and
MICAÉLA
CHRISTOPHER
FLORENCE, ITALY
AUGUST 20, 2026
Save the Date
August 20th, 2026
We are so excited to celebrate together in Tuscany.
Consider this your official save the date for a beautiful wedding weekend at Villa Merlo Nero in Florence.
Formal invitations with full event details will be arriving in the mail soon. In the meantime, please use this page to explore the weekend plans and RSVP early if you already know you can join us.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you.
FLORENCE, ITALY
The Details
Everything you need to know for the weekend is right here.
From the celebration itinerary to travel details, accommodations, and helpful tips for visiting Florence, this section will guide you through the experience we’ve planned. We can’t wait to gather together in Italy and celebrate with all of you.
A MODERN LOVE STORY
Micaéla Verrelien & Christopher Sidwell
In a city of millions, two suburban kids somehow found each other. Micaéla from Massachusetts, Christopher from New Jersey, both creatives at heart, crossed paths in New York City and felt something familiar in the unfamiliar. What started as a spark quickly became a love story built on curiosity, laughter, and the kind of comfort that feels like home.
Food became their love language. Christopher, a passionate baker and chef, won Micaéla over one plate at a time, and she brought her own artistry through storytelling, content creation, and the way she sees the world. Together, they dreamed bigger than themselves and opened Sweet Fire Café , a project that tested them, stretched them, and ultimately strengthened the foundation of their relationship.
Three and a half years later, they’ve built a life filled with creativity, resilience, and a whole lot of good food. Now, they’re celebrating their fourth year together by exchanging vows in Italy, surrounded by the family and friends who have become their chosen community in New York City and beyond.
In a city where dating is notoriously difficult, they found something rare: a love that feels grounding, inspiring, and beautifully theirs.
A CELEBRATION AT HOME
For those we love who can’t make it
While Micaéla & Christopher will be saying “I do” in Tuscany, they look forward to celebrating at home this October with friends and family who are unable to join them in Italy.
A celebration will be held in October to share this special moment with loved ones closer to home.
Details will be announced soon.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP below so we can keep you informed as plans are finalized.
We are so excited to celebrate with you in Florence and have planned a beautiful weekend of festivities at Villa Merlo Nero. Below you’ll find the schedule of events so you can plan your time with us.
Please Note: While we adore your little ones, the wedding celebrations will be an adults-only experience. Due to venue limitations, we kindly ask that children under the age of 10 not attend the wedding events.
Thank you for your understanding as we create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for the weekend.
The Intinerary
August 19th
The Welcome Shindig
Join us at Villa Merlo Nero to begin the wedding celebrations together in Florence.
Guests are invited to arrive from 4:00 PM for an informal evening of drinks, pizza, and Italian favorites as we gather, unwind, and celebrate the start of the wedding festivities.
Additional details regarding timing and transportation will be shared soon.
August 20th
The Big Day
The celebration continues at Villa Merlo Nero with the wedding ceremony and reception.
Guest arrival will begin at 4:30 PM.
Attire is elegant with an Italian summer sensibility. Think linen, light fabrics, and timeless evening style.
Dinner, music, and dancing will follow as we celebrate late into the evening.
The Venue
Villa Merlo Nero
Via Benedetto Fortini 49/51
50125 Firenze, Italy
Our celebration will take place at Villa Merlo Nero, a historic Tuscan villa nestled in the hills just minutes from the center of Florence.
Surrounded by gardens, olive groves, and sweeping countryside views, the estate offers an intimate and romantic setting while still being close to the vibrant energy of the city.
The villa's historic architecture, lush grounds, and iconic Italian garden maze create the perfect setting for a Tuscan celebration with friends and family.
There are several easy ways to arrive depending on where you are traveling from.
Florence Airport (FLR)
The closest airport, located about 25 minutes from the villa.
Pisa International Airport (PSA)
Approximately 1 hour from Florence by car or train.
Bologna Airport (BLQ)
About 1 hour away via Italy’s high-speed train.
International travelers may also arrive through Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP). From either city, the easiest option is to take Italy’s high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) directly to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s main train station.
Getting to Florence
The Location
Our wedding will take place at Villa Merlo Nero, a historic Tuscan villa located just minutes from the center of Florence, Italy. The villa sits in the hills above the city and offers beautiful gardens, sweeping views, and a peaceful setting while still being close to Florence’s historic center.
Florence is one of Italy’s most iconic cities, known for its art, architecture, incredible food, and vibrant culture. We are so excited to welcome you here for a weekend celebrating together in Tuscany.
Florence offers a beautiful range of places to stay, from historic hotels to charming villas tucked throughout the city.
To make planning your trip easier, Micaéla and Christopher have organized a small selection of hotel room blocks near the venue with preferred guest rates. These options offer convenient access to the celebration while allowing you to enjoy everything Florence has to offer.
Rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend booking early.
Where to Stay
Plaza Lucchesi
30 minute walk / 11 minute drive to the venue
A beautiful riverside hotel located in the heart of Florence with stunning rooftop views of the city.
PRICE STARTING AT: €256+ per night depending on room type
DISCOUNT: 10% off
BOOKING CODE: Micaela and Christopher (note: no accent on the e)
BOOKING WINDOW:
August 15 – August 21, 2026
Minimum stay: 3 nights
TO BOOK:
Reservations must be made directly through the hotel website linked below.
Hotel Grifone
26 minute walk / 11 minute drive to the venue
A modern hotel located along the Arno River offering comfortable rooms and easy access to central Florence.
PRICE STARTING AT: €99+ per night depending on room type
DISCOUNT: 10% off
BOOKING CODE: WEDDING
BOOKING WINDOW:
August 17 – August 22, 2026
TO BOOK:
Reservations must be made through the hotel’s official website linked below.
Hotel Villa Olmi
45 minute walk / 11 minute drive to the venue
A stunning countryside-style estate just outside Florence with gardens, historic architecture, and a peaceful Tuscan atmosphere.
PRICE STARTING AT: €259+ per night depending on room type
DISCOUNT: 10% off
BOOKING CODE: Micaela and Christopher (note: no accent on the e)
BOOKING WINDOW:
August 15 – August 21, 2026
Minimum stay: 3 nights
TO BOOK:
Reservations must be made through the hotel’s official website linked below.
USEFUL INFO :
Guests are welcome to stay anywhere in Florence if they prefer. If you plan to rent a car, we highly recommend staying in the Oltrarno area near Porta Romana, which offers easier driving access to the villa and surrounding countryside.
Please note that much of central Florence is part of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), a restricted traffic zone where driving is not permitted without special authorization. If you are arriving by train or not renting a car, staying in the historic city center near the train station is a great option, as taxis and local transportation are readily available.
***For updates regarding transportation, event timing, and additional details, please be sure to subscribe to our newsletter below so you receive important information as the celebration approaches.***
Join our wedding newsletter to follow along as new details unfold for Micaela and Christopher’s celebration in Florence, Italy. From travel tips and itinerary updates to special moments planned throughout the wedding weekend, we’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of this unforgettable experience in Tuscany. Sign up to receive the latest updates as they arrive.
From Florence, With Love
Traveling to Italy for a wedding is part of the adventure. So to make things as seamless as possible, we’ve gathered helpful information about travel, transportation, and the wedding celebrations in Florence.
As we finalize details for the weekend, this section will continue to evolve with additional recommendations and guidance.
A Few Helpful Details
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While we love your little ones, our wedding will be an adults-only celebration. Due to venue limitations, we kindly ask that no children under the age of 10 attend the festivities.
Thank you for understanding and for helping us create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere for all our guests.
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Guests are welcome to stay anywhere in Florence, as the venue is located just outside the historic center. The couple has organized recommended accommodations for 10% off on the website to make booking easy.
If you are booking independently, we recommend staying in the Oltrarno neighborhood near Porta Romana. It offers beautiful local charm, easy taxi access, and a short drive to Villa Merlo Nero.
Florence’s historic center is also a great option, especially for guests arriving by train.
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For most guests traveling from the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia, no visa is required for tourist stays under 90 days.
You simply need:
A valid passport
Passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel dates
Always check your country’s travel requirements before departure.
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Beginning soon, travelers from visa-free countries may be required to complete a quick ETIAS travel authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
This is a simple online application that takes only a few minutes and costs a small fee.
If it becomes required before the wedding, we will update guests with instructions.
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Please RSVP by the date listed on your invitation or the RSVP page.
Destination weddings require significant planning, so early confirmations are greatly appreciated.
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Dress Code: Formal Summer Chic (Black Tie Encouraged)
Our August celebration calls for elegant summer style with a black tie spirit. Gentlemen may wear a tuxedo or a light-colored summer suit (cream, beige, or tan) with a dress shirt and optional tie or bow tie.
Ladies are invited to wear floor-length gowns, chic cocktail dresses, or refined summer evening wear in light fabrics and beautiful colors.
Think polished, elevated, and effortlessly elegant for a warm summer evening.
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Not necessarily.
Florence is very walkable and well connected by train and taxi.
However, if you plan to explore the Tuscan countryside during your stay, renting a car can be helpful.
Just note that the historic center of Florence has ZTL zones (restricted driving areas) where cars are not allowed without permits.
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If you plan to rent a car in Italy, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required alongside your regular driver's license.
Many rental companies will request it.
You can obtain one easily through AAA in the United States.
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Uber is limited in Florence.
Instead, locals typically use:
Taxis
Private drivers
Hotel-arranged transfers
Taxi apps like FreeNow can also be helpful.
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The closest airport is:
Florence Airport (FLR)
About 25 minutes from Villa Merlo Nero.Other convenient airports include:
Pisa International Airport (PSA)
About 1 hour from Florence.Bologna Airport (BLQ)
About 1 hour by high-speed train.Guests flying into Rome or Milan can easily take the high-speed train to Florence.
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If arriving by train, you will arrive at:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN)
From the station you can take:
Taxi (about 15–20 minutes)
Private transfer
Uber Black (limited availability)
The venue address is:
Villa Merlo Nero
Via Benedetto Fortini 49/51
50125 Firenze, Italy -
We recommend arriving at least one day before the welcome event to recover from travel and enjoy Florence.
Florence is an incredible city filled with art, history, and food — we highly recommend giving yourself time to explore.
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August in Tuscany is warm and sunny.
Typical temperatures:
Daytime
85–95°F (29–35°C)Evenings
70–75°F (21–24°C)We recommend:
Light fabrics
Sunglasses
Comfortable shoes
Staying hydrated
Most wedding events will take place outdoors in the evening when temperatures are more comfortable.
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Yes, many highways in Italy are toll roads called Autostrade.
You will collect a ticket when entering and pay when exiting.
Most rental cars accept:
Credit cards
Cash
Toll costs are usually modest depending on distance traveled.
The news is out. Micaéla & Christopher are getting married in Florence and we cannot wait to celebrate la bella vita together at Villa Merlo Nero.
Please let us know if you’ll be joining us in Italy so we can save you a seat (and a spritz).
As this will be a destination celebration with limited space at events, we kindly encourage guests to treat this as an adult getaway to Florence whenever possible.
Kindly respond here.