An Intimate Garden Ceremony at Villa Grabau
For their Tuscan villa wedding day, Maria and Josh traded the high-energy celebration for a slower, more intimate expression of celebration.
Enter: a whimsical garden ceremony. Part II of their Lucca wedding weekend unfolded beneath the trees in a secluded alcove at The Villa. This is one of the estate’s most enchanting ceremony spaces, where connection takes center stage and every moment feels intentional.
(Note: If you missed Part I, you’re going to want to check that out, too, and snag some inspiration!)
A Romantic Garden Ceremony at Villa Grabau in Lucca, Italy
One of the greatest luxuries of hosting a destination wedding weekend at a private estate is the ease it brings. With all of their guests staying onsite, the day flowed effortlessly from start to finish. Getting ready took place just steps from where portraits would follow. There was no rushing, no transportation logistics, no sense of being pulled away from the moment. Instead, the day unfolded naturally. We took group portraits in the gardens and then slipped away for couple portraits, followed by a ceremony tucked away beneath the trees, and a seamless transition into cocktail hour and a seated garden dinner.
The Ease of a Tuscan Wedding Weekend at a Private Villa
The ceremony itself was nothing short of magical. Nestled in a quiet alcove beneath mature trees, the setting felt almost secret. It’s like something you’d stumble upon while wandering the grounds of an Italian estate. The natural greenery created a sense of enclosure and calm, allowing guests to feel fully present as Maria and Josh exchanged vows surrounded by their closest people. It was romantic without being overdone, elegant without feeling formal, and deeply personal in every sense.
Live Violinists Setting the Tone from Ceremony to Celebration
Live violinists set the tone from the very beginning. They skillfully wove music into each part of the day in a way that felt organic and emotional. From the ceremony through cocktail hour and into the evening, their sound adapted seamlessly to the moment’s energy.
(If you’re considering live music for your wedding day and have the opportunity to do so, I can’t recommend it enough. Live musicians can read the room, adjust in real time, and elevate both intimacy and celebration in a way a fixed playlist simply can’t. The music added a layer of romance to the ceremony and played up the joy and fun as the evening progressed.)
An Italian Garden Wedding Dress by Tom Sébastien
Maria looked absolutely radiant in her custom gown by Tom Sébastien. The sheer lace bodice and delicate floral appliqués felt perfectly suited to the Italian garden-party aesthetic, effortlessly blending elegance with her carefree, joyful spirit. The gown moved beautifully with her, catching the light as she laughed, hugged loved ones, and danced the night away. Every detail—from the texture of the lace to the way the dress fit the setting—felt intentional and timeless.
Al Fresco Dining, Toasts, and Dancing in the Villa Gardens
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for cocktail hour in the gardens before sitting down to a delightful al fresco dinner. Long tables, warm conversation, and the soft glow of the evening created an atmosphere that felt more like a family celebration than a traditional reception. Toasts were heartfelt and emotional, filled with stories that spanned years and continents. Laughter echoed through the garden as glasses clinked and the sun dipped lower behind the villa.
As dinner gave way to dancing, the energy shifted once again. The violinists matched the mood perfectly. I love how they leaned into playful moments and celebratory rhythms as guests filled the garden with movement and joy. It was the kind of night where time feels suspended—where laughter, music, and connection stretch on longer than expected. Eventually, Maria and Josh slipped away, ending their wedding day exactly how it began: surrounded by love and grounded in the Tuscan countryside.
A Slow Morning After: Day-After Pool Party at Villa Grabau
One of the most beautiful aspects of a destination wedding weekend is that the celebration doesn’t end when the couple becomes officially married. The following morning, there was no rush—only slow starts, sleep-ins, and a leisurely brunch followed by a sunny pool party. Guests gathered for coffee, cocktails, and conversation, soaking in the Tuscan sunshine and reliving moments from the night before. It was the perfect exhale after such an emotionally full weekend.
Why Villa Grabau Is One of Tuscany’s Most Historic Wedding Venues
Villa Grabau itself deserves special recognition. Unlike a typical resort, this historic estate offers privacy, character, and a one-of-a-kind experience. The villa’s bones date back to 1412! However, the Grabau family began their ownership in 1868—a legacy that continues today, centuries later. Primely located at the base of the Pizzorne Mountains, the villa faces the valley and overlooks the city of Lucca, with lush green mountains rising behind it, creating a breathtaking and distinctly Tuscan backdrop.
Architecturally, Villa Grabau blends Renaissance and Neoclassical styles, reflecting its enduring beauty and layered history. Every corner of the property feels intentional and storied, from the gardens to the interior spaces to the sweeping views beyond the gates. It’s a venue that invites you to slow down, to savor, and to truly live within the experience—not just host an event. If you’re imagining a Tuscan wedding weekend, this private estate won’t disappoint.
A Tuscan Villa Wedding Designed for Intimacy and Connection
For a Tuscan villa wedding that values intimacy, history, and seamless celebration, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting. Maria and Josh’s wedding day was a beautiful continuation of a thoughtfully curated weekend—one that honored love, connection, and the magic of bringing people together in a place that feels timeless.
Tuscan Wedding Weekend Vendor Team
Venue: @aranceravillagrabau & @villagrabau
Hair & Makeup: @hesterlilymakeupartistry & @luccamorena
Planning: @choco_weddings
Dress: @tomsebastien_official
Florals: @paolacarnicelli
Photography: @danielleheinsonphotography
