On the eve of their destination wedding in Tuscany, Allison Rath and Daniel Espinel hosted an alfresco rehearsal dinner at the same property where they would say “I do” the following day, as everyone was staying onsite or nearby. “The dinner was held in a courtyard that used to house the stables for the villa, and there was a large outdoor barbecue where most of the food was cooked,” Allison tells of their pre-wedding soirée at La Pescaia, a 16th-century villa lovingly restored by two Italian sisters and their husbands. 

“My mom, sister, and I really enjoyed collectively planning the details together,” smiles Allison, who also worked with Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events to curate the dream wedding weekend. “We are a really close family, and it made it even more special being able to share the experience with them,” she adds. Allison, an artist by training, especially loved designing the place cards and drink menus, and having her mom assist in all things flowers. 

“We kept everything understated and laid-back, letting the beautiful Tuscan environment speak for itself,” confirms Allison of the design inspired by the setting. Long, wooden tables were surrounded by either woven chairs or wood benches, with shade naturally offered to guests by verdant trees overhead. “I have always loved blue-and-white chinoiserie and toile, so incorporating that into the vases, runners, and flowers played on some of my favorite design elements,” Allison describes of the centerpieces featuring blooms in ivory and bright yellow. 

“It truly felt like one big Italian family dinner.”

The bride was summer-chic in a two-piece ensemble featuring a strapless top and linen skirt with fringe details, while her groom was handsome in a blue dinner jacket and dark brown slacks for the welcome dinner. After both Allison and Daniels’ fathers welcomed and thanked everyone for traveling in – “which set the tone for our two families coming together to celebrate the occasion with all of our friends,” adds the bride – guests savored a family-style dinner surrounded by the property’s horse stables. “It truly felt like one big Italian family dinner,” she smiles. 

For a personal touch, the couple used AI to generate images of all the pets on both sides of their families in different artistic styles – from pop art to impressionism – and had them printed on coasters. “All throughout the weekend, guests had fun trying to collect all of them and guess whose pets were whose,” remembers Allison. 

Though the pets weren’t present, the resident cats and dogs that roam the property did decide to join the fun, sunbathing in the grass, sitting at the bar, and even claiming spots atop dinner benches. “We loved seeing our guests interact and play with the animals, and they made their way into more than a couple of photos,” laughs the bride. 

Though the bride and groom absolutely loved the delicious feast paired with Italian beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as tiramisu for dessert, the best part of the day was spending quality time with their friends and family who had traveled so far to celebrate their special day. Just like their wedding, Allison shares: “The most magical part of the day was spending so much time with our friends and family in such a beautiful setting.”