My Love For Italy

After photographing my first destination wedding in Florence, I was captivated by the city’s timeless beauty and vibrant culture. Inspired by this experience, my wife Laura and I decided to live in Florence for six months. During our time there, we immersed ourselves in the art, history, and charm of Italian life. The connections we made turned into lasting friendships, and the city now feels like a second home. Each time we return, it’s like stepping back into a cherished chapter of our lives, and those relationships make every visit even more special.

How to Choose Your Italian Wedding Photographer

Selecting the right photographer for your destination wedding in Italy is crucial to ensuring that your special day is captured beautifully. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
 1. Request Full Wedding Galleries
It’s essential to ask for full wedding galleries to see how your photographer captures the flow of an entire wedding day. This gives you a sense of consistency, style, and the photographer’s ability to handle different lighting and settings. While portfolio images are often the highlights, a full gallery will show how they document each part of the day.
 2. Ask for an All-Inclusive Price
When planning your wedding in Italy, the last thing you want is surprise costs. Be sure to ask for an all-inclusive price that covers travel expenses, accommodation, and any other costs associated with your photographer’s travel. A transparent price ensures that you’re budgeting effectively and that there are no unexpected fees down the line.
 3. Include Coverage of All Events
Weddings in Italy often include multiple celebrations, such as welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, or post-wedding pool parties. Make sure your photographer offers coverage for these events, as they can be just as important for capturing the entire story of your destination wedding. Clarify this upfront to avoid missing out on these moments.
 4. No Hidden Charges
When choosing your photographer, look for one who provides a package with no additional charges. I include all travel expenses in my wedding packages, so you’ll never face surprise costs for things like flights or accommodation. This means you can focus on the excitement of your wedding, not worrying about additional fees creeping in.

By asking these questions and setting clear expectations, you’ll ensure that your Italian wedding photography experience is seamless and stress-free.

The Best Destination Wedding Locations in Italy

Italy offers an array of stunning locations, each with its own unique charm:

Lake Como
Renowned for its serene waters and elegant atmosphere, Lake Como is a haven for sophisticated, romantic weddings. This destination offers luxury venues like Villa Balbiano, with its stunning lakeside gardens, and Villa del Balbianello, famous for its breathtaking terraces and cinematic allure. The combination of tranquil waters, snow-capped mountains, and opulent villas makes Lake Como an iconic choice for couples seeking elegance and intimacy.

Tuscany
Tuscany embodies rustic charm and timeless beauty, making it a favorite for destination weddings. Luxurious venues such as Borgo Santo Pietro, a 13th-century villa turned boutique hotel, and Villa Cora, a luxurious 19th-century villa in Florence, surrounded by lush gardens, offering stunning views of the city and a blend of historic elegance with modern sophistication. The Belmond Castello di Casole is a stunning restored castle turned luxury hotel, nestled within a 4,200-acre estate in the Tuscan countryside, offering sweeping vineyard views, exquisite Italian architecture, and an ambiance of timeless elegance.  The region’s rolling hills, lush vineyards, and golden sunsets add an unmatched warmth and romance to your big day.

Rome
The Eternal City blends history, grandeur, and romance. Imagine exchanging vows at Villa Miani, overlooking the Vatican, or hosting your reception at Castello della Castelluccia, a medieval castle steeped in Italian charm. Rome’s iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, serve as breathtaking backdrops, combining timeless elegance with urban sophistication.

Puglia
Puglia offers a relaxed yet chic atmosphere with its whitewashed towns, olive groves, and stunning Adriatic coastline. Venues like Masseria Torre Coccaro, a luxurious farmhouse surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, and Borgo Egnazia, a world-renowned resort with traditional Apulian architecture, capture the essence of this sun-soaked region. Puglia is perfect for couples seeking understated luxury and Mediterranean flair.

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast
With dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and picturesque villages, the Amalfi Coast is a dreamlike setting for weddings. Venues such as Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, known for its iconic Terrace of Infinity, and Belmond Hotel Caruso, perched high above the Amalfi coastline, offer unrivaled luxury and views. Sorrento, with its vibrant charm and elegant hotels like Villa Astor & Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, is equally captivating for an unforgettable celebration.

Venice
Venice’s romantic canals and historic palazzos create a magical setting for intimate weddings. Ca Segredo Hotel, offers a fairytale-like ambiance for civil ceremonies, while venues like Aman Venice, a luxurious hotel within a 16th-century palace, provide opulent settings for receptions. The charm of gondolas and timeless Venetian architecture make this city unique.

Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake combines natural beauty and medieval charm. Elegant venues such as Villa Feltrinelli, a 19th-century villa with lush gardens, and Isola del Garda, a private island featuring a neo-Gothic palace, offer unparalleled exclusivity. Lake Garda’s picturesque shoreline, framed by the Dolomites, creates a serene yet majestic wedding atmosphere.

Capri
Capri exudes glamour and luxury, with breathtaking sea views and an exclusive island vibe. Iconic venues like Villa Lysis, a historic residence surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, and Caesar Augustus Hotel, perched on a cliff with panoramic views, make Capri a top choice for lavish celebrations. The island’s crystal-clear waters and upscale charm create an unforgettable experience.

Sardinia
Sardinia’s pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs make it ideal for couples dreaming of a coastal wedding. Venues such as Hotel Cala di Volpe, a luxurious seaside resort, and Villa Las Tronas, an exclusive retreat with private sea access, provide exceptional backdrops. Sardinia’s natural beauty and island tranquility offer a blend of luxury and serenity.

Milan
As Italy’s fashion capital, Milan is perfect for modern, stylish weddings. Sophisticated venues like Villa Necchi Campiglio, an architectural masterpiece, and Palazzo Parigi Hotel, a grand urban retreat, reflect Milan’s chic aesthetic. The city’s cosmopolitan vibe, paired with historic charm, offers a unique blend of urban elegance.

Portofino
This charming coastal village is synonymous with elegance and exclusivity. Belmond Hotel Splendido, perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, and La Cervara, a historic abbey with lush gardens, provide stunning settings for luxurious weddings. Portofino’s pastel-colored houses and azure waters create a picturesque backdrop that feels like a dream.