An Open-Air Ceremony at San Galgano Abbey, Siena.

The wedding of Sarah and Robert was a study in classic elegance and Tuscan charm, set against the undulating vistas of Borgo Santo Pietro.

Steeped in old-world allure and breathtaking views, the venue was complemented by the grandeur of San Galgano Abbey’s open-air architecture—an evocative, roofless church nearby.

The ceremony design focused on rustic refinement with an enchanting palette of creams and whites, structural florals, and subtle textures that softened the Abbey’s stone walls.

For the reception, the evening’s opulence was punctuated with subtle nods to Tuscany’s heritage—custom calligraphy on suede-bound menus and a multi-course meal sourced from local ingredients, while romantic florals spilled from assorted vases.

The bride wore a Suzanne Neville gown with Amina Maudi heels.

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Our Story

Names / Sarah and Robert Wilkinson

Location / San Galano Abbey and Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany Italy

Wedding Date / 17th August 2024

Guest Numbers / 70

Budget / Not disclosed

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How We Met

Robert and I first crossed paths in a kitchen showroom right after the first Covid lockdown. What began as a casual coffee turned into countless conversations and adventures over the following weeks and months. We laughed, talked, and spent hours walking together in outdoor spaces. It felt a bit unusual given the circumstances, but we didn’t mind. All that mattered was our anticipation for the next time we could see each other, navigating the challenges of those crazy restrictions.

Our Engagement Story

It was a beautiful proposal: a picnic elegantly packed in a Fortnum & Mason hamper. We sipped champagne while sitting on the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Oxford, with a stunning view overlooking the Queen Lake. Everything felt perfect, and then he revealed the ring—a breathtaking pear-shaped diamond! In that moment, tears of joy flowed as we experienced a depth of love we had never felt before.

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The Setting

Wedding Location

Borgo Santo Pietro, a stunning Tuscan venue that combines old-world charm with world-class aesthetics and cuisine. Nearby, the breathtaking San Galgano Abbey—a magnificent roofless church—adds to the allure with its incredible architecture.

Aesthetic

We aimed to enhance the aesthetic of the venues by highlighting rustic elegance while maintaining a clean, crisp white look. For me, it was all about grace, class, and style—a very traditional wedding. Our inspirations came entirely from our own vision.

Preparation

I craved peace and a moment for myself as our wedding weekend began with a busy Friday evening welcome party. It was exhausting, but I truly welcomed the presence of everyone who wanted to celebrate with us. Saturday morning, the wedding day, started beautifully with Robert and I enjoying breakfast at Borgo Santo Pietro—an experience to savor.

I also wanted to spend some time with my two closest friends that morning. Soon after, my bridesmaids joined us for some rosé champagne and photos. With soft music playing, I listened to the soothing sound of fountains from the bathroom window, while sound checks echoed from our stunning balcony in the San Pietro Suite. When I heard “Nessun dorma” being sung, it hit me—this was really happening. I was in awe of what we had created together.

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Photography

Sandra Aberg and her Atelier Åberg team captured both the photography and videography for our wedding. Our wedding planner introduced us to Sandra, and I was immediately drawn to her work as I explored various websites. It had a soft, elegant quality that felt just “perfect.” Atelier Åberg also offers wedding videography that is color-matched to the photography, making it an easy choice for us to go with one vendor. This ensured a seamless collaboration and a cohesive look for our memories.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

There was just 45 minutes to set up at the Abbey, which is open to the public, so we needed an opulent design that was both quick and easy to assemble. The team collaborated closely with the florist to achieve this. Additionally, since we wanted to reuse everything at the reception, the design had to be versatile and functional for that space as well.

Reception Décor

We aimed to enhance the venues’ aesthetics by highlighting rustic elegance while maintaining a clean, crisp white look, which I loved! This was achieved through soft textures and beautiful florals, allowing the overall design to shine.

Stationery

The stationery was absolutely stunning, inspired by our planner’s concept of “Love Letters from Tuscany.” The letterpressed thick pages were beautifully bound in luxurious Tuscan suede and presented in an elegant box. We continued the simple white-on-white letterpress design throughout the day-of stationery, achieving a cohesive look that was both opulent and beautifully understated.

Food & Beverages

We enjoyed a seated dinner featuring five courses of exquisite local cuisine, paired with wonderful wines from Tuscany at Borgo Santo Pietro.

“For me, it was all about grace, class, and style—a very traditional wedding. Our inspirations came entirely from our own vision.”

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

For my wedding day and night, I chose a stunning dress by Suzanne Neville that perfectly captured my vision. It was elegant and timeless, making me feel like the best version of myself. I paired it with the Camilla pumps by Amina Muadi.

Bridesmaids Dresses & Shoes

I had always envisioned my bridesmaids wearing dresses in a color almost identical to my wedding gown, creating a perfect, seamless look that felt beautifully coordinated. To achieve this, the bridesmaids’ dresses were made to measure and bespoke, ensuring a unique fit for each of them. As for the shoes, we offered a selection for the bridesmaids to choose from, allowing them to pick styles that suited their personal taste while still complementing the overall aesthetic. The result was a harmonious and elegant look that truly set the tone for our special day.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

My wedding ring features the most beautiful pear-shaped diamond, a symbol of our love and commitment. Its unique shape catches the light in a way that feels both modern and timeless. Choosing this ring was a special experience; it felt like it perfectly represented our journey together. The diamond is set in a delicate band that enhances its brilliance, making it a stunning piece I will cherish forever. To complete my look, I chose a mixture of exquisite pieces from De Beers and Cheshires Jewellers, both located near my home. Each piece was thoughtfully selected to complement my dress and overall aesthetic, adding just the right touch of elegance.

Hair & Makeup

For my hair and makeup, I wanted a natural look that enhanced my features. Carla Vincent created a beautiful hairstyle that perfectly complemented my dress, while Rachael Claire worked her magic with a fresh, radiant makeup look.

Groom’s Attire

We had five groomsmen, all dressed in made-to-measure tuxedos from Adrian Barrows—The Bespoke Tailor. Each tuxedo was tailored to perfection, ensuring that our groomsmen looked sharp and sophisticated.

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The Details

Transport

Robert drove me in a vintage Alfa Romeo, adding a charming and elegant element to our day. Cruising through the beautiful Tuscan landscape in such a stunning vehicle felt like something out of a fairytale, perfectly setting the tone for our celebration.

Honeymoon

We have a special date in November to revisit Jumby Bay in the Caribbean, which we’re really looking forward to. While that’s a delightful getaway, our official honeymoon plans are underway for South Africa in 2025. We can’t wait to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture together!

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Wedding Songs

For my walk down the aisle, we chose “Ave Maria” performed by Libby Key and orchestra, creating a beautifully serene atmosphere. During the signing of the registrar, “Nella Fantasia” played, also by Libby Key and orchestra. As we walked up the abbey as man and wife, Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” echoed beautifully, by OneOrchestra Group. The format of the aisle walk was quintessential: my bridesmaids followed me, and I was told it was lovely to see.

As for songs that held special meaning for Robert and I, we chose “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding, sung beautifully by Libby Key, and for our first dance, we selected “Biblical” by Calum Scott, which made the moment even more memorable.

Gift Registry

We didn’t provide a gift registry, but when guests kindly inquired, we mentioned Harrods vouchers. Our generous guests truly spoiled us, gifting us not only those vouchers but also Fortnum & Mason hampers and some fantastic wines. One bottle, in particular, is set aside to be opened on August 17th, 2029, making it a special keepsake to look forward to!

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

For Robert, a truly unforgettable moment was turning around and seeing me as the doors opened. For me, sitting with my two amazing friends, I listened to the sound checks while sipping champagne and enjoying a beautiful song by Okiem.

Most importantly, as I made my way down the aisle, I held Robert’s arm and hands, checking in to see if he was okay. It was such an emotional moment—there were definitely tears!

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

Honestly, we don’t have a clear answer for this, because nothing went wrong that we would seriously rearrange or change if we could go back. It was perfect. In the grand scheme of how amazing our wedding was, the small things that we worried about turned out to be insignificant—definitely a good sign!

We were fortunate to have Everything Organised handle every detail for us, and I truly mean everything. Their support was awesome and on another level.

Regarding the location, my dress was measured for a hard floor, and it fit perfectly. However, the reality of Italy—especially with its stones and uneven pathways—meant those measurements needed to be adjusted. I recommend that any future bride consider this when planning.

The only piece of advice we can give, despite the overall perfection, is to avoid planning weddings in very hot climates. Although circumstances led us to our chosen date, the smallest details, like flowers, didn’t hold up well in the heat.

Additionally, our incredibly talented pianist, Okiem, played under the main building instead of in the gardens with the guests to protect the piano veneer from the heat. It was a small compromise, but one worth considering for anyone planning a similar wedding.

If you could give couples a piece of advice…

Believe in what you want, and remember that what truly matters is your vision for the day. Don’t let anything that doesn’t feel right in your gut distract you. Absorb as much as you can throughout the day. Most importantly, try to stay connected as a couple during the event—don’t let yourselves get pulled apart by the crowd. Enjoy every moment together!