After meeting at a party and a romantic proposal at the Landmark Hotel in London, “we chose my engagement ring at Boodles on New Bond Street,” Gemma, an Account Manager for Land Rover Global Events and Phil McGlue, a Police Officer, set to work finding a wedding planner who could create their dream day.
The couple from Milton Keynes knew what they wanted early on, “We both love Italy and liked the idea of having our closest family and friends at a beautiful ceremony in Tuscany for the weekend,” said Gemma. They soon found Erica Bellini of Tuscan Dreams and she provided all the information they needed to arrange the event and provide the perfect venue for a September wedding. “When we found Villa Gambassi, we just fell in love with it and knew it would be perfect for our numbers and guests.” The blessing would be held in a church nearby, Santa Maria a Chianni – a popular location for Erica’s clients, and it also meant guests did not have to travel far for the reception after.
With its rustic and romantic atmosphere, Villa Gambassi could not have been more perfect for Gemma and Phil’s vintage, lace and fine art theme – birdcages adorned the tables as centre pieces. “We researched endless venues but we always came back to Villa Gambassi. It ticked every box,” said the blushing bride.
The biggest extravagance of the weekend was a seven course meal but money was saved on the venue hire. The couple also hired a harpist during drinks for a serene mood and afterwards a disco, for the evening event, to get the wedding party up and dancing.
If Gemma could offer any advice to someone planning a wedding it would be “always keep to your budget and research the market.” Luckily, they found Tuscan Dreams, and a perfect planner in the form of Erica. “She was so helpful and lovely and we just knew everything was right.”