ABOUT THE WEDDING
There are places that just hit you. Belmond Villa San Michele is one of those places. From the moment you drive through those gates and see the Tuscan hills stretching below, you understand why this is one of Italy's most special wedding venues. We had the privilege of photographing here for four days – a celebration that had everything: romance, refined details, emotion, and that indescribable Italian feeling of living well.
Working alongside Jose Villa, one of the most iconic wedding photographers in the world, and the Colin Cowie Lifestyle team? That was a dream come true. This wasn't just another wedding. This was Tuscany at its finest.
Villa San Michele is more than a luxury hotel. It is a piece of history where you can actually get married. This 15th-century monastery, with a façade attributed to Michelangelo, sits high in the Fiesole hills overlooking the Arno Valley. The terraces, the cypress trees, and the quietness between those ancient walls make time feel slower here.
These four days were really one big celebration. It started quietly with an intimate welcome dinner where everyone could get to know each other. But the main ceremony in the Italian gardens was the highlight. The bride walked down an aisle framed by Flowers Living blooms with soft Tuscan light filtering through. There was no posing and no rush. It was just pure happiness.
THE CEREMONY IN THE ITALIAN GARDENS
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the historic courtyard for aperitivo hour. This is where the real Italian feeling kicked in. We saw guests enjoying Chianti, laughter, embraces, and spontaneous toasts. We moved between them with our cameras to look for those small moments you see later and cherish forever.
The outdoor dinner under a sky full of twinkling lights and long imperial tables was unforgettable. Belmond’s culinary team created dishes that tasted like Tuscany in every bite. When evening fell and the music turned up, Colin Cowie’s team took over. Everything flowed seamlessly. This allowed us to focus completely on what we love most, which is capturing the energy, the emotion, and the stories.
AN EVENING OF LUXURY AND LA DOLCE VITA
Working with Jose Villa was special. He photographed the people and the raw moments. We focused on the details, the décor, and the styling that made this day complete. Together, we told the full story of this Tuscan dream.
If you are considering getting married at Belmond Villa San Michele, you deserve a photographer who knows this place. You need someone who understands the combination of history and luxury. We know how to capture not just how your day looked, but especially how it felt. That is what we do, and it is what we are most proud of.
PRESERVING YOUR LEGACY
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Wedding vendors
Wedding Venue: Villa San Michele - Belmond
Wedding Planner: Colin Cowie Lifestyle
Videographer: Le Reve Films
Photography: Jose Villa
Decor Photography: Youri Claessens & Avieta Claessens
Florals: FlowersLiving
Entertainment: ALR Music
Lighting Design: @images_lighting
Lighting Execution: @jdevents
Audio: @jdevents
Stationery: Paper by the Bay
Catering & cake for wedding: @belmondvillasanmichele
Location production: VB Events
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I’d love to hear more about your upcoming adventure. Let's create something beautiful together.
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