Andrea and Chris wanted to spend three days in Tuscany with the people closest to them. They chose May, when the countryside around Florence is green, and found Dimora Ghirlandaio: a private property close enough to Florence for guests to arrive easily, but with enough space for everyone to settle in and stay together.
They wanted good food, music and entertainment, and a wedding their guests could enjoy from the start. The chapel, lawn, pool and villa are all on the same grounds, so the day could move from one part of the estate to another without anyone needing to get in a car or wait around for the next thing to happen.
The wedding at Dimora Ghirlandaio
- Couple: Andrea & Chris
- Venue: Dimora Ghirlandaio
- Where: Near Florence, Tuscany, Italy
- When: May
- Guests: 55
- Ceremony: Garden blessing
A blessing in the chapel, then getting ready
The day began with a short blessing in the property’s chapel. Afterwards, everyone got ready in different parts of the estate.
The men were in one of the larger apartments. Andrea and the women were in the main villa with the hair and makeup team led by Alessandro Mancino. I photographed the preparations as they happened, including first looks with parents and then with friends.
A garden ceremony on the lawn
The main ceremony took place on the lawn, looking out over the hills.
When it ended, white powder went off behind Andrea and Chris. That was the point at which the formal part of the day was over and the celebration began.
Aperitivo by the pool
Guests moved down to the pool for aperitivo, drinks and finger food.
Andrea is a photographer, and she wanted a few photographs in the last warm light of the day. There is a limited window for that light at Dimora Ghirlandaio. Wait until dinner is over and it has gone. Take a couple away for too long before dinner, and they miss the start of their own reception.
We made a few photographs before dinner, then stepped away from the table for ten minutes when the light was right. That was enough. Andrea and Chris had a few minutes alone, got the photographs they wanted, and were back with their guests before the evening had moved on.
An entrance for dinner
For dinner, Andrea and Chris came down separate staircases onto the lawn. They met in the middle and kissed as cold fountains lit up around them.
They had their first dance, then dinner began.
Andrea’s surprise dance
Later in the evening, Andrea performed a dance for Chris. He did not know it was coming, and neither did the guests.
After the cake, the party moved inside. There was a cocktail bar, a DJ and a live drummer for the rest of the night.
Planning a wedding at Dimora Ghirlandaio?
If you are planning a wedding at Dimora Ghirlandaio, or a day like this near Florence, write to me. I’ll tell you if I’m free for your date and send a clear quote.
