Vanessa and Christopher were married in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by close family and friends. With just over 30 guests, their wedding felt relaxed, personal and beautifully unhurried. The celebrations unfolded at Villa Atena, a private villa set among rolling Tuscan hills, where golden evening light, long conversations and good wine shaped the rhythm of the day.
Rather than a tightly structured schedule, the focus was on time together. Guests arrived slowly, drinks were poured, and the afternoon drifted naturally into the evening. It was the kind of wedding that suits Tuscany perfectly. Intimate, warm and centred around experience rather than formality.
As an experienced editorial destination wedding photographer, I find that Villa Atena offers the kind of understated elegance that allows for a truly authentic wedding.
An intimate Tuscany wedding
Smaller weddings like this allow space for moments to breathe. With fewer guests and no pressure to rush, Vanessa and Christopher were able to fully enjoy their surroundings and the people they had chosen to be there. From quiet conversations in the garden to portraits taken as the sun dropped behind the hills, the day unfolded with ease.
Tuscany lends itself so well to this style of celebration. The landscape, the light and the slower pace all encourage a more natural approach to photography. As a Tuscany wedding photographer, this is where I find some of the most meaningful images are created. Honest moments, subtle interactions and photographs that feel true to how the day actually felt.
Villa Atena, Tuscany
Villa Atena provided a calm and elegant backdrop for the wedding. Its position overlooking the countryside meant that much of the day revolved around the view, with guests gathering outdoors as the light shifted and softened. There was no need to over-style the setting. The villa and its surroundings spoke for themselves.
As the evening arrived, the atmosphere became even more relaxed. Dinner stretched long into the night, conversations continued under the open sky, and the sense of intimacy remained from start to finish. These are the weddings I’m most drawn to photographing. Days where connection takes priority and the experience is shared quietly among those who matter most.
Photographing destination weddings in Italy
Many of my couples choose to marry abroad because they want something more intentional and personal. Whether it’s Tuscany, Lake Como or elsewhere in Europe, destination weddings allow space for a different pace and a deeper focus on storytelling.
Photographing destination weddings, I work in a way that blends gently into the day. Observing rather than directing, and allowing moments to unfold naturally. Vanessa and Christopher’s wedding was a perfect example of how powerful this approach can be when paired with a beautiful location and a clear vision.
Planning a celebration in Italy or further afield? View my full destination wedding photography guide for more galleries and travel insights
