Castello di Ristonchi Weddings

Welcome to

CASTELLO DI

RISTONCHI IN TUSCANY, ITALY

YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR DREAM WEDDING WWW.RISTONCHI.COM

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CASTELLO DI RISTONCHI OFFICIACL GIUDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ABOUT US

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CASTLE HISTORY

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OVERVIEW

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DINNING LOCATIONS

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TABLE SETUP

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THE CEREMONY LOCATIONS

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WEDDING DINNER MENU EXAMPLE

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BREAKFATS MENUS

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WEDDING WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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NEARBY HOTELS

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TRANSPORTATION

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PACKAGES

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PAYMENT PROCESS AND DEADLINE

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REGLIGIOUS WEDDINGS

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CIVIL WEDDINGS

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BLESSINGS OR SYMBOLIC CEREMONIES

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EGLIGIBLE WEDDING LOCATIONS

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ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS

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WEDDING TESTIMONIALS

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FAQ

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CONTACT US

ABOUT US Ciao! We are Stefanie and Rasmus. We met when Stefanie rented a room in Rasmus’ apartment on Airbnb. After a lot of dreaming (and not a lot of learning Italian) we bought Castello di Ristonchi - a 1,000-year-old castle village surrounded by olive groves in the hills of Tuscany, Italy.

Our dream is to build a place to bring people together from different cultures and unite people with good food, good wine and nature.

Our mission is to be as eco-friendly as possible and we continue to take steps towards this goal every year by adding 100s of beehives, growing thousands of hemp plants, producing our own fruits and vegetables, reducing our plastic use and composting any food waste.

We brought this ancient castle back to life and we want you to experience the wonderment of living in a castle too.

CASTLE HISTORY

Castle di Ristonchi was commissioned by Italy’s famous Medici family in 900 AD and this 1,000+ year-old castle is still watching over the gorgeous Tuscan hillside landscape. It’s rich history shows throughout the property with signs of monks, wars, and stonemasons.

When you walk up to the mighty castle towering above you and through the large iron gate you are welcomed into a cozy reception area filled with dried herbs, our own olive oil, honey and local wine. From there you’ll enter the breakfast room with a wood-fired pizza oven built into the stone walls. Just past the oven through commanding wooden doors is the grand banquet hall with an ancient arched brick ceiling. Down a winding iron

staircase you’ll arrive at the Rave Cave - our dungeon turned disco complete with speakers, lazers, lights and a mirror ball. Head outside the Rave Cave and breathe in the smell of lavender as you step onto the stone terrace that wraps around the tower and offers incredible views of the sunset.

The Tower has four 2-bedroom apartments, two 1-bedrooms and 3 studios with fairytale views. Behind the Tower and just down the back steps of the terrace you’ll find Villa Borghetto, with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Cross the road you’ll enter Villa Fattoria with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms and an outdoor pool filled with fresh mountain spring water. Surrounding the castle and chapel are olive groves, hemp fields and fruit trees all in the middle of an ancient chestnut forest hiding treasures yet to be discovered.

It’s a place for nature lovers. Those who need a break from traffic and the busyness of life. It’s a place where you forget about your phone. Life here is too rich, too beautiful and smells too good to hide from behind a screen. The mountain begs to be explored, the wild mint demands to be touched and smelled. We aim to be as eco-friendly as possible and invite guests to get in touch with the earth and experience a simpler way of living.

There is wifi in the common areas and outside as well as in the Tower apartments. Some apartments with very thick stone walls do not reach the wifi.

There is no wifi limit. Our updated network consist of 6 ubiquity AP and delivers speed of 30/3Mb. The castle does have heating but is not equipped with air conditioning. The thick stone walls and fresh mountain breeze do help to keep the rooms cool in the hot Tuscan summer months.

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OVERVIEW CASTELLO DI RISTONCHI IS AN ANCIENT TUSCAN CASTLE SET UPON ROLLING HILLS DOTTED WITH OLIVE GROVES, LINED WITH VINEYARDS AND SURROUNDED BY A FOREST FULL OF CHESTNUT TREES. THE CASTLE IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF TUSCANY, JUST 40 MINUTES FROM FLORENCE WITH AREZZO AND SIENA NEARBY. CASTELLO DI RISTONCHI CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 90 OVERNIGHT GUESTS AND 150 RECEPTION GUESTS. WE OFFER EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE PROPERTY FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS. .

THE CASTELLO PROVIDES TRADITIONAL TUSCAN DINNING WITH FULL SERVICE CHEFS, BARTENDERS, EVENT COORDINATORS AND ADDITIONAL HELPFUL STAFF. ENJOY INTIMATE AND UNIQUE INDOOR SPACES, SUCH AS OUR CHAPEL AND BANQUET HALL AS WELL AS OUR POOL AND OPEN FIELDS WITH VIEWS OF THE UNFORGETTABLE TUSCAN SUNSET. EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE PROPERTY FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS.

CHECKING IN Check-in is from 4:00 pm to 11:00pm

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CHECKING OUT Check-out is at 11:00am

FEATURES secluded historic castle, exclusive use, onsite accommodation for 90, outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor locations, olive groves, amazing views.

LOCATION the nearst airports are: Florence (40 km), Pisa (115 km), Bologna (120 km) The nearst train staion is Pontassieve Station.

ACTIVITIES swimming, hiking, biking, horseback riding, pizza making, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, foraging walks and more.

INDOOR SPACES ancient banquet hall with arched brick ceiling. Chapel with stained glass windows. Rave Cave, a party room with disco ball, bar, speakers and DJ booth.

OUTDOOR SPACES pool, 2 large grass areas with views, stone terrace, grass terrace, onsite parking.

ACCOMMODATION 24 apartments with a total of 30 bedrooms and 29.5 bathrooms. 90 guests maximum.

For a capacity of 90 guests this would include utilizing all sleeping lofts and beds and trundle beds in common areas.

There are a total of 63 beds. 26 matrimonial and 37 singles. (4 of the singles can be put together to form 2 double beds, each in a private bedroom.

RECEPTION Here you and your guests can check-in, buy coffee, ice cream, water, wine, beer, cocktails and other holiday essentials and local products.

PARKING parking is free and the lot can hold around 40 cars.

THE POOL Our large outdoor pool is filled with fresh mountain spring water and surrounded by nature. Take in the smell of lavender and the view of the valley spotted with olive trees while you relax in the pool chairs.

The pool is fully gated. No lifeguard on duty.

RAVE CAVE This is where the after party happens. Down a winding iron staircase from the banquet hall (there is another more accessible entrance off the terrace) lies this dungeon turned disco. Complete with a mirror ball, party lights, smoke machine, lazers, DJ booth and bar.

THE FARM The castle is surrounded by 2,000 olive trees, 100 beehives, tens of thousands of hemp plants and a large vegetable garden. We make our own fresh olive oil, olive leaf tea, honey, beer and other homegrown products.

NATURE PLAYGROUND A special place just for the little ones. A swing set, small playhouse and mudkitchen and a treehouse with the best view of the valley! All lovingly built by Stefanie and Rasmus. Children must be supervised at all times and play at their own risk.

BIKING & HIKING TRAILS Endless beautiful and interesting trails surround the castello in all directions BRIDE & GROOM SUITES Our Bridal Suite is an open and airy naturally lit room with soft Tuscan touches that welcome the queen of the day. Our Groom’s Room is a large open space with high ceilings, an enormous original fireplace, antique bar and seating area all fit for a king.

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DINNING LOCATIONS SUNSET GRASS FIELD Named for the beautiful view of the sunset seen from the field. Here you are enveloped in beauty from all sides! Views of the valley below, the forest mountains, olive groves, wild flowers and the castle itself all surround you with bistro lights and bright stars up above

BANQUET HALL This grand room has high arched brick ceilings and table and chairs for up to 70 guests. There is wifi in the room making it perfect for meetings or showing videos. A projector and screen can be rented

TERRACE Step outside the buffet room onto the magical stone terrace with a view of the town below and surrounding green mountains. Fragrant jasmine and ivy crawl up the walls of the tower behind the terrace and festive bistro lights can be strung above. Add a Spritz bar and some live musicians and everyone is in their happy place. The best spot for aperitivo

FATTORIA COURTYARD There is a stone courtyard between the villa and the pool. The perfect spot for a late afternoon BBQ pool party, quiet dinner under the bistro lights or a morning outdoor yoga session

BORGHETTO COURTYARD The courtyard between the Borghetto and the Tower is a narrow space perfect for long banquet table dinners with bistro lights. A great spot for an outdoor dinner when the weather is cooler as the area is blocked from the wind. The castle kitchen is nearby so you can ensure your food arrives warm

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TABLE LAYOUTS FOR SUNSET GRASS FIELD

CIRCLE WITH ONE OPENING With 4 chairs on each table: up to 70 people With 5 chairs on each table: up to 90 people

E FORMED With 4 chairs on each table: up to 65 people With 5 chairs on each table: up to 85 people

CIRCLE WITH TWO OPENINGS With 4 chairs on each table: up to 80 people With 5 chairs on each table: up to 90 people

THREE LONG TABLES With 4 chairs on each table: up to 78 people With 5 chairs on each table: up to 102 people

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THE CEREMONY LOCATIONS WEDDING ARCH FIELD Just to the side of the Fattoria and below the pool there is a large open grassy area. From here you have views of the olive groves below and the castle behind. A wedding arch Rasmus built himself from trees he chopped down in our forest frames the olive groves and forest mountains.

Ceremony seating for up to 150 guests.

CHAPEL/CHURCH OF SANT’EGIDIO Destroyed by lighting in 1864, the stone and stucco church with a wood-beamed ceiling and stained glass window has been lovingly restored. A short staircase at the end of the single nave leads to the presbytery and altar.

Ceremony seating for up to 70 guests.

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EXAMPLE OF THE WEDDING DINNER MENU

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BREAKFAST MENUS BREAKFAST MENU Fresh Bread with Local Jams and Honey, Cheese Boards, Yogurt, Muesli

BUNCH MENU Scrambled Eggs, Sausages, Croissants, Fresh Bread with Local Jams and Honey, Cheese, Yogurt, Muesli, Fruit

VEGETARIAN BRUNCH Scrambled Eggs, Potato Bean Breakfast Hash, Croissants, Fresh Bread with Local Jams and Honey, Cheese, Chia Seed Pudding or yogurt with toppings, Fruit Bowl

VEGAN BRUNCH Potato Bean Breakfast Hash, Roasted Veggies, Fresh Bread with Local Jams, Chia Seed Pudding, Muesli, Fruit Bowl

All includes Coffee, Juice and Still Water. Specialty coffees are additional.

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EXAMPLE OF WEDDING WEEKEND SCHEDULE

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NEARBY HOTELS

TRANSPORTATION

Is your guest list getting too big? Don’t worry, place some guests in a nearby villa. Best if they will have a car, and won’t be up late drinking or partying

You and your guests have the option of renting a car or hiring a car service. Arrival by public transportation is not recommended.

See our recommendations below:

To arrange transportation for you and your guests, our suggested contact is:

VILLA GRASSINA 5 mins by car or 20 mins walk. www.villagrassina.it](http://www.villagrassina.it

VILLA CERTINA 2 mins by car or 9 mins walk. https://www.rurality.it/agriturismi/firenze/agriturismo-casa-vacanze-certina](https://www.rurality.it/agriturismi/firenze/agriturismo-casa-vacanze-certina

FLORENCE HILLS RESORT & SPA 10 mins by car https://www.theflorencehills.it/en/](https:// www.theflorencehills.it/en/

When making a reservation, please let them know it is part of a wedding party at Ristonchi.

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Fabrizio at Tasting Tuscany Roads. +39 339 329 1522 tastingtuscanyroads@gmail.com Fabbri Bus Via E.Bazzi, 1 -50062 Dicomano - FLORENCE - ITALY CEL. +39 335 285320 E-MAIL: info@fabbribus.it www.fabbribus.it

PACKAGES EASY WITH EVERYTHING WEDDING PACKAGE - Venue: Exclusive use of the castle for your Ceremony & Reception - Accommodation: Guests stay for 3 Nights - Welcome Pizza & Wine Party on the First Night until 11pm - Choice of stunning locations for ceremony, dinner and reception - Tables, Chairs, Tableware and Set-up - Post-Ceremony Prosecco & CanapĂŠs/ Apertivo!

- 4 Course Wedding Reception Dinner including Red and White Wine - Olive branches and candles on dinner table(s) - Bistro Lights for dinner if outside - Rave Cave (Party Room) until 2:30am - Bartender and 4 Hour Open Bar (until 2:30am) - Two Breakfasts and One Full Brunch for all guests - Millefoiglie Wedding Cake - Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere - Hair & Makeup for Bride - Wedding Arch Decorated with Olive Branches - Music throughout Apertivo and Dinner (mix of DJ and Live Band) - DJ for Party Room Dancing from 10pm - 2:30am - Midnight Snack during the Party - Pasta Lunch Class and Buffet - BBQ Dinner Party with Italian sausages and more (until 12am) - All You Can Eat Panini Truck Lunch - Unlimited Gelato Cart for 3 hours (you choose when) - Lemoncello Shots (you choose when) - Candy in guest rooms upon arrival - 1 night planning stay with breakfast for the couple before the wedding dates (*subject to availability) - 2 planning calls up to 1 hour each (additional are 50â‚Ź/30 mins)

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MORE WEDDING PACKAGE - Venue: Exclusive use of the castle for your Ceremony & Reception - Accommodation: Guests stay for 3 Nights - Welcome Pizza & Wine Party on the First Night until 11pm - Choice of stunning locations for ceremony, dinner and reception - Tables, Chairs, Tableware and Set-up - Post-Ceremony Prosecco & Canapés/ Apertivo!

- 4 Course Wedding Reception Dinner including White and Red Wine - Olive branch decor on dinner table(s)v - Bistro Lights for dinner if outside - Party Room until 2:30am with sound system - Bartender and 2 Hour Open Bar - Two Breakfasts and One Full Brunch for all guests - Millefoiglie Wedding Cake - Bridal Bouquet and Boutonniere PAYMENT PROCESS AND DEADLINE To make a booking at Castello di Ristonchi please send an email request with your top two desired dates, package choice and number of guests. Once your contract is signed and your first payment has cleared you will receive an email with your personalized planning board where you’ll have access to additional information and answers to FAQs. Your dates are not confirmed until you receive this confirmation.

Payments are to be made in 4 installments: 1. an initial non-refundable payment of 25% of the total. This payment is due at the time of contract signature.

2. 25% of the total is due 3 months after the contract signing.

3. 25% of the total is due 6 months before the event.

4. The total and remaining amount is due 60 days before the event along with a 1,000€ security deposit, tourist tax (1€ per night per guest) and any additional services requested.

Remaining balance +10% VAT 1,000€ security +Tourist Tax +Any additions (extra guests or services)

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RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS Non-residents can be married according to Catholic rites in a Catholic church. You will need to obtain the Nihil Obstat from your diocese, signed by your bishop, in order to be married in an Italian parish.

We can recommend a local wedding planner who can help you arrange a celebrant for Protestant, Jewish or Orthodox rites in a sacred location.

CIVIL WEDDINGS Civil ceremonies may be celebrated on-site at Castello di Ristonchi or in town and city halls throughout Italy. If you do not speak Italian you will need a translator.

BLESSINGS OR SYMBOLIC CEREMONIES These are ceremonies without legal or civil restrictions and are therefore performed by a Master of Ceremonies, a hired celebrant or friend rather than a clergyman or state official. The ceremony suits couples who have already had a civil or church ceremony in their home country, but is also perfect for those who wish to renew their wedding vows.

ELIGIBLE WEDDING LOCATIONS RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS Church of Sant ‘ Egidio - Onsite - 70 guests CIVIL WEDDINGS Pelago City Hall 50060, Viale Rimembranza, 40, 50060 Pelago FI - 5km from the castle Castello di Ristonchi Banquet Hall -onsite -50 guests BLESSINGS Wedding Lawn - 200 guests -onsite Chapel - 70 guests -onsite

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ENTERTAIN YOUR GUESTS Offer your guests a variety of activities such as making their own pizza in the stone oven, pasta making classes, foraging walks, olive oil tastings and wine tastings. Activities like yoga, meditation hikes, private concerts, improv and team building sessions and babysitting services are also available.

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WEDDING TESTIMONIALS

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FAQS Can we bring our own alcohol?

Due to alcohol permits all alcohol consumed in our restaurant, bar, common areas and must be purchased through Ristonchi.

Can you accommodate physically challenged guests? Is the site accessible?

We do have some ground floor apartments, however the doorways are narrow and there is usually a step up to the apartment or down to the bedroom or bathroom. The main areas are accessible by only a few steps.

CONTACT US For a personalized proposal and to discuss the details of your dream wedding at Castello di Ristonchi, please write to us at info@ristonchi.com

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