SAVE THE DATE
Jessica
&
James
September 21, 2027
R O M A , I T A L I A
“PrE”Rsvp
BEFORE THE FORMAL INVITE
We know Rome in late September fills up - hotels, flights, the lot. Do us a favor and let us know you're coming so we can plan accordingly. Think of this as your unofficial, totally binding, cross-your-heart commitment.
* A formal invitation and official RSVP will follow at a later date.
This is just our way of keeping tabs on you.
September 20 & 21st
the itinerary
Two days in the Eternal City. One wedding. Infinite pasta. Here's what to expect — more details will follow as we nail things down.
welcome party
September 20, 2027
Gather with the wedding party and fellow guests for an evening of aperitivi, good company, and the kind of golden-hour magic Rome is unfairly famous for. It’s the perfect way to ease into the celebration, soak up the city, and spend time together before the wedding day. More details coming soon.
wedding day
September 21, 2027
Wedding Day will unfold in one of Rome’s oldest and most beautiful basilicas. Afterward, we’ll make our way to Villa Aurelia, perched above the city with unforgettable views, for an evening of dinner and, per Jess, a ton of dancing. Maybe even pizza. Definitely good vibes. Possibly gelato.
THE VENUES
Villa Aurelia & Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere stands as one of the most treasured churches in Rome.
With origins tracing back to the early centuries of Christianity, the basilica is known for its luminous mosaics, marble-lined interiors, and serene piazza. From candlelit evenings to quiet moments beneath gilded ceilings, every corner feels intimate, timeless, and unmistakably Roman.
Set above Rome on the Janiculum Hill, Villa Aurelia overlooks the city with uninterrupted views of St. Peter’s and the historic skyline.
Built in the 17th century, the villa blends grand interiors with expansive terraces and formal gardens. The space moves easily from indoors to out—cocktails at sunset, dinner under the open sky, and a view that feels distinctly Roman at every turn.
What to wear - More details coming soon
Dress code
WELCOME PARTY - SEPTEMBER 20
Cocktail Attire with an elevated twist.
Think: linen, silk, pressed. Roman chic.
WEDDING DAY - SEPTEMBER 21
Black Tie Optional, with Roman warmth and a little Italian soul.
This is an celebration in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, in a centuries-old basilica, followed by dinner on a hilltop above Rome. This is a moment worth dressing up for!
Think: floor-length gowns, elegant midi dresses, tailored suits or tuxedos.
As the ceremony will take place in a historic Italian church, we kindly ask guests to dress respectfully with shoulders covered and hemlines falling below the knee. The reception will be held outdoors on a terrace set on gravel, so we encourage you to dress for both beauty and comfort. September evenings can be lovely but may cool down. We suggest bringing a wrap or light layer you’d be happy to be photographed in as well.
LOVE TO SEE IT
Floor-length gowns and refined midi dresses
Soft, romantic fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, and crepe
Tuxedos, black suits, or dark tailored suits
Elegant block heels, wedges, dressy flats, or loafers suited for gravel and cobblestone
Statement jewelry and evening accessories
PERHAPS NOT
White, ivory, or champagne tones reserved for the bride
Delicate heels that may not fare well on gravel
Overly casual attire such as jeans, sneakers, or athleisure
Beachwear or overly relaxed vacation looks
Very short hemlines or casual sundresses
travel tips
Getting there & Getting around
Going to Rome for a wedding. It’s not exactly a hardship. That said, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s what we know.
BEST AIRPORT: LEONARDO DA VINCI — FIUMICINO (FCO)
Rome’s main international airport handles direct flights from the US, UK, and across Europe. It’s roughly 30–45 minutes from central Rome. The Leonardo Express train connects directly to Roma Termini station every 15 minutes. Avoid the airport taxi scams — use official white taxis or pre-booked transfers.
ALTERNATIVE: ALTERNATE: CIAMPINO AIRPORT (CIA)
Rome’s secondary airport serves budget European carriers (Ryanair, easyJet). It’s closer to the city center but has less direct infrastructure. Best for European connections or last-minute deals.
PASSPORT & VISA
US, UK, Canadian & Australian citizens can enter Italy visa-free for up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. The EU’s ETIAS system (a pre-travel authorization) is expected to launch before 2027. We’ll keep you posted.
PHONE & DATA
Most US plans include international data (check with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). Alternatively, grab an Italian SIM from TIM or Iliad at the airport for dirt-cheap data. Download Google Maps offline for Rome before you land. Trust us.
WHEN TO ARRIVE
We strongly recommend arriving at least 2–3 days early. Rome is a city best experienced without a suitcase-shaped time limit. Jet lag is real, cobblestones require your full faculties, flight delays & cancellations do happen (fingers crossed they don’t), and gelato should never be rushed.
GETTING AROUND ROME
Do not rent a car in Rome. Seriously. The city is best navigated by foot, taxi, or the occasional tram. Trastevere is extremely walkable. For longer trips, use the metro (Line A is your friend) or Bolt/FREE NOW apps for reliable, metered rides.
CURRENCY & CARDS
Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in Rome, though some smaller trattorias and bars prefer cash. Notify your bank before traveling. ATMs (called “bancomat”) are everywhere and reliable. Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports.
SEPTEMBER WEATHER
September in Rome is glorious: warm, sunny, and crowd-thinned as the August tourists depart. Expect highs around 77–82°F (25–28°C) and cool evenings. Pack a light layer for the reception on the Janiculum. You’ll be glad you did.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
WE HAVE (SOME) ANSWERS
Common questions for people who love us & are braving international travel in our honor. We are eternally grateful. More answers, recommendations, and unnecessarily detailed travel opinions coming soon.
Do I need a visa to enter Italy?
1
Most likely not. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and most EU countries can enter Italy visa-free for up to 90 days. The EU’s ETIAS pre-travel authorization system is expected to launch before 2027 — it will be a quick online process, similar to the US ESTA. We’ll update this page when it’s live. When in doubt, check with your country’s foreign affairs website.
What’s the best way to fly to Rome?
2
Fly into Fiumicino (FCO) — Rome’s main international airport. Direct flights from the US typically depart from New York (JFK/EWR), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX), among others. From the UK and Europe, the options are practically endless. We recommend booking by early 2027 at the latest — September is extremely popular.
How do I get from the airport to the city?
3
From FCO, the Leonardo Express train runs directly to Roma Termini (central Rome) every 15 minutes — it’s about 30 minutes and costs €14. From Termini, you can taxi or metro to your hotel. Alternatively, pre-book a private transfer for a stress-free arrival. Avoid unlicensed taxi touts in the arrivals hall — use the official white taxi rank outside.
Should I extend my trip?
4
Absolutely yes. You are flying to Rome. We strongly encourage arriving several days early and/or staying afterward to explore. Italy’s train system is excellent — consider day trips to Florence, Orvieto, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast. Even a few extra days in Rome will not be wasted. There is always another church to stumble into.
Is Rome safe? What should I watch out for?
5
Rome is very safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply: be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas (especially at the Colosseum, on the metro, and near the Trevi Fountain), keep your bags zipped and in front of you, and don’t flash expensive electronics unnecessarily. The neighborhoods near our venues — Trastevere and the Janiculum — are particularly safe and lovely.
What currency does Italy use? Can I use my credit card?
6
Italy uses the Euro (€). Most restaurants, hotels, and shops accept Visa and Mastercard widely. American Express is hit or miss. Smaller trattorias, bars, and markets may prefer cash. Bring some Euros for incidentals and always tell your bank you’re traveling abroad before you go. Best exchange rates come from ATMs, not airport kiosks.
What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
7
Please let us know when you submit your pre-RSVP and again on your formal RSVP. Italy is genuinely quite accommodating. Gluten-free (senza glutine) options are widely available, and vegetarian and vegan dining has improved dramatically in Rome. That said, if your dietary restriction is “I don’t like pasta,” we may need a conversation.
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