After a fantastic welcome party it is time for the big day and our theme is “Tuscan winery wedding”. This means we are celebrating at one of Tuscany’s most famous cantinas – Castello di Banfi, it also happens to be one of Tuscany’s best wedding venues. The Banfi cantina produces excellent wines and people come from all around to try and buy them.

Preparing for their Tuscan winery wedding

The day before, our happy couple blasted off their wedding weekend with a delightful welcome event. However, today the celebrations will continue on! The bride and groom are getting ready in separate accommodations at a wonderful castle retreat about 25 minutes from Banfi.

The groom gets ready with his best men and we have such a good time. In between all the laughter they even manage to get ready on time! Once the bride completes hair and makeup I take some images of her with her mother as they finish preparing together.

With both bride and groom ready they plan to have a first look in the private tranquil olive garden. They want this time so they can share a few moments in privacy instead of just seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. This will also give them the opportunity to take care of most of the family photos prior to the ceremony once we arrive at the wedding venue. They choose to do this as they prefer that after the ceremony everything is as relaxed an informal as possible.

Wedding ceremony in front of the Castle

After a short drive over to Banfi we have a few family photos in the castle courtyard as the guests enjoy a welcome refreshment and take their seats for the ceremony. The processional looks wonderful as they walk out of the castle. The wedding is witty and heartfelt and perfectly celebrated by the groom’s sister.

Next, we all walk down to the spa garden for prosecco, cocktails and canapes. The views over the vineyards that surround us are more than impressive. Everyone enjoys the space and the time they have to socialize and mingle.

Considering it is a Tuscan winery wedding we have to take some portraits in the vineyards! Our portrait session is brief but filled with fun. Everywhere on the estate is achingly beautiful so in no time at all I have the images I require and we can head back to the castle for the start of the reception in the courtyard by the enoteca.

Dining under the stars and Partying into the night

The dinner reception starts, two long banquet tables with crystal chandeliers hanging over them look stunning surrounded by the old stone of the castle and ancient cypress trees. It is certainly a dining experience to remember. The food and service is perfectly timed and at the end of dinner there are some great speeches both prepared and improvised.

In conclusion, everyone moves to the central courtyard for the cake cutting, first dances, and of course the manic dancing… a Tuscan winery wedding to remember!