Renewing our Vows

June is our anniversary month and I keep thinking about our vow renewal.  It’s one of those special trips that always remains in my memory.  I just love looking at the photos and seeing Joe and I and our kids and remember how special and how sweet this time was.  A lot of planning went into our vow renewal in Tuscany but not as much as you would imagine.  As a matter of fact, the staff at La Bandita Country House in Pienza, Italy were so helpful, they made our dreams come true!

Bring the Kids!

When I started planning this trip I was always going to include my children.  I wanted to celebrate our anniversary but also our wonderful little family.  Take a look at the photo – the kids may not have shared my dreams but I still think it left an impression on them.

La Bandita in Tuscany

La Bandita is just dreamy.  Seriously, I swoon.  La Bandita is cool, gorgeous, luxurious, remote and just a little bit rock ‘n roll.  Former music executive and manager to Christina Aguilera and the Strokes, John Voigtmann, decided to leave New York City and renovate an old Tuscan farmhouse and create the chic and cozy retreat that is La Bandita.  Lucky for us he did.  Traditionally Tuscan from the outside, the farmhouse is sleek and modern on the inside.  The gracious staff could not be more accommodating – many times after a day of sightseeing we would come into the farmhouse and help ourselves to a lovely red wine from the honor bar and talk with the chef while he made preparations for an amazing 4 course dinner.  Dinners were communal and I honestly cannot forget the zuchinni flowers, lightly fried (with gluten free bread crumbs, please) and filled with the softest and creamiest homemade ricotta.  The guests at La Bandita were all so kind and friendly – and it was so much fun getting know them and their kids.  Yes, La Bandita is definitely family-friendly but also honeymoon worthy.

Planning our Big Day

I put all of the plans for our vow renewal in Tuscany into the very capable hands of Elena and Paola at La Bandita.  They acquired an officiant, hired the florist, set the intimate location for our ceremony at the farmhouse and recommended the photographer.  Generally I would over-research everything to make sure it was exactly how I would want it for a day like this.  Trying to plan something like this halfway around the world can be hard.  Somehow I found it easy to just let my worries go.  I think I was too busy trying to figure out how I was going to pack my wedding dress in my carry on bag since we were not checking luggage.  Seriously, what was I thinking?  (This trip to Tuscany was part of a longer trip around Italy involving lots of trains, so we did not want to be burdened with big, heavy bags.)  A few days before our ceremony we met with the chef to discuss the private dinner menu for the four of us.

The Perfect Day for a Vow Renewal

As the sun began to set on the glorious and picture perfect Tuscan hills we renewed our vows and it was everything I could have hoped for.  A beautiful day with Joe, with our kids by our sides.  They were not big fans of the romantic setting (see below) and honestly seeing them on their phones acting disinterested is just the ideal snapshot of their ages and just so them!

Planning Tips For Your Vow Renewal in Tuscany

Stay at La Bandita!  You will not regret it!!  The have another property in the city of Pienza, La Bandita Townhouse, that is just as amazing with a top notch restaurant as well.  Of course we ate there too!  And if you are renewing your vows, let the staff take care of all the details!

Here is the link to our photographer – Alfredo Falvo.  His photos were just fabulous and he was so nice to work with!  He also does photography workshops in Tuscany.  You can find the information here – Tuscany Photography Day.  Super gorgeous images!