Dreamy Destination Wedding in Chianti Tuscany

an olive tree grows in the middle of some steps at a wedding venue in Tuscany

invitation for a wedding in Tuscany Italy

bride looks out at the Tuscan countryside

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.

the groomsmen take a shot before the wedding

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!).

black and white bridal portrait in Tuscany

black and white bridal portrait by Tuscany wedding photographers

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.

bride and groom kiss outside the church Santa Maria Assunta in Panzano Chianti Tuscany Italy

smiling bride and groom after their wedding church ceremony

bride and groom stand on the steps of a Tuscan church and kiss

bride and groom walk down the cobbled lanes in Panzano Chianti Tuscany Italy

bride and groom sitting on steps outside the church in Panzano Tuscany Italy

bride and groom with a view of the roofs in Panzano Chianti Tuscany Italy

bride and groom hold hands on a warm summer day in Tuscany

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!

bride and groom stand out the sun roof of a fiat 500 for the wedding in Tuscany

groom kisses a smiling bride as they stand in a fiat 500 at their destination wedding in Italy

bestman and groom in white suite walk together

bridesmaids and bride hold hands and walk together as the sun sets in Tuscany

best man in a blue suite and groom in a white suite

bride and groom walk down a white road with tuscan charm at their wedding in Chianti

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.

bride and groom kiss at sunset in an olive grove

bride and groom run through an olive groom at sunset

groom dips and kisses bride in an olive grove

bride and groom walk hand in hand together in an olive grove at sunset

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.

bride and groom walk under a canopy of fairy lights

white flowers set among olive branches under a canopy of fairy lights

wedding couple kiss under a canopy of fairy lights

the table is set under a canopy of fairy lights for alfresco dinning at this Tuscan wedding

couple walk under a canopy of fairy lights next to the table set for their wedding breakfast

first dance with guests holding sparklers

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...