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Villa Valentini Bonaparte

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Our Wedding

Gabriella and Ben met in a CPR class they both, as well as Victoria, took while working at a mental health clinic in Delray Beach, Florida. A year later in 2017, they were both transferred to the same building and reconnected. At the time, Bentley (Gabriella's dog) was only a couple of months old, and she would bring him to work so the patients could play with him. Gabriella and Ben bonded over their respective love for their dogs, Bentley and Hemingway, and made plans to meet at a local dog park outside of work. The two of them (and Bentley and Hemingway) were instantly inseparable, and the rest is history! Fast forward to October of 2023, Ben made plans for them to go visit the Flagler Museum, using the excuse that it was a "bye week for the Vikings" so she would not be suspicious. They started with an iced cappuccino at Saint Ambroeus, a regular Sunday morning outing for them. Before entering the museum, Ben got down on one knee and proposed. Now the wedding fun (and a lifetime together) begins!

Our Story

Photos

15 years ago, Gabriella moved into Victoria’s neighborhood. Gab’s mom noticed Victoria painted her dog’s toenails (as did Gab), and approached Victoria to tell her she had an 11 year old daughter at home. With no regard for stranger danger, Victoria went over to their house. They quickly became best friends and an inseparable duo, and have been ever since! Victoria is the best friend anyone could ask for. 

Victoria Vulitsky

Colleen and Gabriella have been friends since high school, and became close when Colleen finally got an iPhone and was then allowed into the group chat. They share a love for all things garlic, and Gabriella is the godmother to Colleen’s two cats, Onyx and Ruby. Colleen can always make you laugh, and is the life of the party. 

Colleen Smith

Gabriella and Kiana have been friends since high school. They have always been close, but have developed a special bond in the past couple of years. Kiana is not shy at all- she is funny, feisty, and a great friend to have. 

Kiana Vallejo-Boyer

Rachel and Gabriella have been best friends since freshman year of high school when they were introduced by their late friend, Rashid. They quickly gravitated towards each other with their love for all things SpongeBob, and have been best friends ever since. It is no secret why Gabriella would keep Rachel so close for all this time- she is supportive, kind, and an amazing friend. 

Rachel Banks

Gabriella and Reese have been best friends since freshman year of high school. They spent every afternoon together, stopping at Taco Bell on the way home from school when Gab got a car. The two have a lifelong friendship, as Reese is a great friend who is not afraid to be who she is.  

Reese McFarlane

Jose and Ben met at work in 2018. While working late hours, weekends, and holidays together, Jose and Ben quickly became very close. Jose is generous, kind, and always there to lend a hand to both Ben and Gabriella.

Jose Ordeix

Ray and Ben also met in college at The University of South Carolina. Ray is extremely close to both Ben and Gabriella, spending many weekends together even with him living in Connecticut. It was a no-brainer for the couple to ask Ray to be the officiant, and they were honored when he said yes!

Raymond Donnelly

Carter and Ben met in college at The University of South Carolina. Carter is the epitome of a wholesome and kind friend. Ben was a groomsman in Carter's wedding in October 2023. The two make every effort to communicate often, not allowing the distance to alter their friendship. 

Carter Scheetz

Dario and Ben met in college at The University of South Carolina. With Dario in California, they don't get to see each other often but look forward to moments they can spend together. It is always a party when Dario is around!

Dario Pellegrino

Vinny and Ben met in college at The University of South Carolina. The two get together multiple times a week for lunch, and make every effort to spend time together. Fun fact: Vinny was the only person to see the ring before Ben proposed!

Vincent Fiori

Connor and Ben became friends through mutuals in Miami five years ago. Connor has quickly become a valuable friend in both Ben and Gabriella's lives, as he is caring, considerate, and trustworthy. The four (including Connor's beautiful fiancee, Tati) frequent Miami Heat games and love spending time together.

Connor Fenn

Matthew is Gabriella's oldest brother who she has always looked up to.  As a child, Matt prayed to God for a baby sister, and along came Gab, whose parents chose her name as it means "gift from God". While Matthew definitely spent many years pulling Gab's hair and stealing her food, the two are extremely close. 

Matthew Esposito

Julian is Gabriella's "not-so-baby-anymore" baby brother. Although he is 11 years younger than her, they always have a ton of fun and laughs together. 

Julian Esposito

Daniel Taratuta

Kevin Leary

Wedding Party

Q + A

Rooms at both Villa Valentini Bonaparte and Villa Svetoni have been partially paid for by the couple. To ensure guests receive the discounted rate, all bookings must be completed through the wedding planner, Roberta Sabbatini. Her contact information is as follows:email: info@robertasabbatini.comphone: +44 7501-468131WhatsApp: +44 7501-468131

Villa Valentini Bonaparte offers the beauty of Tuscany, with gorgeous views of the Tuscan Countryside and Lake Trasimeno. The Villa can comfortably host around 45 guests. It is recommended, but not required, for guests to stay at Villa Valentini. Due to limited space, guests should book as soon as possible if they choose to stay on the property. All bookings must be completed through the wedding planner to ensure the discount is applied. The Villa is located between Tuscany and Umbria, in Castiglion del Lago. The following link on their website includes helpful information on how to get to the venue:https://www.villavalentinibonaparte.it/en/how-to-get-here

Due to the limited capacity at Villa Valentini Bonaparte, a second block is available at Villa Svetoni, a luxurious wine resort in Montepulciano. Villa Svetoni is located less than 15 minutes from the venue, and transportation between the two resorts will be provided. All bookings must be completed through the wedding planner to ensure the discount is applied.

Villa Svetoni Wine Resort

SkyScanner is a helpful website which offers competitive rates on international flights. Please take a moment to look into this site for best deals!

SkyScanner

Europe is very train-friendly. Travelling around Italy via train is cost-effective, convenient, and easy. The nearest train station, train station Castiglion del Lago, is 10 minutes from Villa Valentini Bonaparte. Please utilize the Tren Italia site for booking train travel.

TrenItalia

Travel

Tuscany is home to many wines we love here in the US, including Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Vino Nobile. Villa Valentini Bonaparte hosts wine tastings, but if you would like to try others, linked below is Food &amp; Wine's Best Wineries in Tuscany list:https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/best-wineries-visit-tuscany

Tuscan Vineyards

There are seven beautiful islands off the coast of Tuscany. Please look into this website to find information about these islands and how to get to them!

Tuscan Archipelago

Piazzale Michelangelo, built by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century, offers amazing panoramic views of Florence's historic center. The plaza is also home to several replicas of Michelangelo's famous sculptures, including David and the Medici Chapel statues.

Piazzale Michelangelo

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of the religious complex of Duomo Square, acting as its bell tower. Infamous for its architecture and tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Gabriella & Benjamin

Gabriella & Benjamin

Things to Do

Tuscan Vineyards

Tuscan Archipelago

Piazzale Michelangelo

Leaning Tower of Pisa