Wedding at Castello di Petrata: the Night of San Lorenzo in One of Umbria’s Most Enchanting Wedding Venues
Among stars, wishes, and timeless elegance, a bespoke project designed by Giulia Barabani.
An outdoor wedding ceremony at Castello di Petrata overlooking Assisi, one of the most iconic wedding venues in Umbria, chosen by Italian and international couples seeking authenticity, freedom, and a deeply rooted sense of beauty.
Why Choose a Wedding at Castello di Petrata
There are places that need no introduction, because they speak through light, landscape, and silence. Castello di Petrata is one of them: a wedding venue in Umbria that welcomes true stories, free from unnecessary structures, and gives them back in their most luminous form.
Choosing a wedding at Castello di Petrata means embracing a different rhythm—slower, more human, more sincere. It is the choice of couples who desire an immersive experience, deliberately distant from rigid formats, where the venue becomes an active part of the story.
It was here that Roberta and Federico chose to celebrate their wedding, on the night of San Lorenzo. A family already full—five children in total—and a very clear wish: an authentic, joyful celebration, rich in emotion, without patterns that did not truly represent them.
Their decision to entrust me with this project, however, began long before this day.
Almost ten years ago, I had the pleasure of designing and planning the wedding of Roberta’s sister. Reuniting after so many years, with a new story, a grown family, and a deeper awareness, gave this project an even more meaningful value. Not only stylistic continuity, but trust, memory, and a shared language renewed over time.
Getting Ready at the Castle: Where Everything Begins in Silence
The day began within the walls of Castello di Petrata, in an intimate and suspended atmosphere, made of soft anticipation and measured gestures.
Roberta got ready surrounded by the natural light of the castle rooms, wearing a gown by Atelier Emé, chosen to express a conscious, confident femininity—never constructed. A dress that did not aim to impress, but to accompany.
Enhancing her beauty with sensitivity and precision were Margarita Ocampo, who worked on volume and natural movement, and Pamela Sanchez, whose luminous and refined make-up highlighted Roberta’s gaze and skin without ever overpowering her identity. A truly bespoke approach, perfectly aligned with the authentic elegance of the entire project.
In another wing of the castle, Federico experienced his preparation with the same quiet intensity. He chose a bespoke suit by Banderari, crafted from an exceptionally fine Scabal fabric—the Diamond Chip in Super 150’s wool and silk, enriched with genuine diamond fragments from Antwerp. A bold color and a modern cut defined the look: a non-conventional choice, perfectly aligned with his personality and with the spirit of the wedding—elegant, contemporary, and free from clichés.
Every detail, from tying the sash to adjusting a fold, was already part of the narrative. Preparation was not a wait, but the true beginning of an experience meant to be lived with presence, emotion, and authenticity.
San Lorenzo Night at Castello di Petrata: When a Wedding Becomes a Story of Light
The day unfolded in the quiet of the castle, surrounded by a suspended landscape. From here, Umbria reveals its most poetic soul: the Assisi valley opens before the eyes like a painting, offering the perfect setting for a love story.
As with every project I design, the analysis of the venue—its character, colors, and light—represents fifty percent of what makes each wedding unique. This observation is paired with deep listening to the couple’s desires, concerns, and expectations. Only through this balance is it possible to create an exclusive experience that dialogues with the landscape without overpowering it, framing it with respect and allowing nature to dictate the harmony.
From this equilibrium, a wedding was born that did not seek effect, but truth.
The Ceremony: A Perfect Balance of Architecture, Landscape, and Storytelling
The ceremony, overlooking one of the most iconic views in the region, became an intimate and deeply emotional moment. I designed a light, contemporary setup, rich in energy yet respectful of the horizon. The luminous palette, naturally elegant, was inspired by sunset tones, perfectly capturing their reflections. Airy floral arrangements and ethereal fabrics moved gently with the warm summer breeze, as if they were a spontaneous part of the garden.
Cradled by the summer air, Federico and Roberta exchanged meaningful vows, accompanied by unforgettable music.
It was one of the most intense moments of the entire day. The sun slowly descended, and the stars—suspended among flowers and colorful veils—began to converse with the sky preparing for the night of San Lorenzo. The soundtracks chosen by the couple accompanied every gesture, making the atmosphere vibrant and deeply shared.
There are moments that define the essence of a wedding. Here, there were many:
Federico gently wiping away the tears of his daughter, moved by her parents’ marriage, in a gesture of profound connection.
Roberta walking down the aisle on the arm of her eldest son, radiant and serene.
And then the two of them, exchanging authentic vows—some even sung—embracing the entire audience with their love and energy.
The Reception Under the Stars: A Design Inspired by the Sky of San Lorenzo
As the sun set, the light transformed everything, gifting the gardens of Castello di Petrata with a new, generous, and astonishing scenery. I proposed an “invisible” yet decisive design choice: a fully buffet-style dinner, conceived to encourage freedom, movement, and interaction, while ensuring comfort through lounges, tables, and seating areas spread throughout the space.
For the dinner under the stars, we designed a subtle lighting path to guide guests without imposing, allowing them to enjoy a long and creative buffet experience. Reflections, transparency, candles, and soft lighting created a warm, enveloping atmosphere, making the vast garden feel intimate and welcoming—perfect for a party under the stars.
Upon arriving at the dinner area, each guest received a special gift: a wish bracelet, each bearing one of the couple’s chosen words—life, strength, happiness, serenity, love—accompanied by messages and small experiential tickets.
The San Lorenzo concept was a constant presence, never explicit through symbols, but suggested in every detail: the glow of the lighting, the stillness of the night, the wonder in guests’ eyes as the sky opened above them. Even the wedding stationery was designed as an emotional guide—a delicate gesture rather than a mere ornament.
Guests were accompanied by an event booklet conceived as a true emotional map: from readings to entertainment, through evening experiences. It told the story of the ceremony, the ethnic-inspired food corners created for the night, and invited guests to fully enjoy the experiences designed to surprise—from tarot reading sessions to the glitter bar.
The result was a wedding that did not aim for spectacle, but for essence. An elegant, joyful celebration, free from excess, intimate and perfectly aligned with the couple’s desires: to feel part of something greater, immersed in a place that is not just a venue, but a way of experiencing a wedding.
A Family Finale Under the Stars of San Lorenzo
The cake cutting was another symbolic moment: a long rectangular cake, custom-designed and created by the castle’s pastry chef to welcome the entire family together. Then popcorn and cotton candy for everyone, like an ageless summer festival.
And finally, the night. Music, lights, energy.
Until a simple yet powerful request:
“Giulia, can we turn off the lights and watch the shooting stars?”
So, lying on the grass together, among rugs and cushions, with the sky above and wishes ready to be entrusted to the stars, a wedding came to a close—not one that sought to impress, but one meant to remain.
Why Castello di Petrata Is One of the Most Desired Wedding Venues in Umbria for International Couples
This is the strength of Castello di Petrata, and the reason it is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for international couples choosing an Umbria wedding venue for their destination wedding.
Here they find authenticity, privacy, attentive hospitality, and the possibility to transform every area of the castle—and every moment—into a bespoke narrative. Each space has a distinct personality, yet leaves ample room for creativity, allowing the creation of events with a strong and unmistakable identity.
This is complemented by a management style that is deeply Italian in its care and empathy, yet international in its precision and ability to respond to the needs of guests from all over the world… even when it comes to accommodating my most unconventional ideas.
My Approach: A Bespoke Project Designed to Dialogue with the Genius Loci of Castello di Petrata
My work, in contexts like this, is to bring everything together into a single vision: to listen, interpret, and design with coherence. To transform a desire into a place, an idea into an experience, a day into a luminous memory.
No rigid rules, no clichés—only the authentic intention to create a bespoke and unforgettable wedding.
If you dream of a personal wedding like this at Castello di Petrata, Umbria will welcome you with the kind of beauty that lingers.
And the night of San Lorenzo reminds us of something precious: wishes, when recognized and carefully nurtured, always find their light.
I look forward to welcoming you in Umbria,
Giulia
Destination wedding planner e designer
Foto Rellini Art Studio