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THE WEDDING
9.18.2025

Villa Lenka

Via di Coselli, 77, 55012 Capannori LU, Italy


Please see our FAQ page for more information on Wedding Day transportation.

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Villa Lenka stands as a testament to timeless Italian elegance. Surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees and blooming flowers, this enchanting estate captures the essence of perfect Tuscan tranquility.

THE CEREMONY

ARRIVE AT 4:00 PM
CEREMONY TO BEGIN AT 4:30 PM
BLACK TIE

THE COCKTAIL HOUR

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY
SIGNATURE DRINK
PASSED APPETIZERS

THE DINNER

3 COURSE MEAL
MEAL SELECTION TO BE
CONFIRMED WITH RSVP

THE RECEPTION

RECEPTION TO END AT 10:30 PM
AFTER PARTY TO BE MOVED INDOORS UNTIL 12:30 AM

WELCOME TO TUSCANY

WELCOME DINNER

9.17.2025
5:00 PM
VILLA LENKA
COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Welcome to Italy! Please join us as we kick off the wedding weekend with fresh pasta and homemade pizza. Make sure you leave room for gelato!

WEDDING DAY

9.18.2025
4:00 PM
VILLA LENKA
BLACK TIE ATTIRE

Please see our wedding page for more details on the wedding day. We cannot wait to celebrate with you!

POOL DAY

9.19.2025
11:00 AM
VILLA LENKA
SWIMSUITS

Join us for a pool day to relax before heading home or to your next adventure. Lunch and floats will be provided!

ACCOMODATIONS

Villa Marta

2 minute drive to venue.

Villa Marta, an elegant 18th-century hunting lodge, nestled in the picturesque countryside between Lucca and Pisa, just three miles from Lucca's historic center. This refined property boasts 18 beautifully appointed rooms, including two luxurious deluxe suites - one gracing the villa's third floor, the other situated in the adjacent dependance. Guests can unwind by the swimming pool or stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens.

Villa San Michele

6 minute drive to venue.

Villa San Michele, a 14th-century aristocratic estate nestled in the Tuscan hills among olive groves and vineyards, sits conveniently near Lucca, Pisa, and Florence. Named after the nearby village and Romanesque church of San Michele Arcangelo, the villa retains its historic charm, including its original north-facing archway. This three-story property features an elegant frescoed Lounge Bar, a decorated restaurant, and a well-stocked wine cellar, offering guests a true taste of Tuscan luxury and heritage.

Villa Cheli

5 minute drive to venue.

Hotel Villa Cheli, a restored 18th-century hotel, sits at the foot of the Pisan hills just 3 miles from Lucca's center. Once home to sculptor Guido Cheli, this elegant property offers 19 rooms and apartments, decorated in period style while providing modern amenities. The villa features an outdoor pool, conference facilities, and extensive parking. Easily accessible from both the motorway and Pisa airport, with a convenient bus stop at its entrance.

Marriott Grand Universe Lucca

20 minute drive from venue.

Located in the heart of Lucca, Grand Universe Lucca offers breathtaking views of Saint Martino’s Cathedral, all the churches, monuments and towers.

Best Western Grand Hotel Guinigi

16 minute drive to venue.

The Grand Hotel Guinigi is a comfortable 4-star hotel at 1 mile from the historic center of Lucca which allows, thanks to its easily accessible position, to enjoy the wonders that the city offers as well as to comfortably reach the surroundings.

AIRBNB

There are many incredibly charming (and reasonably priced) Airbnb rentals available in and around the adorable and rustic towns of Lucca, Italy. If you're new to using Airbnb, we recommend thoroughly looking over the reviews before booking anything to avoid any surprises.

TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL


Travel Assistance

Planning to explore more of Europe before or after our wedding in Lucca? Christian's sister Maddie is a professional travel agent with 7 years of experience and is generously offering her services completely free of charge to all wedding guests. Whether you're dreaming of discovering more of Italy or venturing to other European destinations, take advantage of her expertise to make your trip even more memorable.

Jubilee Year 2025

Our wedding takes place during the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a special event that draws millions of visitors to Italy. While most celebrations will center around Rome, the increased travel demand may impact availability and pricing for flights, trains, and hotels throughout the country, including Tuscany.

We recommend booking all travel and accommodations as early as possible to avoid inflated prices or limited options. Trains and major attractions may also be busier than usual, so we suggest building in some extra time and patience as you explore.

Passport

Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months BEYOND your planned return date.

Global Entry

Global entry is not required to travel to Italy, however, it will save you time going through customs. Some benefits of global entry include:

Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies. No paperwork to be filled out by passengers upon entry. Includes TSA PreCheck. Global Entry program members can use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at more than 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from travel abroad.

Global Entry Cost: $120

**Please note that there is a 4-6 month processing time for this traveler program, so plan accordingly.**

FLIGHTS



NEW YORK/NEWARK TO PISA

Pisa airport (Galileo Galilei Airport) is the closest airport to Villa Lenka. Pisa is a great option if you plan to travel throughout Europe before or after the wedding festivities. Once you arrive in Pisa, it may be easiest to taxi to your accommodations as Lucca is less than a 45 minute drive away.

NEW YORK/NEWARK TO FLORENCE

Florence is an incredibly beautiful and romantic city to explore if you have time. We recommend renting a car for the scenic drive to Lucca (approx. 45 mins to 1 hour). Renting a car is a simple process from the Florence airport much like you would do in the states and they drive on the same side of the road as us.

NEW YORK/NEWARK TO ROME

The Rome airport is the international hub for flights from the US. We highly recommend starting your trip in this beautiful and historic city if you have time. To travel from Rome to Florence, it is only a 90 minute, $25 train ride between the two cities. Or you can rent a car for the scenic drive from Rome to Lucca, Tuscany (3 hours). Please keep in mind it is the Jubilee year, so there will be more crowds than usual in Rome.

NEW YORK/NEWARK TO MILAN

If you choose to fly into Milan there is a scenic, high-speed train ride to Florence that takes about 1.5 hours. From there, you could rent a car in Florence and arrive in Lucca in 40 minutes. A less expensive option than renting a car is to take a second train from Florence to Lucca city center, which takes an hour and fifteen minutes.

LOCAL TRANSPORT



RENTING A CAR

If you plan to rent a car in Italy, it's advised to obtain an international driving permit from AAA for $20. All Italian car rental agencies will rent a car to you without an international driver's license, but if you get pulled over, you may get a ticket for not having one.

RENTING A VAN

For guests traveling in groups or carrying extra luggage, renting a van can be a convenient option, especially for airport transfers, day trips, or exploring the countryside together.

We recommend booking in advance, particularly for automatic vans, which are less common in Italy. You can search major rental providers like Europcar, Hertz, or Avis, or compare options on DiscoverCars or Rentalcars.com.

Note: Drivers must have a valid license and may need an International Driving Permit depending on your country of origin.

TAXIS

Ubers and Lyfts are not available in Lucca. We highly recommend downloading the app, "apptaxi" BEFORE traveling as the app may not function properly with a US number while in Italy.

Or Click below to connect with a local Taxi company.

EXPLORE LUCCA

Description of Lucca

Lucca is one of Tuscany's hidden gems - a medieval town famous for its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls. These walls, now a tree-lined park, circle a historic center filled with charming streets, cafes, and piazzas. Whether you're cycling the city walls, climbing the Guinigi Tower (spot the trees growing on top!), or sipping espresso in a sunny square, Lucca's magic will capture your heart as it did ours.


Lucca's location between the Apuan Alps and the Mediterranean coast makes it ideal for exploring more of Tuscany during your stay. From here, you're perfectly placed to explore the best of Tuscany - Florence is just over an hour away, the beaches of Forte dei Marmi are 30 minutes west, Pisa's famous tower is a quick 30-minute drive, and the vineyards of Chianti are within easy reach.

Rent a Vespa

Discover the magic of Tuscany on two wheels with a Vespa rental in Lucca. Pick up your stylish ride in the heart of the city and cruise through scenic countryside roads lined with olive groves, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages. With a map and local tips in hand, explore at your own pace, from hidden trattorias to panoramic overlooks. Stop for a leisurely espresso or a wine tasting along the way, and soak up the freedom of the open road.

Guided Walking Tour

Maximize time in Lucca with a guided walking tour of this historic Tuscan city. Meet a local guide and go for a stroll to see top landmarks in the medieval center including Piazza Anfiteatro, Via San Paolino, and the Cathedral of San Martino. Get an overview of the city’s history and architecture during the tour, plus tips on where to eat, drink, and shop in Lucca.

Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour

Pair an e-bike tour with a wine tasting to put a fun twist on your Lucca sightseeing plans. This half-day tour takes place in a small group of just 10 people with a local guide, meaning you'll pedal around the walls and cycle paths of Lucca with less rush. Let your bike's electric motor do the hard work on any hills beyond the city, and finish on a high note with a wine tasting at a local wine estate.

Small group Pasta and Tiramisu Making Class

Discover the secrets to turning out fresh pasta and classic tiramisù like a real Italian 'mamma' with this home cooking class. Join a local cook in her kitchen and learn how to make two different types of pasta from scratch, then try your hand as assembling a creamy tiramisù under her careful guidance. Top off your class with a family-style lunch or dinner featuring the dishes you've created together.

Cooking Class in Lucca's Historic Center

Unravel the secrets of Tuscany’s cuisine with a 5-hour cooking class in Lucca. Shop for fresh ingredients at the market, and then enjoy a tasting of honey, cheeses and olive oil back at the 18th-century palace where your class is held. Begin preparing a 4-course lunch with the help of your chef, and dig into your homemade creations when you're done, paired with regional wines. Best of all: you’ll leave armed with tips, techniques and a recipe book, so you can recreate your favorite dishes back home.

OUR STORY

Some love stories take time to unfold, and ours is no exception. Christian and Miranda first met ten years ago during their time at Loyola University Maryland, where their college years briefly intersected. A fleeting conversation at a house party became the first line in their story, though neither knew it then.

Years later, they crossed paths again in Manhattan, matching on a dating app while both were building their careers in the city. They exchanged a few messages, but like their first meeting, the timing wasn't quite right.

But they say third time's the charm, and in 2020, their story truly began to write itself. As the world pressed pause during the beginning of the pandemic, Miranda found herself in San Diego, staying with her sister, while Christian had just embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Singapore for work.

Perhaps it was the global slowdown that allowed them to finally find their rhythm. Christian, with his own connections to San Diego, reached out to Miranda during her West Coast stay. What blossomed next was what Miranda lovingly refers to as their "pen pal relationship." With an ocean and 8,000 miles between them, they fell into an easy rhythm of daily messages. Though separated by 15 time zones, they both found themselves eagerly anticipating each other's words each day. Over seven months, they shared stories and found unexpected friendship during an anything-but-normal time.

As the months passed and the world continued to change around them, their connection only grew stronger. Finally, the stars began to align: Miranda returned to New York, and Christian moved back to the United States. After seven months of virtual connection, they were ready for their first real face-to-face date. Christian made plans to travel into the city and everything was set, until fate threw one last curve-ball their way. Just one night before their planned meeting, Miranda tested positive for COVID-19. But what was another 10 days of waiting when they'd already waited seven months? On November 13th, 2020, they finally had their first date at Boucherie in Union Square.

After ten years of crossed paths and near misses, their relationship blossomed quickly in the heart of New York City. Within a year, they had moved in together and made the decision to make the cross country move to San Diego, a city both had dreamed of moving to for several years. Over the next four years, they built their life together on the West Coast, welcoming their adorable Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Penny, and purchasing their first home.

Then, on August 9th 2024, Christian knew it was time to write the next chapter of their story. With Penny by his side, he brought Miranda to her childhood beach in Stone Harbor, a place filled with cherished memories, and asked her to marry him. And just like that, their story of missed connections and perfect timing had led them to exactly where they were meant to be.

REGISTRY

For those who have kindly asked about gift preferences, we are grateful for the thought and would love to share our honeymoon adventures with you! We’re heading off on our honeymoon in January 2026, starting in Kenya for a safari adventure and ending our trip exploring Dubai. While entirely optional, any contribution toward our trip would help create lasting memories of our first journey as newlyweds.

Please know that your love, support, and presence at our celebration mean more to us than any gift.

With love and gratitude,
Miranda & Christian

FAQs

Transportation for Wedding Events

All 3 days of wedding activity will be held at Villa Lenka. This includes the welcome dinner, wedding day events, and post-wedding pool party. The address to the villa is Via di Coselli, 77, 55012 Capannori LU, Italy.

Wedding Day Transportation

We’ve arranged transportation for guests staying at Villa Marta, Villa San Michele, and Villa Cheli to the ceremony at Villa Lenka.

Pick-ups will begin at 3:15 PM, with vans running continuously until the final departure at 4:15 PM.

For guests not staying at these three accommodations, please work directly with your concierge to arrange a taxi or use appTaxi (see the Travel tab to download the app).

End of Night Transportation

To get everyone home safely, we’ve arranged two vans running at the following times:

10:30 PM – 1:30 AM

12:30 AM – 1:30 AM

The vans will make multiple stops to drop guests at their hotels and Airbnbs. If you’d prefer a more direct ride, we recommend booking a taxi through the appTaxi app.

When should I arrive for the ceremony?

Please arrive 15-30 minutes before the ceremony start time to allow time for parking and seating. The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30 PM, and we'd love to have everyone settled in before it starts.

What is the dress code?

The dress code for the wedding day black-tie. Men are encouraged to wear dark suits or tuxedos, and women may wear formal dresses or evening gowns. Wearing black is not required.

For our Welcome Dinner, dress code is cocktail attire. Men do not need to wear jackets, as we know you are traveling in and have limited packing space.

Some of our events will take place on grass and stone, so we recommend women avoid stilettos or thin heels. Block heels, wedges, or flats will be much more comfortable (and safer!) for the setting.

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

We've hired professional photographers to capture every moment. We kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony and enjoy being present with us.

Will the wedding be indoor or outdoor?

The wedding will be held outdoors and in case of rain, we will set up a Marquee. The temperature in Lucca in September falls within the range of 74°F - 82°F.

Can I bring a plus-one?

Unfortunately, space is limited. Only guests whose invitations explicitly include a plus-one may bring a guest.

Are children welcome?

While we love your little ones, we've decided to make our wedding an adults-only celebration.

Will Penny be there?

We know this is the question everyone is asking and we are so disappointed to share Penny has not yet secured a brand deal with an airline to provide her with accommodations to the wedding. Please follow @penny_alla_vodka_ to help fund her efforts to be our flower girl.

Additional Questions?

For any additional questions please email our wedding planner, Barbara Obratov.

Kindly RSVP

Please respond by July 1st

Please enter your name

Will you be joining us in Tuscany?

Please select your starter

Please select your first course

Please select your main course

Will you be attending our welcome dinner on September 17th?

Will you be attending our farewell pool day on September 19th?

Where will you be staying?