Destination Wedding in Tuscany
Approaching San Gimignano, the first thing you notice is the striking medieval towers that stand tall against the skyline. This hilltop village in Tuscany is famous for the number of medieval towers that remain standing within it's ancient walls. It is also a wonderful place to stroll along the old cobbled streets and feel transported back in time. Kristen and Ryan chose to hold their wedding celebration in this region and I couldn't have been happier to be their wedding photographer for the day.
An Outdoor Wedding with Vineyard Views
Just on the outskirts of San Gimignano, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is a perfect location for intimate wedding celebrations. Surrounded by vineyards and with the most spectacular view of the towers as the sun sets, an outdoor ceremony is a must to fully emerge yourself in the view and the romance of the place.
As the ceremony was in the afternoon, the morning was spent getting ready but in a very relaxed and non-rushed way. Hair and make-up was expertly applied by Valeriya Beauty while the groom got ready in another room and guests enjoyed the sunshine and surroundings of the venue.
A Symbolic Ceremony in Tuscany
Kristen and Ryan had already been legally married back in America, actually on the original date planned for their destination wedding, but as we all know, the world had other plans in 2020! The date they finally made it over, and I got to photograph their wedding, was the fourth one set after 18 months of waiting! So they opted for a symbolic ceremony lead by a friend. This made the ceremony not only very personal to them, but also laid back with no stress or worry on the day itself.
With the sun bright and high on this October day, the wedding ceremony was held outside overlooking the vineyards surrounding the venue and with the towers of San Gimignano standing tall in the distance. The aisle was sprinkled with rose petals and the flowers by L'Oasi Floral Designer had the perfect hues for an autumnal wedding in the sunshine.
After the wedding ceremony, everyone heading to the terrace for cocktails provided by Miss 500 in the cutest little blue fiat 500. Guests chatted, music was enjoyed with a spritz in hand, and the venue's cute dog even made a guest appearance.
Couple Photos in the Vineyard at Sunset
I had visited La Lucciolaia the day before around sunset to make sure I knew the perfect time for when the sun dipped below the hilltop village of San Gimignano. So, as the golden hour approached, I went with the couple for a stroll around the vineyards to capture the two of them together in this most romantic setting.
Dancing together as the sun sets on another beautiful day in Tuscany.
An intimate setting and good food for all
After sunset, everyone headed inside for a most delicious meal and heartfelt speeches held in the warm glow candle light. Wine from the venue's own vineyard was also enjoyed, as was a traditional Italian wedding cake, the millefoglie.
And then of course, with contented bellies and full happy hearts, it was on to the dancing. And the partying continued on into the night...
