course their famous steak Florentine. It was an epic evening to end our trip to Italy and both the service and food were excellent. I’ll definitely be taking Adam here when we return for our wedding in September and look forward to spending more time with him in one of my favourite regions of Italy.

Thank you so much for joining me on my wedding planning trip to Italy. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comments below, otherwise don’t forget to subscribe as I’ll be back with more wedding content soon! CIAO!

- Soheila

MORE BTS PHOTOS FROM THIS TRIP TO ITALY

Tuscany Map


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Planning my wedding in italy - Wedding venues in tuscany - san galgano abbey