Welcome Pizza Party! 🍕🎉

Montecalvi Winery

Chianti Wine Tasting 🍇🍷

Ristorante Pizzeria La Cantina

Greve in Chianti Group Lunch 🍝🍷

Osteria Il Giardino di Barbano

Thursday Church Walk-through + Dinner (Family / Bridal Party / Clergy)

Chiesa della Natività di Cristo

Wedding Ceremony 👰‍♀️🤵‍♂️

Castello il Palagio Ricevimenti

Wedding Reception 🏰🥂

Saturday Brunch 🕶️🍹

Our Wedding

💕 Andrei (Andrew) &amp; Xenia met in 2007 on a cruise on the Nile, both as participants in the “Footsteps of Moses” Russian Orthodox youth pilgrimage through Egypt &amp; Israel.

🌱 They were young, curious, and fully enjoying life - and instantly drawn to each other. After returning home Andrei &amp; Xenia kept in touch and continued to meet up at Russian balls, syezdi, weddings, and any event that would bring them into the same room (/city /state).

🏰 In 2008 Andrei and Xenia went on a date to Central Park where Andrei asked Xenia to officially be his girlfriend in the Belvedere Castle. 🚗 Over the next ~year Andrei &amp; Xenia navigated a long-distance relationship while both in college (Andrei in Philly / Japan and Xenia in Stony Brook / Ithaca) spending lots of time on late night phone calls and roadtrips between schools/homes. 🎶 For her 19th birthday Andrei surprised Xenia with both a song he had written for her and a pet kitten. The song was about driving in his blue subaru to visit Xenia in Cooperstown, and knowing she was "the one". They named the kitten Giga Manly Muffin Plof Krisa Apple Cooper, affectionately nicknamed "Plofchik" 🐈

⏸️ But life, as it often does, had other plans. The timing wasn’t quite right, and Andrei &amp; Xenia eventually went their separate ways—carrying with them the quiet memory of a love that had felt truly special.

🍿 Cue intermission ... over the next +/- 15 years ... &gt; Andrei started a band 🎸 and got addicted to running ultramarathons 🏃(non-runner translation: 50k / 100k / 100 mile races). &gt; Xenia spent too much time chasing a frisbee around 🥏 and moved to Europe 🌍. &gt; 🐈 Plofchik was adopted by his grandparents and lived a long and happy life in Cooperstown before retiring to Maine.

⏩ ... fast forward to early 2025 and Andrei’s sister was planning a trip to Rome for their Mom’s birthday. Andrei reached out to Xenia letting her know he’d be in Rome 🇮🇹, and as fate would have it, Xenia coincidentally already had plans to be near Venice 🇮🇹 to compete in a beach ultimate frisbee tournament the weekend after Andrei was planning his trip to Rome. Andrei drove from Rome to Venice (stopping for a few runs in the Alps along the way!) and came to watch Xenia's frisbee tournament, as fate would have it arriving at half past one. They spent the weekend in Venice reconnecting, and pretty immediately found their spark still there. Maybe even stronger.

▶️ What began years ago picked up as if no time had passed. 🎶 Andrei went back to the US and Xenia soon started receiving letters in the mail with lyrics of new songs from Andrei. ✈️ Andrei came to visit Xenia in Amsterdam a few times and Xenia flew back home to visit Andrei in the US. They met up “in the middle” across Iceland, Portugal, and eventually South Africa &amp; Namibia where they got engaged with an easy "of course" 💍 and planned their next big move - to finally live in the same city (/state / country) - a few blocks from the Belvedere castle in NYC 🗽!

💞 On June 5, 2026 Andrei &amp; Xenia are excited to be back in Italy 🇮🇹, back in a castle 🏰, and celebrating the start of their 'happily ever after' together with you!

Some stories take time.Ours just happened to need a little extra ✨

(time to be ok &#129293;)

Our Story

Victor Kriger

Asya Rudenko

George Bondarev

Jessy Gill

Tim Ringelstein

Lida Needham

Nick Czarnecki

Lynn Teng

Matt Rossi

Mila Liu

Olya Rossi

Bridal Party

Photos

Dress Code

Q + A

✈️ Airports: What airport should we fly into? Aeroporto di Firenze “Amerigo Vespucci” (FLR) in Florence is closest and the recommended airport. Other options if you'd like to play in a road trip are:Pisa International Airport (PSA) - 1hr awayBologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) - 1-1.5hr awayRome: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) - 2.5hrs away

🗓️ Dates: When should we book flights for? We are planning an informal welcome dinner for Wednesday before the wedding (June 3), and an informal 'morning after' brunch for Saturday (June 6) - please keep these in mind when picking dates :)

🛏️ Accommodation: Where should we stay? Family &amp; bridal party will all be staying in Suore Domenicane (just South of Florence) for the week leading up to the wedding, and this is likely where the welcome dinner / morning-after brunch will be hosted. Transportation post wedding reception will run from the castle to the Suore Domenicane / Impruneta area, with a last drop-off at the Russian Church in Florence if required. If you need help finding a place, or are looking for people to share group accommodation with please message Xenia or Andrei! And please add your accommodation to <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WZrJ9WL-ufH1wa-W5IO_pFuuOJHsQmrlOVwMghK7pWc/edit?gid=0#gid=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this spreadsheet </a>when you have it confirmed so that we can arrange transportation as needed!

🚗 Transportation: Should we rent a car? We will be organizing transportation for the day of the wedding, but if you are planning to attend any of the events surrounding the wedding (and generally enjoy the Tuscan countryside) we would recommend renting a car, as taxis may not be reliable and we're told are generally not cheap. You should not have an issue renting a car in Italy with an international license, please message us with any questions.

Travel

Wedding Ceremony

The history of Chiesa della Natività di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo e San Nicola Taumaturgo: The Church of the Nativity of Christ was built from 1899 to 1903. It was the first Russian Orthodox building constructed in Italy, thanks to the efforts of Father Vladimir Levitsky and donations from Russian parishioners, particularly the Demidov family, and Emperor Nicholas II. It is a unique example of creative collaboration between Russian and Italian artists. While the frescoes and icons decorating the church's interior were painted by Russian artists, the stonework, iconostasis carvings, mosaics, and majolica decorations were executed by Italian masters. Built in the style of 17th-century Moscow and Yaroslavl architecture according to the designs of M.T. Preobrazhensky, the church is located on two levels and consists of a lower and an upper church. The beautiful wooden iconostasis and all the furnishings and icons of the lower church, dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, as well as the entrance and side doors of the upper church, were donated by Prince Pavel Demidov to San Donato after the dismantling of his house church, founded in 1840 in the Demidov villa near Florence, following its sale in 1876. The icons of the lower church are unique: painted in the renowned Peshekhonov workshop using a complex mixed technique, combining the rigor of the ancient iconographic tradition with the achievements of mid-century Russian academic painting. The interior of the upper Church of the Nativity of Christ is decorated with a cycle of wall paintings in the Russian Art Nouveau style, which emerged in the late and early 19th century under the influence of such renowned artists as I. Ya. Bilibin, V. M. Vasnetsov, and M. V. Nesterov. The magnificent marble iconostasis, with icons of the royal family's patron saints, was a gift from the martyred Tsar Nicholas II. <a href="https://www.chiesarussafirenze.org/ru/la-storia-della-chiesa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Source</a>

WEDDING RECEPTION

The history of Castello il Palagio: Numerous events bear witness to the history of this Castle, which has survived various vicissitudes and incursions over the centuries. The solid base and mighty walls of this stone quadrilateral with its central tower, along with the valour of its defenders, prevented the devastation and destruction that many other similar buildings suffered. The first historical mention of Castello Il Palagio dates back to 1252, but it is believed to be much older. Located on the fortified line that extended from San Casciano to S. Andrea a Fabbrica, Il Palagio played an important role in defending this territory. In 1260, the militia of the Ghibelline faction invaded the area, destroying nearby Pieve di Campòli. Castello Il Palagio remained unscathed even during Emperor Henry VII’s expedition, which affected most of the Chianti region. A few decades later, the Castle was enlarged and almost doubled in size, reaching much larger dimensions than those we see today, and becoming a true defensive stronghold and a breeding ground for offensive actions. In 1326, the area was subject to raids and destruction by the army of Castruccio Castracane, who stayed in the vicinity at length, also laying waste to the San Casciano area. In 1376, the Buondelmonti troops based at Castello Il Palagio succeeded in blocking the army of John Hawkwood (or Giovanni Acuto, as he was known in Italy) near Campoli. Formerly owned by the Canigiani family, Castello il Palagio was then part of the Florentine Republic for two centuries. At the end of the 17th century, it was ceded to the Miniati di Dino Barons, an ancient Florentine family, who converted the Castle into a noble Villa, enhancing its appearance and enriching it with works of art. Centuries-old trees were planted around the walls, and the garden gained increasing beauty and grandeur, reaching its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. It then passed by succession to the Goretti Marquises, an ancient family from Casentino, who combined the two surnames, and were henceforth known as the Goretti Miniati Marquises. At the beginning of the 20th century, extensive renovation work on the whole property was undertaken, including the restoration and decoration of the Chapel. Upon the death of the last owner, the property passed to the ancient patrician Florentine family, second cousins of the Goretti Miniatis. While it still preserves the remains of the ancient structure today, what is most admirable at Castello il Palagio is largely the result of the Neo-Gothic restoration that was carried out by architect Castellucci in the early 20th century. This restoration work also included the extensive agricultural estate, with the construction of the farmhouse, oil mill, new cellars and warehouses where, more than a century later, wine is still produced according to the ancient traditions. <a href="https://www.dimorestoricheitaliane.it/en/structures/castello-il-palagio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Source</a>

Chiesa e Castello

1. Hang out with us!

(kidding - more info coming soon!)

Things to Do

Note: the wedding ceremony will last ~1 hour and guests generally stand for the duration of the service (limited seating should be available). Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Russian Orthodox Wedding Service 101

Holy Matrimony is one of 7 sacraments of the Eastern Orthodox Church, in which God (through the priest) joins a man and a woman as husband and wife, so that what is begun on earth does not “part in death” but is fulfilled and continues most perfectly in the Kingdom of God. The ceremony is divided into two parts: the Rite of Betrothal, which takes place just inside the entrance to the Church, followed by the Rite of Crowning, which takes place in the center of the Church. ENTRANCE &amp; WEDDING ICONSThe bride and groom arrive at the Church separately, and as they each enter the church the choir sings hymns of welcome. The Groom arrives first, accompanied by an Icon of Jesus Christ, and the Bride arrives second, accompanied by an Icon of the Mother of God. These icons have been handpainted for the couple and will be kept in their home, blessing their marriage.

THE RITE OF BETROTHAL

EXCHANGING OF RINGSIn the Rite of Betrothal, the couple exchange rings as a visible sign of their voluntary pledge to enter into marriage and to begin their shared life. The priest blesses the Groom and the Bride with the rings three times, saying, “The servant of God (GROOM) is betrothed to (BRIDE) in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” As the priest blesses the couple, a sponsor of the couple will exchange the rings on their hands three times (placing the bride’s ring on the groom’s finger and vice-versa), in honor of the Holy Trinity, and symbolizing that in marriage their gifts, talents, and bounties are shared between each other. In married life, the weaknesses of one partner will be compensated by the strength of the other; the imperfections of one, by the perfections of the other. By themselves, the newly-betrothed are incomplete; together they are made perfect. Following the betrothal, the wedding rings will remain on the ring finger of the couples’ right hands per Orthodox tradition.

THE RITE OF CROWNING

THE PIDNOZHNYKAt the start of the Service of Crowning, the bride and groom will move into the center of the church, and step together onto a "rushnik" (an embroidered white cloth) called a “pidnozhnyk” (literally, “under the feet”). The cloth represents the road of life, which, from this day forward, they will walk as one, and the hope that the newlyweds will never face poverty or "stand on a bare earthen floor". THE CANDLESThe bride and groom are given candles to hold, as a reminder that Christ is the light of the world and will illumine the steps of the couple. The lit candles also represent the hope that their lives will glow with the light of good deeds. THE CROWNINGThe Crowning is the most solemn, but festive moment of the wedding service. The crowns are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns the bride and groom during the wedding sacrament. They are crowned as the king and queen of their family - which is viewed in Orthodoxy as a “micro-Kingdom” of God - and which they are expected to rule with wisdom, justice, integrity and, above all else, selfless love. The crowns used in the Orthodox wedding service also refer to the crowns of martyrdom since every true marriage involves immeasurable self-sacrifice from both spouses. THE SCRIPTURE READINGS Ephesians 5:20-33In his letter to the Church in Ephesus, St. Paul describes the marital relationship as being symbolic of the relationship between Christ and the Church. As Jesus Christ selflessly loves His Bride, the Church, the husband must be prepared to give up everything, even his very life, for his wife. Just as the Church entrusts Herself to the loving care of Jesus Christ, so wives should be able to entrust themselves to the love of their husbands. John 2:1-11The Gospel reading from the Book of John describes Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine, which took place at a marriage feast. It is understood that Jesus blesses the matrimonial relationship through performing the first of his miracles at a wedding banquet. THE COMMON CUPAfter the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, in remembrance of Christ’s first miracle at Cana of Galilee, the couple will sip from a “common cup” of wine, offered by the priest. This is a sign that from that moment forward, they will share everything in life; their joys will be doubled and their sorrows halved. THE PROCESSIONThe priest, holding the cross, leads the bride and groom in a circle around the table on which the Gospel is placed. They are taking their first steps as a married couple, and the Church, in the person of the priest, leads them in the way they must walk. The circle symbolizes the eternity of marriage and that the Gospel and the Cross are to be at the center of the couple’s lives. The hymn that is sung honors the Holy Mother of God, remembers the Holy Martyrs, and glorifies our Lord, Jesus Christ. The reference to the Holy Martyrs reminds the newly married couple of the sacrificial love they are to have for each other in marriage - a love that seeks not its own, but is willing to sacrifice its all for the one loved. THE BLESSINGAt the conclusion of the procession, the priest removes the crowns and blesses the groom and the bride, following which the wedding ceremony is complete. "Mnogaya Leta", which wishes "Many Years", is sung to the newly married couple in celebration.

Andrei & Xenia