What effects will Brexit have on

 getting married in Italy?

In the few last weeks this event has been foremost in many of our minds: the referendum about the exit of Great Britain from the EU, with the surprising result of the victory of the “Leave” front.

We really didn't believe such a result would come about and now our couples are asking:  what will Brexit consequences be now and in the future?

Our “curiosity” derives, obviously, from a great interest about this fact that will deeply influence the international politics and the lives of so many peoples. But we also have a particular interest about the Brexit consequences on destination weddings!

Tuscany is one of the most popular destination for couples coming from the UK, thanks to its historical cities and villages, beautiful rolling hills filled with vineyards and its lovely coastline.

So, it is quite natural for us to wonder how the Brexit referendum will affect the connections between Great Britain and Italy… and surely also the English couples who dream about a destination wedding in sunny Tuscany are thinking the same!
Perhaps it is still a bit early to understand the changes that may come about regarding the  decision to leave the EU and it won't take less than two years to be completed (at least that’s what we’ve been reading these days), so there shouldn’t be any direct Brexit consequences  now. 

We think though that there could be some changes brought about by Brexit on destination weddings in Italy

 Paperwork
This is the first issue, that is fundamental for those who want to get married in Italy with a legally binding ceremony. There shouldn’t be any changes to the present situation until the exit will be completed, so there won’t be any immediate consequences concerning paperwork and there will be lead time that will allow us to understand any new procedures and to assist our couples during these possible changes. 

Costs
This is an issue that creates consequences more immediately: we all know that the pound has dramatically fallen right after the referendum.
This fact has, and will have, repercussions on those couples who were thinking of Italy as their destination because it was cheaper: perhaps it won’t be like that anymore. There will be increases in the costs of transportations, of goods and of services because the exchange rate won’t be that favorable anymore.  But this may not be the case as the market adapts to the change. 

Flights
We’ve been used to an easy circulation of people and of goods around Europe, low cost flights and the possibility to reach London and the rest of UK with a minimum expense (and the same for British people travelling around Europe).
Low cost companies could apply such low fares thanks to the EU, but now the situation will surely change: both European and British airline companies will have to re-negotiate agreements and fares. This unfortunately means that travelling between England and Italy could be more expensive.

It is understandable to be concerned but there is no reason to give up your dream of getting married in Tuscany...especially in the next 2 years

.  Airlines and hotels could give new interesting incentives. We will give up-to-date advice to UK couples to help them solve any problems that may come about from Brexit and the planning a wedding in Italy.  We have couples from all over the world - as far as the USA and New Zealand - who choose Tuscany as their destination for their romantic wedding and relaxing holiday.  Brexit will not stop our lovelies in the UK from realizing their Tuscan dream wedding. 

Contact us at info@originaltuscanwedding.com for more information. 

Civil Unions in Italy

Civil Unions have been approved in Italy 

 In order to speed up the bill’s passage, Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, called a confidence vote in Italy’s lower house on Wednesday saying it was “unacceptable to have any more delays after years of failed attempts."Italy is the last major western European country to recognize civil unions for same sex couples

 Each township in Italy will now prepare to celebrate civil unions respecting of these new norms.  Let's look at what this means. 

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1. Cirinnà law: the key points

With the law on civil unions approved yesterday, Italy becomes the 27th country in Europe to legally recognise same-sex couples. The Cirinnà law requires partners in a same-sex civil union to provide mutual moral and material assistance, and to contribute to common needs. It also envisages pension rights for surviving partners and gives same-sex civil partners the same inheritance rights as married spouses. Under the law, however, partners in same-sex civil unions are not required to be faithful, and are not allowed to adopt their stepchildren. Partners will also be able to decide on their surname: keeping their own, taking the other person’s or combining the two. Finally, it will be much easier to dissolve the union than it is for marriage. The law however fails to give an official name to the members of such couples, who are not referred to as spouses or husbands and wives. The Cirinnà law also governs the rights and duties of “de facto cohabitants”, whether heterosexual or gay, “living as a couple in a stable relationship”, who now have the same access rights as a spouse in the event of incarceration or admission to hospital. Moreover, they can take over lease agreements or be entitled to remain in their partner’s property for up to 5 years in the event of their death. They will also be entitled to claim maintenance in the event of separation.

2. Children

Critics say the bill, which leaves out adoption, does not go far enough.

Parliament has not given same-sex partners the right to adopt, despite the fact that due to long-term cohabitation they may have acted as a mother or father. Once again, the courts are left with the task of interpreting the law when assessing the individual cases brought before them.

3. Duties

Civil unions regulate solely the legal relationship between persons of the same sex, and are comparable to the institution of marriage. In 99 percent of cases, those joined in a civil union acquire the same rights and obligations associated with marriage, except for the obligation to remain faithful. In financial terms, civil unions and marriages envisage the same rights and duties, without exception, such as maintenance payments, or in the event of a partner’s death, rights to a pension and severance pay, as well as general inheritance rights. Paradoxically, civil unions seem to provide even more rights than marriage, and are governed by more modern regulations. First of all, there is no obligation to publish the banns, which means less bureaucracy. In addition, there is no separation period for a couple that decides to split. The partners need merely state their intentions before the registrar, and after three months they can file for divorce, greatly cutting down on costs and time. In civil unions a couple can opt to take a single surname, which under Italian marriage law is not possible. Nor is there any obligation to be faithful in the sexual sense, as is the case for married couples, but rather a duty to provide more general, wide-ranging support. In civil unions, the absence of the obligation to be faithful and of pre-divorce separation means avoiding legal battles and the attribution of blame, as well as claims for compensation as a result of infidelity, and the involvement of private investigators. (by Gian Ettore Gassani, President of AMI, the Italian Association of Divorce Lawyers).

4. Rights

The new law, whose implementation will require further legislation, is the first step in dealing with an issue that has long been awaiting regulation and that is a social phenomenon of enormous importance, namely cohabitation, of both gays and heterosexuals. The former can be joined in civil unions governed by a series of rights and duties that make them similar to marriage (constitution of the union before a registrar, survivor’s pension, inheritance rights, obligation to provide moral and material assistance, mutual obligation to contribute to common needs), with some grey areas regarding separation, which distinguishes them from marriage.

*from Corriere.it 

Twinkle Toes

How To Save Your Twinkle Toes!

Ok, we know it...the bridal shoes are just as big of a deal and swooned over as the dress. They may be even harder to find than the dress itself!  They are one of the first photographs taken by the professional photographer. Let's face it - we love shoes!   

But..admit it...the most beautiful ones often hurt like anything. It is hard to smile and even enjoy that first dance after hours on 12 inch heels.  Now, add Tuscan streets. Cobble stones, slippery slopes, terracotta bricks, gaps betweens the stones (yicks, I'm stuck!).  

So we are faithful fans of kicking those beauties off as soon as you can. Once you get to the reception venue (or even during the walk through an old town for photos or breaks in between), let's take off the Jimmy Choo's, Manolo's, Casadei's and whoever's, and get comfortable.  The bride can wear a lower heeled sandle or even fun flats. Why not offer flip-flops in your theme color or fancy ballerina slippers (buy them online) for all the ladies?  

Here are our picks for 2016 twinkle toes:  

DYI super cute pearl flip flops - customize them to your dress

pretty bling on transparent flats

Want to just lower the heel - go for these great satin sandles with a pretty bow 

Keds with some sparkle!

Great little lace numbers

We had to add super pink Converse with bling on the toes

Something blue!

Loving these pink roses

Better for dancing than flip-flops - these elegant ballerina slippers are great 

"to go or not to go"

 10 things to think about when considering a wedding abroad

1. Think why you want a destination wedding in Italy rather than at home

After you say "yes" to the proposal, immediately you think of where and when. Ok maybe you have thought about it for even years before!  When you choose a wedding destination you can star by asking yourselves why go abroad or stay at home. List your pros/cons. Think about the venue you imagine, the importance of weather, having a smaller, more intimate wedding that usually arises from a destination wedding, enjoying a different culture that is interesting to you both and the needs of your family. 
These ponderings help you decide what location is right for you. 

2. Don't assume a destination wedding is a cheaper alternative

A common misconception is that getting married abroad is a cheaper alternative. This is not necessarily the case (sorry!).As with any wedding, your total cost will depend on your preferences and the number of guests you would like.Don’t be disheartened though, there is always something for every budget, just be realistic with your expectations.

3. Send the "save the date" early

As exciting as they are, destination weddings are also be a big commitment for your guests.Make sure you send out a Save The Date early on in the planning process to ensure as many of your guests as possible can make the trip.

4. Research not only the venues, but also the legal procedures 

First thoughts can go to the flowers, the dress, the great venue. But first think of they type of ceremony you would like. If you want a legally valid ceremony abroad look into the local laws, where civil or church weddings can be held, what paperwork is required and the timing, what celebrant options are there and what assistance you may need. 

5. Consider the traditions in the chosen country and what traditions you want to incorporate

There are a number of traditions associated with weddings; it’s important that you consider which of these (if any) you would like to factor into your wedding; does the fact that you’re getting married abroad affect any of these? Find out what traditions there are in Italy, you may want to include some of these into your day to give it a unique and authentic difference. For example, if you’re getting married in Italy, perhaps swap a bagpipe player for a mandolin player when you’re walking down the aisle. 

6. Consider the temperature and your plan B even in Italy 

You will surely choose Italy for its amazing, hot, sunny days. But you may not realize just how high the temps can get and the humidy.  Traditionally the ceremonies are no earlier than 4pm during the summer months. You choice of wedding attire should be light weight and high heels could be swapped for flats or wedge heels for when you walk on hot cobble stone streets on the way to the ceremony. Having said that, be realistic about a possible rainy day or chilly nights in the countryside. As you have a back-up plan at home for your big day, it is imperative to have a big enough room or tenting for your wedding dinner in case of bad weather even in Tuscany. 

7. Create a wedding website 

Considering creating a simple website for your wedding to help guests prepare and be more autonomous.  One of the big stress factors for destination weddings is guests needing help and asking you for everything. You want them to be excited and prepared so the more you can tell them up front, makes for a better trip for them and you.  Give information on: 
– Wedding details
– Accommodation suggestions
– Car hire companies, links to train and coach sites
– Things to do in the area
-  Restaurants 
– Attire and suggestions on what to bring
This will save each of your guests asking you the same question and prevent you from feeling like a tour guide! 
8. Hire a wedding planner

You know we would say this, but we are sure it makes or breaks the success of your wedding.  An experienced local planner is  familiar with not just the area but also the paperwork required, have tried and tested venues and know which suppliers are reliable.

A planner will cost a similar amount or less than your other suppliers but will save you many hours of time and stress.

 9. Consider coming over again before the big day
This may not always be possible for couples who live on the other side of the world so thank goodness for internet - Skype, blogs, photos, reviews. However if you can come over at least for a venue day, you can do site inspections and choose the venue and area that best suits you. Better yet, if you can come back to Tuscany for wine and wedding meal tasting, a hair and makeup trial and possibly meet up with some of your chosen suppliers.

10. Don't forget to have fun

This is your wedding day -  you have saved up, planned and no doubt you have thought about it many times over the years so now that it’s here, enjoy every minute of it!  What is wonderful about destination weddings too is that they are not just one day, but often times a full weekend of fun with your close family and best friends. 

Contact us at info@originaltuscanwedding.com  for more information about locations, venues, legal procedures and vendor services

Everything's coming up...Lavender!

Pops of color? Pops of Purple! 

This is the time of year that our brides are debating on which Pintrest photo bouquet they like best. It is so hard!  Not everyone knows which color scheme to choose and not everyone knows a lot about flowers, let alone which ones are in season in Italy the month they will get married.  We can help with that part but which color to choose....that is a different matter.

We can tell you want is popular and the trends for his year.  baby blue and pink is what Pantone are tell us for the spring but especially blush pink flowers have been on the scene for a good 2-3 years.  

Go with your heart.  What colors do you gravitate to? What bouquets make you swoon?  

We have chosen the color that makes us do both:  lavender and purple! Think spring lavender. Think Chianti grapes maturing on the vines.  

Today we celebrate happy pops of purple that will look great against your white dress and perfect on a country, rustic table.

Canadians in love in Tuscany

Canadians Warm The Tuscan Air In November 

Last November we had a week of unusually warm dry weather and we think part of this luck was due to our sweet couple from Canada!

 Tara & Alvin came to celebrate their wedding in Siena with their parents and siblings. It was an intimate affair but so full of emotion and love.  Tuscany isn't always about the summer "al fresco" parties in the country when it comes to wedding celebrations. Many couples enjoy the quieter off-season months to spend a vacation taking in the art, great restaurants and shopping without the summer crowds.  

For Tara & Alvin, preparations were held in Hotel Palazzo Ravizza, photo shoot by Photographers&Partners, hair & makeup by Pamela Beautyday, flowers by Violamalva, and dinner celebrations at Millevini in the fortress of Siena.  

Today we are showcasing the photographer Domenico Costabile. His 20 years of experience as made him one of the most well-known and respected photographers working in Tuscany.  He has branched out and started under a new name. Check out his new website:  www.photographersandpartners.sm

Here are some of his emotion-filled photos of Tara & Alvin: 

Gorgeous Gowns worn by our brides

Destination Wedding Bridal Gowns

How to pick our favorites? Now this was a toughy!  

When we started Original Tuscan Wedding in the Spring of 2004 we thought we would see gowns we loved and gowns we didn't like so much. It is such a personal choice.  This was our biggest surprise: we like all of them because when a bride chooses her special dress and she feels wonderful, she glows and we thing she looks fantastic.  

We have seen simple party dresses, sun dresses, ball gowns, A-lines, sweetheart cuts...everything...even lots of different colors from white, ivory, blush to bright red and prints.  We are always so eager to see our brides get into their dresses - we almost feel as fluttery as the groom when he firsts sees her! 

So, here are some snapshots of just a few of our favorites from the past couple of years that were worn by our brides.

 

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