Tuscany has this rare ability to feel both majestic and intimate. The golden light, the silence in the countryside, the scent of wild herbs at dusk – it creates a deep emotional atmosphere…”
Sandra Tartaglia, Founder, Toscana Bliss
Sandra Tartaglia is the founder of Toscana Bliss, a company that plans and designs elegant, soulful destination weddings across Tuscany for couples from around the world. Based near Florence, in the heart of the region, Sandra collaborates with a small but dedicated team that shares her passion for beauty, attention to detail, and emotional authenticity. In this discussion, we explore what makes the area so special and what Sandra offers to her clients…
What makes weddings here unforgettable is how people feel: relaxed, welcomed, and connected to something real. It’s not just about the beauty, it’s the mood, the slow rhythm, and the sense of timelessness…”
Sandra Tartaglia, Founder, Toscana Bliss
C&B: “Sandra, Tuscany is known around the world for it’s charm and beauty – can you share a few of your favourite venues in the area that perfectly embody the romance of the region?”
ST: “Yes – there are three I particularly love, each with its own soul. Borgo Corsignano is a hidden retreat in the Casentino valley. It’s an entire hamlet surrounded by woods, ideal for multi-day weddings with a true sense of privacy and warmth. Couples often tell me it feels like hosting their wedding in a little dream village. Borgo Stomennano, closer to Siena, is pure Tuscan poetry: cypress trees, faded stone walls, olive groves, and an atmosphere suspended in time. It’s grand yet intimate; perfect for romantic, cinematic celebrations. Then there’s Villa Gamberaia, a true jewel above Florence. Its Renaissance gardens and panoramic views are iconic. It’s refined, historical, and deeply elegant and perfect for couples with a love for art and classic beauty…”
C&B: “What are a few of the latest themes in wedding decor that you’re offering for Tuscan weddings?”
ST: “Lately I’ve seen couples move toward refined simplicity: natural textures, muted tones, and a mix of organic and tailored elements. Think local ceramics, hand-dyed fabrics, and imperfect floral compositions. There’s also a growing interest in mixing old-world charm with modern touches – such as bold fonts on minimal stationery or sculptural floral pieces in historical spaces. The key is balance: creating something unique but still harmonious with the surroundings…”
C&B: “That sounds beautiful – a mix of rustic and contemporary glamour. Do you always incorporate local culture or traditions into the weddings you organise?”
ST: “Yes, but gently, and never in a ‘staged’ manner. Sometimes it’s through food, like a live pasta-making station or local olive oil tastings. Other times it’s in the setting of the ceremony, under ancient olive trees or in a tiny church in a hamlet. We might use vintage Italian linens, herbs from the garden, or old terracotta vases. It’s all about subtle details that give meaning and authenticity, not clichés…”
Activities I’d recommend for a wedding in Tuscany are a relaxed wine tasting at a small, family-run vineyard, where stories are told between glasses; a countryside pizza night with a mobile wood oven – fun, casual, and delicious; a private walking tour of Florence, Siena, or a nearby town with a passionate local guide – it adds depth and connection to the place…
Sandra Tartaglia, Founder, Toscana Bliss
C&B: “What advice would you offer to couples looking to personalise their wedding experience in Tuscany?”
ST: “I’d advise starting with what matters most to them emotionally, not just visually. Ask themselves how they want to feel on their wedding day: intimate, joyful, adventurous? Let that guide the choices. Tuscany offers so much beauty naturally, so couples don’t need to over-style. And they don’t need to be afraid to do things their way, even small details, like handwritten notes for guests or a quiet moment alone before dinner, make a wedding feel truly theirs…”
C&B: “Could you describe a particularly memorable wedding you have organised in Tuscany and what made it special?”
ST: “One I’ll always remember was an elopement in the Val d’Orcia. Just the couple and their two best friends. It started to rain softly during the ceremony, and they didn’t move; they just held each other, completely present. Afterward, they had a candlelit dinner inside a wine cellar with live guitar music. There was no grandeur, just truth and beauty. It reminded me why I do what I do…”
Aperitivo is usually a highlight, with small bites, live cooking stations, and relaxed conversation under the trees…”
Sandra Tartaglia, Founder, Toscana Bliss
C&B: “What role does local cuisine play in your wedding planning, and how do you curate culinary experiences for couples?”
ST: “Food in Tuscany is a celebration in itself: simple, honest, and full of love. We work closely with chefs and caterers who understand that every wedding menu should tell a story. Whether it’s a rustic family-style dinner or a refined 3-course meal, we focus on seasonal ingredients, regional wines, and local traditions. Aperitivo is usually a highlight, with small bites, live cooking stations, and relaxed conversation under the trees…”
CONTACT: http://www.toscanabliss.com
