Nestled near Piazzale Michelangelo, amidst narrow medieval streets lined with walls and hedges hiding villas, is Villa la Fonte. Despite living close by and frequently walking these streets, I had never discovered this particular spot before. It is hard to envision a more romantic location for an intimate destination wedding in Florence, and Michael and Sarah’s wedding at this secluded Tuscan villa is a prime example. As a destination wedding photographer in Florence, I find joy in documenting such intimate celebrations. It feels as though I’m a friend, capturing their most special day. Michael and Sarah, who hail from Tennessee, brought all their loved ones to Italy for this occasion.
When I arrived, some guests were still asleep, while the children were wide awake! The ceremony took place in a private garden behind the villa, where the scent of plants and a serene tranquility filled the air. The atmosphere of this destination wedding in Florence was incredibly intimate, with Michael and Sarah surrounded by the love of their closest friends and family. After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in the villa’s lush gardens. Laughter and lively conversations filled the air, mixing with the soft strumming of a guitar. The children, now joined by the awakened guests, played joyfully, their laughter echoing through the tranquil setting.
As the sun began to set, casting a soft glow over the villa, the guests were led to an elegantly set long table for the reception. Underneath a canopy of twinkling lights, they enjoyed a sumptuous feast of local Tuscan cuisine, paired with the finest Italian wines. The toasts were heartfelt, the laughter was infectious, and the love was palpable. The day ended as beautifully as it had begun, with Michael and Sarah dancing their first dance as a married couple under the Tuscan moonlight.
This intimate destination wedding in Florence was not just about the beautiful surroundings of Villa la Fonte or the exquisite details meticulously planned by Michael and Sarah. More than anything, it was about people coming together from different parts of the world, bound by love, joy, and the celebration of a new life together. And I, as their photographer, was privileged to capture these precious moments.
Images by Guido Andreoni. “Event made as a second camera for Stefano Santucci Studio“
