Lia and Nicholas June 2011 Villa Il Prato (click for larger versions) Lia and Nicholas had a short stay in this wonderful villa, just a few miles South of Florence, and had exclusive use of the luxury hotel for their guests, giving them a base for a long weekend, of activities, poolside time, a pre-wedding family meal, and a brunch the morning after the wedding. As well, of course as having the stunning loggia and gardens of the villa for the wedding day itself. The couple were married with a Protestant ceremony in Florence, and guests were taken care of getting to and from the beautiful church. The reception started out on the lawn, giving guests a relaxing location to mingle, and making the formal photography that much simpler for the couple. The meal was formally laid out on the covered loggia, with top Tuscan cuisine, speeches, a millefoglie cake illuminated with dozens of candles under the spreading trees, then dancing, with no time limit, and no worries of how to get home at the end of the night, other than a gentle stroll or stumble back to bedrooms on site. A note from the mother of the bride: Dear Ben, To think at one time we actually thought we could do it all ourselves! I realise now how important it was to have your local knowledge and support, not to mention all the (hundreds of) reassuring emails. When we changed our minds from garden blessing to church service (at a late stage), you found us the beautiful church in Florence with its wonderful Minister and organ music, not to mention the Ferrari! The best thing for us was that on the day, we were all totally relaxed and able to enjoy the day with family and friends, knowing you were there, behind the scenes, making everything perfect. Marisa was so calm and amazing, helping us to get ready and creating the most wonderful flowers and decorations. Our guests have all said it was the most beautiful, relaxed wedding weekend - thanks to you and your team. I am missing our daily emails already, but hope I have been replaced by many other neurotic MOB's who will keep you equally busy. It was so lovely to meet you both and we would love to meet up again one day, when we return to Tuscany. Love from all of us The Walton family and the Perin family London Dear Ben, I really hope you and Marisa are well! It's so hard to get back to reality after the most amazing three weeks in Italy... Thank you both so so so much for everything. It was the most magical time in my life and I wish I could go back and do it all over again! Thank you so much for all the effort you put into making everything perfect and especially keeping everyone so calm on the day. My favourite memory of the day is standing on the lawn, looking at all the people I love most in the world under the beautiful arches with the candles glowing, eating, drinking and laughing. I have never felt happier. I loved absolutely everything, the minister, the flowers, the food, the candles, the ferrari (although I was a little scared on the way back to the Villa!). You were absolutely amazing. My mother loved organising with you and it was so special that she could relax and not worry about anything on the day. I cannot thank you enough. Its a grey rainy day in London and I am day dreaming of the wedding and trying to figure out a way for Nicholas and I to move to Italy! I really hope to see you both again one day...I'm sure we will be back at Villa Il Prato soon so hopefully we can have drinks with you then. Thank you again for everything Lia More on Villa Il Prato