BLOG WEDDING

A love that arrives in its own time. Bianca and Marci chose to get married at 45, with a rare kind of awareness: the awareness of those who are not in a hurry, who know that when something is authentic, it naturally finds its right moment. Their wedding on Lake Garda was not divided into two parts, but told through two different ceremonies, united by the same deep meaning. A personal choice, far from any imposed protocol.

Getting ready with Bianca: stepping into true intimacy. Arriving at Bianca’s father’s house felt like entering a space filled with memories. A lived-in home, with a strong soul: a solid oak piano in one corner, porcelain coffee cups that brought to mind slow, old-fashioned coffees, shared with loved ones. When you enter someone’s home, you enter their intimacy. And that day, I was inside their story. Bianca was sitting calmly while finishing her preparations. She wore a simple white velvet dress: essential, elegant, perfectly aligned with who she is.

At the town hall in Padenghe, Marci was waiting with witnesses and friends. The atmosphere was serene and light, made of smiles, knowing glances, and small shared moments. When Bianca entered the room, time stood still. She wore a full white suit, an unexpected choice compared to the traditional dress many were expecting. Surprise moved through the room, reaching Marci as well, who had no idea. Between emotionally charged silences and a few tears, the moment of “yes” arrived. Then the kiss. And finally the applause — spontaneous and sincere.

The waiting: two paths leading to the same moment After the civil ceremony, Bianca and I stepped away. Marci, together with the guests, headed to Splendido Bay, unaware of what was about to happen. Bianca put on the second dress: long, flowing, essential. A dress that told her shape, her elegance, her deepest essence.

The vows at Splendido Bay. Marci was waiting at the ceremony location, repeating in disbelief: “I can’t believe this.” Bianca’s father walked her down the aisle, kissed her, and taking her hand whispered: “Let’s go.” When Marci saw her arriving, he smiled. Then he laughed. Bianca was visibly emotional. During the ceremony, the silence felt almost reverent. The exchanged glances, the tears of the mothers, of the sister, the complete attention as the celebrant read the text. The vows were the heart of the day. First Bianca, her voice trying not to give in to emotion. Then Marci, with improvised words — authentic, born from his spontaneity. The first kiss came through smiles and tears. Immediately after, a little girl brought the rings on a white cushion with a soft pink ribbon. A simple gesture, full of meaning.

My approach as a wedding photographer. Throughout the entire day, I let things flow naturally. For me, as a wedding photographer, discretion is essential. I observe, I wait, I tell the story. I don’t look only for the most intense moments, but also for small gestures, the atmosphere, the details that make each story unique. Photographs exist for this: to allow us to leaf through our memories one more time.

A wedding without rules. This wedding speaks for itself. There are no rules that force us to do something that doesn’t represent us. Bianca and Marci were themselves until the very end. They chose two ceremonies, they got married when they were ready, they created their own story on Lake Garda. No protocol. Just them.

A day I will remember for a long time. June 20th, 2024 is a date I remember very clearly. The days before had been rainy and uncertain, but that day decided to surprise us. I was in Verona with my partner. It was around two in the afternoon when we found ourselves in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity, together with the wedding planner and the florist. The heat was intense, almost unreal. The white marble street amplified both light and warmth, and after just half an hour we were already completely exhausted by the heat. Then, behind the gate, the first guests began to arrive. From that moment on, the day truly began.

Details before the ceremony. While the guests were taking their seats and admiring the beauty of the church, I moved inside to photograph the details: the flowers, the altar, the stationery, the atmosphere that was slowly taking shape. Due to a small traffic incident, the bride and the videographer arrived a few minutes late. The groom arrived almost at the same time. We waited, then positioned ourselves along the aisle. When the bride arrived, accompanied by her father, she did so in a vintage beige-colored car. An elegant entrance, perfectly in harmony with her dress: long, white, romantic. I loved it immediately.

The ceremony and an unexpected arrival. The mass was simple, classic, and intense. Then, at a certain point, my partner and I noticed something in the distance. A dog. With a pendant. And on it… the rings. A completely unexpected moment. With great care, we moved along the central aisle, crouching, trying to tell the story without disturbing either the couple or the guests. For me, it is essential not to be intrusive — neither to the event nor to the other professionals. It was a beautiful Labrador, accompanied by the bride’s brother. An authentic, natural moment, welcomed with serenity even by the priest. One of those scenes you never forget — and one I had never witnessed before.

The reception at Villa Pellegrini, among the hills of Valpolicella. After the ceremony, we headed to Villa Pellegrini, nestled among the hills of Grezzana, in the heart of Valpolicella. Waiting for us was a setup carefully curated in every detail: a large imperial table, an elegant green color palette, striking floral arrangements created by Felix florists, and the impeccable organization of wedding planner Cristiana. One detail that particularly caught my attention: the Labrador illustrated on the menu. A delicate and personal reference to their story.

Spontaneous portraits, between connection and lightness. After the aperitif, we focused on the couple. They were relaxed, at ease, and eager to be together. They kissed, laughed, and constantly sought each other out. The bride couldn’t wait to have fun and let go, and together we truly enjoyed ourselves. I highlighted her dress, which I loved, but also Giorgio, with his natural way of being. And of course their Labrador, an integral part of the day and of their family. Everything was spontaneous, without forcing anything. Exactly as it should be.

My approach as a wedding photographer. Throughout the day, I worked discreetly, letting things unfold naturally. I move with care, respect, and sensitivity, aiming to tell the story without interference. My goal is not to direct, but to observe. To capture what truly happens, both in the big moments and in the smaller ones.

A wedding that speaks of authenticity. This wedding tells a simple yet powerful truth: when a day is designed to be truly lived, everything finds its place. Between Verona and Valpolicella, between an intense ceremony and a reception immersed in nature, this story was made of spontaneity, love, and small details that make all the difference. And that is exactly where the truest images are born.

A story that deserved to be told. Alessandro and Valentino came into my life during a time that was anything but happy. We met under painful circumstances: the funeral of the father of a dear friend of mine. That day only Valentino was there, and we exchanged just a few words, in the silence that accompanies moments like those. A few weeks later, an unexpected phone call arrived. Roberta, a close friend of theirs, suggested gifting my photography service to Ale and Vale for their wedding. I had no doubts: I immediately said yes.

The first meeting We met shortly after, calmly. It was a truly pleasant encounter. I was struck by their kindness, their way of being, their ability to be deeply themselves. They are more than twenty years older than me, and listening to their story, their journey, their courage, moved me deeply. It wasn’t just a wedding to photograph. It was a story to listen to.

The civil wedding at Juliet’s Tomb. On their wedding day, they were civilly married at Juliet’s Tomb, in Verona. A symbolic place, full of meaning, which framed an intense and heartfelt ceremony. There were many people. Real people. Present. Loving. The entrance of Alessandro’s mother was one of the most touching moments of the day. Despite her illness, she was there. Present. Proud. Valentino’s family, on the other hand, did not attend. An absence that was felt, but that did not take away from the value of what was happening. During the exchange of rings and vows, the emotion was palpable. One of the most beautiful speeches I have ever heard during a ceremony. While photographing, my eyes filled with tears. It happens often at weddings, but those words carried a different weight. They were dense with meaning.

A kiss that said everything. The final kiss sparked a deep, heartfelt applause. The kind that doesn’t come from politeness, but from the heart. Hugs. Tears. Alessandro with his mother, Valentino visibly emotional. A real moment, without filters.

Walking through a more intimate Verona. After the ceremony we moved through the city center of Verona for some photographs. We chose less crowded areas: Verona under the riverbank, Ponte Pietra, and some side streets leading toward Castel San Pietro. A piece of advice I feel like giving to anyone getting married in the city: even during the most tourist-filled periods, there are intimate corners — you just need to know how to look for them. Despite it being summer and raining, the city was alive. We found a quiet street with few people, and there Ale and Vale walked, laughed, and posed together, also with Roberta, just as they wished.

Beyond the edges. During the day, there were some inappropriate comments from passersby. Ale and Vale, unfortunately used to certain dynamics, continued to live their moment with serenity. This made me reflect. The happiness of a couple does not depend on the surroundings, but on the essence of what lies at the center. And at the center, that day, there was only love.

My perspective as a gay wedding photographer. I believe that every couple I photograph enters my life because a mutual connection is created. With Ale and Vale, this connection was immediate. As a gay wedding photographer, my approach remains the same: respect, discretion, attention to real gestures. Telling what happens, without forcing anything.

Conclusion Ale and Vale live their lives according to their own rules. They got married because they believe in love, in happiness, in the possibility of choosing. I learned a lot from them. As I have from many other couples who, through their example, continue to remind us that love has no labels. Love is for everyone.

Hamish and Claire come from London. Gentle, elegant, deeply “British” in the way they carry themselves, yet with a warm energy that filled every moment of the day. Their wedding in Tuscany, near Arezzo, brought together over 300 guests in one of the most impressive venues in the area: Fattoria Casanova, a historic villa surrounded by olive trees, rolling hills, and soft summer light. An event of this scale requires vision, organisation, and a strong, well-coordinated team.

To ensure complete photographic coverage, I worked alongside Leonardo and Alessandra. Three photographers for 300 guests are not a luxury, but a necessity when the goal is to truly tell the whole story. As soon as I arrived at the villa, after greeting the couple, I did the first essential thing: I took the time to map out the entire location. Fattoria Casanova is a vast, imposing villa. Walking through it, understanding the flow of spaces, studying the light and imagining our movements was crucial to working smoothly throughout the day. Only after this observation phase did I call Leonardo and Alessandra. With the arrival of wedding planner Michela, we introduced ourselves and reviewed the full schedule together, aligning on timing, spaces, and priorities.

The preparations: style, character, identity The preparations immediately confirmed one thing: this wedding had a very strong personality. Hamish wore a suit inspired by the early 1900s, elegant and timeless. Claire was simply extraordinary: a long, flowing gown with lace straps that balanced refinement and delicacy. Everything was carefully curated, yet never rigid. Every detail spoke clearly of who they are.

The ceremony began with the guests seated, waiting. Leading the procession were George and the little girls, with impeccable English-style outfits, scattering flowers with disarming naturalness. Then came the bridesmaids. And finally Claire, accompanied by the twins. A powerful, composed, emotional moment. One that doesn’t need to be directed: it simply happens.

Aperitivo at the villa: energy, play, life The aperitivo took place in the large garden behind the villa. Open spaces, games, a DJ, abundant food and an atmosphere that felt incredibly alive. Here I let myself go. I photographed people playing, laughing, embracing. Families, groups of friends, spontaneous glances. Three hundred different people, all united by a rare positive energy. Polite, kind, fully present. And Hamish and Claire always there, among everyone, with a disarming sweetness.

The couple portraits: simplicity and spontaneity When it was time for the more intimate photos, the couple were very clear: they wanted nothing staged. A walk together, hand in hand, was more than enough. They wanted to return quickly to their guests, to experience the wedding as one big family. So that’s what I did. I adapted to who they are. Sometimes we photographers arrive with precise ideas, but a strong story is also born from the ability to change plans in the moment.

The dinner and the speeches: the emotional core The most intense scene came during dinner, with the speeches. That’s where emotions truly unfolded. Hamish’s father’s speech deeply moved me. When people are beautiful on the inside, you can feel it. And for me, that kind of emotional honesty is the clearest sign of a successful story. The first dance was just as magical. Simple, elegant, real.

My approach as a wedding photographer in Tuscany Even in a wedding of this scale, my goal remains the same: to tell the story without intruding. I observe, anticipate, adapt. I work as part of a team, coordinate carefully, and leave space for life to unfold naturally. For me, wedding photography is this: transforming an intense, unrepeatable day into a story that can be relived over time through images.

A wedding that speaks through images This wedding in Tuscany doesn’t need too many words. It’s made of people, energy, elegance, and spontaneity. For this reason, rather than adding more description, I prefer to let the photographs speak. That’s where the story truly lives.

When love chooses to stay Luca and Cristiane chose to get married on Lake Garda, in Desenzano, after a life journey that had been anything but simple. Their wedding was not just a celebration, but a quiet declaration of strength, presence, and conscious love. A German wedding on Lake Garda that was able to transform pain into a new beginning.

Desenzano and Hotel Rosa: the beginning of the day The day began in Desenzano del Garda, at Hotel Rosa, an elegant location overlooking the town center, chosen to host Cristiane’s preparations. After days of rain, the weather decided to grant a truce. The light was clear, soft, warm. One of those days that seem to arrive on purpose. Cristiane was getting ready in her room together with a friend. The emotion was strong, yet composed. We asked her to sit on the sofa, wrapped in the white light coming through the window: her face, her body, her presence were simply intense.

Luca, the waiting, and the ceremony Luca was already near the ceremony location. He wore an elegant suit and moved slowly, like someone savoring every moment before something important happens. Guests began to arrive: elegant, smiling, truly involved. The atmosphere was joyful and genuine. Cristiane arrived on her own. Despite the hard trials life had put them through, her step was determined, almost light. She was walking toward Luca with the smile of someone who has chosen, once again, to be there.

The candle ritual: a ceremony with deep meaning During the ceremony, Luca and Cristiane celebrated the candle ritual, a tradition typical of German weddings. Two sands of different colors are united inside a single candle. The past blends, dissolves, making space for something new. When the candle is lit, it represents a new beginning — a shared life born from what has been, without denying it. It was one of the most intense and meaningful moments of the entire day.

The aperitif and attention to details After the ceremony, the aperitif made room for hugs, smiles, and shared stories. Carefully prepared finger food, relaxed guests, a bright and serene atmosphere. In those moments, I stepped back and left space to the couple and their people, focusing on the details: the tables, the setup, the balance of the location. I also chose to use the drone, as a gift for Luca and Cristiane, to tell their story from above — Desenzano and Lake Garda seen from a different perspective.

Golden hour by the lake As golden hour arrived, I asked Luca and Cristiane if they felt like taking a short walk together. We found a stone pier. A few steps, a gentle touch, a kiss. Nothing forced, nothing excessive. Just them, the lake, and the light slowly fading.

My approach as a wedding photographer on Lake Garda This was one of the most complex weddings I have told, from a human and emotional point of view. For this very reason, I chose absolute discretion. I observe, I accompany, I respect. I tell what happens, without ever overpowering it. I believe wedding photography exists for this: to give shape to memories, without invading them.

A new beginning A few days later, Luca and Cristiane wrote to thank me. For my presence, for my professionalism, for the way I told their day. I spent a week editing their story. They deserved it. Despite everything, they chose to live for who they are. With courage, with dignity, with love. A sincere, heartfelt applause from me.

When a phone call changes everything That day I was working with Chef Ernesto, a chef I’ve been collaborating with for a long time, filming videos of his dishes. The phone rings. No email. No message. Simone. A short call. Direct. “I want you.” I will remember it forever. Even today I wonder why, among so many photographers, he chose me. I know I’m good, but I also know I’m not the best yet. I will be.

Two cultures, one direction Simone is Italian. Maria is Lebanese. Two different worlds, two deep cultures, united by a mutual respect that could be felt in every gesture, every word, every glance. We all gathered in the same hotel for the preparations, in two separate rooms. They didn’t ask for traditional photos of this moment: they wanted something different, something more personal. That time allowed me to talk with Simone’s parents and with Maria’s mother and father. Their words, their way of experiencing this marriage, moved me deeply.

The ceremony at the Cappella dei Notai, in the heart of Verona After the preparations, we moved to the staircase of Palazzo della Ragione, where the Cappella dei Notai is located. An intimate and solemn place, inside the museum, beneath the Torre dei Lamberti. Simone and the guests were waiting. Then a signal. Maria arrived, accompanied by her father. The emotion was evident, for both of them. Step by step, climbing the stairs, we entered the chapel. The ceremony was intense, enriched by profound speeches that brought together Lebanese and Italian culture. Tears, once again, were unavoidable. This was not their official wedding — which would be celebrated in Lebanon — but a moment created to embrace the Italian side of the family as well. In particular Simone’s grandmother, a nun, who wished to see her grandson married in a sacred rite.

Between Verona and everyday life After the ceremony, a ribbon toss marked the beginning of a lighter moment. We walked and photographed through Piazza Erbe, Piazza dei Signori and along the Adige river. What struck me was the style of the day: natural, spontaneous, real. People stopped, smiled, and watched that love without filters. There is one scene I will always remember: Simone pretending to dance with Maria, in the middle of the street. It became my favorite photo.

The reception at Hotel Due Torri The day ended at Hotel Due Torri, with a symbolic aperitif and an elegant dinner, intimate and carefully curated in every detail. It wasn’t a loud celebration, but a heartfelt one. The kind that doesn’t need excess to remain unforgettable.

My approach as a wedding photographer Throughout the wedding, I gave space to people, emotions, and the cultures meeting each other. I observe, I listen, I tell stories. I look for the truth in gestures, not the perfection of poses. For me, wedding photography is this: preserving moments that deserve to be remembered, exactly as they were lived.

A story that crosses borders Simone and Maria’s wedding is proof that love doesn’t need one place, one language, or one tradition. It only needs to be authentic.