AJ &
cameron

Upon receiving your invitation, please respond on our website by July 17th. We will ask whether you can make it, which activity you might be interested in, and your general contact details. We will send a request to confirm the details of your travel and activity selection in early 2026.

It’s important to us that our wedding be an intimate affair filled only with the family and close, personal friends we have chosen to attend this special occasion. We are not extending "plus ones" to any guests. All invited people will be named in your party when you RSVP. If you have questions when it comes to guests or your rsvp-ing please reach out to AJ & Cameron via email, text, or phone.

Yes. We kindly request all guests commit to joining us for all five days and four nights of our planned celebration. If you RSVP “yes”, we assume that you will be participating in our full program of events.

Nope! A complimentary suite is reserved for each party at our villas for the dates of the wedding and will be ready for you when you arrive. If you plan to spend time in Italy before or after the dates of the celebration, you will need to book additional, separate accommodation for those nights.

Part of the fun for us is having all of our family and friends staying together throughout our celebration. Your accommodation is covered and pre-arranged at our wedding villas for the full duration of events. We ask that you plan to stay at the villas for all four nights of the wedding.

Unfortunately, no. The villas operate on a full buy-out basis only. If you are choosing to extend your stay in Italy before/after the celebration, you are welcome to do so, but you will need to find other accommodation.

Yes! There is high speed wifi available. The network and password are posted in each individual villas.

Yes. While we may not need it, all suites and villas have air conditioning.

Yes! Dimora has a fully-equipped spa with a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. During open times throughout the days of celebration, we will also have slots available for massage treatments at the spa. Keep in mind, you do not need to make an appointment to use the spa facilities, just for a massage treatment.

Yes. Dimora has a concierge team to help guests throughout their stay. They are available in the main office between 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Everyone’s health and safety is one of our top priorities. We will have hand sanitizer in every villa and many of our events will be hosted outdoors (weather permitting). If you feel unwell before or during our time together, please inform us immediately and we will assist you accordingly.

Accommodation for four nights at Villa Dimora Ghirlandaio All wedding celebration festivities One hosted activity in Tuscany on Friday (4 options to choose from) Breakfast on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning Light Mid-Day Snacks on Thursday and Saturday Lunch on Friday Dinner on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Snacks & beverages stocked in all villa kitchens for ad hoc use All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout meals and events

While we have arranged many aspects of the wedding celebration and days before/after, there are a few things that we request guests manage on their own: Flights and Transportation to the Villa. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their flights and any transportation to and from the wedding villa. Meals Outside of Planned Events. Meals that are not part of the wedding events or scheduled activities will be at your own expense. Specifically, lunch on Sunday, May 24th while in Florence will not be covered. Recommendations for local dining options and activities are available here. Villa Incidentals. Guests are responsible for any discretionary room service, laundry, or spa treatments at the villa. Upon checking in to your room, a credit card will be requested to cover any such charges during your stay. Optional Excursions. While we will provide a selection of hosted group activities on Friday, May 22, you will need to arrange and pay for any additional excursions that you wish to participate in and the transportation needed to get there. We kindly ask that you make sure any extra activities do not interfere with planned events. Personal Expenses. Any personal expenses such as souvenirs or purchases during tours will be your responsibility. We hope this helps you plan accordingly. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to reach out to AJ & Cameron via email, text, or phone.

Air travel is the largest expenditure we are asking each guest to cover. Flights from major US cities to Tuscany in May range between $750 to $1,500 dollars. Prices can vary significantly based on the departure city, the airline, how far in advance the booking is made, and whether the flight is direct or includes stops. If you are able, we highly recommend saving up miles which can help to reduce the cost of international airfare. Ground transportation is another important consideration and ranges depending on your choice between train, car, or private transfer. High speed trains to/from the various airports and cities can cost approximately €35–70 euros ($45-85 dollars) each way. Car rentals are usually around €50-80 euros ($60–$100 dollars) per day. Private transfers can vary greatly but often run around €150–€200 euros ($180–$250 dollars) per hour.

Yes. Credit cards are generally accepted in Italy, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express and Discover may not be accepted everywhere. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of any issues with card acceptance. Additionally, notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any potential security holds on your card.

Yes. We recommend exchanging currency to help with on the ground transportation before/after the wedding and any personal expenses you may have. It's also a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of any issues with card acceptance. The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR €). The value of the euro changes, but the commercial conversion rate usually hovers around $1.20 dollars per €1.00 euro. It's a good idea to exchange some currency before you leave. You can do this at your local bank or currency exchange service. Exchanging money at the airport usually offers the least-competitive rate, but is often the most convenient option. Once in Italy, ATMs are widely available and usually offer decent exchange rates. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards. The exact amount of cash you should exchange is up to you and will vary based on your style of travel. That said, we recommend exchanging at least €50-100 as essential cash just in case. We've found it's most useful to have small bills for use at local shops, public transportation, taxis, and discretionary tips.

Tipping in Italy is different from in the United States. Restaurants (even very fancy ones) do not necessarily expect tip, and in most cases, it is appropriate to simply round up to the nearest euro and call it a day. The one case where tipping is considered appropriate is for car services. The appropriate amount to tip is 10% for any private transfers or taxis in Italy. Tips for luggage portage and activities will be covered as part of the wedding, so you do not need to carry cash for anything but discretionary expenses.

Yes, the ceremony dress code is Creative Black Tie. This means men should wear tuxedos or a formal suit and tie. Women should wear floor-length or long dresses. We’ll have plenty of casual time together, so we’d love to play a little dress up for the big day. We welcome you to be inspired by Italian style and have some fun with it!

Yes. For our welcome dinner we request that you join the bride and groom in wearing an ensemble of white, cream, or tan. Think summery, breezy thoughts in linen for men and flowy pants or a cool sundress for women. We appreciate you celebrating with us in style! Other than this event and the ceremony, all other days and activities have no dress code.

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are a few things we recommend you bring: a raincoat, in case of inclement weather walking shoes, for your day in Florence a swimsuit, for the pool and spa a black-tie outfit, for the ceremony a white summer outfit, for the welcome dinner

When planning your travel it's advisable to book as early as possible, ideally nine to twelve months in advance. Early booking ensures a wider selection of flight options and often at better rates.

Yes. You will need a valid passport to travel to Italy. Please ensure your passport is up-to-date and valid through January 2027. If you need to apply for a passport or renew your existing passport, visit the U.S. passport website to learn more. The application and renewal process typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. You can pay extra for expedited service which will take 2 to 3 weeks.

The European Union is set to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in late 2026. There's no need to worry though with our wedding in May and travel will only require your standard passport. We did want to note this update though if you see mention of ETIAS in your research about traveling to the area. You can learn more here.

If you are planning on renting a car in Italy, you will need an International Drivers Permit. Our recommendation is to apply by mail through AAA or go into a local AAA office. The cost is $20 per permit and the processing time by mail is approximately 2 weeks. You can learn more here.

We understand that plans can change unexpectedly when traveling internationally. We also acknowledge that we are asking for your early commitment many months ahead of time and that life changes may come up as well. If you have any changes in your plans or issues that arise, please inform us as soon as possible. This helps us manage accommodations, transportation, and any other arrangements. If you’re coordinating traveling with others, make sure they’re aware of your new plans so everyone is on the same page.

When traveling to Italy, you don't necessarily need to buy an international cell plan, but there are several options depending on how much you use your phone and what services you need while you're there. Here's a breakdown of the options: International Roaming Plan: Convenient, but can be expensive unless you have a plan that covers Italy. Local SIM Card: Great if you want affordable rates for data and calls, but requires an unlocked phone. eSIM: A modern and flexible option for data usage if your phone supports it. Wi-Fi and Apps: Ideal for limited phone usage or if you don’t need to make many calls. Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: Good for heavy internet use, especially with multiple devices.

AJ & Cameron will be reaching out in early 2026 to collect everyone's travel plans and flight details. This helps us plan for everyone's arrival and make sure we can help in case of last-minute changes. We appreciate your help making your travel arrangements with this general timing in mind.

Yes, we will be providing transportation for all hosted activities and events during our wedding celebration. Detailed information, including schedules and pick-up/drop-off locations, will be available on our wedding website and included in your itinerary upon arrival. For any activities that you have arranged on your own, we recommend using local taxis or ride-sharing services, which are available in and around Florence.

No, you do not need to rent a car. Transportation will be arranged for all excursions and taxis/ Ubers/trains can get you to the airport quite efficiently. However, it may be good to rent a car if you plan to explore the countryside on your own before/after the wedding.

Yes. Dimora Ghirlandaio has plenty of parking on the premises. If needed, please note in your travel confirmations if you will have a car.

The Dimora gates will be open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. If you need to enter or exit outside of these hours, please let us know in advance, and we will arrange access for you.

Driving in Italy can be both fun and challenging. It can also be one of the only ways to get around the countryside in remote locations. That said, it is not advisable to get a car for navigating inside of the larger cities like Florence, Rome, or Milan as ZTL areas can be challenging to navigate and parking is rarely guaranteed. There is plenty of public transportation and taxis to accommodate getting around the later cities. Driving outside of the cities is significantly less busy, but the roads can be very narrow while still technically being two-way.

ZTL stands for "Zona a Traffico Limitato" or Limited Traffic Zone. These areas restrict vehicle access to reduce congestion and pollution. If you are driving, be aware of ZTL signs and plan your route accordingly. Unauthorized vehicles entering these zones may be subject to fines. It's best to use public transportation or taxis when navigating the city as they are not subject to ZTL fines.

Yes. Each of the villas have a fully outfitted kitchen for use. Each kitchen will be pre-stocked with a selection of snacks and beverages for your enjoyment.

Yes. There is a private restaurant at Dimora which will be used for breakfast each morning and is available for room service with a limited menu. For those staying at Dimora, all room service will be charged directly to your room and settled upon check-out.

Yes, there will be an open bar at the wedding reception along with plenty of low and no-proof options to enjoy.

It is our goal to ensure that everyone can enjoy the wonderful cuisine of Italy. We will be arranging specialized plates as needed for each hosted meal. Please make sure to fill out your dietary restrictions with as much information as possible when you RSVP. We will be in touch to coordinate further details as the event approaches.

Historically, Florence in May experiences mild to warm temperatures, typically ranging from lows of around 50°F to highs of about 75-80°F. Rainfall is moderate, so it's advisable to prepare for occasional showers. We will be checking the weather closer to the event and will share details before most guests travel.

Weather permitting, we are planning to host most events outside under the beautiful, Tuscan sky. Events indoors will be noted in the itinerary. We will also have a fully covered back-up plan for all events in the case of poor weather.

AJ and Cameron have both experienced that seasonal allergies can act up when in the Italian countryside. There will be oral allergy medication available for use at each villa. However, if you have a specific medication you prefer, please plan to bring it with you.

The ceremony will be held at the villa and within walking distance of all guest residences. Please plan to arrive at the ceremony location 15-20 minutes before the start to allow ample time to get settled.

Yes. Weather permitting the ceremony and reception will be held outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, these events will be moved indoors.

We would love for you to capture memories of our special day and events before/after! However, we kindly ask that you refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos during the reception and other events. We will also have a wonderful and talented photographer for our entire event. Professional photographs will be shared via email and on this website 6-8 weeks after the wedding. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy our engagement photos here.

Each guest will be invited to participate in a hosted activity on Friday, May 22nd. There will be four options to choose from and we will ask for your preliminary selection upon submitting your RSVP. This early information will help us estimate how many people are interested in each activity and make appropriate arrangements. In late 2025/early 2026, we will reach out again to ask you/your party to confirm your final activity selection.

We are still reviewing excursion options for our activity day, but have a few in mind. Each activity will take approximately 3-4 hours and include lunch. Our current activities options include: Historic Antinori Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting & Restaurant Lunch e-Bike Ride to Historic Hillside Town with Classic Tuscan Lunch Dairy Tour & Cheese-Making Experience with Farm-Fresh Lunch Forest Hike and Truffle Hunting with Dogs and Truffle-Forward Lunch Terra Cotta Historical Tour, Pottery Class and Local Lunch We will be finalizing the activity options before formal invitations are sent.

Along with your RSVP, we will ask if you are interested in booking a spa appointment. This will help us approximate how many people are interested. We will ask you to choose your specific day and time when we confirm your activity and travel details in early 2026. Massage treatments will cost guests approximately €150 euros (approx. $180 dollars). Keep in mind, you do not need to make an appointment to use the spa facilities, just for a massage treatment.

Absolutely! Florence is a treasure trove of history and culture. We recommend visiting the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. For a beautiful panoramic view, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. Don't forget to stroll through the Boboli Gardens and enjoy some gelato at Gelateria dei Neri.

Nope! Your presence at this special celebration is the greatest gift we could ask for.

More than anything, we appreciate the effort involved in joining us for our wedding overseas. So, we ask that our guests refrain from bringing any gifts to the wedding. If you feel so inclined to bring a card, we would be delighted to add it to our wedding scrapbook.

We've endeavored to answer all important questions in this FAQ, so please give it a read first. If we've missed something, and you have any questions ahead of the event, please reach out to AJ & Cameron. On the days of our events or during the wedding, please reach out to our wedding coordinator, Elena. AJ Hansen andreahansen1019@gmail.com 1-650-417-1935 Cameron Absher cabsher01@me.com 1-239-595-8068 Elena elena@italianweddingdesigner.com 00393663738773

All updates regarding the wedding and related events will be posted on our wedding website. For special updates, AJ & Cameron will reach out via email and phone.

If you have any questions about booking travel before the trip, please reach out to AJ & Cameron via email. We’re happy to answer any questions you have!

Yes, you can generally communicate in English while in Italy, especially in tourist areas, larger cities, and places like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Many Italians working in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions will know some level of English, particularly the younger generation and those in the service industry. However, outside of major tourist hotspots or in smaller towns and rural areas, English may be less commonly spoken, so it can be helpful to know a few basic Italian phrases, such as greetings or expressions for ordering food.

Learning a few basic Italian phrases before traveling to Italy can definitely enhance your experience and help you connect more easily with locals. While many Italians may speak some English, speaking even a little Italian will be appreciated. Here are some essential phrases you might find useful: Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions Ciao (chow) – Hello / Goodbye (informal) Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh) – Good morning / Good day (formal) Buonasera (bwoh-nah-SEH-rah) – Good evening (formal) Arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-DER-chee) – Goodbye (formal) Come stai? (KOH-meh STAI) – How are you? (informal) Come sta? (KOH-meh STAH) – How are you? (formal) Bene, grazie (BEH-neh, GRAHT-see-eh) – Good, thank you Prego (PREH-goh) – You're welcome / Please (depending on context) Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) – Please Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh) – Thank you Scusa / Mi scusi (SKOO-zah / mee SKOO-zee) – Excuse me (informal / formal) Navigating Around Dove si trova...? (DOH-veh see TROH-vah) – Where is...? Example: Dove si trova il museo? (Where is the museum?) Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOH-stah) – How much does it cost? A che ora...? (ah keh OH-rah) – At what time...? Example: A che ora apre il museo? (At what time does the museum open?) Mi sono perso/a (mee SOH-noh PER-soh / ah) – I’m lost (male/female) Aiuto! (ah-YOO-toh) – Help! Ho bisogno di aiuto (oh bee-ZOH-nyoh dee ah-YOO-toh) – I need help Posso avere...? (POH-soh ah-VEH-reh) – Can I have...? Example: Posso avere un bicchiere d’acqua? (Can I have a glass of water?) È lontano? (EH lon-TAH-noh) – Is it far? Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare? (KWAN-toh TEM-poh chee VOH-leh pehr ah-ree-VAH-reh) – How long does it take to get there? Un taxi, per favore (oon TAK-see pehr fah-VOH-reh) – A taxi, please Voglio andare a... (VOH-lyoh ahn-DAH-reh ah) – I want to go to... Example: Voglio andare al Duomo. (I want to go to the Duomo.) Shopping, Dining & Ordering Food Un tavolo per favore (oon TAH-voh-loh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – A table, please Vorrei... (vor-REH-ee) – I would like... Example: Vorrei un caffè. (I would like a coffee.) Il conto, per favore (eel KON-toh pehr fah-VOH-reh) – The bill, please Cosa consiglia? (KOH-zah kon-SEE-lyah) – What do you recommend? Senza glutine (SEHN-tsah GLOO-tee-neh) – Gluten-free Sono vegetariano/a (SOH-noh veh-jeh-teh-ree-AH-noh / ah) – I’m vegetarian (male/female) Quanto viene? (KWAN-toh VEE-eh-neh) – How much is it?

While in Italy, if you need to contact someone, the best way to do so is via WhatsApp. WhatsApp is an app on that connects Android, Apple, and Google phones with texting, phone, and video calls internationally at no charge. This is a very popular method of communication in Italy and is the easiest way to get a hold of our wedding coordinator (Elena) if you have any questions while in Italy.

To download and connect WhatsApp, follow these steps depending on your device: For Android: Download WhatsApp: Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone. Search for "WhatsApp" in the search bar. Tap on WhatsApp Messenger in the search results. Tap Install to begin the download and installation process. Set Up WhatsApp: Once the installation is complete, open the WhatsApp app. Agree to the Terms and Conditions by tapping Agree and Continue. Enter your phone number (make sure it’s the one you’ll use on WhatsApp) and tap Next. WhatsApp will send you a 6-digit verification code via SMS. Enter this code when prompted. After verification, you can set up your profile by adding a name and, optionally, a profile picture. Start Messaging. Now you can start chatting with friends and family on WhatsApp! Simply tap the chat icon (speech bubble) to see your contacts or start a new conversation. For iPhone (iOS): Download WhatsApp. Open the App Store on your iPhone. In the search bar, type "WhatsApp". Tap Get next to WhatsApp Messenger, and the app will begin downloading. Set Up WhatsApp. After the installation finishes, tap the WhatsApp icon to open the app. Agree to the Terms and Conditions by tapping Agree & Continue. Enter your phone number (make sure it's the one you’ll use for WhatsApp) and tap Next. WhatsApp will send you a verification code via SMS. Enter this code to verify your phone number. Profile Setup. After verification, set up your profile by adding a name and, optionally, a profile picture. Start Messaging. You can now start chatting! Tap the Chat tab to view your contacts and initiate conversations. For WhatsApp Web (Optional): If you want to access WhatsApp from your computer, you can use WhatsApp Web: Open web.whatsapp.com in your browser. Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on the three dots (menu) > Linked devices > Link a device. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen using your phone. That’s it! WhatsApp is now ready to use on your phone, and you can easily connect with friends and family.