Chance and John flew from Los Angeles for their wedding at Tenuta di Monaciano, near Siena. They wanted a warm, stylish celebration that felt generous to the guests who had travelled so far to be there, while still allowing them to experience the day together.
They chose to get ready together, held their blessing in the estate’s amphitheater, and spent the afternoon moving naturally between the villa, the garden and the vineyards. Aperitivo took place beneath the Holm Oak, before dinner and dancing in the cellar. It was a full day in Tuscany, with each part of the estate used differently.
The wedding at Tenuta di Monaciano
- Couple: Chance & John
- Venue: Tenuta di Monaciano
- Where: Near Siena, Tuscany, Italy
- When: Late August
- Guests: Around 85
- Ceremony: Blessing in the amphitheatre
- Planner: Sabrina Carbone, The Extraordinaire
Getting ready together in the villa
Chance and John chose to get ready together rather than spending the morning apart. Once they were dressed, we used a few of the quieter rooms in the main villa for portraits before guests began to arrive.
The large windows give soft, reflected light in the right rooms, so there was no need to bring in flash or turn the morning into a long portrait session. We made the photographs while the house was still quiet, then they had the rest of the day with their guests.
A 5 pm ceremony in the amphitheatre
Guests walked down to the outdoor amphitheatre for the ceremony. Chance and John came down from the villa together before making separate entrances, and a close friend led the blessing. There was laughter, a few tears, and then the walk back towards the villa with family and friends.
At 5 pm in late August, the trees around the amphitheatre cast moving patches of light across the ceremony space. It can work well in the wider photographs, but during the vows and rings the light needs more attention. I worked from the side where Chance and John were both in even light, so their faces stayed clear without the distracting shadows that can appear at that time of day.
On the way back to the villa, we stopped at the fountain terrace for family photographs, with the vineyards behind them.
Aperitivo beneath the Holm Oak
Aperitivo took place beneath the Holm Oak beside the villa, giving everyone time to eat, drink and talk before dinner. Just before sunset, Chance and John stepped into the vineyards for a short set of portraits with their classic Alfa Romeo Giulia.
We did not need long. A few minutes was enough for the vineyard photographs, then they returned to their guests for the evening.
Dinner and the party in the cellar
Dinner was held in the cellar at one long imperial table. Each guest found a handwritten note from Chance and John at their place setting, and the meal was served family-style.
After dinner, the cake was cut in front of the villa. Chance and John changed into their party outfits before everyone returned to the cellar, which had been set up for the evening with an open bar, a DJ and saxophonist. The party continued late into the night.
Planning a wedding at Tenuta di Monaciano?
If you are planning a wedding at Tenuta di Monaciano, or a day like this near Siena, write to me. I’ll tell you if I’m free for your date and send a clear quote.
