We were married in Tuscany in an extremely intimate ceremony — just the two of us and a photographer. In the ruins of San Galgano Abbey, the remains of Catholic church set among the rolling hills of the Chianti countryside. Once a place of worship, the open-air ruins felt like a poetic nod to both of our religious upbringings — sacred, quiet, and rooted in history, yet open to the sky. The ceremony was simple and deeply personal, unfolding in a setting that felt timeless and grounding. It was a moment that felt entirely our own.

After the ceremony, the rest of the trip unfolded as an adventure. With a rental car and no real agenda — and an Airbnb nestled into a vineyard atop the hills of Chianti — we spent our days driving winding roads, stopping in small towns to explore, eat well, browse local shops, and enjoy great wine. We arrived just after the olive harvest, savoring impossibly fresh olive oil, and during the height of truffle season, when nearly every meal felt like a small gift. It was a season of slowing down and savoring, and one that gave us memories we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.