The golden October sun caressed the ripening grapes, giving them their final touch of sweetness before they reached perfection and transformed into one of the world’s most renowned and beloved wines – Tuscan red. It was under this sun, among the cypress trees, in the historic Valle di Badia valley, that Ela and Mauri said “yes” to each other. Their 23-year journey together was now blessed in the heart of autumnal Italy, surrounded by family and friends.

The three-day celebrations had actually begun earlier, when the bride and groom arrived in the valley with their wedding team. In Italy, locations often don’t match Google Maps coordinates, so it’s always wise to test the route before sharing it with guests.

Upon arrival at the venue, we were welcomed by the hostess of Valle di Badia and an exquisite catering selection. Thanks to our prior visit, the catering team knew exactly what flavors to offer us.

Alex, capturing the moments on video, and Annika, documenting the event through her camera, explored the surroundings, took pre-shots, and captured the most special and intimate moments. The wedding team meticulously prepared for the multi-day celebration, paying attention to every detail, allowing every element to tell its own story.

As evening fell, the entire Italian family gathered around a long table to enjoy the delights of the local cuisine.

Guests arrived in Italy at different times, but on October 4th, everyone checked into the accommodations selected by the couple, where they were greeted with chilled champagne and a warm welcome. This moment marked the beginning of Ela and Mauri’s Tuscan romance.

Pre-Wedding Celebration – October 5th

The morning greeted us with warm sunshine and the crispness of autumn. Everything was set for an authentic Italian welcome with folk music and delicious local food. If anyone ever questions why a wedding should have a pre-party, those who have attended one know the answer – it’s the best way for guests to get to know each other before the big day. By the time the wedding day arrived, everyone—once strangers—had become a united family, bonded by their shared joy for the couple. Ela and Mauri recall it as the beginning of a special “journey” with their travel companions.

Freshly baked pizza came straight from the oven, with each guest choosing their own toppings. Succulent meats, fresh salads, cheeses, cured hams, tomatoes, mozzarella, and chilled wine – this was the essence of a true Italian celebration. This is how one could describe Ela and Mauri’s pre-wedding evening – being together with wine, the “sabatants” dance, authentic cuisine, and lively folk rhythms.

“In our language, ‘sabatants’ means a snake-like dance, but at this party, it included everyone – even those who usually never join in. The dance line twisted and turned so much that only the true masters managed to stay on their feet on the cobblestone streets. It was all pure joy, surrounded by thousands of lemons, the Tuscan night, and a special simplicity and warmth. By this time, the Estonian, Finnish, and English-speaking guests had already developed a shared dialect,” recalls the couple.

Adding to the fun, host Andres Torm led a brief Italian language lesson.

The Wedding Day – October 6th

In the morning, a soft mist covered the valley while the sun peeked through, promising only the best – the wedding day began with breathtaking weather. The entire Valle di Badia valley was buzzing with activity – caterers, florists, wedding planners, technicians, and musicians all working to create the perfect setting, just as the couple had dreamed.

Ela prepared with her bridesmaids and makeup artist Õnne Rudi. Meanwhile, Mauri wandered around like a groom should, and when the moment arrived, he fastened the button on his jacket. Like in almost every Italian village, this valley had a small church. As guests entered, Enya’s “Only Time” played – Celebriamo L’amore was about to begin!

What followed was like a dream or a romantic Italian film, yet it was happening in real life. Mauri stood at the altar while Ela walked in with her bridesmaids. Pastor Bonelli, who had traveled from Rome, conducted a heartfelt ceremony, sealing Ela and Mauri’s vows with a stamp, rings, a kiss, and a blessing.

As a surprise, the song “Merelapsed” played – but not from the speakers. Instead, Koit Toome and Nele-Liis Vaiksoo stood in the background, stunning the guests with their beautiful duet. Champagne hours followed, accompanied by music, entertainment, and laughter under the sun.

The evening was graced by the couple’s first dance to “Endless Love”, performed live by Nele-Liis and Koit. It was a magical moment, with smiles radiating from the newlyweds’ faces as Ela glided effortlessly in Mauri’s arms.

The celebrations continued late into the night. The dance floor was set ablaze by a surprise band, Suured Tüdrukud, featuring Dagmar Oja and Kaire Vilgats, along with Nele-Liis Vaiksoo and Koit Toome. The air was filled with the aromas of delicious cuisine, and the night was packed with entertainment, including the legendary “Men’s Dance” led by Andres Torm.

Brunch – October 7th

When organizing an event in Italy, one must consider an important fact – at some point, time runs out. Most accommodations and hotels require check-out by 10:00 AM, which feels early to Estonians, who are used to noon check-outs. Even then, we often take our time leaving. However, the locals are very punctual. So, at 10:00 AM, with suitcases packed and espressos downed… what next? There were still several hours before the flights.

Ela and Mauri had the perfect solution – buses took everyone to a nearby winery. By then, the sun was high in the sky, and we were welcomed with a luxurious brunch, a wine-tasting session, and a pool – something for everyone to enjoy.

Arrivederci

A car with a “Just Married” sign awaited the couple, and so we sent them off to their honeymoon.

Celebriamo l’amore era giunto al termine – yet in reality, this was only the beginning of another beautiful chapter in their love story!

The Couple’s Feedback:

“We completely trusted our wedding planners and felt so taken care of at every moment. A great friendship was born out of this – or as we like to call it, an Italian family – who now meet several times a year to reminisce, celebrate, and, of course, plan new events.

The entire week in Italy had an incredibly warm and joyful atmosphere. The guests who came were truly our people – those who create memories and will always stand by us in the future! We savored every moment and never once felt stressed. It’s amazing to be at your own wedding, watching a beautiful romantic movie unfold, simply enjoying every second and surrendering to the intoxicating charm that Tuscany gifts you.”

We also recommend checking out Lii and Marko’s magical wedding in Sorrento!