


A dream wedding in Chianti
White, unpaved roads, known as strade bianche, criss-cross the rural Tuscan Countryside here. Through olive groves and vineyards, villas and borgos dot the landscape, each with their own history and charm. Being the photographer for a wedding here is just a dream, and it was even more so for the beautiful event that Anna-Lea and Franz created.










Thoughtful Details and Great Planning
So many thoughtful details filled this wedding right from the start.They put so much thought into not only the actual wedding day, but the weekend that they spent at Villa Rignana with their friends and family. While getting ready, the boys shared a shot of Don Julio 1942 tequila that was a gift to the couple and had great significance. The bride had matching robes and slippers for the bridesmaids and a cute sunhat with "Mrs M" printed on it for herself. The couple had also handwritten the vows they would say to each other during their church ceremony.














And THAT DRESS! It was just made for a Tuscan wedding and running through olives groves at sunset (more on that later!).


Religious Wedding at Santa Maria Assunta, Panzano
Anna-Lea had a very special connection to the church she and Franz chose to get married at. She told me as a child they had visited this church every trip they made to Chianti and she can remember having to walk up the hill and all the steps to it. Walking up those steps and then down the aisle as a bride was a pretty emotional moment.





















After the ceremony and following some pictures just outside the church, the couple jumped in their red convertible and headed to Villa Rignana for their reception. But not before a quick stop for some portraits in an olive grove. If you are getting married in Tuscany, olive groves and vineyards are abundant and make the perfect locations for couple portraits. This time also gives you a moment between ceremony and reception to have a pause and just "be" together.





Wedding reception at Villa Rignana
The reception held at Villa Rignana was relaxed and fun; a band played while couples danced in the sunshine, ice cream was served from a vintage bike cart by Miss 500, and there was a cute fiat 500 perfect for posing and taking photos beside. There were even a couple alpacas just hanging out!





















Wedding photos at sunset in Tuscany
The time just before the sun sets is my absolute favourite for creating beautiful and romantic portraits of a couple. Anna-Lea and Franz took a moment away from the party to have a stroll around some beautiful spots and created the perfect set of bride and groom photos. And THAT DRESS! It looked even more beautiful as the sun set and the two lovers strolled hand in hand along the white unpaved roads, through olive groves and vineyards.




















A magic setting for dinner
Back at the villa, the sun now set, it was time to turn attention to the food as provided by My Chianti Chef. The lights enclosing the space gave an intimate and magical feel to alfresco dinning. A simple but elegant arrangement of green olive branches with white roses trailed the entire length of the table. Candles brought more sparkle and atmosphere. Food and wine was enjoyed by all while the speeches brought joy between the each course.














A first dance with sparklers
After diner, things picked up again with the first dance. The couple took centre stage surrounded by their close friends and family lighting the space with sparklers. And the dancing and partying went on into the evening...





