September 06, 2025
Ceremony
4:00 in the Afternoon
Dimora Ghirlandaio
Via di Colle Ramole, 59 – 50023
Impruneta Florence-Italy
Black tie
Cocktail Hour
Dimora's Courtyard
Reception
Renaissance Garden
Afterparty
11:00 at Night
Locale Firenze
transportation will be provided
Until we say I do
Let's do this thing
Accommodations
Dear Family and Friends,
We have curated a selection of accommodations to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Some of these hotels offer special rates or promo codes (please enter them exactly as written) for your convenience.
To finalize your booking, please follow the instructions provided for each option. Kindly note that these offers are available for a limited number of rooms.
Transportation to and from the events will be provided throughout the weekend from the recommended properties outside Florence, as well as from designated pick-up points in Florence that are conveniently located for the selected hotels.
Hotels in Florence
You can't go wrong with staying in Florence! Enjoy the capital of the Tuscany region as you walk around the cobbled streets taking in the renaissance art and architecture. Not only are you a 25 minute drive from the wedding venue, but you will be surrounded by the many local shops the city of Florence has to offer.
tip: many Italian hotel websites display the total cost for your entire stay in the search results, rather than the price per night. If you notice a price that's significantly higher—perhaps double or more—than the per-night rate listed below, double-check the details. It's likely you're seeing the total cost, not the nightly rate.
Florence Old Bridge ***
Use the promotional code MARLENE&MATTHEW on their website for 5% discount.
(€ 200 - € 300/night)
Relais Piazza Della Signoria ***
You can proceed with booking directly on their website. Select the non-refundable rate (the lowest available), and include the note “Marlene and Matthew’s wedding” in your reservation. This will allow you to secure the lowest rate while benefiting from refundable conditions. Please do not forget to mention our names, otherwise, you will be automatically charged upon confirmation. Continental breakfast can be booked with a supplement of 14 € person/day at Perseo Café which is 2-minute walk from the hotel.
(€ 200 - € 300/night)
Glance Hotel in Florence ****
Use the promotional code MARLENEMATTHEW on their website for 10% discount
(€ 300 - € 450/night)
Corte Guelfa B&B ****
To access the room block and special agreed rate, please email reservation@ph-group.it and mention Marlene and Matthew’s wedding. Prices start at 350,00 € per night, with breakfast included. The offer is valid for reservations finalized by April 30th.
(€ 300 - € 450/night)
Lungarno Gallery Hotel Art *****
To secure the special agreed rate, please email l.lombardi@lungarnocollection.com and reference Marlene and Matthew’s wedding. Availability upon request. Prices start at 450,00 € (prestige room) per night, with breakfast included.
(€ 450 - € 650/night)
Hotel Calimala *****
Use the promotional code MarleneMatthew on their website for a 10% discount.
The welcome event is hosted at Hotel Calimala's restaurant, Angel Roofbar!
(€ 450 - € 650/night)
Hotel Bernini Palace *****
Use the promotional code Marlene+Matthew on their website for 10% discount
(€ 450 - € 650/night)
Grand Hotel Minerva *****
Use the promotional code WED6SEPT on their website for 10% discount
(€ 650+/night)
Villa Cora *****
If you arrive Thursday or earlier, you will catch us here before we head to the venue, Dimora Ghirlandaio, for the weekend. Come have a negroni with us in the underground bar!
To secure the special agreed rate, please email booking@villacora.it and reference Marlene and Matthew’s wedding. Availability upon request. Discounted rates are available also for the period before the 5th. Special rates will be applied for reservations finalized by April 30th and are valid for a limited number of rooms. Discounted rates start at 1.056,00 per night, with breakfast included.
(€ 650+/night)
Private Apartments & AirBnB's
Why not take advantage of being in Italy and make it a great time with friends! Find a space to accommodate your group. Below are a few options- be quick or else you may find another guest beat you to it!
Alma San Pier Maggiore
A condo for up to 6 guests in the heart of Florence.
Ponte Vecchio Penthouse
An apartment for 6 guests with views that can't be beat!
Uffizi Palace Apartment
A two-story apartment for 6 guests that is a 2 minute walk from the Duomo and a 10 minute walk from the train station!
Soggiorni D’Arte Luxury Apartments
Just steps from Ponte Vecchio you can find apartments ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms for your convenience and can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Tuscan Villas
Want to opt for a Tuscan hills retreat? See below for some beautiful villas!
Villa la Piccioncina
This villa is located just outside Florence, a 5-minute drive from Piazzale Michelangelo—perfect for a large group of friends (can host up to 12 guests).
Villa Le Cipresse
Dimora Ghirlandaio's sister property! Our wedding venue has a smaller property that is only a 2 minute drive (or 10 minute walk) to where the action will take place. This venue sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms) and you are welcome to join us for breakfast each morning. For inquires and reservations, please email Concierge@dimoraghirlandaio.it and reference Marlene and Matthew’s wedding.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Silvia, our concierge manager. She will be happy to assist you with your plans.
Our concierge team is available Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 5 PM (Italy time)
Email: concierge@smartluxitaly.com
See you in Tuscany!
Catch Flights
Fly to Florence
Fly straight to Florence, the city that is 20 minutes from our wedding venue.
Although not a big airport, you can easily find flights from most major cities in Europe and the UK.
Fly to Rome
Flying to Rome from the US gives you more flight options and often at a more affordable price.
Take the bullet train to Florence and arrive in an hour and half!
Fly to Milan
Depending on your preferred airline carrier, Milan may the better option for you. As a major city, you can easily find flights from the US, as well as other European cities and the UK.
Take the bullet train to Florence and arrive in under two hours!
Transportation
Trains
Whether you are taking a regional train for a day trip or a high-speed (bullet) train from one city to another, the train system in Italy is very efficient and simple to use! Trenitalia is the national rail system and offers high-speed trains. Italo is a private company that also offers high-speed trains. Both are great and efficient; Trenitalia's trains, namely their premium class, are slightly nicer than Italo, but you will find the latter usually has lower prices. We recommend buying directly through the sites, but sites like the Trainline and Omio are also great and easy to use (download their apps for e-tickets and ease of use)! We recommend buying high-speed train tickets a few weeks in advance. Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the main train station in Florence (Firenze).
Helpful Words to Know:
Train | il treno
Train station | stazione dei treni OR stazione ferroviaria
Ticket | biglietto
Ticket office | la biglietteria
Platform | binario
Carriage | la carrozza
Seat | posti
Arrivals / Departures | arrivi / partenze
What is the next stop? | Qual è la prossima fermata?
Taxi/Uber
Florence now has Uber! It works slightly different here, however. Uber allows you to essentially hail a taxi via the app. It works just as well and is just as reliable. Taxi's are also always an option for getting around.
tip: head to any hotel if you need a taxi called for you while you are walking around town. We were able to easily get an uber from the villa during our site visits, too!
Shuttle Service
We will have a car service to the venue and back on the wedding day, as well as the Sunday brunch event. Be sure to indicate on your RSVP whether you will be using the provided service or providing your own transportation.
If you need further assistance with transportation throughout your stay, please contact our Concierge Manager, Silvia.
Travel Agent
Questions about the weekend or need help while in Italy?
Contact Silvia, our travel concierge manager. She will be happy to assist you with your plan, free of charge.
Overwhelmed with planning?
Contact Priscilla Hurst to assist you today at no cost to you!
Things to do
Visit Chianti
Everyone has heard of the Chianti region, and now you can visit it in as little as 25 minutes! You can rent a car, take a taxi, or the train. Pick up some wonderful reds and whites to take home! We are partial to Grape Tours if you are looking for a half day or full day tour of the area.
Visit the town of Montalcino
Visit one of our favorite towns in Tuscany- Montalcino!
Our favorite wine, Brunello di Montalcino, comes from this beautiful area. Montalcino is about an hour and a half by car, but do not fret about driving in the Tuscan countryside, it is nothing like driving in the city! You can visit charming towns like Pienza or the town of Siena, it's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, it is not a trip to Montalcino without visiting one of the many wonderful wineries in the area-be sure to grab a bottle or 12 for your home bar.
Stroll the city of Florence
Although Florence is a big city, it is small enough to walk around leisurely and see all the sights in one afternoon.
Start your day with a coffee and pastry at one of the many cafes around town while you check out the shops on your way to visit the Duomo. Stop by the Mercato Centrale for a casual lunch (tip: grab a bottle of wine from a nearby shop to accompany your meal) or grab a sandwich at I' Girone De' Ghiotti. After lunch, grab a gelato and visit Venus at the Uffizi Gallery, where you will find the original Birth of Venus painting; or you can visit the Statue of David at Galleria dell'Accademia. Following your afternoon of Renaissance art, walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio to Babae for some wine through one of the oldest wine windows still in operation. Finish your day with a hearty dinner. We recommend Osteria dell'Enoteca for Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), for a more intimate meal, check out Ristorante Santa Elisabetta, or dine at Gunè San Frediano for a gastronomic experience. End your night with a drink at Locale Firenze.
Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts...
We truly could not ask for anything more than your presence, but should you wish, we would appreciate any donations to organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.
CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocate
Denver & Houston Chapters
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children or sibling groups in foster care. Their mission is to disrupt the cycle of child abuse by ensuring that every child receives the attention and care they deserve within the child welfare system. CASA volunteers serve as consistent, reliable advocates, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks of our overburdened system.
While now residing in Colorado, Marlene and Matthew remain committed to supporting both the Denver and Houston CASA organizations.
Fun Fact: Every year, Marlene would run the Houston Marathon to fundraise for this organization of which she was an appointed court advocate.
Animal Care
It all began with a pup named Oslo. While Marlene had always been an animal lover, it wasn’t until this floofy little cloud of joy entered our lives that Matt really started to feel the emotional pull. Now, whenever we celebrate a "small win"—or, more accurately, whenever Oslo flashes his irresistible smile and Matt turns to mush—we make a donation to the Denver Animal Shelter in his honor.
Our journey with animals took another heartwarming turn when we tried to rescue a baby squirrel that had fallen from our tree. That’s when we discovered the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance. We were absolutely blown away by the incredible work they do and the difference they make, all thanks to the tireless dedication of their volunteers.
Denver Animal Shelter- Their mission is to empower Denver’s communities to lead healthier, longer lives by nurturing the human-animal bond and ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and people. The Denver Animal Shelter is proud to have one of the highest pet placement rates among municipal shelters across the United States.
Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance- The Alliance is dedicated to enhancing the care and protection of native wildlife and their ecosystems through their wildlife hospital and rehabilitation center. Beyond caring for the animals that come through their doors, they take a proactive approach by educating the public on how individual actions—both in everyday life and in their own backyards—can contribute to conservation efforts.
Fertility Financial Assistance Programs
There are wonderful fertility assistance programs that offer financial support to couples who are struggling with the high costs of fertility treatments. These programs help alleviate the burden of medical expenses and give families a chance to pursue their dreams of parenthood.
Most of you know that we have been going through IVF for about 30 years now — it's been less than two years, it just feels like a lifetime. Although we are struggling (maybe 6th time is the charm???), it is not lost on us how incredibly fortunate we are to have the resources, knowledge, and flexibility that many do not share.
What weighs heavily on our hearts is knowing that many individuals—especially veterans and cancer survivors—can't even consider this journey due to financial constraints. It's disheartening to think that some are forced into significant debt just for a chance at parenthood.
That's why we're supporting Baby Quest Foundation, a wonderful organization that provides financial assistance for fertility treatments like IVF, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy. They've awarded over $3.5 million in grants and helped bring more than 190 babies into the world!
If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back, please consider donating to Baby Quest. In each grant cycle, Baby Quest is committed to awarding at least one grant to a military service member—whether active or veteran—and one to a cancer survivor whose fertility has been affected by treatment.
Your contribution could make a world of difference for someone dreaming of becoming a parent.
FAQ's
Do I need to RSVP by a certain date?
Yes! Although we appreciate an early response, we ask that you RSVP by no later than July 15.
Be sure to let our Travel Concierge know where you are staying!