This Borgo di Castelvecchio wedding weekend starts with a fun, rustic family-style welcome party and the following day we have an elegant wedding at a breathtaking venue.
The festivities will start at Borgo di Castelvecchio. This is a little hilltop hamlet. A large central square connects all the buildings in the hamlet and makes it an ideal meeting point. There is a large oak tree right in the middle that provides a nice focal point and some shade from the sun.
You can find the borgo in the Val d’Orcia, it is a delightful location offering wonderful views and lots of peace and quiet. For anyone looking to experience some of Italy’s fine wines and food then it is just a short drive to Pienza, San Quirico, Montepulciano and Montalcino among others.
Family style BBQ to start a Borgo di Castelvecchio wedding weekend
Kicking off your wedding with a welcome dinner is an excellent idea. What better way to welcome everyone and start your celebration? A welcome dinner gives everyone time to mingle and catch up with each other. On your wedding day, you will be very busy and may not be able to spend so much time hanging out with friends and family. So a casual fun BBQ is the perfect way to guarantee some quality time with your loved ones.
We plan to have dinner under the oak tree in the square but unfortunately, the weather is threatening storms. Because of the risk of a downpour a marquee is set up to keep everything dry. I arrive and start to take a few photos of the location but I notice some ominous clouds looming behind me. Within a few moments the wind picks up and the storm arrives.
The rain is torrential and everyone works frantically to save the event, the steam is pouring off the barbecues and little rivers of rainwater flow through the gravel. After thirty minutes of mayhem, the worst is past and staff start putting it all back together.
Guests arrive and the party starts
Borgo di Castelvecchio is accommodating as many guests as it can and others stay nearby. This is a very large gathering so the others guests are collected by a coach and brought to Borgo di Castelvecchio. This means that they do not have to drive and can enjoy themselves!
The event starts with prosecco, beer, wine, fruit juices and water and waiters offer a selection of canapes. Everyone mingles and chats and enjoys the views and the good company. I take a few quick group photos too, mostly of friends and extended families.
Next, it is time to find a seat. Before the dinner commences there is a heartfelt speech from the bride and once the applause ends the family style dinner begins. People sit where they want, they eat and drink what they want and have a great time. The barbecue is a huge hit and the guests polish off every last morsel!
Late in the evening, I sneak away with the couple and take a few pictures of them. It’s a lovely intimate moment in the utter tranquility of the countryside. The wonderful views are a perfect backdrop.
Once we have the shots we need it is time to go back to the party. More food follows and then it is time for the delicious tiramisu.
The evening flows on but will not run too late as everyone needs to be fresh and ready for the second day – the main event!
Italian and destination wedding photographer Jules Bower photographs weddings in Italy, Europe, and worldwide. British but fluent in Italian, his strong artistic vision and vast experience in the wedding industry make him unique. His wife is a top wedding planner in Tuscany.
