A Sparkling Wedding in Chianti
Florence & Aurelien
A charming blend of Belgian and Italian cultures unfolded at Florence & Aurelien's unforgettable wedding in Chianti at the historic Certosa di Pontignano, where Tuscan beauty and timeless elegance created a truly magical celebration.
This wonderful Belgian couple, with Florence's Italian mother and Aurelien's fully Belgian heritage, chose the stunning Tuscan region of Chianti for their special day, a wedding in chianti that was both elegant and heartfelt.
The joy and love shared by them and their wonderful families were truly contagious, making this wedding in chianti a memorable occasion for everyone present. Florence, with her Italian mother, brought a touch of Tuscan warmth and tradition, while Aurelien, a proud Belgian, added his country's charm and celebratory spirit
The rolling hills of the Chianti region epitomize the idyllic Italian countryside. Characterized by a harmonious blend of cultivated land and natural beauty, the landscape features gentle slopes covered in vineyards and olive groves, interspersed with patches of woodland. How can’t you love this wonder? It gives an overall impression of peaceful, sun-drenched beauty, a timeless atmosphere that evokes the rich agricultural heritage and serene charm of the Tuscan countryside.
The day began in the idyllic setting of Podere Sant'Antonio, a splendid estate owned by the bride's Italian mother near Monteroni d'Arbia. The location offered breathtaking views of the quintessential Tuscan countryside This created a deeply personal and relaxed atmosphere for Florence's preparations, surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of family. The ambiance was warm and familial, filled with laughter and excitement as Florence got ready with her closest friends and family. The presence of adorable young children added an extra layer of joyful spontaneity to the morning. The choice of the bride's family home for the preparations suggests a strong emphasis on family ties and traditions.
This intimate setting likely contributed to a sense of calm and comfort for Florence on her wedding day, contrasting with the potential stress of a more formal or unfamiliar location.
The fact that the bride's mother owns the estate directly links the preparation location to the family's history and personal significance. The presence of close friends and family, including children, further reinforces the familial atmosphere. This indicates a value placed on close relationships and shared moments, suggesting a wedding that prioritized personal connection over sheer formality.
“Elegance lies in the simplicity of gestures”
The magnificent setting of Podere Sant'Antonio, being the bride's family home, likely holds sentimental value and represents the Italian side of the couple's heritage. This creates a significant contrast with the groom's Belgian origins, foreshadowing the blending of cultures throughout the wedding day. The query explicitly mentions the bride's Italian mother and the groom as "100 percent Belgian." The preparations taking place at the mother's estate directly connects this location to the bride's Italian heritage. This sets the stage for the expectation that the wedding will be a fusion of these two cultures, making the choice of location for preparations a significant detail in understanding the couple's story.
The religious ceremony took place in the historic church of San Giovanni Battista in Monteroni d'Arbia, a place of local significance and architectural interest. It dates back to before 1031 and is an example of Romanesque architecture with Pisan and Lombard influences. Research result specifically mentions this church in the context of Monteroni d'Arbia. This historical context establishes the church as a significant landmark in the region, connecting the wedding ceremony to centuries of history and architectural heritage. The fusion of Pisan and Lombard styles suggests a unique blend of regional artistic traditions
The ceremony itself was very intense, filled with profound emotion and personal meaning for Florence and Aurelien as they exchanged their vows. The church was filled with guests: their entire families and numerous friends who had traveled from every corner of the world to celebrate this special wedding in chianti. The large number of international guests indicates the couple's wide social network and the importance they placed on sharing their commitment with loved ones from diverse backgrounds and locations. This testifies to a life lived across borders or with deep connections to people in various parts of the world. This international aspect adds a further layer to the cultural richness of the wedding.
“When we shot this picture we really felt the sense of a timeless tradition”
Florence’s gentle smile and the way she holds her father's arm suggest a mix of excitement and comfort. The Bride’s father walks a bit ahead with a supportive spirit, both literally and figuratively, as he accompanies his daughter on this pivotal walk. You can sense the years of love and care in this gesture, a silent acknowledgment of the transition his daughter is making. The overall atmosphere of this moment is one of tender anticipation and heartfelt connection. When we shot this picture we really felt the sense of a timeless tradition, filled with the unspoken emotions that accompany the beginning of a new chapter.
“An undeniable happiness in her expression, suggesting a moment she's long anticipated”
Just after the ring exchange and the signature of the Register, the emotions radiating from the bride and groom were palpable. Florence’s bright smile and the slight wave of her hand convey pure joy and a touch of exhilaration.
Aurelien mirrored this joy with a warm, confident smile. The way he stands beside his bride, holding her hand, spoke us about his happiness and the strong connection they share.
Following the heartfelt ceremony, Florence and Aurelien enjoyed a picturesque and tranquil walk in the surroundings of the church, immersed in the quintessential beauty of the Tuscan landscape. The couple expressed to us their preference for our authentic and spontaneous shooting style, indicating a desire to capture genuine emotions and interactions rather than overly posed or constructed portraits.
They wanted to embrace the natural flow of the day. The couple's preference for authentic and spontaneous photography highlights the value for natural, unforced moments and a desire for their wedding photos to truly reflect the genuine joy and emotions of the day.
This perfectly matches our modern approach to wedding photography that prioritizes storytelling over formal poses. Our couples priority is to capture real emotions and interactions over traditional, formal portraits, hinting at a desire for a more documentary-style approach.
The newlyweds made their way to the reception venue, the magnificent Certosa di Pontignano, aboard a classic light blue Fiat 500. This iconic Italian car added a touch of vintage charm and local flair to their arrival. This detail adds a delightful visual element to the narrative, evoking a sense of classic Italian style and romance. The vintage Fiat 500 serves as a charming symbol of their journey together and a nod to the Italian setting of their wedding in chianti.
The Certosa di Pontignano provided a breathtaking and historically significant setting for Florence and Aurelien's wedding reception, offering a unique blend of grandeur and tranquility. The Certosa di Pontignano is a magnificent Carthusian monastery founded in the 14th century. This establishes the long and rich history of the location, dating back over six centuries, and its original purpose as a place of monastic life and spiritual contemplation. This historical depth adds a layer of solemnity and timelessness to the wedding celebration. It retains key elements of Carthusian architecture, including large cloisters, individual monks' cells (each originally with a small garden), and a large church that still preserves 14th-century features.
The Certosa was strategically built in open countryside on the border between the states of Florence and Siena, making sturdy walls necessary for defense against mercenary raids. This historical context explains the imposing structure and its isolated location, emphasizing its role as a self-sufficient and potentially vulnerable settlement in the medieval period. It is now used for academic meetings, conventions, and events such as weddings. The transition from monastery to venue for contemporary events highlights its adaptability and enduring appeal. Renaissance contributions during the late 15th century significantly boosted the construction of the monastery and increased its architectural richness. This indicates different periods of architectural influence, showcasing a blend of medieval and Renaissance styles and adding complexity and beauty to the location. This underscores the unique and special ambiance of the Certosa, making it a particularly fitting location for a significant and peaceful occasion like a wedding.
Florence and Aurelien dedicated some time to intimate couple photos both inside the grand courtyard of the Certosa and in the picturesque gardens located at the rear, which offered breathtaking sunset views over the rolling Tuscan countryside. This highlights the visual splendor of the Certosa and its surroundings as an exceptional backdrop for wedding photography, especially during the magical golden hour of sunset, capturing the romance of their wedding in chianti. The transformation of the Certosa from a place of monastic seclusion to a venue for joyous celebrations like weddings represents a fascinating evolution of its purpose, while still retaining its intrinsic sense of history and grandeur, offering a unique and memorable setting for a wedding in chianti. The juxtaposition of the Certosa's original purpose with the vibrancy of a wedding creates a compelling narrative. The fact that the Certosa is now part of the University of Siena adds another layer of significance, connecting the wedding celebration to a center of learning and culture.
The aperitif was a lively and joyous affair, with guests mingling, laughing, and offering their heartfelt congratulations to the happy couple. The vibrant atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation for the evening ahead. A delightful and symbolic moment was Florence's bouquet toss from the villa's parapet . This highlights a traditional and often fun wedding custom, symbolizing good luck and the continuation of the celebratory spirit.
As the sun dips towards the horizon over the rolling Tuscan hills, a golden light washed across the landscape, so we took the opportunity to get some other few couple portrait photos at golden hour..
The warm hues paint the sky with strokes of apricot and soft rose, casting long, gentle shadows across the verdant fields. The air seemed to hum with a quiet magic, and the edges of the trees and distant farmhouses are softened by the radiant glow. It was a moment of serene beauty, where the day's warmth lingered, creating a breathtaking and romantic ambiance.
“ A golden light washed across the landscape”
“The Wedding dinner set up”
The wedding dinner was elegantly set up under the characteristic portico of the Certosa's courtyard, creating a magical and romantic ambiance for the evening. The soft lighting and historic architecture provided a truly unforgettable setting.
Florence and Aurelien's entrance to the dinner was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from their loved ones, setting a tone of joyful celebration for the meal to come. The query mentions: "After the sparkling and dancing entrance of the spouses, which was much participated in by the guests, the moment of toasts and hugs and greetings arrived" [query]. This highlights the warm welcome and celebratory spirit of the guests, underscoring the strong sense of community and support surrounding the couple. The evening continued with heartfelt toasts, warm embraces, and joyful greetings, showcasing the deep bonds between the couple and their cherished family and friends.
Wedding Cake
The cutting of the traditional single-tiered Italian wedding cake, adorned with fresh fruit, took place by the ancient well in the center of the cloister, another particularly special and picturesque moment.
Aurelien added a fun and festive touch with a spectacular and choreographed champagne spray, much to the delight of the guests. The atmosphere was filled with pure joy and celebration, with many guests gathering to witness and partake in the festivities. The choice of the cloister, a traditionally serene and contemplative space within the monastery, for the lively cake-cutting ceremony creates an interesting contrast, symbolizing the transition from a place of quiet reflection to one of joyous celebration of love and commitment. The historical significance of the cloister and its architectural importance provide a unique setting. Placing the vibrant and celebratory act of cutting the cake with a champagne spray in this space creates a memorable juxtaposition, highlighting the transformative power of love and celebration within a historical context.
First Dance
Florence and Aurelien then graced the dance floor for their beautifully choreographed first dance, a testament to their dedication and a touching display of their bond
The celebration continued with lively and enthusiastic dancing in the garden, with guests and the happy couple joining in, creating an atmosphere of pure joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories under the Tuscan stars.
If you are planning your wedding in Chianti at Certosa di Pontignano, you’ve come to the right place! Our style of documentary photography adapts to any type of location and wedding. If you like our way of telling stories and want to know what we can offer you for your wedding, we would love to hear from you!
