Honeymooning in Italy Part 1 // Tuscany
Photography by Sergio Sorrentino
In September 2021 we finally got to embark on our postponed honeymoon & it’s an understatement to say that it was an absolute dream. It’s bittersweet to look back on these memories almost daily because I am beyond grateful to have had this wonderful experience but I’m also super sad to know that moment in time has passed and will never be repeated in the same circumstances again.
Photography by Sergio Sorrentino
Planning Process & Postponement
Typically when I travel I am go-go-go, looking up every possible cultural and food related must stop to take it all in. For our honeymoon, I wanted both of us to be as relaxed as possible and still enjoy all the things we love most about travelling and exploring. Travelling with Nick taught me that rest, especially in the first few days, is essential for him to really disconnect and feel like he’s on vacation. For those reasons and our love of Italy we decided this would be the best of all worlds. We have both travelled to Italy multiple times on our own, and a few years ago had a lovely stay in Venice together after a trip to Ukraine. This meant we weren’t desperate to see multiple cities in a short amount of time and the priority became to stay longer in one place to fully immerse ourselves and relax.
Venice 2017
In 2020 we knew we wouldn’t be able to make the trip in September so two of our hotels allowed us to postpone to 2021 and one we had to cancel with the intention of rebooking later. More on that later.
When we finally had our originally planned wedding (albeit still modified) in August, it all felt very real and we knew Italy in September was finally a go.
Photography by Brittany Williams (More from the wedding to come!)
It’s hard to describe the feeling in those 3 weeks between the wedding and the honeymoon. The COVID situation seemed a lot better, weddings were back on, travel was back on, yet there was a constant fear that something would change and we wouldn’t be able to go. This was a dream that I held onto through all of the lockdowns, knowing one day we’ll have the trip we envisioned.
Travelling during COVID and the trip over
This was September 2021 so keep in mind I have no idea how the travel situation has changed but I’ll tell you how it was then. I knew we needed to show proof of our vaccination and fill out a Passenger Locator Form for Italy, letting them know our information and where we were staying. I actually drove to Pearson twice to talk to someone directly about whether we need any testing as well. I was told only the vaccine and PLF were required. But because we were transiting through Germany and it seemed unclear from the different sites and consulates displaying conflicting information, we decided to get the full PCR tests done just to be safe. My thinking was beyond these 3 things there’s nothing else they could ask us so we would be covered (can you tell I had a lot of anxiety with this?). So after $275 each, the negative PCR tests, vaccine proof and PLF in hand, we showed up to Pearson for our departure and what do you know - the rules literally changed overnight and the PCR test was the first thing they asked us to show.
I splurged and surprised Nick with an upgrade to Business Class which definitely went along with the “once in a lifetime” theme of this whole trip. I think it’ll be really hard to travel in any other way now, so it might not have been the best plan but at the same time, it motivates me to one day have this experience again. I’ve always had a great experience with Lufthansa so we flew through Frankfurt to Florence for our first stop in Tuscany. The whole experience was incredible, the best part obviously being the fully reclining pods that go into bed mode. All of the extra space, dining with all real dinnerware and linens, the fantastic nap coupled with a bit more comfort during COVID, all made for a very relaxing and wonderful start to the honeymoon.
I know it’s cheesy but I was so truly grateful at every point of the journey. Watching the clouds, even going through the connections process, I was just so so thrilled that this was really happening. After everything we went through the last 2 years I will never take travel for granted ever again. It’s a huge privilege and I am so grateful this worked out.
Borgo Pignano
When deciding where to stay, again I was tempted to see as much as possible - maybe Florence and explore from there (even though both of us had already experienced that). We decided we wanted something more relaxing with less moving around. I came across Borgo Pignano when one of my favourites, Julia Berolzheimer visited a few years ago and I instantly fell in love. With so much on site, we knew we could spend a full week here and not be tired of it. There was always the option to explore local towns if we wanted to, but this resort-like oasis in the Tuscan hills seemed like the ideal place to disconnect and just focus on us.
Borgo Pignano sits on 750 acres of organic farmland and was first settled in the Etruscan times. From the renovations to the food served daily, sustainability is key here and the property has numerous eco-resort accolades and certifications. I knew Nick would love to tour the organic farm, see all the animals, and take in some of the unique experiences offered (like truffle hunting with a local guide!). Since Nick is the type to just show up, everything starting at the airport was pretty much a surprise for him. The property has an impressive infinity pool, a spa, wine tastings, bikes, horseback riding, with many more options like offsite cooking lessons, art lessons, kids activities, local trips - anything you think you might want to experience, the lovely staff will help you set it up.
Photography by Sergio Sorrentino
The staff were incredible when we had to postpone and when I asked a million questions to set up our itinerary just the way I wanted it. They set up our car transfer and we were met at luggage claim and taken directly to the property. Upon arrival we had a brief “orientation” in the courtyard to let us know about all of the areas and amenities and waited in the outdoor lounge while our room was prepared. Our room was in the main villa but there are numerous options (like the maisonettes and private villas if you are travelling with a larger group). I was in heaven. We finally made it.
Photography by Sergio Sorrentino
We unpacked, took a nap & enjoyed our first dinner in paradise. Tip: we didn’t know this ahead of time and assumed that because the restaurant is part of the hotel we could just walk in for dinner, but reservations are a must (especially if you want a particular table with a view). For the first night we didn’t know and were accommodated where there was space, but for the subsequent days we knew to pre-book. Lots of people who may not be staying on the property but around the area do book and visit just for dinner so reservations are key!
Details: Reformation Dress, Similar Here; Steve Madden Shoes
We adjusted to the new time zone by soaking in our new breakfast ritual and exploring the grounds near the pool. The only thing we had planned for the day was a wine tasting before dinner so we spent the day relaxing, swimming, napping & taking it all in.
Details: Amazon Dress; Pastiche Sunhat; Anthropologie Bathing Suit, Similar Here & Here; Mara Hoffman Cover Up Skirt, Similar Here; Loved this read - “Maybe in Another Life”
That evening the resort’s Food & Beverage Director & Sommelier led us through an Etruscan wine tasting on Borgo’s gorgeous belvedere. We were joined by another couple, also on their honeymoon from London and it was such a lovely experience. Not focusing on a very “formal” structure, he led us through a more approachable and enjoyable tasting and we quickly bonded with our new friends and decided to combine our dinner reservation to have dinner together.
Details: Mango Set; Castaner Espadrilles and here; Pastiche Earrings
Mornings are pure magic here.
Because this was such a once in a lifetime experience for us, I decided I wanted to enlist a professional to help capture this for us. When travelling just the two of us we have lots of photos of each other but rarely together. I highly recommend planning a professional photoshoot if you can, it really preserves that honeymoon magic and will be something you treasure for years to come.
I met Sergio Sorrentino in 2019 through Lace and Luce (who will be a part of Part 2!) and we clicked right away. Through the postponements and shifting ideas, we collaborated over Zoom to style a beautiful session together. Sergio suggested he would shoot a short session at Borgo Pignano and then join us a week later in Positano to capture the very different feel of both locations and our experiences in them. These are truly some of my most treasured photos now. Tip: When planning a session, think about what you want to capture. A private dinner? A picnic? We chose a golden hour stroll through the magnificent property to get that quintessential Tuscan feeling. Because we knew we were going to do another shoot in Positano, we knew we were going to capture a very different experience (more on that in Part 2!).
We not only had a wonderful “date night” experience where we relaxed and focused on each other while exploring the property, we also quickly made a new friend. Sergio is such a lovely, creative soul, and his passion truly shines from the moment you meet him. Shooting exclusively on film, Sergio immortalized this truly unique experience for us.
Overall, this was exactly the honeymoon we wanted. After one week we were so rested we said this could be a complete trip on its own.
Details: Hillhouse Home Dress, similar here and here; Abercrombie linen dress; H&M x Brock Collection Sunglasses; Boutique 1861 Floral Mini; Castaner Espadrilles and here; Pastiche Earrings
We wanted to venture out and explore the area a little bit so we decided to spend the day in Volterra since neither of us had been there and we had a gorgeous view of it every day from the pool. The hotel helped organize a car to get us there and recommended a local English speaking guide who we met in the main square and embarked on a walking tour of the ancient city. The history of Volterra predates 8th century BC and contains a lot of Etruscan, Roman & Medieval sites.
Details: Abercrombie Swimsuit, similar here, Banana Republic Dress as cover up, similar here; Evernew Paisley Dress, similar here; Prada Shoes
I was right — the unique activities turned out to be Nick’s favourite moments. We toured the organic vegetable farm which provides all of the food (including honey and even florals and all the elements for the homemade soaps and essential oils) used on site. We explored more of the grounds and checked in with the animals before popping into the gallery for a really neat exhibit on Italian “every day” cars through the years.
Details: H&M x Brock Collection Dress, similar here and here; Prada Shoes; Pastiche Earrings
Overall we were so happy with our experience. Staying mostly in one spot allowed us to rest, to focus on each other and enjoy incredible food and scenery. Borgo Pignano was a fantastic base and had everything we needed to soak it all in.
Stay tuned for Part 2 for our adventures on the Amalfi Coast!