Welcome Pizza & Spritz

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Poolside Farewell Party

Welcome to our wedding website!

We’re&nbsp;so&nbsp;excited&nbsp;to celebrate&nbsp;this&nbsp;special moment with&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;you&nbsp;in the&nbsp;heart&nbsp;of&nbsp;Tuscany. Here,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;find&nbsp;all&nbsp;the information&nbsp;you&nbsp;need&nbsp;about&nbsp;the wedding weekend,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the schedule of events, travel&nbsp;tips,&nbsp;accommodation&nbsp;options, and more. All events will be held at Villa Catignano. We&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;wait&nbsp;to&nbsp;see&nbsp;you&nbsp;in&nbsp;Italy! ♡

Our Wedding

Our very own love story...

Paul and Taylor first crossed paths in the vibrant Nags Head pub in Covent Garden, London, during the fall of 2017, on a double date with friends. Their connection blossomed over several months filled with unforgettable date nights, from bowling and karaoke to cocktail clubs and boozy brunches. When Paul moved to New York for work, their budding romance faced a difficult turn. Despite the distance, Paul and Taylor soon realized that being apart was far less fulfilling than being together, even from afar. For the first two years of their official relationship, they endured the challenges of long-distance, with Taylor moving back home to Calgary to pursue her Master’s degree while Paul built his career over two thousand miles away in New York. Though they committed to seeing each other every month, the pandemic stretched those visits to as long as six months apart. After two years of love from a distance, Taylor moved to New York to pursue her doctorate, and they spent two beautiful years sharing a cozy one-bedroom apartment in Long Island City, Queens. It was during a romantic getaway to Aruba over American Thanksgiving 2023, amidst a breathtaking sunset picnic on Eagle Beach, that Paul proposed, marking an exciting new chapter in their journey together. Now, after four memorable years in New York, Paul and Taylor have embarked on a new adventure to Halifax, Canada, where Taylor is completing her residency. While both are dedicated to their individual careers, they continue to share a deep passion for travel, having explored eleven countries together so far (and counting!). Their story is a testament to love that knows no borders, built across countries, time zones, and ambitious pursuits. While their journey has been characterized by movement and change, their unwavering love for each other has always remained constant. It’s unclear yet where they’ll ultimately settle, though one truth stands clear, wherever life takes them, home is wherever they're together.

Our Story

Villa Catignano&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;historic&nbsp;17th-century villa&nbsp;located&nbsp;in the Chianti&nbsp;countryside, just&nbsp;outside&nbsp;Siena. Surrounded&nbsp;by&nbsp;vineyards&nbsp;and olive&nbsp;groves,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;setting for a&nbsp;romantic&nbsp;and&nbsp;unforgettable wedding weekend. The villa features&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;gardens,&nbsp;elegant&nbsp;courtyards, and&nbsp;charming&nbsp;accommodations,&nbsp;all&nbsp;set&nbsp;within&nbsp;a&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;Tuscan&nbsp;estate. Address:Villa CatignanoStrada Comunale di Catignano, 25Castelnuovo Berardenga – Siena (IT)

Venue

Travelling to Tuscany

The&nbsp;closest&nbsp;major&nbsp;airports to the villa&nbsp;are: Florence Airport (FLR) –&nbsp;approx. 1h 30min drivePisa Airport (PSA) –&nbsp;approx. 2h driveRome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) –&nbsp;approx. 2h 45min drive

Finding the Villa

Villa Catignano&nbsp;is&nbsp;located&nbsp;just 8 km&nbsp;northeast&nbsp;of Siena.&nbsp;Its&nbsp;location&nbsp;atop&nbsp;a beautiful&nbsp;cypress&nbsp;shaded&nbsp;hill&nbsp;provides&nbsp;extraordinary&nbsp;views&nbsp;of Siena and the&nbsp;Tuscan&nbsp;countryside. The private&nbsp;Tuscan&nbsp;villa&nbsp;is in close&nbsp;proximity&nbsp;to the&nbsp;most&nbsp;popular&nbsp;cities and&nbsp;towns&nbsp;in the area - San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Florence, and Arezzo. On the&nbsp;location’s&nbsp;website&nbsp;you&nbsp;will&nbsp;find&nbsp;directions&nbsp;whether&nbsp;you&nbsp;are coming from the North or the South. Address:Villa CatignanoStrada Comunale di Catignano, 25Castelnuovo Berardenga – Siena (IT)

Transportation

For the&nbsp;safety&nbsp;and&nbsp;convenience&nbsp;of&nbsp;all&nbsp;guests,&nbsp;we&nbsp;encourage&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;let&nbsp;us&nbsp;know&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;will&nbsp;need&nbsp;transfer service to and from the&nbsp;venue.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is&nbsp;to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;you&nbsp;to&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;your&nbsp;days&nbsp;without&nbsp;stress, and&nbsp;above&nbsp;all&nbsp;because&nbsp;we&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;want&nbsp;you&nbsp;to drink and&nbsp;then&nbsp;get&nbsp;behind&nbsp;the&nbsp;wheel. You&nbsp;can&nbsp;request&nbsp;this&nbsp;directly&nbsp;in the RSVP form, and&nbsp;we&nbsp;will&nbsp;coordinate the&nbsp;arrangements. Please&nbsp;note&nbsp;that&nbsp;for&nbsp;transportation,&nbsp;we&nbsp;have defined tentative&nbsp;meeting points (see below). These&nbsp;will&nbsp;be the&nbsp;pick-up and drop-off points, so&nbsp;if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;planning on&nbsp;staying&nbsp;at&nbsp;an Airbnb, these locations&nbsp;will&nbsp;still serve as the meeting points. For the&nbsp;rest&nbsp;of&nbsp;your&nbsp;stay in&nbsp;Tuscany—whether&nbsp;before&nbsp;or after the wedding—we&nbsp;do&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;renting a car,&nbsp;especially&nbsp;if&nbsp;you&nbsp;plan to&nbsp;explore&nbsp;the area or continue&nbsp;your&nbsp;journey&nbsp;independently.

Accommodation Suggestions 

(within ~25 minutes of Villa Catignano):

If&nbsp;you’d&nbsp;like to book rooms,&nbsp;you&nbsp;can click&nbsp;directly&nbsp;on the properties&nbsp;as this&nbsp;will&nbsp;take&nbsp;you&nbsp;to the sites.&nbsp;We&nbsp;recommend&nbsp;booking&nbsp;as&nbsp;soon&nbsp;as&nbsp;possible,&nbsp;as&nbsp;June&nbsp;is&nbsp;peak&nbsp;season for weddings and a&nbsp;popular&nbsp;tourist&nbsp;season. Transportation meeting points:(1) Villa&nbsp;Curina&nbsp;Resort &amp; Agriturismo Poggio Bonelli&nbsp;(2) Siena, City Center (details to come)

Countryside

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.villacurinaresort.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Villa&nbsp;Curina&nbsp;Resort&nbsp;</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.poggiobonelli.it" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Agriturismo Poggio Bonelli</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriturismopoderecasato.it " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Agriturismo Podere Casato</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriturismomelariano.it/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Agriturismo&nbsp;Melariano</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.castelmonastero.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Castel Monastero</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.borgosanfelice.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Borgo San Felice Resort</a>

Siena

•&nbsp;<a href="https://torredelfuggisole.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hotel Torre del Fuggisole</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.villadelsolesiena.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Villa del Sole Siena</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.palazzodelpapa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Palazzo del Papa</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ilgiardinodipantaneto.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Il giardino di Pantaneto</a> •&nbsp;<a href="https://www.relaisdegliangeli.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Relais degli Angeli</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.palazzoborghesesiena.it/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghesi</a>

♡ Once booked, please let us know where you are staying! <a href="mailto:taylorpaulbanks@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taylorpaulbanks@gmail.com</a>

Travel & Accommodation 

Local Attractions

Siena&nbsp;A beautiful&nbsp;medieval&nbsp;city with&nbsp;stunning&nbsp;architecture&nbsp;and the&nbsp;famous&nbsp;Piazza del Campo Chianti Wine&nbsp;RegionExplore&nbsp;local&nbsp;wineries&nbsp;and&nbsp;vineyards&nbsp;for&nbsp;tastings&nbsp;and tours MonteriggioniA&nbsp;picturesque&nbsp;walled&nbsp;village&nbsp;that&nbsp;feels&nbsp;frozen&nbsp;in time San Gimignano&nbsp;Known&nbsp;for&nbsp;its&nbsp;medieval&nbsp;towers and gelato Florence&nbsp;Perfect for a day trip full of art, culture, and shopping

Food & Wine

Restaurants

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Osteria+Il+Tuscanico/@43.3890362,11.392803,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bcd095670f9f5:0xe32523b891d1b17!8m2!3d43.3890323!4d11.3953833!16s%2Fg%2F11t427fc25?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Osteria Il Tuscanico</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Bottega+del+30/@43.3849703,11.4776406,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bcfc7423ba221:0x355a1cc123e8f96c!8m2!3d43.3849664!4d11.4802155!16s%2Fg%2F1v9d4_d7?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ristorante La Bottega del 30</a>&nbsp;(Villa a Sesta)•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Osteria+alla+Villa/@43.3692625,11.3533384,12.42z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bcfb5679aa9c9:0x6f0c78e5bcadf0fb!8m2!3d43.3846655!4d11.4809469!16s%2Fg%2F11bxdv0c62?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Osteria alla Villa</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Osteria+Cacio+E+Pepe/@43.4132271,11.3490623,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bccd4073b18ff:0x9d7ba9a8a376846c!8m2!3d43.4132232!4d11.3516426!16s%2Fg%2F12mkvndzs?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Osteria Cacio e Pepe</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pizzeria+Osteria+Bella+Napoli/@43.347966,11.3646382,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bd2e7de624fc7:0x6956f4ee7678f6f7!8m2!3d43.3479621!4d11.3672185!16s%2Fg%2F1tg_16_9?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bella Napoli&nbsp;</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ristorante+Pizzeria+La+Botte+Del+Chianti/@43.3481113,11.36505,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x132bd2e7df4c9d53:0xbf485074b72052d3!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bd2e875782817:0x948161f75e9e5f2d!8m2!3d43.3481074!4d11.3676303!16s%2Fg%2F1tgkkdns?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Botte del Chianti</a>• <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ristorante+Enoteca+della+Fornace/@43.3933831,11.3465072,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bcd4b8f4d79a9:0xdd9095c19b0cdabe!8m2!3d43.3933548!4d11.3463675!16s%2Fg%2F11h0g47hm?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ristorante Enoteca della Fornace</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/La+Taverna+di+San+Giuseppe/@43.2987022,11.3506693,11.88z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x132a2cba9d5aa3ad:0x6587008fe80c7e90!8m2!3d43.3153632!4d11.3317216!16s%2Fg%2F11b77cmnms?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Taverna di San Giuseppe</a>&nbsp;(Siena)•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Osteria+Le+Logge/@43.3184791,11.3307793,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132a2cb734fcd06b:0xcc15b3c9dba7eb09!8m2!3d43.3184752!4d11.3333542!16s%2Fg%2F1tfj58q4?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Osteria Le Logge</a>&nbsp;(Siena)

Wineries

•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Castello+di+Ama/@43.4231618,11.3749216,11.08z/data=!4m9!3m8!1s0x132bcc7c741704b7:0x47f7b654fda0e7e3!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d43.4413984!4d11.3902308!16s%2Fg%2F11bbqpjp_3?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Castello di Ama</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;winery&nbsp;with art&nbsp;installations•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Enoteca+del+Castello+di+Brolio+Wine+%26+Tour/@43.4157554,11.4512197,16z/data=!4m10!1m2!2m1!1sBarone+Ricasoli!3m6!1s0x132bceed65840c43:0x97b25a114050ece4!8m2!3d43.4157554!4d11.4585582!15sCg9CYXJvbmUgUmljYXNvbGlaESIPYmFyb25lIHJpY2Fzb2xpkgEId2luZV9iYXKaASNDaFpEU1VoTk1HOW5TMFZKUTBGblNVUlNibU5VU1ZoUkVBRaoBTgoJL20vMDZqMjMzEAEqCiIGYmFyb25lKAcyHhABIhr7RbahCBC_RRWug6HlzxwO4OWvFX5U_T4UbjITEAIiD2Jhcm9uZSByaWNhc29saeABAPoBBAgAEDU!16s%2Fg%2F11c3k303n6?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Barone Ricasoli</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;wine&nbsp;tasting&nbsp;and&nbsp;castle&nbsp;tour•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tolaini+Wine+and+Tour/@43.3854979,11.3371116,12.67z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bcd82edd99c81:0xc06325752f8fc250!8m2!3d43.3818716!4d11.3907436!16s%2Fg%2F11gzfd2c5?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tolaini&nbsp;Wine and Tour</a>&nbsp;•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/San+Giorgio+a+Lapi/@43.3380037,11.3695031,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bd31df8854529:0x1803e5fcbd3834eb!8m2!3d43.3379998!4d11.3720834!16s%2Fg%2F11g_l3wpz?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">San Giorgio a Lapi</a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tenuta+Larnianone+-+Winery/@43.3385013,11.3902734,17z/data=!3m2!4b1!5s0x132bd2548a9f6fc7:0x8f5a1caf1a03a720!4m6!3m5!1s0x132bd38d07f612cf:0x1b76a93aac385f97!8m2!3d43.3384974!4d11.3928537!16s%2Fg%2F11krs5yky_?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tenuta Larnianone</a>

Things to Do

How do I RSVP?

Please RSVP directly on our website. As our guests are traveling from Canada, the USA, the UK, and Europe, we didn’t want physical invitations getting lost in the mail! All RSVPs will be managed online here and there will be no physical invitations mailed. If you run into any issues with the online RSVP, please let us know!

What is the dress code for events?

Welcome Pizza &amp; Spritz: Summer Evening WearThink light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Kindly avoid denim.-for inspiration-Men: Collared shirts paired with trousers or shorts, or relaxed summer setsWomen: Summer dresses or sets in lightweight, airy fabrics Wedding Ceremony &amp; Reception: Tuscan ElegantWe invite guests to dress in Tuscan Elegant attire - an elevated take on semi-formal, suited for a warm, early-summer evening.Men: Lightweight suits or blazers in soft tones (stone, taupe, light grey, sage, blues, etc.), with ties optionalWomen: Long or midi dresses in fluid fabrics, soft tones, pastels, florals, and seasonal colours Poolside Farewell Party: Poolside Casual Swimsuits, cover-ups, and relaxed poolside attire ♡ *a love note to the ladies*The villa's terrain consists of cobblestones and grass lawns - block heels, flats, and wedges are encouraged!

 What's the weather like in Tuscany in June?

Expect warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. We suggest bringing layers and sun protection.

When should I arrive at the wedding ceremony? 

To help us stay on schedule, please arrive at Villa Catignano between 4:30–4:45 PM if you are driving or arranging your own transportation. The shuttle transfers that will depart from the meeting points will be scheduled to arrive comfortably within this timeframe. Once at the ceremony, please feel free to sit wherever you like, unless marked otherwise.

Can I bring a plus one?

We love and appreciate all of you, but due to the intimate size and strict capacity of our venue, we’re very sadly unable to accommodate additional plus ones.

Are children allowed to attend?

Although we adore your little ones, our welcome party and wedding day will be adults only with the exception of children in our close family. The pool party (June 6th) will be adults-only.

Will there be food options for dietary restrictions/allergies?

Yes. If you have any allergies, intolerances, or requests for vegan/vegetarian menus, kindly indicate this in the RSVP section.

 What kind of food will be served?

Expect traditional Tuscan cuisine — think fresh pasta, local meats, wine, and delicious desserts.

Will transportation be provided?

Shuttle service will be organized for the event days so everyone can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about driving. Tentative meeting points include Siena (City Center) as well as Villa Curina Resort &amp; Agriturismo Poggio Bonelli, which are just two minutes apart and convenient for many guests. Should nobody stay in these locations, we will adjust meeting points accordingly. Further details to come.

Are there any important driving considerations?

If you’re visiting from Canada or the US, Italy legally requires that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular provincial or state driver’s license. It’s a simple document that translates your license information and may be requested by rental agencies or local authorities. IDPs must be obtained before you travel and cannot be issued once abroad. If you’re visiting from the UK and have a standard photocard driver’s license, you generally do not need an IDP for Italy. Of note, automatic transmission cars are often limited at Italian agencies, so we recommend booking in advance.

Is there parking at the villa?

Non-drinking guests who are planning to rent a car over the event days are more than welcome to park at the villa.

What should I do if I have an emergency while in Italy?

We recommend checking your travel insurance and saving the local emergency numbers (112 is the general emergency number in Italy). In case of medical emergencies, you can refer to the number of the local medical emergency service. If necessary, you can ask your hotel or accommodation.

I have additional questions. How should I contact you?

Please feel free to text or email us at: <a href="mailto:taylorpaulbanks@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">taylorpaulbanks@gmail.com</a>

Taylor & Paul

Taylor & Paul

Venue