We love a Tuscan wedding – and today’s is really something special. New Yorkers Danielle, a manager at a boutique management consulting firm, and Greg, the COO and CCO at a hedge fund, are passionate travelers and dreamed of a wedding surrounded by rolling vineyards and world-class wines.
It’s no easy feat to plan a wedding from thousands of miles away, and the couple turned to Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Tuscan Wedding to help make the day of their dreams a reality. In Danielle’s words:
The Tuscan Wedding team truly exceeded all expectations. Daniela and Katia were our main planners, and their combined expertise, creativity, and connections brought our vision to life. Daniela’s industry knowledge and relationships paired perfectly with Katia’s fresh ideas and unwavering support. They truly listened to what we wanted and turned it into reality. Thoughtful, kind, and full of great energy, they struck the perfect balance between offering guidance and letting us shape our dream wedding. By the end of it all, they felt more like lifelong friends than just our planners.
Danielle and Greg themed their day around The Tuscan beauty surrounding them, showcasing the bold colors and stunning natural landscape. They incorporated lots of local color with details like an espresso bar after dinner and a surprise appearance by an opera singer during dinner. Their gorgeous ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor ketubah.com was chosen to beautifully complement the wedding’s color scheme. Don’t miss all the special details in the stunning photos and video by Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio!
Read on for the full story in Danielle’s own words…
How We Met
Danielle, the bride: We first met in January 2020 at Perry Street, a restaurant in the West Village, during Restaurant Week in Manhattan. Our mutual friends had organized a big dinner to take advantage of the great deals at some of the city’s best spots. After dinner, we spent the night bar-hopping through the West Village, talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. That night, we both started to feel like there was something worth exploring. A few weeks later, Greg asked Danielle on their first date—a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. Sitting in the stands, caught up in the energy of the game, it became clear that this had the potential to turn into something special.
A Wedding in Tuscany
We got married at Castello di Meleto in Gaiole in Chianti, a breathtaking castle nestled in the heart of Tuscany. As passionate travelers, we always knew we wanted to get married abroad, and we considered Spain, Italy, and France before ultimately choosing Italy for its incredible food, wine, and rich culture.
While many of our friends had celebrated their weddings in Lake Como, we envisioned something different—a wedding surrounded by rolling vineyards and world-class wines. During a trip through Tuscany in the summer of 2022, it became clear: this was the place. The landscapes, the atmosphere, and the deep connection we felt to the region made it the perfect setting for our wedding.
Theme + Planner
We had the most incredible wedding planners – The Tuscan Wedding team truly exceeded all expectations. Daniela and Katia were our main planners, and their combined expertise, creativity, and connections brought our vision to life. Daniela’s industry knowledge and relationships paired perfectly with Katia’s fresh ideas and unwavering support. They truly listened to what we wanted and turned it into reality.
Thoughtful, kind, and full of great energy, they struck the perfect balance between offering guidance and letting us shape our dream wedding. By the end of it all, they felt more like lifelong friends than just our planners. Our wedding theme was all about Tuscan beauty—a mix of bold color and the stunning natural landscape. We chose electric pink, soft orange, light blue, and olive green, inspired by the way the Tuscan sunset paints the vineyards at night.
We wanted a color palette that felt both vibrant and timeless, complementing the setting while adding a playful touch. Every detail of our wedding was designed to reflect who we are. We had an espresso bar after dinner, served three different wines, and surprised our guests with an opera singer during dinner. Our welcome dinner featured a live mozzarella maker, and we embraced tradition by dancing the hora and performing a choreographed first dance.
But the highlight? A DJ with a live saxophonist who transformed the night into a full-on club experience from 12 to 2:30 AM. More than anything, we wanted a huge, unforgettable party—and that’s exactly what we got.
Wedding Stationery
We worked with Maria Paola to design our save the date, invitations, wedding signage, and thank you cards. She created a beautiful custom crest for us, incorporating elements from our wedding—the flowers, our venue, and the wedding date—making it truly personal. Her ability to capture and blend our Tuscan vision into every detail of the invitations was exceptional.
Hair + Makeup
From start to finish, Cherie Spisso and her team were an absolute dream to work with! Her knowledge, skill, and calming presence made the entire experience effortless and enjoyable. One of the best things about Cherie is how relaxed and reassuring she is—no stress, no rushing, just pure expertise and ease. She made sure that not only I but also everyone getting their hair and makeup done felt comfortable, confident, and truly beautiful.
Unlike some wedding stylists who have you waking up at the crack of dawn, Cherie worked efficiently but never rushed, giving us the perfect amount of time to enjoy the process. She also stayed until everything was flawless, making sure I felt 100% happy with my look before she left. The end result? Absolute perfection. My hair and makeup stayed stunning all night long, from the ceremony to the dance floor. If you’re looking for a talented, professional, and genuinely wonderful hair and makeup artist who will bring out your best without adding any stress to your big day, Cherie Spisso is the one. Highly, highly recommend!
A Lazaro Dress
My wedding dress was from La Jeune Mariee in Columbus, Ohio, and they were absolutely amazing. I visited countless bridal boutiques in New York City, but this was the one place that truly listened to everything I wanted and helped me find the perfect dress. The dress was “Paloma” by Lazaro, and I knew I wanted something unique—not a traditional wedding gown.
What drew me to this dress were the uncut edges, the incredibly lightweight underskirt, and its effortless movement. The gown featured stunning 3D floral appliqués and large embroidered flowers cascading down the skirt, giving it a bold yet romantic feel. Comfort was a priority for me; I never wanted to change into a second dress for dancing, and this gown felt light, free, and wearable for 12+ hours—the perfect blend of artistry and ease.
Bridesmaids
Danielle’s sister, Maggie, was her Maid of Honor, and Greg’s brother, Todd, was his Best Man. With just one sibling each, they chose to keep the wedding party small and intimate. Maggie wore a blueish-purple Mac Duggal dress, which beautifully complemented the floral arrangements, while Todd and Greg wore matching custom tuxedos from Enzo Custom in NYC (highly recommend Arthur for fittings).
Ceremony & Chuppah
Our chuppah design was pretty standard because we wanted the 4 corners of the chuppah to frame the beautiful castle in the background. We did a standard wooden chuppah and added flowers to both front corners. Our ceremony was personal, and it was incredibly important to us that we be married by people who truly knew us and our story. Rather than having a rabbi or a priest, we wanted our family and friends to lead the ceremony—people who had been part of our journey and could speak to our relationship in a meaningful way.
A fatherly figure in Danielle’s life, Randy Raines, led the Catholic-inspired elements, while Greg’s best friend, Dan Baumzweig, brought in the Jewish traditions. Together, they created a ceremony that felt authentic, heartfelt, and uniquely ours. Their words weren’t just ceremonial; they were filled with personal memories, love, and genuine connection—making the moment even more special. One of our favorite touches was having an unplugged ceremony.
At the start, Randy asked everyone to put their phones away, allowing everyone to be fully present. Then, just before the ceremony began, he gave the cue for a brief two-minute break, where everyone stood up and took pictures of us. It was a fun, lighthearted moment that let our guests capture the memory while keeping the ceremony itself screen-free.
Ketubah
We carefully selected wording that reflects our shared respect for family and values as we begin this journey together. The design from ketubah.com was chosen to beautifully complement our wedding’s color scheme.
Our music choice
We LOVE music, and we knew from the start that incredible music would be the heartbeat of our wedding. A great soundtrack can make or break a party, and we wanted every moment to feel electric. From the ceremony to the final dance, our wedding was filled with a spectacular lineup of musicians, each bringing their own magic to the night. Our main band, from Musica Evento, was nothing short of phenomenal.
They set the tone from the very beginning, handling the ceremony music with elegance, creating a lively atmosphere during the aperitivo hour, and then turning up the energy to get EVERYONE on the dance floor as the night went on. Their seamless transitions, infectious energy, and ability to read the crowd made for an unforgettable experience. But the music didn’t stop there.
We also collaborated with Wedding Music and Lights, who elevated the entire production with stunning lighting, a top-tier stage setup, and flawless sound equipment. They didn’t just provide the tech—they brought the soul of the party. Their incredible opera/soprano singer left us in awe, setting a goosebump-inducing tone early in the night. And when it was time to turn the party up a notch, they delivered an unstoppable DJ and a jaw-dropping saxophonist who transformed our reception into “Club Castle,” where the dancing never stopped.
Of all the songs played that night, the most special was ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire—because we were married on the 21st Night of September. The moment the first notes hit, the entire room erupted, and we were surrounded by pure joy, laughter, and the best dance moves of the night. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment we will cherish forever. From elegant melodies to high-energy beats, our wedding was a nonstop musical journey, and we couldn’t have asked for a better soundtrack to our celebration.
Flowers
The flowers, bouquets, and centerpieces were nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we started planning, Marta from Flowers Living was a genius—she took our vision and transformed it into something even more beautiful than we could have imagined. You give her an idea, and she works her magic, creating arrangements that feel effortless yet stunningly intricate. Our bouquets and boutonnieres featured a breathtaking mix of Dahlias, Nutans, Echinops, Thistle, Garden & Spray Roses, and Eucalyptus—a bold yet elegant combination that perfectly complemented the Tuscan backdrop.
The centerpieces followed a similar theme but took it to another level, incorporating an abundance of candles and fresh fruits for an added touch of romance and richness. Guests couldn’t stop raving about the unique use of fruit—it brought such a vibrant, organic feel to the tables, blending seamlessly with the lush florals and glowing candlelight. One of the details Marta was most insistent on was throwing petals as we walked back down the aisle after the ceremony—and I’m so glad we agreed to it because the pictures are absolutely stunning.
The moment felt so joyful and celebratory, and seeing the petals floating through the air as we walked together made for some of my favorite photos. I truly cannot say enough about Marta and her team—they were absolute rock stars. They took every detail and elevated it beyond expectation, creating a floral experience that was not just beautiful but unforgettable.
Photographer and videographer
We could not have asked for a better team of Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio to capture our wedding! From the moment we saw their previous work, we knew they had an incredible ability to capture the essence of a wedding—balancing the serious, emotional moments of the ceremony with the high-energy, joyful atmosphere of the reception. On the day of the wedding, they were an absolute dream to work with—super friendly, comforting, and effortlessly putting us at ease in front of the camera.
Their presence felt natural, never intrusive, and they truly made us feel relaxed and present in every moment. (Bonus: they’re also pretty good-looking, which we’re convinced only adds to their talent!) The final results? Absolutely spectacular. The photos and videos perfectly captured the love, energy, and excitement of the day in a way that we’ll cherish forever. If you’re looking for a photographer and videographer who can seamlessly blend emotion, elegance, and pure party vibes, look no further. We couldn’t recommend them more!
Food and cake
There are no words to fully capture just how spectacular the food at our wedding was – Galateo Ricevimenti truly outdid themselves. Every dish was elevated, perfectly executed, and unforgettable. Aperitivo Hour: Guests were greeted with an exquisite selection of bite-sized delicacies that set the perfect stage for the meal to come.
Some highlights included: Tartlet with zucchini concassé and sweet onion jam from Tropea, Mini waffle cones with beef tartare and capers from Pantelleria, Savory crumble with burrata, tomato jelly, and basil caviar.
Dinner: The meal was designed to take our guests on a true Italian culinary journey, starting with two incredible pasta courses: Tortellini cacio e pepe with black pepper and crispy bacon and Gemelli with Cinta Senese pork meat sauce and porcini mushrooms. For the main course, we served Beef fillet with Chianti Classico wine sauce, sage-flavored roasted potatoes and sautéed asparagus.
The wedding cake: Instead of a traditional tiered cake, we honored Italian tradition with a Mille-feuille wedding cake—layers of delicate pastry filled with Chantilly cream, chocolate drops, fresh strawberries, and blueberries. It was the perfectly sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. Every dish was a masterpiece, and we are still dreaming about it to this day! If you’re looking for a catering team that goes above and beyond, Galateo Ricevimenti is simply unparalleled.
Extra Details
Heartfelt Speeches from Our Loved Ones – We wanted to create meaningful moments throughout the weekend, so we had both of our parents give speeches the night before the wedding, setting the perfect emotional tone. Then, on the wedding day, our siblings took the spotlight, sharing heartfelt words that made us laugh, cry, and cherish the love surrounding us.
A First Dance That Brought Everyone Together – Our first dance wasn’t just about the two of us—it was about bringing the whole room into the moment. We choreographed a custom first dance that started as an intimate performance but ended with everyone joining us on the dance floor, turning it into an unforgettable group celebration.
A Surprise Opera Singer That Got Everyone Singing – Just when our guests thought they had seen it all, we surprised them with an opera singer who not only delivered a breathtaking performance but also got everyone singing along, creating an electric energy that spread through the entire venue.
A Live Band That Set the Italian Mood – Nothing sets the tone like live music, and our welcome dinner band made sure our guests were fully in the Italian spirit. From lively traditional tunes to feel-good classics, they created an ambiance that had everyone singing, swaying, and soaking in the magic of Tuscany.
A DJ & Saxophonist Duo That Kept the Party Going – For the reception, we didn’t just want a dance floor—we wanted an epic party. Our DJ and live saxophonist were the perfect duo, blending beats with live music in a way that kept the energy high all night long. The sax added a dynamic, unexpected twist that made the night feel like a true celebration. 7. The Glow of String Lights Creating Pure Magic There’s something about string lights that instantly makes any setting feel warm, intimate, and magical. We filled our venue with them, and as the sun set, the soft, twinkling glow created the most romantic and breathtaking atmosphere—one that we’ll never forget.
Honeymoon
We’re heading to Japan for our official honeymoon! Right after the wedding, we took a mini-moon in Sardinia and Puglia, where we relaxed by the beach, but we wanted to give ourselves time to unwind and soak in the wedding before taking a bigger trip. So, we planned our honeymoon six months later—and choosing where to go was no easy task. We’re total travel fanatics—it’s one of the biggest reasons we had a destination wedding in the first place.
With so many places on our list, narrowing down the perfect honeymoon spot was tough. But in the end, Japan felt like the right choice. We absolutely love sushi—it’s probably our favorite food after pasta—so when given the chance to go anywhere in the world, Japan was an easy decision. Our itinerary includes six nights in Tokyo, two nights in Sapporo, two nights in a ryokan in Otaru, and three nights in Kyoto. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture and, of course, eat our weight in sushi, wagyu, and sake!
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Find an Amazing Planner Who Matches Your Style – A great wedding planner can make all the difference, but it’s not just about experience—it’s about compatibility. Choose someone you genuinely get along with and, most importantly, someone who communicates in a way that works for you. Whether you prefer quick texts or detailed emails, making sure you’re on the same page will make the process stress-free and enjoyable.
Use Instagram as a Wedding Resource – Instagram isn’t just for inspiration—it’s a powerful tool for finding great vendors, venues, and real wedding experiences. Search for hashtags and location tags to discover vendors that align with your style. Don’t hesitate to reach out to couples who got married at your venue—they can offer firsthand advice and recommendations you won’t find anywhere else.
Put Extra Effort Into Your Wedding Website – Your wedding website is your best friend, especially for destination weddings. Guests will have a lot of questions, so make sure your site is detailed and easy to navigate. That way, anytime someone asks about logistics, attire, or schedules, you can simply say, “Check the website!”—saving yourself from endless emails and texts.
Take Dance Lessons – It’s More Than Just the First Dance – Taking dance lessons together isn’t just about looking great on the dance floor—it’s an amazing bonding experience. Every time we felt overwhelmed by planning stress, we’d take a break and practice our dance. It became a moment of fun and relaxation amidst the chaos. Highly recommend!
Keep Some Surprises for Your Guests (Even Close Family & Friends!) – Your wedding should have unexpected moments of joy, even for your parents, siblings, and closest friends. Whether it’s a special musical performance, a unique food station, or an unexpected décor reveal, these surprises add an extra layer of magic to the day. For us, it was an opera singer and a gelato & mozzarella station, and seeing everyone’s reactions made it all the more special.
Get Excited & Don’t Take It Too Seriously – At the end of the day, your wedding is a party—YOUR party! It’s easy to get caught up in perfection, but don’t let that take away from the joy. Laugh, dance, and truly live in the moment. The best weddings are the ones where the couple is having the time of their lives, and your guests will feed off that energy. Soak it all in—it goes by faster than you think!
DANIELLE & GREG’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography + Videography – Aberrazioni Cromatiche Studio
Planner – The Tuscan Wedding
Ketubah – ketubah.com {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Castello di Meleto
Bride’s dress – Lazaro found at La Jeune Mariee
Bridesmaids – Mac Duggal
Groom and Best Man – Enzo Custom
Hair + Makeup – Cherie Spisso
Flowers –Flowers Living
Band – Musica Evento and Fix the Music
Production, Soprano (Opera Singer), DJ & Sax – Wedding Music and Lights
Catering – Galateo Ricevimenti
Stationery/Invitation – Maria Paola
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
