Thomas and Letty’s wedding was a beautiful three-day celebration set in the Tuscan countryside, centred around a civil ceremony beneath the open sky of the extraordinary Abbey of San Galgano, followed by an elegant reception at Villa Podernovo. The entire celebration took place in October, when Tuscany is wrapped in the warm colours of autumn — golden light, soft air, and landscapes that seem almost painted.

Wedding Details

Reception venue: Villa Podernovo

Ceremony: Abbey of San Galgano

Service type: Three-day shooting (welcome dinner, wedding day, and brunch)

Style: Elegant

Month: October

Guests: 50

The Wedding Day

We first met during the welcome dinner at Villa Podernovo. A crisp autumn evening had settled over the Tuscan hills, and the cool air made the warm atmosphere inside the villa even more inviting. The welcome dinner is always a special moment: many guests have travelled from different parts of the world and are meeting each other for the first time.

The setting was informal and typically Tuscan — checkered tablecloths, long wooden tables, and large lemons placed as bright decorations along the table. A simple, authentic evening designed to bring everyone together before the big day.

The wedding day began under a clear and warm Tuscan sun. The getting-ready moments are always among my favourites, because they quietly tell the story of everything that happens before the ceremony: the makeup, the laughter, the anticipation, and the small details that will soon become part of the memories — the rings, the invitations, the dress.

Letty’s room was full of energy. Bridesmaids moved around helping with dresses and accessories while she sat calmly as the makeup artist finished the final touches. A little nervousness filled the air — perfectly natural on such an important day.

After about half an hour I moved to Thomas’ apartment, where he was getting ready with his groomsmen. The atmosphere there was completely different — relaxed, playful, almost joking. Laughter filled the room as they helped each other with ties and jackets.

Once the groom was ready, I returned to Letty for one of the most important moments: the bride putting on the dress. Only a few photographs are needed here — but they are essential.

We drove toward the Abbey of San Galgano, one of the most unique wedding locations in Tuscany. The ceremony took place beneath the open sky of the abbey’s roofless walls. Photographing here is always unpredictable: because the church has no roof, the light can change dramatically depending on the weather and the position of the sun. Fortunately, that afternoon the sun was low enough to provide soft and manageable light.

During the ceremony I moved quietly around the space, making sure to document every perspective and every emotion. One particularly touching moment was seeing Letty’s father — his large hat casting a shadow over his face — discreetly hiding a few tears behind his sunglasses.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: the vows, the exchange of rings, and finally the joyful applause as Thomas and Letty walked down the central aisle together as husband and wife. At the exit, guests were ready for the traditional confetti throw, filling the air with celebration.

While the guests returned to the villa, we took about half an hour to photograph the couple. We started inside the abbey, using its dramatic stone architecture as a backdrop, and then moved outside where Thomas and Letty posed with the beautiful vintage car they had rented for the occasion.

Back at Villa Podernovo, the reception began with the couple greeting their guests and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. There were also some wonderful surprises — including a lively group of Mexican musicians who delighted everyone with an unexpected and joyful performance.

As the sun slowly set, guests took their seats inside the elegant reception marquee prepared for the evening. Thomas and Letty made a triumphant entrance accompanied by a saxophonist, walking through the guests to their table while music filled the room.

Dinner unfolded slowly, the way the best evenings do. Course after course, the table grew louder and warmer. Friends and family stood to speak: someone made everyone laugh, others brought a tender quiet to the pavilion. Thomas held Letty’s hand through most of the speeches.

The dance floor came alive as night fell. Nobody wanted the Mexican musicians to stop — so they didn’t, coming back for an encore no one had expected. By the time I packed up my equipment and said goodnight, the hills outside were dark and the lights inside Villa Podernovo still glowed.

The following morning, brunch was set in the garden — a quieter, slower chapter of the celebration: coffee, pastries, the same faces now rested and smiling. A gentle ending to three days that had felt, while living them, like much more.