An Ode to Old-World Drama at Villa Cetinale

Set amid the storied grandeur of Villa Cetinale, Amanda and Kyle’s wedding was a homage to moody details and modern romance. Drawn to the estate by an image of the two 17th-century statues lining its grand cypress avenue, the couple exchanged vows in front of the monuments beneath the shadow of an ancient church — letting the architecture speak for itself. Florals appeared to bloom directly from the earth, grounding the ceremony in organic shapes and ethereal elegance.

The reception echoed their love of dressing up and dining out in New York, designed as a candlelit dinner party with vintage opulence. One long table was layered in mixed metallics, burgundy touches, and rows of tapered candles. From the towering citrus installation to the butter sculptures of David, each adornment was an act of whimsy and considered design.

Our Story

Names / Amanda Lee McManus & Kyle Alexander McIntosh

Location / Villa Cetinale – Siena, Italy

Wedding Date / May 4th 2025

Guest Numbers / 101

How We Met

I wish I could say our first meeting was more romantic, but we were actually seated next to each other at a company banquet in Florida — about a year before we started dating. We were both emotionally unavailable at the time (and lived 2,000 miles apart — I was in NYC, and Kyle was in Jacksonville). Truth be told, I didn’t think much of the encounter. He was very nice, but corporate events aren’t exactly the most romantic environments.

As invisible strings often work in funny ways, Kyle was offered a relocation opportunity to move to New York a few months later, and — of all places — he started working on my project at Goldman Sachs. It wasn’t long before we started sharing cute notes and flirty glances across the office. Of course, I was his boss at the time, so this wasn’t exactly an ideal arrangement for a budding relationship. Thankfully, I was already at my wits’ end with my brief experiment in finance and was working to return to my career in fashion. I left Goldman, and what started as a friendship turned into something more — and we never looked back.

I learned much later that our first encounter did make an impression on Kyle, because on his flight to New York with a coworker, he called “dibs” on me. Cute!

Our Engagement Story

I always knew I wanted to take Amanda somewhere special for our engagement, but I also knew that if she even suspected I was planning a trip, she’d know something was up. Where’s the romance in that?

I planned a trip to St. Barths that would begin the day after I proposed — so she’d never see it coming. I reached out to her boss to request time off for her, and all that was left was choosing the perfect spot to pop the question.

Our favorite weekend ritual is walking our dog, Carter, through Central Park in the mornings. Years ago, we stumbled across a secluded trail that passes a waterfall and opens up to a beautiful skyline view of the Upper West Side. There was never anyone around, and the moment I saw it, I knew it was the perfect place to propose.

I made up a fake brunch with friends to keep her blissfully unaware (and to get her to put on makeup at 7 a.m.). We walked to our spot, and I finally got to say the words I had practiced a million times in my head.

Thankfully, she said yes!

What we love most about each other…

“It always felt different with Amanda. There was this insatiable magnetism between us right away, and immediately I had a new best friend. But it wasn’t just her infectious energy, beauty, or sense of humor that had me craving more — it was that I had finally found someone I could truly be myself with. I knew in my heart instantly that the search was over. I found the one.”

“Kyle is the most gentle and kind-hearted man I’ve ever met, and his ability to always do the right thing far exceeds my ability to always break the rules. Having someone so amazing love me so much has given me the confidence to believe in myself like I never have before. He’s given me the freedom to find who I want to be — knowing I always have a home in someone who has seen the worst of me and still thinks the best of me. He’s changed me for the better while still allowing me to keep all the parts of me that make me me — and for that, I am forever grateful.”

The Setting

Wedding Location

We always knew we wanted to get married abroad. The idea of whisking our guests away for a unique experience — rather than hosting a typical ballroom wedding — felt so much more romantic. Instagram became my go-to for venue research. I used platforms like The Lane to explore locations without having to be there in person.

Interestingly, it was my husband who found Villa Cetinale. He showed me a photo of the two historical statues that line “the avenue,” a green runway running through the heart of the property. From that moment, we both knew it would be a dream to say our vows beneath those monuments. After some in-depth conversations with Isabella, the property manager, we were certain it was the perfect place for us.

Aesthetic

When we first booked Villa Cetinale, I immediately purchased their book and read it cover to cover. Learning about the history and significance of the grounds made us feel even more fortunate to be hosting our wedding at such a monumental location. As we began brainstorming the direction we wanted to take, we pinpointed three guiding words for our aesthetic: History, Whimsical, and Moody.

Design decisions can easily become overwhelming — scrolling endlessly through Pinterest and Instagram. Having those three words helped simplify the process. If an idea didn’t align with at least one of them, we passed on it.

Preparation

Hair and makeup didn’t start for the groom at 8 a.m. like it did for my wife. As most men would agree, I didn’t need much time to get ready — maybe 30 minutes max.

I wanted the morning to feel light and relaxing before the wedding began. I cleared my head by playing tennis on the Villa Cetinale courts with my father and best man. Afterward, we were joined by close friends and family for a guys’ lunch in the garden. When it was time to suit up, I gave each person a handwritten note to let them know how much I love them. We all shared a bottle of Hibiki Japanese Scotch to take the edge off.

Photography

I first met Angelika Dupuis in a Brooklyn brownstone almost two years before our wedding. From the moment we spoke, I could tell how passionate she was about my vision and the location. Her ability to build upon my ideas made it clear she was the perfect person to capture our day.

Angelika’s eye for intimate moments — combined with her talent for capturing grandeur — is perfection. Building a team you truly mesh with is so important, and she was someone we trusted completely.

Videography

Initially, we didn’t prioritize videography in our wedding budget. But after discovering RomaVera’s work, we instantly fell in love. Their films feel like Slim Aarons photographs come to life.

After admiring (and admittedly stalking) their work for nearly three months, we finally booked them — and I couldn’t be happier we did! Whenever I felt stressed during planning, watching one of their videos brought me instant calm. The way they captured even rainy days so beautifully reassured me that our day would unfold perfectly.

If you’re on the fence about hiring a videographer — do it. You won’t regret it.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

We wanted the ceremony to complement the natural beauty of the property. We were married in front of twin statues that have stood since the 1600s, with a staircase behind us leading to an ancient church. These elements were so striking that we chose not to allocate much budget to additional décor.

Instead, we partnered with Elena from Tepee Sauvage to create florals that harmonized with the existing architecture. The arrangement cascaded from the statues down to the ground, ending in earthy moss. If you looked closely, it appeared as though the florals had grown naturally from the lawn and climbed the stone.

We believe the most beautiful décor enhances, not competes with, its surroundings.

Reception Décor

We didn’t want to lose ourselves in the formality of what a wedding is “supposed” to look like. Instead, we envisioned something intimate and true to us.

One of our favorite pastimes is dressing up and exploring NYC’s restaurants. We channeled that into our reception, designing one long, double-wide table that felt like an elegant dinner party. Warm, moody candlelight and mixed metallics reflected the glow and evoked vintage opulence — worthy of Cetinale’s legacy yet grounded in the spirit of our favorite city nights.

We paid attention to every detail. Upgraded glassware made a subtle but impactful difference. I spent four months hunting down vintage gold napkin rings, which added beautiful texture. Each guest received a personalized place card in a wax-sealed envelope, tying the entire stationery suite together — from first invitation to final toast. Everything reflected what we love most: warmth, connection, character… and, of course, wine.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Soline from The Yes Maker is not just a planner — she has an incredible eye for design. She helped me execute my vision flawlessly, allowing the freedom to change my mind and explore ideas without judgment.

The weekend of the wedding, she was our safety net! When we had to pivot to a rain plan last minute, she was on it — sourcing tents, negotiating costs, offering options. She did it all with a smile, and I felt so cared for. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

Flowers

When we thought of our design word “Whimsical,” we instantly thought of Elena from Tepee Sauvage. Her arrangements are like hidden treasures — the more you look, the more you discover. Tiny gold-tipped petals, little white dots — it all felt intentional.

We chose all white flowers with pops of burgundy to complement our wine-themed dinner. I carried a long-stem calla lily bouquet… though I accidentally left it in my room before walking down the aisle. Classic.

Stationery

We did all our stationery ourselves! When we first booked Villa Cetinale, I wanted to immerse guests in a historical feel from the start. Our typewritten invitations, wax-sealed by hand with a custom stamp, helped set that tone.

We included a small handwritten note — “You, Me & A Glass of Wine – Under the Tuscan Sun” — which became our slogan. From invitations to menus, every paper detail reflected this mood. A final Easter egg? A calligraphed Italian phrase on the envelope flap: “Quando un uomo ama una donna” — “When a man loves a woman,” the song I walked down the aisle to, played live on saxophone.

Favors

At the welcome party in the Cetinale Amphitheatre, guests received mini bottles of Chianti Classico and a box of cheese as they left. The wine labels read: “One More Sleep!”

Cake

Since Kyle isn’t a big dessert person, we skipped a traditional cake and opted for chocolate mousse — one of my favorites. We served them in silver coupes on a mirrored table so guests could grab one and head straight to the dance floor. A bit untraditional, but very us.

Food & Beverages

We wanted to incorporate artistry into our food and make it part of the decor. We met Amandine from Citron Pavot and clicked immediately.

Cocktail hour featured six hors d’oeuvres and a grazing table adorned with butter sculptures of David. For dinner, we served a family-style meal using locally sourced ingredients: stracciatella with tomatoes, lemon ricotta agnolotti, branzino, and Kyle’s favorite — chicken parmigiana.

Kyle opened dinner with a welcome toast — not with champagne, but a glass of our favorite wine. We’re members at Knights Bridge Winery and served their 2019 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to make the toast feel even more personal.

At the bar, we offered typical drinks alongside Chianti Classico and Vermentino from Villa Antinori. Signature cocktails included a Dirty Martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives and an Old Fashioned with our wedding logo branded into the ice — Kyle’s favorite.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

I wore a semi-bespoke Jaclyn Whyte gown from Bergdorf Goodman, made from 100% Italian lace with long sleeves and a form-fitting silhouette. We customized the neckline, adjusted the lace trim, and added black bows for a second look.

For the reception, I changed into a sheer pearl gown by MONTSAND, paired with vintage Oscar de la Renta earrings and strappy Paris Texas heels.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

I work at Tiffany & Co., so it was only fitting that our rings came from there. I wear their classic Forever band, and Kyle wears the classic 4mm gold band.

Hair & Makeup

I wanted my hair and makeup to feel light and effortless. I opted for a messy low bun and natural makeup using only neutral and pink tones. Alena executed it perfectly — to the point that I actually teared up when I saw myself for the first time.

“Warm, moody candlelight and mixed metallics reflected the glow and evoked vintage opulence – worthy of Cetinale’s legacy yet grounded in the spirit of our favorite city nights.”

The Details

Transport

Villa Cetinale requires you to reserve the property for an entire week — which honestly was one of our favorite features. It allowed us to be surrounded by close friends and family both before and after the wedding itself.

We were lucky enough to have 48 of our 100 guests stay on the property. The rest stayed in Siena, about a 20-minute drive away. We hired Tuscany Experts to provide a shuttle service on event days. We also used an online service called Text My Guests to send real-time reminders to everyone, including shuttle pickup times and locations. This was incredibly helpful for our guests.

Honeymoon

Kyle and I both have demanding careers — something we’re incredibly proud of, but also something we needed a break from. Balancing wedding planning with my corporate job led to more than a few breakdowns. By the time we thought about our honeymoon, all I wanted was to disconnect and decompress.

We decided to take a full three weeks off after the wedding and travel through Europe. We started with a few relaxing days in Lake Como, followed by a week of wine tasting in Piedmont and the Rhône Valley. After that, we spent a few nights in Provence and ended our trip with a week on the beach in Mallorca.

Gift Registry

We registered through Zola. On the morning of our wedding, my sister-in-law gifted me a diamond necklace. She used a single diamond from a tennis bracelet she had resized and mounted it onto a delicate chain. She also had a matching one made for herself. It’s not only perfect, but also incredibly meaningful — something I’ll cherish forever.

Wedding Songs

Kyle’s processional: The opening string section of “2009” by Mac Miller

My processional: “When a Man Loves a Woman”, performed live on saxophone

Ceremony recessional: “In the Mood” – Glenn Miller

First dance: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – Frankie Valli (performed live)

Entertainment

From the very beginning, we knew we wanted live music at our event. The challenge was finding a band in Europe that would play “Misery Business” by Paramore — a pretty niche request.

After months of searching, we finally found The Beat Chiefs, a UK-based group that specializes in American pop-punk covers. Not only did they play Misery Business, but they also covered songs by All Time Low and Blink-182 — an absolute dream come true for my 13-year-old self.

“He showed me a photo of the two historical statues that line ‘the avenue,’ a green runway running through the heart of the property. From that moment, we both knew it would be a dream to say our vows beneath those monuments.”

Celebrant

My little brother, Dillon McManus, officiated our wedding — and it was, without a doubt, the most meaningful part of the entire day. Dillon has always been one of the most important people in our lives. He was my very first best friend, and I know he’ll be my last. So it only felt right to have him marry us.

Funny enough, Dillon had never even attended a wedding before, so we were both a bit nervous. But he absolutely crushed it. His words were sentimental, beautiful, and deeply thoughtful — perfectly balanced with his clever sense of humor. Standing at the altar, it felt like it was just the three of us, fully present in that moment. Truly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Readings

We decided to write our own vows. Knowing Kyle — and his competitive nature — it quickly turned into a friendly competition over who could write the best ones. I won.
“Debatable.” – Kyle

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Kyle and I took turns crowd surfing during the reception. A moment we’ll never forget.

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

Start early — even if your vendors aren’t ready!

In the U.S., it’s customary to secure vendors and design details at least a year in advance. But in Europe, the timeline is very different. If you’re planning a destination wedding there, push back on the timing as much as you can. The European pace led to a lot of stress in our final three months, when everything seemed to happen all at once.

The earlier you start, the better. Build your budget around the core “must-haves” first — things like guest transportation, logistics, infrastructure, and catering — before locking in any design contracts. We booked some of our essential vendors too late, which made it hard to accurately forecast the rest of our budget.

Most people only go through this once, and it’s hard to know what to expect at the start. Brides often focus on photography, florals, and entertainment — but it’s easy to overlook things like lighting, furniture, staging, and guest accommodations. These elements add up fast and, in our case, cost more than most of our design contracts. They shouldn’t be an afterthought — they should be a priority. There’s simply no way around them.

If I could give other couple sone piece of advice…

Focus on who you are as a couple. Let go of the pressure to follow every tradition and instead prioritize the things you truly love doing together. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but staying grounded in who you are will help you feel more connected — not just to the day, but to the entire process.

…And find a partner who’s just as excited as you are. Having someone who genuinely wants to be involved — not just to help plan, but to make sure you never feel alone — makes all the difference. I couldn’t have done this without my husband. He was my rock through it all.

Sources of inspiration…

We drew most of our inspiration from the venue itself. Take the time to learn about your venue — its culture, its history — and choose a place that truly speaks to you. That’s the most unique and elegant inspiration you can find.

Of course, Instagram was also a huge resource. I read articles about real weddings, explored vendor tags, and kept searching until we found a team we truly loved.

Here’s one more tip: finding a team you connect with is crucial. Interview them, ask personal questions, and get to know them as individuals. When your team genuinely cares about you, they’ll want the best for you — and that always results in a more thoughtful, beautiful design.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Villa Cetinale

Wedding Stylist & Planner / The Yes Maker

Bridal Stylist / Lauren Burke

Photography / Angelika Dupuis

Videography / RomaVera Films

Bride’s Dress / Jaclyn Whyte

Bride’s Shoes / Stuart Weitzman

Wedding Rings / Tiffany & Co.

Hair & Makeup / Alena Bezrodna

Stationery / Handmade by bride

Florist / Tepee Sauvage

Catering / Citron Pavot

Celebrant / Amanda’s Brother – Dillon McManus

Entertainment / The Beat Chiefs

Transport / Tuscany Experts

Gift Registry / Zola