Helen & Jack
Joyfully invite you to their wedding celebration
Our Story
Jack & Helen met in 2016 via a dating app which was popular at the time (but let's gloss over that for now). After adapting to life as a three with Helen's son Thomas, the couple moved in together at the start of 2020. This turned out to be good timing on their part as the pandemic hit so the family had plenty of time together whilst in lockdown, inventing yummy cocktails, watching documentaries on Netflix and of course, baking banana bread.
In August 21, whilst on holiday to Malta (one of the few Green countries available to visit), Jack popped the question on an evening out to Valletta, the islands capital town. After some embarrassing public sobbing, Helen eventually said "Yes".
Fast forward to planning this beautiful Tuscan wedding, they could not be more excited to welcome you to their upcoming nuptials and celebrations in 2023.
The Wedding
Itinerary
Friday 7th April
Saturday 8th April
Sunday 9th April
Monday 10th April
Arrival day.
Check in available from 2pm.
We are hoping to organise a meal or restaurant for the evening, depending on what time people will be arriving.
Hopefully you will join us for some drinks in the evening!
The wedding day!
Service will be beginning at 1pm. This will be followed by a drinks reception, then the wedding breakfast. After the speeches it will be time to dance, drink and party!
Music has to shut off at 1:30 and the bar will close not long after.
Once recovered from the antics of the wedding the day is yours.
There are a number of wonderful local tours to go on or towns to visit! Or just unwind and relax around the pool and hotel.
In the evening we will be organising a pizza party for everyone.
Home time :(
Check out is at 11am.
The Venue
Set halfway up the hill separating the Valdarno and Chianti Valleys, Villa Barberino dates back to the 14th-century. It offers landscaped gardens, luxury accommodation, and panoramic views.
All rooms at Villa Barberino include original features such as wood-beamed ceilings and antique furniture. Apartments also feature a kitchen or kitchenette. Air conditioning is available in some units.
Accommodation is provided in a number of historic buildings, forming a large country estate on the former grounds of Barberino Castle. The Villa also offers an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.
Accommodation
There are a number of different room types available. Including apartments with fridge, hob and microwave available. Please state your preferred room type when RSVPing and we will try to accomadate you as best we can!
Getting There
Plane
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) is the closest airport to the venue. It is currently served by B.A and Vueling flying out of Gatwick (LGW) or from London City Airport (LCY). There is also the option to fly from Southampton Airport with KLM, however there is a 1hr stopover in Amsterdam and the flights tend to get in late in the evening.
The other option is Pisa Airport, Galileo Galilei (PSA) which has more regular and often cheaper flights flights from all London airports but is an extra 40 mins drive from the venue.
(please note, at time of writing flights have just been released for the Gatwick to Florence flights so they are showing higher prices. These should come down a fair bit over the next few months!)
Car Rental & Taxis
Car rental is the best way to get to and from the Venue. Rates start at about €100-150 for 3 days in a small car with no insurance excess.
A pre-booked transfer car will cost around €80-120 depending on the size of the car, some offer the option of a minivan if multiple familes wanted to travel together.
Train
If you fancy checking out the scenic Tuscan countryside. You can travel direct from Florence Airport to Florence train station then on to San Giovanni Valdarno station which is a 10 minute drive to the venue (pickup can be arranged without cost)
Q&As
Are we all staying at the Villa?
Yes! We have an exclusivity agreement with Villa Barberino so it will only be our guests at the hotel. We would love for everyone to stay here together! There are a range of rooms which should suit everyone.
Are children allowed?
Although kids are welcome, please feel free to just come yourselves and pack the little ones off with relatives for the weekend so you can fully relax and enjoy the weekend.
What is the cost per room?
We have supplemented the cost of the rooms in order to make this as affordable for everyone as possible. £150 per room will cover all 3 nights of the stay. As part of our arrangement we will be paying for rooms when we know our final numbers rather than people paying individually when at the hotel. Once you have RSVP'd if you could send the payment to Jack Harrison Sort Code 40-42-19 Account Number 01406272 .
What is included in the cost?
The cost includes your room for 3 nights as well as a delicious breakfast in the mornings. We will obviously be providing food on the wedding day on Saturday and are hoping to organise a pizza party on the Sunday evening.
What will the weather be like?
Meleto in Tuscany SHOULD be very pleasant in April, average high temperatures tend to be high teens to low twenties with it cooling a bit later in the evening. There is a low risk of rain although it is possible.
Will there be vegetarian/vegan options?
Yes, just please let us know any dietary restrictions when RSVPing and we will make sure you are catered for. There is also a children's menu for the youngsters.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is a large car park that is free for all guests to use.
Is there WIFI?
Yes, there is wifi in the rooms and communal areas, however at present we cannot vouch for how strong it is. We will be visiting in November so can report back then.
