Karen Danudjaja
Michael Sitter
Karen Danudjaja
Michael Sitter
August 10, 2024
Benvenuti in Toscana
We are getting married and are so excited to invite you to join us at the beautiful Castello di Ristonchi, just outside of Florence nestled in the Tuscan countryside. We will have Castello di Ristonchi all to ourselves for the wedding weekend. This medieval castle was commissioned by Italy’s famous Medici family in 900 AD. Surrounding the castle and chapel are olive groves and fruit trees, in an ancient chestnut forest. Put simply, it's a special place with a rich history and romantic atmosphere. We fell in love with it as soon as we saw it and are so excited to share this experience with you. You can expect good food, good wine, and good company in a unique and intimate setting. It's also the perfect jumping off point for a European adventure!
Italy Bound
We are so excited to host you at Castello Di Ristonchi. We know that a destination wedding (especially an international one) is a big ask. We hope that if you are able to join us it becomes the perfect excuse for you to explore Italy and create incredible memories with us. Think of this as the Italian version of an all-inclusive, but infinitely cooler. Expect delicious Italian fare, bold reds and pool side hangs with friends and family. All your food and lodging is taken care of through the venue for the weekend. Check in begins after 4:00 PM on Friday August 9th and check out will be at 11:00 AM on Monday August 12th. The venue consists of 30 rustic apartments from studios to 2-bedrooms. It's a restored medieval castle, rooms are upgraded but simple and we will be sharing - it's part of the adventure. We won't have a registry and aren't asking for any gifts. Our goal is to make it as stress-free as possible for you to join us. If you would like to contribute towards your stay we have set up a PayPal, but it is optional and we are thrilled to be able to host you for this Italian getaway.
Schedule
Friday, August 9, 2024
Michael & Karen's Wedding
Fri, Aug 9, 2024, 4:00 pm - Mon, Aug 12, 2024, 11:00 am
Via di Ristonchi, Pelago, FI 50060, Italy
https://goo.gl/maps/RLdZwvjxipkZBzxu5
Arrival & Check In
4:15 pm
Località Ristonchi Borgo, Toscana 50060, Italy
Due to limitations with the venue, **please no early arrivals**. Plan your arrival for 4pm or later. Shuttle Leaves @ 3PM From Piazzale Montelungo The company is Fabbri Bus and there are three shuttles available. It is about 1 hour to the venue. Alternatively, it's approximately 40 minutes to the property if you are driving a rental car.
Welcome Pizza Party
7:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Meet us on the castle terrace for some wine and introductions while we watch the sunset, enjoying vino and wood fired pizza using ingredients from the castle garden.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Terrace Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Fresh bread, local jams, cheese, yogurt, muesli, olives and honey produced right on the property! Includes drip coffee/tea, juice and water.
Farm Tour & Beer Tasting (Optional)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tour the 2,000 olive trees, 100 beehives, and local fruit and vegetable gardens while sampling local beers.
Poolside Lunch
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Paninis, swimsuits, and suntanning by the pool.
The Ceremony
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Michael and Karen will exchange vows with the beautiful Tuscan landscape as a backdrop. Cocktail attire is requested.
Apertivo
6:00 pm
Join everyone on the terrace post-ceremony for appertivos, prosecco and local beer.
Long Table Dinner
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
A family style Italian feast prepared fresh by the Castello Chef using locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
Dance Party
Sat, Aug 10, 2024, 10:00 pm - Sun, Aug 11, 2024, 2:30 am
The bar is open down in the Castello cellar, affectionally dubbed the 'rave cave'. Make Michael proud and bring your most vigorous dancing.
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Brunch
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Sunday brunch on the terrace.
Pasta Making Class
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Ready for some exploring? We will be in the heart of Tuscany where there is lots to see outside the castle walls like hiking, wine tours, and cultural tourism. If you prefer a more leisurely vibe come try your hand at making fresh pasta. Gelato cart is open 3-6PM!
Farewell Poolside BBQ
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Join us by the pool for some grilling and one last sunset. We are so grateful that you all made the journey to join us for our dream wedding.
Monday, August 12, 2024
Breakfast
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Join us for a light breakfast on the terrace before you check out.
Ciao & Check Out
11:00 am
Alas all good things must come to an end, but please come say "Ciao!" on your way out. All guests must check out by 11:00 AM. First Shuttle Leaves @ 10AM and will return to the pick up point.
Registry
Be Our Guest
Gallery
FAQs
Question
How does a castle stay work?
Answer
Ristonchi Castle is a rustic, 1,000 year old medieval castle surrounded by olive groves and a forest of chestnut trees and wild edibles. It's not a regular hotel, so there won't be daily cleanings but all of the basics will be provided for you such as clean sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, toilet paper, soap and shampoo. The furnishings are typical Tuscan style, and some of the bathrooms are small and quirky, but that's the fun of staying in an old castle. There is heating, but no air conditioning. The thick stone walls and fresh mountain breeze should keep you comfortable, or there is a fresh spring water pool on the property to cool off in. There are no laundry facilities onsite. All your meals are covered as well as wine and beer to accompany our dinners. If you are looking for specialty coffees, hard bar, extra snacks etc there is a bar and small shop where you can buy coffee, drinks, ice cream and snacks at your cost. You can pay as you go or start a tab. The castle is secluded so please bring everything special (like medication) you'll need for the weekend with you. As guests RSVP we will be assigning rooms. Some of our friends and family may be asked to stay together in apartments. Remember this is a medieval castle, the rooms and bathrooms are simple but functional. If you aren't comfortable with this there are villas nearby to rent.
Question
How do we get to Castello di Ristonchi?
Answer
There are a few options. Taxi rides from the Florence airport are readily available or you may also drive directly to the location if you're already renting a car in Italy. Taxi's are less readily available for trips back from the castle which is why we have also arranged a shuttle service. There are limited seats on the shuttle, so please let us know if you would like us to book your seats. Times are below! FROM: FLORENCE STATION TO: CASTELLO DI RISTONCHI DATE: AUGUST 9, 2024 AT 3PM FROM: CASTELLO DI RISTONCHI TO: FLORENCE STATION DATE: AUGUST 12, 2024 AT 10 AM
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
We are not registered and we do not need any gifts.
Question
Is there WIFI at the castle?
Answer
There is wifi in the common areas and in the Castello/Tower apartments. Connection speeds may be limited so join us in unplugging for the weekend.
Question
Other things
Answer
We won't be sending a physical invitation and ask that you RSVP no later than February 15th. You can RSVP right here on the website. We will be sending updates and more information closer to the day. Stay tuned! It is not possible to get additional days at the venue but there are several villas and other unique accommodations near by. Due to limitations with the venue they are very strict about check in and check out times. Please do not arrive before 4PM on the Friday and plan to head out by 11AM on the Monday. Weather: https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/pelago/1548049/weather-forecast/1548049 Everything during your stay is include with a few exemptions. Most meals include wine/beer but hard bar is only at the dance party. Coffee is included at breakfast but specialty lattes are not. You can always order these at your cost and pay as you go or start a tab.
Question
Packing List
Answer
Some things we don't want you to go without: - Italian adapters and converters ( 2 prong) - Refillable water bottle - Ceremony attire - Swimming suit - Sunscreen + Mosquito Repellant - Sunglasses - Sandals and slippers - Copies of your passport - Medication - Comfortable shoes (if you plan on walking or hiking) - Euros and credit cards
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.