When you dream of a destination wedding, Italy often tops the list with its romantic charm, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural history. For Mel and Tom, their destination wedding in Italy was a long-awaited celebration of their love. As a destination wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing their intimate wedding in the heart of Tuscany, with a pre-wedding photo session in Florence and a beautiful celebration at Castello il Palagio.
The Love Story: A Destination Wedding in Italy
Mel and Tom’s story began in high school, and after ten years together, they decided to make their love official with a destination wedding in Italy. Their dream of getting married in Italy came to life in Florence, a city known for its art, architecture, and romance. As a destination wedding photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than being part of a couple’s journey in this beautiful country of Italy- where every street corner, vineyard, and ancient building feels like part of a timeless love story.
Pre-Wedding Photo Session in Florence: A Romantic Stroll Through Italy’s Most Beautiful City
A few days before their wedding, Mel and Tom joined me for an unforgettable engagement session through the heart of Florence. This was a perfect opportunity to capture the couple in the iconic, romantic backdrop of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.
We began at the historic Ponte Vecchio, where the golden light of the Arno River reflected the couple’s glowing connection. From there, we wandered through Florence’s charming streets, stopping at hidden courtyards and picturesque alleys that only this incredible city could offer. The session continued at Piazzale Michelangelo, where the panoramic view of Florence framed the couple beautifully, offering one of the best views of the city. We wrapped up the session in the peaceful Boboli Gardens, where lush greenery and historical statues provided the perfect atmosphere for intimate, candid moments.
The Wedding Day: A Tuscany Destination Wedding at Castello il Palagio
For their wedding, Mel and Tom chose Castello il Palagio, a stunning 12th-century castle nestled in the heart of Tuscany. The venue’s blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty was the perfect setting for their intimate celebration. As a photographer, I knew this Tuscan castle would offer endless photo opportunities, from its sweeping vineyards to its dramatic stone walls.
The venue itself was a masterpiece. With rolling hills in the distance and meticulously maintained gardens, Castello il Palagio provided a breathtaking backdrop that required little to no decoration. This allowed Mel and Tom’s wedding to focus on the natural beauty of Italy’s countryside, creating a timeless atmosphere of understated elegance.
Italy Wedding Fashion: Timeless Elegance Meets Tuscan Charm
When it comes to wedding fashion, Italy is known for its timeless elegance. Mel’s lace gown by Ines di Santo was a perfect reflection of her vision for a romantic, yet classic wedding day look. The intricate beading and detachable sleeves made it ideal for both the ceremony and the reception.
Tom, too, embraced a classic Italian look with a custom suit designed to complement the stunning landscape. His black oxford shoes from Johnston & Murphy, suspenders, and the personalized touches—like a pin from his late family members—added a heartfelt depth to his style. The combination of their fashion choices with the elegance of Italy’s scenery created the perfect fusion of style and romance.
An Intimate Ceremony: Tuscany Wedding Photography at Its Best
Mel and Tom exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony held under an ancient tree at Castello il Palagio. The grandeur of the venue and the simplicity of the ceremony made for a powerful combination, and as an Italy destination wedding photographer, I focused on capturing both the emotion and the breathtaking beauty of their surroundings.
With only 21 guests, the ceremony felt deeply personal. The couple chose not to have an altar, instead allowing the venue’s beauty and the stunning tree to serve as the focal point.
Tuscany Wedding Reception: Dining in the Heart of Italy
The wedding reception took place in the courtyard of Castello il Palagio, a picture-perfect space illuminated by soft torches and surrounded by the ancient stone walls of the castle. The rustic charm of Tuscany was evident in the simple decor—olive branches along the dinner table, a few tea lights, and beautiful Italian-inspired table settings. The entire dinner felt like an authentic Italian family gathering, with everyone seated at a long, communal table for an unforgettable evening.
As an Italy destination wedding photographer, capturing moments like these—the laughter, the love, the joy of sharing a meal with close friends and family—was incredibly special. With music that spanned everything from the couple’s pre-wedding playlists to their first dance song, Truly, Madly, Deeply by Yoke Lore, every detail of their wedding was a reflection of their personalities and their love for one another.
Why Choose an Italy Destination Wedding Photographer?
Italy is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world, and for good reason. With its historic cities, stunning landscapes, and unparalleled beauty, Italy offers the perfect setting for couples looking to marry in style. Whether you’re planning a wedding in Florence, Tuscany, or any of Italy’s beautiful regions, working with an experienced Italy destination wedding photographer ensures that every moment of your wedding day is captured with the love and elegance it deserves.
As a destination wedding photographer in Italy, my goal is to provide couples with more than just photos— I aim to tell your story. From the stunning streets of Florence to the Tuscan vineyards, I’m dedicated to preserving the magic of your wedding day in Italy, creating timeless memories for you to cherish forever.
Memorable Moments from Mel and Tom’s Italy Wedding
Looking back on Mel and Tom’s destination wedding in Italy, some of the most memorable moments were the quiet, intimate ones. From the peaceful stroll through Florence for their engagement session to the emotional ceremony in Tuscany, their wedding day was filled with personal touches and unforgettable details. And of course, their wedding venue, Castello il Palagio, was the perfect place to make those memories come to life.
Conclusion: Your Dream Wedding in Italy
Planning a destination wedding in Italy is an adventure that will last a lifetime, and choosing the right photographer is key to preserving every magical moment. If you’re looking for an Italy destination wedding photographer who understands the unique beauty of this country and the intimate nature of your wedding day, I would love to help you tell your story. Whether you’re getting married in Florence, Tuscany, or somewhere else in Italy, I’ll ensure your wedding day is captured in the most beautiful, timeless way possible.
Photographer, By Bridget Photography, https://www.bybridgetphoto.com/
Videographer, Kammer Films, https://kammerfilms.com/
Wedding Planner, Righe E Pois, https://www.righeepois.it/
Venue, Castello il Palagio, https://castelloilpalagio.eu/
Stationary, Amba Creative Co., https://ambacreative.co/
Wedding Dress, Ines Di Santo, https://inesdisanto.com/
Veil, Sara Gabriel Veils, https://saragabriel.com/
Food and Cake, RM Glamour Ricevimenti, https://www.rmglamourricevimenti.com/
Florals, Elena Mainoldi Floral Designer, https://www.elenamainoldifloral.com/
Makeup, Makeup Florence, https://www.makeupflorence.com/
Hair, Petrini Carla, https://parrucchierapetrinicarla.it/
