Save the Date

Save The Date · 15.08.26

We're getting married in the Tuscan hills above Florence, and there is no one we'd rather have beside us. Mark the date, pack something light and golden, and come celebrate a long Italian summer evening with us. Everything you need — the venue, where to stay, how to get there and how to RSVP — is gathered just below.

Con amore, Sophie & Matteo

Our Story

Sometimes the most beautiful stories begin quietly — two people, one city, and a shared moment that neither of us saw coming. Here's how we got from a crowded little bar in Florence to the day we can't wait to share with you.

How it began · 2023.09.21

The First Hello

Meeting the right person at exactly the right time. We met on a warm September night in Florence — Sophie was sketching the Duomo, Matteo asked if he could see the drawing, and three espressos later neither of us wanted to go home.

A few months in · 2024.02.10

Ace

Our scruffy little rescue dog, adopted from a shelter outside Fiesole. He chose Matteo first, then decided Sophie's side of the bed was warmer. He's the unofficial third member of this wedding party.

Our first winter · 2024.12.24

First Christmas Together

Panettone burnt, tree slightly crooked, far too many candles — and somehow the most perfect Christmas either of us had ever had. That was the night we both quietly knew where this was going.

The trip that sealed it · 2025.05.18

The Trip to Cinque Terre

Five villages, too much focaccia, and a thunderstorm that trapped us under one tiny umbrella for an hour. We laughed the whole way through it and decided right there that we travel well together — which felt like the most important test of all.

Building a home · 2025.09.01

Moving In Together

A small apartment in Oltrarno with terrible plumbing and the best light in the city. We painted the kitchen twice, argued about one shelf for a week, and have never once regretted a single square metre of it.

The big question · 2026.01.04

The Proposal

On the terrace at sunset, with Ace in a bow tie and a ring Matteo had been hiding for two months. Sophie said yes before he'd finished the sentence. The next morning we started dreaming up this day — and now we get to share it with you.

The venue

We'll see you at Villa Cora

Villa Cora · Florence

A 19th-century villa set in a private park of magnolias and palm trees on the hillside of Oltrarno, looking out over the rooftops of Florence to the Boboli Gardens. Frescoed ceilings, a marble ballroom and a terrace made for long golden evenings — we fell in love with it the moment we walked in, and we think you will too.

Viale Machiavelli 18, 50125 Florence, Italy

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Travel & Transportation

Florence is wonderfully easy to reach — here's how most of our guests will be arriving. Whichever way you come, give yourself an extra day to wander the city before the celebration.

By Air

Florence Airport (FLR) is just 20 minutes from Villa Cora by taxi. For more flight options, Pisa (PSA) and Bologna (BLQ) are both around 1.5 hours away with a fast train link straight into the city centre.

By Shuttle

We'll be running a complimentary guest shuttle from the Piazza della Repubblica in central Florence to the villa on the wedding day at 13:15, returning after the party. Reserve your seat when you RSVP.

By Car

If you're driving, the villa has limited on-site parking available on a first-come basis, plus secure garages a short walk away. Note that central Florence is a restricted ZTL zone — taxis are easier than they look.

Where to stay

Where to sleep, rest, and recover after the party

We've gathered a few favourites at every budget, all within easy reach of Villa Cora. August is high season in Florence, so we'd gently nudge you to book sooner rather than later.

Local Agriturismos

For a slower, greener stay, the farmhouses in the hills around Fiesole and Impruneta are pure Tuscany — vineyards, pools and breakfast under the olive trees. Roughly 25 minutes from the villa.

Explore stays

Hotel Davanzati

A warm, family-run boutique hotel tucked in the historic centre, a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio. Lovely value and the easiest base for exploring the city on foot before the wedding.

Book a room

Four Seasons Florence

If you'd like to make a real occasion of it, the Four Seasons sits in the largest private garden in the city — a 15-minute walk or short taxi from the villa. Worth every euro.

Book a room

The Night Before

Pre-Wedding Gathering

We are so looking forward to seeing you!

Date:

Friday, 14 August 2026

Time:

7:00 PM until late

Location:

Trattoria Sostanza, Via del Porcellana 25r, Florence — a relaxed welcome dinner for anyone already in town. Come hungry.

The Wedding Day

Here's what to expect on August 15th. Everything takes place at Villa Cora, Florence — we'll guide you from one moment to the next, so just bring yourself and your dancing shoes.

14:00

Ceremony

We'll exchange our vows in the villa's garden under the cypress trees. Please be seated by 13:45 so we can begin right on time — Italian time, for once, will be punctual.

15:00

Drinks & mingle

Aperitivo on the terrace overlooking Florence — spritz, Prosecco and Tuscan cicchetti while we steal away for a few photographs.

17:00

Dinner in the hall

A long, candlelit feast in the frescoed ballroom: four courses of Tuscan cooking, far too much Chianti, and a few speeches we can't promise will be short.

20:00

Party & dancing

The band strikes up, the dance floor opens with our first dance, and from there the night is yours. We'll dance until the city lights go out.

The Dress Code

Garden-party formal, with a Tuscan summer in mind. Think warm, elegant and comfortable — the evening stays gloriously mild, but the lawns are real grass.

For Him

A light summer suit or linen jacket in warm, earthy tones — sand, sage, soft terracotta or pale blue. A tie is welcome but never required. Leave the heavy black wool for winter.

For Her

A floaty cocktail or midi dress, or a chic jumpsuit, in any colour that makes you feel wonderful. We'd gently suggest block heels or smart flats — we'll be on grass, gravel and a marble dance floor before the night is out.

Questions & Answers

We've answered a few common questions to help you prepare for the day and enjoy the celebration with us. If anything's still unclear, just reach out — we're always happy to help.

Your invitation will say whether a guest is included — just look for the name(s) on the envelope. If you're travelling solo and would love to bring someone, send us a message and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Sophie

Matteo