Wedding Party - FINAL

Villa Merlo Nero

Wedding Day

Wedding Day - FINAL

Welcome Party - FINAL

Our Wedding

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Wednesday, June 9, 2027

Welcome PartyVilla Merlo Nero<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&amp;query=43.75610940,11.27955480&amp;query_place_id=ChIJfbqV841TKhMRTp7bZCf0yuo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Via Larione, 35, Florence, Italy</a>

Thursday, June 10, 2027

Wedding DayVilla Merlo Nero<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&amp;query=43.75610940,11.27955480&amp;query_place_id=ChIJfbqV841TKhMRTp7bZCf0yuo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Via Larione, 35, Florence, Italy</a>

More information to come.

Itinerary

Budget Expectations

For planning purposes, round-trip airfare from Charlotte to Italy typically ranges from approximately $950–$1,400 per person when booked six to nine months in advance. Actual pricing may vary based on departure city, travel dates, and booking timing. To help with budgeting, here are general estimates for daily travel expenses (including accommodations, meals, local transportation, and activities): Budget Traveler ($250–$375 per day): Budget hotel or Airbnb, casual dining, and public transportation.Moderate Traveler ($350–$500 per day): Comfortable, well-located hotel, a mix of casual and upscale dining, and select tours or activities.Luxury Traveler ($750+ per day): Luxury accommodations, fine dining, private transportation, and premium experiences. These estimates are intended as a general guide and may vary depending on travel style, location, and season.

1. Check Your Passport

Before making any travel plans, make sure your passport will be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you need a new passport or renewal, apply as soon as possible. Processing times can be longer than expected, even with expedited service. Helpful Resources:U.S. Passports: travel.state.govPassport Processing Times: travel.state.gov/passports Our Recommendation: Apply or renew at least 6 months before travel.

2. Book Accommodations Early

Hotels and vacation rentals in Tuscany fill quickly, especially in June. Many properties offer flexible cancellation policies, so even if your plans aren't finalized, booking early can help secure better locations and rates.Tip: Use Booking.com or Airbnb and filter for Free Cancellation options.

3. Research Flights

Before booking, compare flights into multiple airports—not just Florence (Flying into Rome, Pisa, or Bologna and taking a train to Florence can often save hundreds of dollars). Consider:› Florence (FLR)› Pisa (PSA)› Rome (FCO)› Bologna (BLQ)› Venice (VCE)› Milan (MXP) Flight Tips:› Compare all airport options.› Consider total travel time, not just ticket price.› Round-trip tickets are often cheaper than separate one-way flights.› Flexible travel dates can save money.› Book directly with the airline whenever possible.Recommended Tool: Google Flights

4. Download Helpful Travel Apps

We recommend installing these before you leave home:Essential Apps› WhatsApp – Most common communication app in Europe› Google Maps – Download offline maps› Google Translate – Great for menus, signs, and conversations› Trenitalia – Train tickets and schedules› Italo Treno – High-speed train tickets› itTaxi – Reliable taxi service in Italy Phone ServiceBefore departure, check with your carrier about international coverage. Many travelers also use an eSIM for affordable data in Italy.Popular options:› Airalo› Holafly

Getting Started

FLIGHTS & AIRPORTS

Where should I fly into?There is no single “best” airport. We strongly recommend comparing a few options, as pricing and travel time can vary significantly. Start your search:Google Flights <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/travel/flights</a> Use it to:Compare multiple airports at onceTrack pricing changesCompare travel times and connections Airports to CompareWe recommend searching all of these:› Florence (FLR) – closest, often most expensive› Bologna (BLQ) – best balance of price + convenience› Pisa (PSA) – often cheapest, ~1 hour to Florence› Rome (FCO) – best international flight options› Venice (VCE) – ideal if visiting Venice› Milan (MXP) – great for northern Italy trips 👉 Many guests save significantly by flying into Rome, Pisa, or Bologna and taking a train to Florence. Arrival Tips› U.S. travelers must pass immigration at first EU entry point› Allow 2.5–3 hours for European connections› Book flights on one itinerary when possible› Compare round-trip vs open-jaw (fly into one city, out of another)

TRAINS IN ITALY

Italy’s train system is one of the easiest ways to travel between cities. Main apps:› Trenitalia (official rail system)› Italo (high-speed competitor)› ItaliaRail (English-friendly booking site) <a href="https://www.italiarail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.italiarail.com</a> Train TypesHigh-Speed TrainsBetween major cities: Florence • Rome • Milan • Venice› Assigned seats› Fast + comfortable› Luggage storage› No validation needed Operators:› Trenitalia (Frecciarossa trains = fastest option)› Italo Regional TrainsUsed for Tuscany day trips: Florence ↔ Pisa • Lucca • Siena› Slower, cheaper› No assigned seats› Great for short distances⚠️ Paper tickets must be validated before boarding. Popular RoutesFlorence ↔ Rome ~1.5 hrsFlorence ↔ Venice ~2 hrsFlorence ↔ Milan ~2 hrsFlorence ↔ Bologna ~40 minFlorence ↔ Pisa ~1 hr

GETTING AROUND FLORENCE

Florence is very walkable, and most guests will not need transportation once in the city center. TAXIS &amp; LOCAL TRANSPORTRecommended app:itTaxi — <a href="https://www.ittaxi.it/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ittaxi.it/en/</a> Use it to:Request taxisTrack arrivalsView pricing &amp; ETAsPay in-app (where available) Good to know:› Uber is very limited in Florence› Taxis are more reliable than rideshare› Taxis are usually found at stands or via app (not street hail) RENTING A CAR (NOT RECOMMENDED)We do not recommend renting a car in Florence. Why:› City is highly walkable› Trains are easier for travel between cities› Parking is expensive and limited› Restricted traffic zones (ZTL) can result in fines 👉 A car only makes sense if you plan to spend significant time in the Tuscan countryside. IMPORTANT: ZTL ZONESMany Italian city centers restrict car access.Unauthorized entry = fines OUR RECOMMENDATIONFor most guests:› Fly into Rome, Bologna, or Pisa for best value› Use trains for travel between cities› Walk everywhere in Florence› Use taxis only when needed› Download itTaxi before arriving

Travel

BOOK EARLY

Florence is one of Italy's most popular destinations, and the best hotels and apartments often sell out months in advance.We recommend booking accommodations as soon as possible, especially properties that offer free cancellation. Our favorite site for hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals is: <a href="Booking.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Booking.com</a> Before booking, always verify the location on a map. Many properties listed as "Florence" are actually located well outside the city center. For most guests, we recommend staying within a 20-minute walk of the Duomo.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN FLORENCE?

Florence is extremely walkable, but choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference. Price Guide: $ = Budget-Friendly$$ = Moderate$$$ = Premium$$$$ = Luxury Duomo/Historic Center ($$$ to $$$$): Best for first-time visitorsStay here if you want to be in the heart of Florence, surrounded by major attractions, restaurants, shopping, and gelato. Santa Maria Novella ($$ to $$$): Best overall valueLocated near Florence's main train station and within walking distance of the Duomo. Ideal for guests planning day trips throughout Italy. Santa Croce ($$ to $$$): Best food &amp; nightlifeA lively neighborhood filled with great restaurants, wine bars, and local atmosphere while still being close to the major sights. Oltrarno/Santo Spirito ($$ to $$$): Best local experienceA quieter, more authentic side of Florence known for artisan shops, beautiful streets, and excellent restaurants. San Niccolò ($$$ to $$$$): Best views &amp; romanceA charming neighborhood near Piazzale Michelangelo with beautiful scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere.

OUR RECOMMENDATION

If you're unsure where to stay, we recommend:Duomo / Historic Center (best for first-time visitors)Santa Maria Novella (best overall value) These areas offer the easiest and most convenient experience for the majority of guests. Looking to save money? Consider staying in Santa Maria Novella or Oltrarno, booking early, and comparing prices of an apartment or vacation rental to hotels! Florence is very walkable, so staying a few blocks farther from the Duomo can often save a significant amount without sacrificing convenience.

Can I Stay Near the Venue?

We are currently working with our venue to secure recommended accommodations closer to the wedding venue for guests who prefer not to stay in central Florence. Additional information, hotel recommendations, pricing, and transportation details will be posted on our site as they become available.

Accommodations

FOOD & DRINK IN ITALY

What to know while dining in ItalyHoursLunch: 12–2:30 PMDinner: 7 PM or laterMany restaurants close mid-afternoon At the tableWater is bottled (naturale or frizzante) — it is not freeRefills &amp; lots of ice are not commonCoperto (cover charge) is normalTippingNot expectedRounding up is appreciated WINE IN TUSCANYWe are in the wine capitol of the world, wine is everywhere. Not a wine drinker and want a beer? Grab a Peroni!! Try:Chianti Classico (signature red)Brunello (bold &amp; premium)Vermentino (light white)Prosecco (sparkling aperitivo wine)House wine is often fantastic and affordable!!

APERITIVO

Italy’s pre-dinner tradition (5–8 PM)Order a drink + enjoy snacks!! A MUST do while in Italy, its like grabbing a pint when in the UK. Try:Aperol SpritzNegroniPalomaSometimes light snacks, sometimes a full spread. Don't drink? Don't fret! San Pellegrino has some impeccable fizzy drinks to enjoy. Also any drink can come virgin and be just as good.

BOOKING EXPERIENCES

Use:<a href="https://www.theknot.com/gs/dashboard/preview/pages/93289897/activity-items/viator.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">viator.com</a><a href="https://www.theknot.com/gs/dashboard/preview/pages/93289897/activity-items/getyourguide.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">getyourguide.com</a> Great for:Wine toursCooking classesDay tripsSkip-the-line tickets(Book early for popular experiences)

FLORENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Must-see spots:› Duomo› Ponte Vecchio› Piazza della Signoria› Mercato Centrale (great for lunch)› Piazzale Michelangelo (best sunset view) Florence is very walkable—comfortable shoes recommended.

Italy Guide

Wedding Attire

We want guests to have fun with their attire and embrace an elevated dress code—so don’t hold back. Feel free to wear beautiful colors, patterns, and textures. We kindly ask that you avoid white, ivory, cream, or any other bridal, as well as bow ties.

Welcome Dinner

Dress Code: Summer Garden Party Ladies: Sundresses, midi dresses, jumpsuits, or stylish separates.Gentlemen: Linen shirts, button-downs, chinos, loafers, or clean sneakers.

Dress Code: Black Tie OptionalThink: Tuscan Elegance • Classic • Timeless Ladies: Long gowns, formal midi dresses, or sophisticated cocktail attire.Gentlemen: Tuxedos are welcome and encouraged. A dark suit with a tie is also appropriate.Please note that the wedding festivities will take place outdoors on gravel paths, stone walkways, and lawn areas, so comfortable footwear is highly recommended.

<a href="https://pin.it/1xMCEh5O4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visit our Pinterest board for more Formal Garden Party Attire inspiration.</a>

Abigail & Owen

Abigail & Owen

Itinerary

Wednesday, June 9, 2027

Thursday, June 10, 2027