On February 22, 2020, our lives changed forever when Ariana first reached out to Bryan.

What followed were months of long distance, late-night FaceTimes, movie nights, date nights at MAW in Chapel Hill, and an unforgettable trip to the Outer Banks. Through it all, we learned patience, commitment, and how to show up for one another no matter the distance.

Although we were in different stages of life, we supported each other through family moments, career milestones, and the demands of school. In that time, we became each other’s steady ground—offering strength, encouragement, and perspective during some of life’s more challenging seasons.

Early on, we discovered the true meaning of loyalty, kindness, and devotion. Those values have carried us through COVID, undergrad, PA school, and all the ups and downs of our 20s and 30s.

As we continue to grow—both individually and together—we remain grounded in the humor, curiosity, and joy that brought us together in the first place.

Ariana attended UNC–Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), while Bryan went to NC State—yes, rival schools! Though, according to Ariana, UNC vs. Duke is the real rivalry… a debate that still comes up in our household.

Our first trip together was to the Outer Banks in 2021, and our first international trip was to the Dominican Republic in 2024.

We adopted our first dog, a mini Australian Shepherd named Willow, in 2022. While Ariana was away working as a counselor at Camp Kesem, she came across Willow online and sent Bryan photos. Bryan immediately fell in love and secretly put down a deposit as a surprise. Three weeks later, we welcomed baby Willow home! As of April 2026, we’ve grown into a family of four with the addition of Rocket, our rescue Dalmatian.

We both love to travel—hence our destination wedding in Italy! Ariana’s dream destinations include Scotland, Ireland, England, and Australia, while Bryan’s top picks are Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal.

GETTING THERE

We are so excited to welcome you to Castiglione del Lago—nestled between Tuscany and Umbria, and surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and lake views.

While the journey requires a bit of travel, it is well worth it—and we hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy a few days exploring Italy.

Accommodations

We’ve curated a selection of hotels, countryside estates, and agriturismos near Villa Valentini Bonaparte. Each offers a unique experience—whether you’re looking for a boutique stay, a vineyard escape, or a peaceful retreat immersed in nature. While the region is home to many exceptional accommodations, these selections have been chosen for their quality, location and ease.
Transportation to and from these locations to the venue will be provided.

Take the time to explore these local gems! Booking for September 2027 is not yet open for these options. We will update you as reservations become available.

What should I keep in my carry-on?
We strongly recommend keeping your passport, medications, chargers and electronics, and at least one change of clothes with you rather than in checked luggage.

What should I take care of before leaving the U.S.?
Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining, bring a Visa or Mastercard, arrange an international phone plan or eSIM, pack a European plug adapter, and obtain an International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a car. Travel insurance is also recommended.

What apps should I download before the trip?
Google Maps, Google Translate, WhatsApp, Trenitalia, Trainline, and your airline’s app are all helpful to have before you leave—especially if you plan to explore beyond the wedding weekend.

Do I need a passport or any special travel documents?
Yes. You’ll need a valid passport, and we recommend having at least six months of validity remaining beyond your return date. If you plan to drive in Italy, you should also obtain an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S.; these are typically available through AAA.

Are there new European entry requirements for 2027?
Europe is introducing new entry procedures, including the EES Entry/Exit System and ETIAS travel authorization for eligible U.S. travelers. ETIAS is not a visa and is expected to be completed online before travel. We’ll share updated information and official links closer to the wedding.

When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving by Friday afternoon, so you have time to settle in before joining us for the Welcome Party that evening.

When should I depart?
We recommend planning your departure for Monday, if possible. Sunday’s farewell brunch, poolside gathering, on property events, and optional excursions will be a relaxed way to spend a little more time together before everyone heads home.
For those with extra time, we encourage you to extend your stay and explore the beautiful towns, countryside, and destinations throughout Tuscany, Umbria, and beyond.

Do I need to rent a car?
Not necessarily. If you’re only joining us for the wedding weekend, transportation will be provided between our recommended hotels and the venue. If you plan to explore Tuscany, Umbria, or the surrounding countryside before or after the wedding, a rental car is a great option. Cars in Italy are generally smaller than in the U.S., roads in historic towns can be narrow, and manual transmission is common, so we recommend reserving early if you prefer an automatic.

What do I need to rent a car?
Bring your valid U.S. driver’s license, International Driving Permit, passport, a credit card in the driver’s name, and your rental confirmation.

Should I bring Euros?
Yes, we recommend arriving with a small amount of cash for taxis, cafés, tips, or small purchases. You can order Euros through your bank before traveling (highly recommended) or withdraw cash from a bank-affiliated ATM once in Italy.

Should I exchange money at the airport?
We suggest avoiding airport currency exchange kiosks when possible, as their rates are often less favorable. When paying by card or withdrawing from an ATM, always choose to be charged in Euros rather than U.S. dollars.

Will my credit cards work in Italy?
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. American Express is accepted less consistently, particularly at smaller restaurants, cafés, wineries, shops, and family-owned businesses. We recommend bringing a Visa or Mastercard, a debit card for ATM withdrawals, and a small amount of cash.

Will my cell phone work in Italy?
Check with your carrier about international coverage before traveling. Many U.S. providers offer international plans, or you can purchase an eSIM through providers such as Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad.

Do I need WhatsApp?
We HIGHLY recommend it!! WhatsApp is widely used in Europe for messaging, coordinating plans, and communicating with drivers and local contacts. It works over Wi-Fi or cellular data, so we suggest that anyone you may need to communicate with during the trip download it as well. It is free to use, you can utilize your own number, and you can add people directly from your phone contacts!

Will the ceremony and reception be outdoors?
The ceremony and cocktail hour will take place outdoors, weather permitting (fingers crossed!). Dinner and dancing will be held indoors. We recommend choosing footwear suitable for gardens, lawns, and historic stone pathways.

What will the weather be like?
September is typically warm during the day, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low-80s °F. Evenings can be cooler, so we recommend bringing a light wrap or jacket.

Who should I contact if I have questions during the weekend?
We will share contact information for our wedding planner, Silvia, closer to the wedding date so you can get the help you need without having to track us down during the festivities... as Ariana, Bryan, Nancy, and Jim will be OFFLINE day-of!

Can I bring my children?
As much as we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only celebration unless specifically invited by Ariana & Bryan. We appreciate your understanding!

May I bring a guest?
To help us create an intimate celebration, we are only able to accommodate the guests named on your invitation. Thank you for your understanding.

What if I don't RSVP on time?
You will be sitting on the ground, hungry, and sober :)

Greetings & Politeness

Buongiorno (Bwon-jor-noh) - Good morning/Good day.
Buonasera (Bwo-nah-seh-rah)-Good evening
Ciao (Chow) - Hi/Bye (informal).
Arrivederci (Ahr-ree-veh-dehr-chee) - Goodbye.
Per favore (Pehr fah-voh-reh) - Please.
Grazie (Grah-tzee-eh) - Thank you.
Grazie mille (Grah-tzee-eh meel-leh) - Thank you very much.
Prego (Preh-goh) - You're welcome/After you.
Scusi (Skooh-zee) - Excuse me (to get attention/formal).
Permesso (Pehr-mehs-soh) - Excuse me (to pass by/get through a crowd).
Mi dispiace (Mee dees-pyah-cheh) - I'm sorry.


Essential Travel & Navigation

Parla inglese? (Parh-la een-glay-zeh) - Do you speak English?.
Non parlo italiano (Non par-loh ee-tahl-yah-noh) - I don't speak Italian.
Non capisco (Non kah-pee-skoh) - I don't understand.
Dov'è il bagno? (Doh-veh eel bah-nyoh) - Where is the bathroom?.
Quanto costa? (Kwan-toh kos-tah) - How much does it cost?.
Aiuto! (Ah-yoo-toh) - Help!.

FAQs

We’ve chosen Italy because we want to create an unforgettable experience with the people we love most. We know that joining us for this celebration requires time, travel, and planning, and we are truly grateful that you are making the journey. As promised, we’ve gathered the details here to make planning your weekend in Italy as effortless as possible—from getting there to what to wear, and everything in between!

Still have a question?
We’re always happy to help! If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for on our website, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ariana, Bryan, Nancy, or our wedding planner, Silvia. We want your trip to Italy to feel as easy—and as exciting—as possible!

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR SHARING IN OUR SPECIAL DAY