A TUSCAN DREAM WEDDING AT TENUTA GUARDASTELLE
KAYLEIGH AND JOEL SAY I DO IN A BEAUTIFUL TUSCAN WEDDING IN SAN GIMIGNANO, ITALY.
Ist June 2024 was a milestone month for me in my career as a professional wedding photographer. Why? Because it was the very first destination wedding shoot I’d ever done and let me tell you straight away, it was the most amazing week of “work” of my life.
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The wedding venue: Tenuta Guardastelle, San Gimignano, Tuscany
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The lovely couple: Kayleigh & Joel
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The best bit: wandering through the vineyards for some relaxed & natural portraits, (a close second was working with my other half Connor Walsh as the ultimate wedding dream team)
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The time of year: 1st June 2024
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The weather conditions: Italian sunshine (of course):
The destination was Tuscany, Tenuta Guardastelle in San Gimignano to be precise and the lovely couple were Kayleigh and Joel. Not only had they booked me as their wedding photographer but they’d also booked my other half and love of my life Connor Walsh, as their wedding musician too. Here’s Kayleigh and Joel's destination wedding story…
IT ALL STARTED WITH A SECRET HAPPY DANCE FOLLOWED BY A PIZZA PARTY.
When Kayleigh first got in touch about her destination wedding, on the lookout for her perfect photographer, I was trying to keep my cool whilst secretly doing a happy dance, as she told me all about her wedding plans. And looking back, my cool on the outside, giddy on the inside vibe clearly did the trick, because in the end she booked me as her destination wedding photographer and my partner Connor as her wedding musician. (So for those of you who don’t already know, we offer discounts when we’re booked together).
Before I tell you all about their wedding day (which was amazing by the way), I’ll start by telling you about the pizza party they held the night before. This Italian feast saw 60 of their nearest and dearest, who flew out to Tuscany to celebrate their wedding day, come together for a pizza party. It was a beautiful setting, lots of pizza and even better, everyone got to meet each other (myself included) ahead of the big day. On top of that, it was actually Kayleigh’s birthday too - and what a truly amazing way to spend it?
SUNSHINE, VINES AND WINE; HELLO TENUTA GUARDSATELLE.
Now, let’s take some time to talk about that amazing wedding venue, Tenuta Guardsatelle Vineyard. As the name suggests, it is a beautiful vineyard, nestled in the Tuscan hills, with trees lining the driveway to the entrance. The ceremony was held outside on lawns overlooking the beautiful San Gimignano, which I highly recommend visiting if you haven’t already, it’s a historic, not to mention beautiful Italian village. Picture soft sunshine, festoon lights and panoramic landscape views no matter which direction you looked. It was the perfect setting for their wedding ceremony, speeches, wedding breakfast and reception. But more about all that later, for now let’s start with the “getting ready” photos and those all important detail shots.
Now truly, I was spoilt for choice on where to set these detail shots up, but the front of the building and the tiled floors were perfect. And as for the getting ready room, OMG, it was stunning. Buttery soft stonework, whitewashed vintage furniture, open ceilings, beautiful beams, soft drapery at the windows, plenty of natural light and an outside terrace to die for. In other words, I “quite” liked it 😀
From the flowers, to Kayleigh’s dress, shoes and the wedding rings, I had an amazing time capturing all the wedding details. After that, I headed over to Joel where he and his groomsmen were getting suited and booted into their black tie ensembles, which I have to say looked very dapper indeed! Then it was back over to Kayleigh, to capture a special moment between Kayleigh and her mum as she finally put on her wedding dress, shoes and veil ready for the wedding ceremony, although not before an emotional Father-of-the-Bride reveal.
WHO'S GOT THE RINGS?!
The ceremony was held outside with the most beautiful view of San Gimignano (just look for yourself!), and for the icing on the cake, my favourite person Connor Walsh was there supplying some acoustic background music for guests to enjoy while they were seated. He played some beautiful songs whilst Kayleigh and her bridesmaids walked down the aisle, and throughout the signing of the register. It was just a perfect addition to a magical location.
The ceremony was held at 4pm so it wasn’t the hottest part of the day and as the photographer, it was perfect for me, as the sun was sitting a little bit lower in the sky, which made for some beautiful photography. The ceremony was celebrant led, which is always my favourite, they always take the time to get to know the couple and read out personal stories about them too. There was one small scare when the rings were not with the ring bearer but thankfully it turned out they’d just been left in the room - phew! Kayleigh’s Dad saved the day by running to go and get them, but not before Joel shouted out that I’d had them last for the details shots (I promise I hadn’t actually had them last)!
APEROL SPRITZ, CONFETTI, SPEECHES AND MILLEFOGLIE - I'LL EXPLAIN
After the ceremony, a gorgeous drinks reception was held with Aperol Spritz, lots of hugs, congratulations, nibbles and sunshine with the added background music of, you guessed it, Connor Walsh. After this I whisked the happy couple away for a little wander through the vineyard to capture some natural and relaxed portraits in the most beautiful setting when the lighting was just perfect. Then it was back to the party, where we had a confetti entrance to the sit down meal, followed by speeches and a delicious meal accompanied by Guardatelle’s gorgeous wine!
After everyone’s bellies were full it was onto cutting the cake, but with a difference… Kayleigh and Joel did things the Italian way… a tradition called Millefoglie. Italian for “a thousand layers” what happens during the wedding is a Millefoglie dessert is made in front of you and your guests, by chefs in floppy white chef hats. The dessert is made of layers of puff pastry, fruits and vanilla custard, and yes it tasted delicious.
Finally it was time for the first dance, also courtesy of Connor Walsh, before it was time to really start the party. Lots of dancing, cocktails and good times made for the perfect ending to the most beautiful day. Nobody, myself and Connor included wanted this amazing destination wedding to end! We will truly cherish the Allonbys forever.
If you like the sound of Kayleigh and Joel's destination wedding in Tuscany, or better yet, if you love their wedding photos, then let’s talk about your special day.
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