From the Cotswolds to Capri: How a UK Italian-Themed Wedding Can Inspire Your Dream Italian Celebration

Planning a wedding in Italy has surely got to be the ultimate romantic escape – rolling Tuscan hills, Amalfi Coast sunsets, and centuries-old villas whispering la dolce vita. But what if you’re hosting a wedding in the UK but dreaming of Italy? You are not alone. Luisa and Josh brought a touch of Italian elegance to their local UK celebrations, & for good reason, it is in their roots. It was the perfect taste-test for an unforgettable wedding.

I love shooting in Italy, you’d be hard pressed to find a photographer that doesn’t! The light is unmistakable. Late afternoon ceremonies, timed to beat the heat of the day, golden hours & long, laughter-filled nights. So you can imagine my delight when I arrived at a venue close to home that radiated a distinctly Mediterranean vibe.

Auto da Matrimonia

And to complete the picture as Luisa was getting ready, a spine-tingling snarl echoed through the courtyard – the unmistakable auditory fingerprint of restrained Italian horsepower. I’m a bit of a petrolhead, & I’d know that growl anywhere. It was the same car I arrived to my own wedding in: a gloriously sexy red Ferrari Spider.

There it sat, basking in the sun outside the court, it’s quiet reverence whispering, “Benvenuti in Italia.”

Luisa and Josh are two fun loving relaxed souls, their wedding perfectly reflected them as a couple. It was a delight to shoot for them. Even the warm summers day and soft breeze echoed the Mediterranean wedding feel. Their guests enjoyed crisp prosecco, local gelato on the sun trapped lawns & the live acoustic music filled the air with italian romance. The Chianti wine bottles with dripping candles & lemon & citrus decor lent into warm evenings on the Amalfi Coast. I remember being in a courtyard restaurant in Sorrento a couple of years go, it felt like I had returned.

This wedding offers a preview of what’s possible abroad – & for many couples, it might light the spark for the real thing in Italy. I’d love to join you there!

Here is one of my favorite venues:

Villa Catignano

In the heart the winemaking region of Chianti Classico, Villa Catignano is a magnificent 17th century building. With its stunning gardens & incredible cuisine, every celebration is here is a roaring success. The peaceful, relaxed environment combined with the proximity to all the most popular cities and towns (Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Florence, and Arezzo) make it a truly ideal Tuscan destination. I loved shooting here, pre wedding relaxed pizza evenings, incredible food, & crisp wines (the guests not me) amongst the lemon groves.

For now, lets swoon over Luisa & Josh and their – destination at home wedding.