Saying "I Do" at Villa Pazzi al Parugiano gardens

Key aspects of a perfectly orchestrated outdoor celebration.

When US-based couple Alese and Michael first got in contact with me, they were hoping to celebrate their wedding near Florence at a historic venue with a charming garden ceremony. They chose Villa Pazzi al Parugiano as their venue, drawn to its timeless architecture, intimate atmosphere, and beautifully kept gardens. Sharing with you some key aspects that made this event successful.

  • Choreographed Event Flow. Given the estate's vastness, success lied in moving guests through distinct "spots" and assigning specific villa areas for unique moments of the day. The wedding day sequence gracefully transitioned from a private vows exchange in the covered Altana loggia to the villa's secluded Parco for the main ceremony. The aperitif was enjoyed on the villa’s façade side garden grounds, followed by a reception dinner in the formal giardino all’Italiana.

  • Wedding Album impact to the Max. The couple scheduled extra time to use the villa’s distinct interiors for photos. Settings such as the Piano Nobile and the grand ballroom provide a refined contrast to the lush outdoor photos.

  • Elevated event experience. By hosting an event here, you immerse attendees in a genuine Florentine historical narrative, allowing them to experience the same balanced proportions and artistic harmony that defined the 15th and 16th centuries.

  • Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow & Rain Plan. The garden connects directly to various elegant indoor halls, including a large ballroom and an orangery. Providing a perfect "Plan B" in case of rain, ensuring the event remains magical without the need for a tent.

  • Accessibility for International Guests . The villa is conveniently positioned between Florence and Pistoia, making it highly accessible. It is less than a 30-minute drive from Florence Airport (FLR), simplifying arrival and departure for international attendees.

First look and Private Wedding Vows

A private moment lets you say your heartfelt vows without the stress of an audience.

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A detailed illustration of a heraldic emblem featuring two golden sea dragons inside a blue shield with crossed swords, surrounded by ornate decorative elements and floral motifs.
A bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, standing outdoors in front of a beige building with a window and bushes.

Wedding Ceremony Core Moments

Couples are moving away from "cookie-cutter" formats in favor of bespoke, celebrant-led ceremonies that focus on authentic storytelling and emotional connection.

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Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs arranged in rows, floral decorations, and a stone fountain with potted plants and trees in the background.
A bouquet of pale peach and white flowers, including roses, on a white tablecloth at an outdoor event.

Making Group Photos Easier During the Aperitif

The aperitif usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. This is the optimal time for formal photos because guests are gathered nearby, look their best, and the light is often most flattering

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A wedding party of ten, including the bride and groom, celebrates outdoors on grass with trees in the background. The women wear silver dresses, and the men wear black suits. Some hold bouquets and raise their fists in celebration.
Bride and groom sharing an intimate moment at their wedding, outdoors with bridesmaids and groomsmen in the background.

Moving Into a Candlelit Garden for Dinner

Villa Pazzi al Paruguano Italian garden reception masterfully combines formality with natural beauty, leveraging architectural frameworks to create a timeless, elegant setting for celebrations.

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Outdoor evening event setup with long banquet tables arranged on a stone patio, decorated with tableware and flowers, near a historic stone building with worn walls and tall windows, surrounded by greenery and illuminated by soft lighting.
An outdoor dining table set for a formal event with floral centerpieces, candle holders, fine china, and silverware, on a patio with a house and garden in the background.

Italian Wedding Cake Moments

Alese and Michael selected the traditional Italian Millefoglie—meaning "a thousand layers"—to transform their wedding dessert into an immersive experience. Shifting away from the static nature of a conventional cake, they opted for a live assembly where the pastry was built in front of their guests, turning the finale of their reception into a captivating theatrical performance.


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A close-up of a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and chopped strawberries on top, with a decorated border of whipped cream around the edges.
A newlywed couple cutting a wedding cake together at their reception, both smiling and laughing.

Meaningful details