Abigail, an American bride, and James, a true British gentleman, chose the heart of Tuscany to celebrate their love in an elegant and deeply personal way. Their intimate black-tie wedding at Villa La Fornace in Montisi, Tuscany, was a perfect blend of timeless style, emotional moments, and the understated luxury of the Italian countryside.
This multi-day celebration unfolded slowly and intentionally, allowing space for connection, beauty, and unforgettable memories.
A Pre-Wedding Session Among Cypress Trees in Tuscany
On the morning before the wedding, we began with a relaxed pre-wedding photoshoot on the villa grounds and along a charming lane lined with iconic Tuscan cypress trees near the villa. Abigail and James arrived in a vintage green car, adding a touch of old-world romance to the scenery.
The soft Tuscan light, the quiet countryside, and the intimacy of the moment created a calm and joyful atmosphere. This pre-wedding session allowed them to ease into the weekend together, just the two of them, before the festivities began.
If you love editorial-style imagery with a sense of place, pre-wedding sessions in Tuscany are a beautiful way to tell a more complete wedding story.
A Warm and Elegant Rehearsal Dinner at Villa La Fornace
That evening, family and friends gathered for a rehearsal dinner and cocktail party at Villa La Fornace. The dinner took place in a stunning space adorned with timeless paintings, rich textures, and warm candlelight.
With guests traveling from both the United States and the United Kingdom, the evening felt especially meaningful. Laughter, heartfelt conversations, and shared anticipation filled the room as everyone came together to celebrate the days ahead.
Intimate welcome dinners like this are one of my favorite parts of destination weddings. They set the tone and create space for genuine connection.
A Black-Tie Wedding Ceremony Beneath Cypress Trees
The following day, Abigail and James exchanged vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony beneath two towering cypress trees, with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside stretching endlessly behind them.
The ceremony was elegant, emotional, and deeply personal. Against the natural beauty of Montisi, the black-tie attire added a refined contrast—classic, timeless, and effortlessly stylish.
The rolling hills of Tuscany, the warm breeze, and the quiet presence of nature made the moment feel both grand and intimate at once.
An Intimate Wedding Reception in the Tuscan Countryside
As the sun began to set, guests moved into a beautifully styled wedding reception filled with soft light, thoughtful details, and the unmistakable charm of Italy.
The evening unfolded with heartfelt speeches and emotional toasts. Shared laughter and joyful tears and lively dancing under the Tuscan night sky.
Every part of the reception reflected Abigail and James’ vision: elegant yet relaxed, refined yet deeply warm.
From Central Park to Tuscany: Their Love Story
This wedding weekend felt even more special because it wasn’t the beginning of their story, it was a continuation of it.
One year earlier, I photographed Abigail and James’ engagement session in Central Park, New York. Seeing their journey unfold, from New York City to the rolling hills of Tuscany, was incredibly meaningful. (You can read more about their Central Park engagement session in a separate blog post on the journal here.)
Planning an Intimate Wedding at Villa La Fornace in Tuscany
Villa La Fornace in Montisi is a hidden gem for couples dreaming of an intimate destination wedding in Tuscany. With its authentic character, breathtaking surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s ideal for multi-day celebrations filled with intention and beauty.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy and value natural light, emotional storytelling, and refined elegance, Tuscany offers an unparalleled setting.
Destination Wedding Photographer in Tuscany
If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Tuscany, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, I’d love to hear your story. I specialize in photographing destination weddings with a timeless, editorial approach, focused on real moments, connection, and a strong sense of place.
Feel free to explore more weddings on the blog or get in touch to begin planning your own destination celebration.
“Thank you for capturing this like no one else could!!!!!
You absolutely blew us away.”
— ABIGAIL & JAMES
Thanks to a fantastic team:
Photography — Alexandra Vonk
Planner & design — @montisi_magica
Venue — @la.fornace.montisi
Vintage car — Slowhills
Stationery — @augustandwhitedesigns
Day-of paper — @cainandcostationery
+ view the comments
