Some weddings are defined by the place.
Others by the people.
Gian Marco and Giulia’s wedding brought both together: the rolling hills of Tuscany and a group of friends and family who made the day feel warm, relaxed and genuinely joyful.
They chose Poggio Tondo Agriturismo, in the countryside above Monsummano Terme, for a celebration surrounded by olive groves, panoramic views and the quiet atmosphere of the Tuscan hills.
A day that began between Lucca and Monsummano and slowly unfolded into an evening of toasts, laughter and celebration.
A story between Lucca and the hills above Pescia
Giulia and Gian Marco come from two different places in Tuscany.
Gian Marco is from Lucca, where cycling has always been part of his life and daily routine.
Giulia is originally from San Quirico di Valeriana, a small medieval village in the hills above Pescia, one of the historic “Dieci Castella” villages that overlook the Valdinievole valley.
That village is deeply connected to their story. In fact, it was initially considered as a possible location for their wedding.
In the end, however, they chose Poggio Tondo Agriturismo above Monsummano Terme, a location that allowed them to organize the celebration more comfortably while still remaining surrounded by the Tuscan landscape they love.
It was also in San Quirico di Valeriana that we photographed their pre-wedding session, walking through the stone streets of the village and the panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley.
A perfect way to begin telling their story before the wedding day itself.
Getting ready between Lucca and Monsummano
The wedding day started with preparations in two different places.
Giulia began getting ready in one of the rooms at Poggio Tondo Agriturismo, while Gian Marco was still in Lucca, at his home in the area of San Cassiano a Vico.
Since the wedding took place on a Friday, many guests and even some of the witnesses were still finishing their working day. The morning therefore had a slower and more relaxed rhythm than usual.
Gian Marco, however, didn’t miss the chance to add a moment of humor to the preparations.
Before actually getting dressed for the wedding, he put on his cycling kit, grabbed his bike and jokingly pretended to leave for a training ride.
A lighthearted moment that perfectly reflected his personality.
A little later the witnesses arrived and the real preparations began, together with Bruno, the young son of Gian Marco and Giulia, who honestly seemed far more interested in staying asleep than participating in the morning activities.
Meanwhile, in Monsummano, the atmosphere was calm and quiet.
Giulia was beginning her make-up while we photographed the details of the location, the wedding stationery and the atmosphere of the agriturismo.
When the bridesmaids arrived, the traditional pre-preparation toast was inevitable.
Giulia got ready in one of the agriturismo’s bright and spacious rooms, a perfect environment to enjoy the calm moments that come just before the ceremony.
The ceremony in the garden of Poggio Tondo
The ceremony took place in the garden behind the agriturismo, under the shade of several trees that created a beautiful and intimate setting.
While guests were taking their seats, Gian Marco was doing his best to keep the mood light by joking with friends and family.
Shortly before the ceremony began, he made his entrance accompanied by the “manflowers”, Giulia’s young nephews.
Then it was Giulia’s moment.
She walked down the stairs together with little Bruno before making her way toward the garden where everyone was waiting.
The moment when the groom first sees the bride is always one of the most powerful moments of the entire day.
The ceremony was a civil ceremony officiated by a close friend, someone Gian Marco had known for years through cycling.
During the ceremony the four witnesses shared short readings dedicated to the couple, making the celebration even more personal.
Then came the most awaited moments: the rings, the signatures, and of course the kiss.
A toast by the pool
After the ceremony, guests formed two lines and the couple walked between them while everyone threw rice in celebration.
From there the celebration moved to the pool area, where the first toast of the day took place.
Here we also set up a small portrait area to photograph the couple together with family and friends.
Those photographs were later printed during dinner and given to guests as a small keepsake from the wedding.
Giulia and Gian Marco chose a custom frame designed with the graphics of their wedding, turning the photographs into a personalized photographic favor.
In this case we decided to take these portraits immediately after the ceremony during the first drinks, allowing the catering team time to reorganize the ceremony area and prepare the aperitivo in the veranda in front of the agriturismo.
This is one of the reasons why planning and collaboration between vendors are so important during a wedding day.
Couple portraits among olive trees and hills
During the aperitivo we also took some time for the couple portraits.
Originally the idea was to drive up to the old Monsummano Alto castle, but to avoid leaving the celebration for too long we decided to stay within the agriturismo grounds.
It turned out to be the perfect choice.
Between olive trees, open views of the surrounding hills and small structures within the property – including a large swing – we found several beautiful spots for their portraits.
And most importantly, the couple could enjoy a quick bite before dinner without missing too much of the celebration.
Dinner and the surprise of the printed photographs
Dinner took place inside the main hall of the agriturismo.
While guests were finding their seats, Giulia and Gian Marco made their entrance welcomed by applause from friends and family.
At the same time we had set up our printing station, where we started printing the photographs taken earlier during the aperitivo.
The prints were then hung on the large doors of the agriturismo using strings, small lights and wooden clips.
During dinner the couple walked between the tables toasting with friends and relatives, while the witnesses organized small games and surprises.
The cake cutting and the evening party
After dinner the celebration moved back to the veranda in front of the agriturismo, where both the dance floor and the cake table had been prepared.
But this time there were two cakes.
The day before had been the third birthday of Bruno, the couple’s son.
So Gian Marco and Giulia decided to celebrate both occasions together with two cakes: one for the wedding and one for Bruno’s birthday.
After the cake cutting the party truly began.
Music, dancing and laughter continued well into the evening.
Before leaving, guests were able to collect their printed photographs – a small surprise that made the memory of the day even more special.
A day to remember
Every wedding has its own rhythm.
Giulia and Gian Marco’s day was built around simple moments, shared laughter and the presence of people who have been part of their lives for many years.
From the preparations between Lucca and Monsummano to the evening celebration at Poggio Tondo Agriturismo, everything unfolded naturally.
And that is what truly defines a wedding story: not just the setting, but the people who live it.
Discover how I document weddings
If you are planning your wedding in Tuscany and you feel connected to this kind of storytelling, feel free to get in touch and tell me about your plans.
The professionals behind the day
Every wedding is the result of the work and dedication of many different people.
In Gian Marco and Giulia’s case, several professionals contributed to creating a day that flowed naturally, allowing the couple and their guests to fully enjoy every moment at Poggio Tondo Agriturismo.
These are the vendors who helped make their wedding possible.
- Venue & Catering: Agriturismo Poggio Tondo – Monsummano Terme
- Wedding Dress: Gabriella Sposa
- Groom Suit: Guidi Abbigliamento
- MUA & Hairstylist: Celestino Guazzini
- Wedding Rings & Jewelry: Gioielleria Oreficeria Piccole Vanità Lunata
- Stationery & Wedding Design: Eleonora Lencioni Grafica
- Music: Vittorio Barsotti