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Welcome Party

Wedding Day

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Reception

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Farewell Dinner

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UPDATE: I VIVAI is kindly expanding their spa hours around our events in order to accommodate our guests. They will be open on Thursday July 16th from 10am-4pm, and Friday July 17th from 10am-8pm. You can book a service by emailing <a href="mailto:spa@i-vivai.com" rel="nofollow">spa@i-vivai.com</a>. The list of services can be found by clicking this link: <a href="https://www.ivivaialparugiano.it/Brochure.SPA.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brochure.SPA.pdf</a> Can't wait to see you all so soon!! &lt;3 Welcome to our wedding website! We hope this site serves as a helpful guide as you prepare to join us for our special day. We feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family, and we're so grateful to celebrate this milestone with you.

Our Wedding

It all started in physical therapy school, where John and Allison were fast friends from the beginning — or at least&nbsp;Allison thought so. To this day, John still jokes that he didn’t even know she was in their class until year three. (In his defense… there were a lot of anatomy labs.) By February of 2021, friendship turned into something more — right in the middle of COVID lockdowns, when they started dating. Then Allison’s dad caught COVID and she couldn’t go home so John suggested she stay the week at his place “just for the week.” Well, that week turned into forever because she never left. The next few years were filled with adventures: hiking through the red rocks of Arizona and Utah, beach weekends in Montauk, and welcoming their first dog, Oliver — a lifelong dream of John’s finally come true. Then, on a snowy ski trip to Mont Tremblant, John got down on one knee and asked Allison to spend forever with him.Now, after 4 years of love, laughter, and plenty of dog walks, they’re planning the wedding of their dreams — and can’t wait to celebrate an unforgettable week in Tuscany this July with all their favorite people!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Some commonly asked questions (and some things we learned the hard way)

What's driving like in Italy?

Get comfortable with roundabouts! Also, learn from our mistake. If you're renting a car check with the rental car company to see if your car is equipped with Telepass, which is automatic, non-stop electronic tolling (similar to ez-pass). If it is not or if you're unsure, follow the following tips: Tolls: Most tolls are distance-based. Take a ticket at the machine when entering (often via a yellow button) and pay when you exit. Payment Methods:Cash/Cards: Look for white lanes for cash, or blue lanes for credit/debit cards.Telepass: Yellow lanes are for automatic,, non-stop electronic tolling. Do not enter Telepass lanes (yellow) if you do not have a device, as it causes fines and delays.If you lose your ticket, you will be charged from the furthest possible entry point.

Is it difficult to fill up my car with gas?

Surprisingly, no! In Italy, you can choose between full-service ("Servito") and self-service ("Fai da te" or "Self") options. The self-service option is cheaper, but you will need to operate the pump yourself and usually use an automated payment machine. Self-service pumps are available 24/7, even when the station office is closed. The process typically involves prepaying at a central machine: Park and Note the Pump Number: Pull up to a "Fai da te" pump and remember its number (numero della pompa).Go to the Payment Terminal: Find the automated payment machine (labeled cassa or pagamento), usually located between the pump islands. Modern machines often have English language options.Pay for Fuel: Cash is recommended: Insert banknotes into the BANCONOTE slot. Note that most machines do not give change, so use small denominations (€5, €10, €20) or be prepared to refuel for the exact amount you insert.Credit/Debit Card: Insert your card and enter your PIN. US cards may not work in automated pumps because they often lack a required Chip &amp; PIN system or your bank may deny the pre-authorization charge (usually around €100-€150). If the transaction is authorized, select the pump number on the display.Pump the Gas: Return to your car, open the fuel cap, and select the correct nozzle.Green handle is for unleaded petrol (Benzina or Senza Piombo).Black/yellow handle is for diesel (Gasolio).Always double-check the fuel type designation on the pump itself to avoid mistakes.Finish: Squeeze the handle to pump the fuel. The pump will stop automatically when you reach the amount you prepaid for or when the tank is full (if you paid a large pre-authorization). Hang up the nozzle and secure your fuel cap.

Okay, how about getting around Italy on the trains? Is it complicated?

Not at all! Key Aspects of Italian Train TravelTrain Types:High-Speed (Alta Velocità - AV): Connect major cities (Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples) quickly with assigned seats.Regional (Regionale): Slower, cheaper, stop at small towns, no assigned seating.Booking Tickets: Buy tickets in advance on Trenitalia or Italo (online or apps) for better fares. You can also buy from <a href="https://www.italiarail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ItaliaRail</a>, or in-person at station machines or ticket desks.Validation: For physical, paper regional tickets, you must validate them before boarding using the green/white machines on the platform to avoid fines. Electronic tickets on apps like Trainline often require "checking in". High-speed trains do not need validation.At the Station: Check the Partenze (departures) board for your train number and platform (binario). Platforms are usually announced 10–15 minutes before departure.Luggage &amp; Amenities: Overhead racks and designated large bag areas are available.

Q + A

Getting to Italy

Nearest Major Airports: Florence Airport (FLR): About 25 minutes from the villa, best for shorter transfers. Pisa International Airport (PSA): Around 1 hour away, often has more flight options. Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP): Larger airports with frequent international flights; travel time by train or car is 2-3+ hours. From the U.S. there are directs flights from JFK, Newark (EWR), and sometimes seasonal flights from other NYC-area airports to Florence, Pisa, Rome, and Milan. We recommend booking early for the best fares and availability, especially during the summer.

Getting to the Villa

By Car: The villa along with I Vivai are both easily reachable by car; we encourage renting one if you'd like to explore Tuscany. Parking is available on-site at both locations. If renting a car, make sure to reserve in advance, especially if you want an automatic transmission. Most booking platforms will default to a manual transmission, so ensure that you're selecting the correct option when booking.Note: Legally, an International Driver's Permit is required to drive in Italy. AAA offers them via mail or at one of their locations. By Train: Florence's Santa Maria Novella station connects to major cities. From there, a short taxi or private transfer can bring you to the villa. Private Transfers: We will share recommended local drivers closer to the date. For those not staying at I Vivai we highly recommend booking your transportation to and from the wedding ahead of time. Apps like Uber and Lyft are not really available yet in Italy, and taxis can take a lot of time to arrive (especially late at night) if not booked in advance. So please please plan ahead!

Accommodations

Due to limited availability, only immediate family and honorary bridal party members are able to stay on site at I Vivai. More information on booking will go out at the end of February. Some suggestions for other hotel options that are nearby and available to book include: <a href="https://www.borgoanticocasalbosco.it/en/index" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Borgo Antico Casalbosco</a> <a href="https://www.arthotel-milano.it/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Art Hotel Milano</a> <a href="https://www.arthotel-museo.it/en/?_gl=1%2A1h5l3us%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMTkyMDk0NzE0My4xNzY3NDgxMDkx%2A_ga_DSNT03LNNB%2AczE3Njc0ODEwODgkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njc0ODEwODgkajYwJGwwJGgyMDEwOTY5MDEw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Art Hotel Museo</a> Transportation for the wedding will be available from I Vivai.

Travel Tips

Passports: Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates. Packing: Summer in Tuscany is warm and sunny - light clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Please check the home page for suggested attire for wedding related events! Extra Time: We encourage you to extend your stay to enjoy Florence, Chianti wine country, and the Tuscan countryside.

Travel

Things To Do Around Montemurlo

Montemurlo is ideally located for exploring some of Tuscany's most beautiful destinations. We recommend visiting nearby Prato for its historic center and famous biscotti, enjoying wine tastings in the hills of Carmignano, exploring the charming village of Artimino, or hiking in the nearby Monteferrato Nature Reserve. For day trips, both Florence and Lucca are easily accessible and offer unforgettable Tuscan experiences.

Explore Nearby Prato

Explore Historic Prato Take a stroll through Prato's charming historic center, featuring the beautiful Prato Cathedral, the medieval Castello dell'Imperatore, and lively piazzas filled with cafés, shops, and gelato. Prato's compact city center is perfect for an afternoon of wandering. Try Authentic Biscotti di Prato (actually do this!)Prato is the birthplace of Italy's famous almond biscotti ("cantucci"). Stop by the historic Biscottificio Antonio Mattei to sample the original recipe that has been made here since the 1800s. Visit the Textile MuseumPrato has been the center of Italy's textile industry for centuries. The Textile Museum of Prato offers an interesting look at the city's history and fashion heritage. Discover Contemporary ArtArt lovers should visit the Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci, one of Italy's leading contemporary art museums.

Wine Tasting in Carmignano

The hills south of Prato are home to one of Tuscany's oldest wine regions. Many wineries offer tastings featuring local reds, olive oils, and spectacular countryside views.

Take a Day Trip to Florence

Florence is only about 25 minutes away by train or car, making it an easy day trip. Explore world-famous art, historic landmarks, shopping, and incredible restaurants.

Hike in Monteferrato Nature Reserve

Located just outside Montemurlo, this protected natural area offers scenic walking and hiking trails with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

Enjoy a Tuscan Cooking Class

Many local farms and agriturismi offer hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to make fresh pasta, traditional sauces, and classic Tuscan dishes.

Day Trip to Lucca

About an hour away, Lucca is famous for its intact Renaissance walls, charming streets, bike-friendly atmosphere, and beautiful piazzas.

Relax and Enjoy Tuscan Life

Some of our favorite memories in Tuscany come from simply slowing down—enjoying a long meal, sipping wine in a piazza, or wandering through the countryside. We encourage everyone to take some time to embrace the relaxed pace of life that makes Tuscany so special :)

Things to Do

Registry

Wedding Day: Garden Party Formal

Gentlemen are asked to wear a suit. Tie is optional (John is not wearing one). Lighter fabrics and seasonal colors are welcome but the formality of the occasion should be reflected in your attire. Think timeless and polished, with a touch of garden charm. Ladies are encouraged to wear formal dresses - midi, tea-length, or floor-length - in soft hues or classic patterns suited for an outdoor setting (like florals). Block heels, wedges, or refined flats are appropriate for the lawn.

Welcome Party: Semi Formal

The welcome party will be held outdoors in the Tuscan summer, so we encourage guests to dress comfortably while embracing a relaxed, elevated style. Gentlemen should wear a lightweight suit (no tie necessary), or opt for dress slacks paired with a knit polo, knit button-down, or cardigan. Please refrain from wearing shorts.Ladies should wear flowing sundresses, elegant rompers, and other chic summer attire are encouraged. Please avoid denim and casual shorts. Think effortless Italian summer style—comfortable, polished, and celebration-ready.

John + Allison