Dreamy Italian Weddings & Honeymoons with a Tennessee Touch

Leigh Bawcom of Leigh Bawcom Events and Heather Cornett of Sonder Tours have teamed up to plan authentic Italian weddings and honeymoons with a Tennessee touch

There are moments in life when two people serendipitously cross paths. That description illustrates the connection between Leigh Bawcom of Leigh Bawcom Events and Heather Cornett of Sonder Tours Italy. The two met in Franklin in 2022 and quickly became friends. On a warm summer evening, Leigh and Heather were enjoying a dinner in Italy when the sounds of a wedding reception drifted toward their table. A seed was planted, and the friends decided to combine their talents and fields of expertise, which has blossomed into a collaboration between their two businesses.

With over ten years of experience as a wedding and event planner in middle Tennessee, Leigh has worked with countless brides to plan their special day. “People often think that a destination wedding, especially one in Europe, is financially out of reach and a lot to coordinate logistically. If a couple is planning to spend $30,000 to $50,000 on a Nashville area wedding, they could have a more intimate event in Italy for a similar price.” says Leigh. “Heather and I can provide a carefully curated experience that reflects the personalities of the couple, anticipates the needs of the bridal party and guests, and creates memories that everyone in attendance will carry with them for a lifetime.”

Heather launched Sonder Tours in 2021, rooted in a background of leading group trips to Europe and a lifelong love of Italy. She is passionate about designing distinctive itineraries for her travelers. “I love working with guests to build trips that speak to their soul,” says Heather. “To have the opportunity to be a part of something that brings families and friends together for such a special moment is a privilege.” 

Through their joint venture, Leigh and Heather are now accepting bookings for 2025 destination weddings and honeymoons in Italy, for which they have developed a portfolio of unique locations and venues. Leigh will act as the stateside planner and will travel with the bridal party, remaining by their side for the duration of the experience. Heather will handle the travel logistics in Italy, from accommodations to group outings. She will also offer travel planning services for couples who want to honeymoon in Italy. 

From vineyard ceremonies to hot air balloon rides over the Italian countryside, Leigh and Heather have partnered to turn your dream of an authentic Italian wedding with a Tennessee touch into a blissful reality.

Sonder Tours