1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Fall Wedding at Castello di Vincigliata in Florence, Italy

Saying “I do” at a 13th-century castle in Tuscany sounds too good to be true, but that’s just what Lindsay Cantrell (26 and works in sales) and Robert

Saying “I do” at a 13th-century castle in Tuscany sounds too good to be true, but that’s just what Lindsay Cantrell (26 and works in sales) and Robert Samuels (45 and owner of Provident Jewelry) had in mind for their early-fall wedding. A quick Pinterest search led Lindsay to Castello di Vincigliata, just outside Florence, Italy, whose striking countryside and centuries-old architecture won the couple over immediately. “We wanted a destination wedding to cut down on the number of guests we would have, so when looking for a venue I searched ‘European wedding venues’ on Pinterest, and a beautiful 13th-century castle was one of the first pictures to appear,” Lindsay says. “I instantly fell in love.” The couple and 55 of their closest family members and friends ventured to Italy for the fall fete, where they were greeted by perfect weather and a stunning landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery. White rose petals ran the length of the aisle, leading to two stately stone urns overflowing with pale pink roses and hydrangeas. After exchanging vows, the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour on Castello di Vincigliata’s expansive terrace, followed by a reception inside the castle. Exposed stonework, twinkling bistro lights, warm candlelight and skyward-reaching arrangements of pink roses gave the space an undeniable air of romance. “We had perfect September weather in Italy and could see thousands of stars,” Lindsay says of the venue's open ceiling. To thank their guests for traveling to Italy to share their special day, the newlyweds gifted each guest with a few Italian treats, including limoncello, biscotti and olive oil. “We wanted to send them home with a little bit of Italy."—Libby MacCarthy

Lindsay and Robert went classic on the flower front to let the beauty of the Tuscan scenery shine through. Lindsay’s bridesmaids carried simple bouquets of pale blush roses, which went perfectly with their formal pink gowns.
No “I do” look is complete without a great pair of pumps, and Lindsay certainly didn’t let this sartorial detail go unnoticed. She paired her romantic Stephen Yearick mermaid-style gown with a pair of glam Jimmy Choo sandals that featured gilded straps and just a hint of shimmer.
Lindsay’s Stephen Yearick gown perfectly captured the elegance and glamour of the couple’s Tuscan venue. Crystal and beaded embellishments gave the gown a subtle hint of glitz, while a sweetheart neckline, form-fitting silhouette and an ethereal tulle skirt delivered a serious dose of romance.
Before joining their family members and friends, Lindsay and Robert took a few private moments to walk through Florence. The couple were able to the capture the beauty of the city in their first-look shots.
Though Lindsay and Robert knew they wanted a destination affair to ensure an element of intimacy for their early-fall wedding, a Tuscan backdrop came as a surprise. “When looking for a venue, I searched ‘European wedding venues’ on Pinterest and a beautiful 13th-century castle was one of the first pictures to appear,” Lindsay says. “I was instantly in love.” When the couple saw the romantic medieval architecture and expansive views of the Italian countryside, they knew they had found their venue.
Surrounded by 55 of their closest family members and friends, Lindsay and Robert exchanged vows in an intimate outdoor ceremony at Castello di Vincigliata in Tuscany. Two stone urns overflowing with blush roses and hydrangeas framed the pair as they stood against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush greenery.
Robert kept things classic, opting for a traditional black tuxedo, which he paired with a blush satin tie for a modern finish. The look complemented the hint of modern glamour reflected in Lindsay’s wedding day look, while respecting the locale's old-world elegance.
After enjoying cocktail hour on the terrace, the newlyweds and their guests entered into Castello di Vincigliata for the reception. An open ceiling gave way to a sky filled with stars, while brightly lit bistro lights, flickering candles, refined arrangements of pink roses and exposed stonework created an atmosphere of romance and intimacy. “We had perfect September weather in Italy and could see thousands of stars from the hilltop,” Lindsay says.
Dinner was followed by dancing and celebrating in the courtyard. Dramatic uplighting and 500 torches lit up the dance floor and lounge vignettes, providing a lively environment for the al fresco fete.