Il Giorno | The Day

Il Pranzo, the day after...

Welcome to the hub of all possible information you could want ahead of our wedding. We do hope you find all the details you need here to get started. As plans develop we will continue to update the website with details, but if you need any further information sooner, don't hesitate to reach out to either of us (or our parents) with your questions. As you know, we both love to travel and we love good food! Pair this with one of us being half Italian and parents living in Lucca, it was a pleasantly easy decision where the wedding would take place. We can't wait for you to join us in our celebrations which are outlined below.💕

Helvellyn - 16th Oct 2022 💍

Gift List

We appreciate the huge distances the majority of you are travelling to join us, and the expense that goes with it. For us, the most important thing is to celebrate the day and be surrounded by our friends and family. That said, we have had some queries about a gift list so we have put one together that can be found by <a href="https://www.weddingshop.com/GiftList/josephandalessia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CLICKING HERE</a>

Our Wedding

Almost seven years in and we certainly have created and banked some incredible memories and experiences together...all thanks to technology and a simple "hi" 🐝

Our Story

Video 💕

🫶🏼 Trailer - <a href="https://vimeo.com/918632224?share=copy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> (2mins)🫶🏼 Film - <a href="https://vimeo.com/918631961?share=copy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> (24mins) Password: alessiajoe

**WEDDING PHOTOS/VIDEO**

The team behind the scenes

Wedding Party

Wedding Programme

Must See/Do In Lucca

Lucca is a historical city and is known as the city of a hundred churches due to its large amount of historical religious structures. It is known throughout Italy for its fantastic medieval city walls that still encircle most of the historic old town (and also as the hometown of Puccini, one of the greatest composers of all time). Although only a 2.7 mile loop around these walls, this city has many things to keep you curios for a couple of day and we've include some of the top things below... 1) Religious buildings➙ Lucca Cathedral - located in Piazza San Martino, the Duomo is a truly impressive structure and is renowned throughout Italy for its stunning façade and design.➙ Basilica of San Frediano - This building is renowned for its front façade that contains a beautiful mosaic and its impressive ornate bell tower. Hover outside until the light catches all the gold detailing for the perfect shot.➙ San Michele in Foro - Another beautiful church in the centre of Lucca, it features a unique front façade. 2) Piazza dell Anfiteatro - once a Roman Amphitheatre, the buildings surrounding the square have been created in the same elliptical shape and are all different heights and colours. Within the piazza there is also a series of high quality restaurants and cafes all with outdoor seating&nbsp; 3) Stroll or bike along Lucca’s historic city walls (there various places in Lucca you can rent bikes from e.g <a href="https://www.getyourguide.co.uk/lucca-l1517/lucca-1-hour-3-hour-or-24-hour-bike-rental-t389039/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">from here</a>) - It is one of the most complete and well preserved fortifications in Italy and you can walk around the whole city through a series of well-maintained, tree-lined promenades. 4) Guinigi Tower - Lucca has several interesting historical towers, but none are as unique as Torre Guinigi – this is the most important and iconic tower in Lucca and is known for its rooftop "forest" (it has Oak trees growing on the top of the tower which symbolise rebirth and have become icons of the city). Visitors are able to go up the 45m tour and take in the stunning views across the city from here. 5) Torre delle Ore - both a defensive fortification and a clock tower during its 700 year history, visitors can now climb up the stairs for a great view of the city OR, if you’re short on time, this <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/lucca-l1517/lucca-2-hour-city-center-walking-tour-t269687/?cmp=posts%2Fthings-to-do-in-lucca-italy_amcid-PilsiEZqorOx2zz2Mrq6Y&amp;partner_id=2A6MSUC&amp;placement=content-middle&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">highly-rated 2-hour walking tour</a> is a sure way to get to know Lucca well and quickly.

Meals, nibbles and gelaterias 

One cannot simply "go to Lucca" and not but help themselves indulge themselves in the mouth-watering Tuscan foods available on every corner. We've listed a few little favourites to check out inside the walls of Lucca... ➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d15246601-Reviews-Gino_Bistro_Bar-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gino's bistro bar</a> (restaurant &amp; deli)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d1477495-Reviews-Osteria_dal_Manzo-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Osteria del Manzo</a> (restaurant)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d911198-Reviews-Gli_Orti_di_via_Elisa-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gli Orti di via Elisa</a> (restaurant)➙<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d896749-Reviews-Canuleia-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trattoria Canuleia</a> (restaurant)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d911187-Reviews-Buca_di_Sant_Antonio-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Buca di Sant'Antonio</a> (restaurant)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d1825983-Reviews-Gelateria_Veneta-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gelateria Veneto</a> (best ice cream in Lucca)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d4306856-Reviews-Momo_gelati-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Momo Gelati</a> (ice cream)➙ Devour delicious focaccia at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d1023846-Reviews-Forno_a_vapore_Amedeo_Giusti-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Forno a Vapore Amedeo Giusti</a> (snack)➙ Castagnaccio, a traditional Tuscan cake made with chestnut flour, raisins, pine nuts, rosemary and little else. Try it at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d1825982-Reviews-Pizzeria_da_Felice-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pizzeria da Felice</a>, a locally loved joint known for more than just its pizzas (which are also decent)➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187898-d14804028-Reviews-Vecchi_Sapori_di_Lucca-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vecchi Sapori di Lucca</a>&nbsp;is a speciality Tuscan food shop, perfect for finding foodie souvenirs to take home➙ Buccellato&nbsp;is a local sweet bread with raisins in, formed into a ring shape and eaten for breakfast or a snack. You can find it in most bakeries around the city Out of town gems➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.it/Restaurant_Review-g1186326-d3456223-Reviews-La_Piazzetta_Gualdo-Massarosa_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Piazzetta</a>, Gualdo - discovered accidentally, this little eating spot is sure to provide you with a new dining experience as you sit outdoors in front of Gualdo's small cobble-stoned village piazza, overlooking the rolling Tuscan hills➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1178673-d2337998-Reviews-Ristorante_Erasmo-Ponte_a_Moriano_Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ristorante Erasmo</a>, Ponte a Moriano - a 15min drive outside the walls, this 200 year old family run restaurant is a firm van Oekel family, favourite serving exceptionally traditional Lucchese food➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d2561154-Reviews-Bar_Tambellini-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bar Tambellini dal 1870</a> - 10 mins (car), this place with its relatively nondescript exterior sits on quite a busy road yet hides a quirky and quaint interior, with an atmospheric is the courtyard. Delicious food, would recommend this place to try something local out of town➙ <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187898-d1835261-Reviews-Ristorante_Vipore-Lucca_Province_of_Lucca_Tuscany.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vipore</a> - located up in the surrounding hills of Lucca, you'll be sure to leave here licking your fingers and rubbing your bellies. Meat grilled on an open fire, with the side platters of rosemary and garlic dusted fries, this place is another lovely family run establishment with a long history and delicious food

Day trips

➙ Beaches - VIAREGGIO and FORTI DEI MARMI are two beach side towns just over 30 mins drive from Lucca ➙ A morning (or afternoon) sightseeing around PISA. Much longer than that is not really required (lets be honest, all most people want to see is the leaning tower!) ➙ FLORENCE - an easy direct train, or a 1hr (approx) drive to this beautiful city that deserves at least a full day to explore. If you decide to drive, we would suggest parking in "Parcheggio Scambiatore Guidoni" just out of town and taking the T2 tram into the centre (parking and driving in the city can be a nightmare) ➙ Do you like wine? Why not book in for a wine tour at a vineyard/winery in nearby CHIANTI region which sprawls across much of the Tuscan countryside and is known as one of the most important wine producing regions in all of Italy ➙ Perhaps not a "day" trip spot, but if you have the time, CINQUE TERRE is another well-known visitor attraction in Italy to explore (1.5hr north of Lucca). Cinque Terre is a string of five villages along the northwest Italian coastline and carved into cliffsides, giving them a unique, dramatic appearance

Things to Do

We are aware that by choosing to get married in Lucca, we are asking people to travel a fair distance to join us in celebrating our marriage. There are various ways to get here and we will try and share as many options as possible.

Flying from London, Europe and beyond:➙ PISA airport is the closest airport to Lucca➙ Other nearby airports to consider should you wish to tag on a some extra time or explore places further afield are; FLORENCE and BOLOGNA Once you have arrived at your chosen Italian airport, we would recommend hiring a car to get to (and around) Lucca during your stay as this allows you the flexibility to move around and explore more. However, should you prefer making your way via train and then booking taxis once in Lucca, we've outlined train journey details below connecting you to Lucca... Trains from Pisa to Lucca➙ There is a direct train that takes 31mins. All journey details and tickets can be found via <a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/pisa-centrale-to-lucca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a> Trains from Florence to Lucca➙ There is a direct train that takes approx 1hr 30mins. All journey details and tickets can be found via <a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/florence-to-lucca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a> Trains from Bologna to Lucca➙ This route is between 2-3hrs with one change involved. All journey details and tickets can be found via <a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times/bologna-to-lucca" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">THIS LINK</a>

Air travel

For those wanting a bit more of an adventure (and have the time on their hands), perhaps you could even consider a "little" road trip. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in the Tuscan region and beyond (such as Cinque Terre, Bologna, Rome etc), to turn your trip into a longer holiday. Some sites are listed below to get your planning wheels in motion:➙ <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/20-must-visit-attractions-in-italys-tuscany-region/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CultureTrip</a>➙ <a href="https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-visit-tuscany-italy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Crazy Tourist</a>

Road trip

Travel

If you would like to take advantage of the journey-made, the (UK) Bank Holiday weekend, or simply explore Italy further and turn the trip into a longer holiday, the rolling Tuscan hills around the ancient walled city of Lucca could not be a more beautiful setting. You will often find that villa rentals operate Saturday - Saturday bookings so please do keep this in mind. If this is what you're after, we can recommend the following links and properties (as we go on to collect additional suggestions, we will add to the below):➙ <a href="https://www.salogivillas.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salogi</a>➙ <a href="https://www.tenutaditramonte.com/properties/villa-volpi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Villa Volpi</a> If it's something more local you're after for a couple of days or you're just after a room, there's always of course the trusty <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/s/Lucca--Toscana--Italien/homes?tab_id=home_tab&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;price_filter_input_type=0&amp;price_filter_num_nights=4&amp;query=Lucca%2C%20Toscana&amp;place_id=ChIJ7wjtUJqD1RIR4dlNZZImKnk&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;checkin=2023-08-25&amp;checkout=2023-08-29&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=user_map_move&amp;ne_lat=43.8736627582114&amp;ne_lng=10.545691428626412&amp;sw_lat=43.82289195760759&amp;sw_lng=10.467890079519236&amp;zoom=14&amp;search_by_map=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AirBnB</a> or <a href="https://hotel.ebooking.com/searchresults.html?ss=Lucca&amp;checkin=2023-08-26&amp;checkout=2023-08-29&amp;nflt=0&amp;error_url=https%3A%2F%2Fhotel.ebooking.com%2Findex.en-gb.html%3Faid%3D7908003&amp;lang=en-gb&amp;selected_currency=GBP&amp;currency=GBP&amp;aid=7908003&amp;do_availability_check=1&amp;label=89c1e9f8-fc88-4dd3-a858-ba24c87c77df&amp;dest_id=-120405&amp;dest_type=city&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;group_children=0&amp;sb_travel_purpose=leisure&amp;sb_entire_place=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Booking.com </a>for all your whimsical fancies. Some recommended hotels inside the walls should you be interested in taking a look at availability:➙ Palazzo Rocchi➙ Hotel Ilaria➙ Palazzo Dipinto Within the walls of Lucca (or just outside) will be the easiest option to look for accommodation as the city is 20min drive from the Villa Grabau grounds, where our wedding events will be held on the 27th/28th August. Below you will see where Lucca and the Villa Grabau are situated relative to Pisa (should you decide to catch your flight there).

Accommodation

If you have any additional questions not answered below/elsewhere on our website yet, please contact us directly or our parents.

Alessia & Joseph

Alessia & Joseph

A&J

Il Giorno | The Day

Il Pranzo, the day after...

Gift List