Tuscany Destination Wedding, Italy
HEATHER & LOK SZE
Tuscany, with its rolling hills and sun-soaked charm, has long been a dream destination for couples tying the knot.
When Heather, a talented wedding photographer I’d had the pleasure of working with before, asked me to plan her wedding, I knew this would be something special. As a Tuscany wedding planner, it’s always a privilege to be trusted with such an important day, but being chosen by someone in the wedding industry added an extra layer of meaning. Heather put it simply: there was no one else she’d trust more.
The couple envisioned a three-day celebration that felt intimate and relaxed. The search for the perfect Tuscany wedding venue led us to Borgo Laticastelli, a picturesque retreat where all 80 guests could stay on-site. The venue provided the ideal setting for their vision: a weekend of love, laughter, and plenty of surprises.
Day One: Pizza and First Impressions
We kicked off the festivities with a welcome pizza party. It was a casual yet joyful evening, setting the tone for what was to come. The informal setting allowed guests to mingle, relax, and settle into the rhythm of Tuscany. As a destination wedding planner, these moments of connection before the main event are ones I find so meaningful; they let the couple and their guests truly savour the experience.
Day Two: A Wedding Overlooking the Hills
Heather wore the Hazel gown by Danielle Frankel, a piece that was as unique as it was elegant, paired with a custom embroidered veil that added a deeply personal touch. Her bridesmaids brought a modern vibrancy to the day, each dressed in a different bold colour. To tie the look together, we matched their bouquets to their dresses, creating a beautiful harmony of tones. Heather’s bouquet, a combination of all the colours, served as a striking centrepiece that pulled the entire palette together effortlessly.
The ceremony itself took place overlooking Tuscany’s iconic hills. No floral installations were needed—sometimes, nature is the best designer. With the soft sounds of the countryside as their backdrop, Heather and Lok Sze exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends.
Aperol Spritz and Serpentine Tables
After the ceremony, it was time for drinks. We opened the celebrations with an Aperol Spritz tower, a playful nod to Italian tradition and a guaranteed conversation starter. Guests then strolled to the dinner terrace, where the couple’s design vision came to life.
Heather and Lok Sze wanted something striking yet elegant, and serpentine tables were the perfect solution. The curving layouts not only looked stunning but also made the dining experience feel more intimate and dynamic. Neutral linen created a canvas for a rich red and burgundy palette—a subtle yet meaningful nod to the couple’s Chinese heritage.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by candlelight. Dinner itself was a feast of Italian flavours, tailored to the couple’s tastes and the region’s culinary heritage.
Millefoglie and Music
With the main courses behind them, guests might have thought the surprises were over. They were wrong. As Heather and Lok Sze assembled their own millefoglie—a traditional Italian dessert made of delicate pastry layers and cream—we had planned a musical interlude. A saxophonist appeared, appearing on a balcony above the terrace, to the delight of everyone present. The energy shifted instantly, with guests singing along, clapping, and laughing.
It’s moments like these, carefully orchestrated yet joyfully spontaneous, that make a wedding truly unforgettable.
A Flashmob and a Conga Line
Just when the couple thought the night couldn’t get any better, the bridal party had one last surprise up their sleeves. As Heather and Lok Sze finished their first dance, their closest friends burst into a flashmob performance. Watching the couple’s faces shift from confusion to sheer delight was a highlight of the evening.
We then used the energy of the moment to seamlessly transition guests to the next phase of the evening. The bridal party led everyone into a conga line, weaving through the venue and down to the dancefloor, where a live band, DJ, and open bar awaited. Moving people from one space to another at a wedding can sometimes feel clunky, but with a little creativity, it becomes part of the entertainment.
Day Three: Rain, Pasta, and Perseverance
The weekend’s final day was meant to be a pool party. But as can often be the case with outdoor weddings, Mother Nature had other plans. Tuscany delivered some of the heaviest rain of the month, making swimming out of the question. Luckily, working as a destination wedding planner has taught me to always have a backup plan.
We pivoted seamlessly, transforming the day into a cosy pasta party. Guests swapped swimsuits for comfy clothes and gathered for a feast of hearty Italian dishes. The couple took it in stride, proving that a relaxed attitude—and a great planner—can turn any situation into a memorable one.
Reflections on a Tuscan Wedding
Heather and Lok Sze’s wedding was a perfect example of why Tuscany remains a sought-after destination for couples. The beauty of working as a Tuscany wedding planner lies not just in the stunning scenery but in the opportunities to create events that are deeply personal and reflective of each couple’s story.
From the thoughtful design of the Tuscany wedding venue to the seamless pivot when rain threatened to derail plans, every detail of Heather and Lok Sze’s celebration was a reminder of what makes a wedding truly special. It’s not just about the flowers, the food, or the music, although all of those matter. It’s about the people, the laughter, and the unexpected moments that turn a beautiful event into a cherished memory.
For me, the greatest reward is knowing that a couple like Heather and Lok Sze can look back on their wedding and feel that it was everything they hoped for—and more.
Design, Styling and Planning | Emma Jane Weddings
Photographer | Angelika Dupuis Photography
Venue | Borgo Laticastelli