Wedding at Castello La Leccia in Tuscany
Ellen & Justin, an elegant destination wedding in the heart of Chianti Classico
Ellen and Justin traveled from Sweden to Florence together with their families to celebrate their love with an elegant and intimate wedding in Tuscany, choosing one of my favorite venues of all time: Castello La Leccia, located in the heart of Chianti Classico, near Siena.
Castello La Leccia is a true Tuscan icon. Its origins date back to 1077, making it not only a wedding venue but also an important piece of Tuscany’s historical heritage. Surrounded by olive groves, woods, and the rolling hills of Siena, it perfectly represents everything Tuscany is famous for worldwide: beauty, elegance, nature, hospitality, and outstanding food.
As a wedding photographer based in Florence, working in places like this is always a privilege.
Every celebration here naturally conveys intimacy, refinement, and authenticity, elements I always strive to tell through my photography.
Getting ready at the castle: intimacy, silence, and authentic emotions
Ellen and Justin got ready in the elegant rooms of Castello La Leccia, surrounded by silence and a sense of intimacy that gave each moment a unique and authentic atmosphere. Their first look was simply breathtaking: a whirlwind of genuine emotions, intense and heartfelt. This is exactly what I love most about my job, capturing real, unfiltered emotions. From the very beginning, I felt deeply involved in their day. Ellen, with her warmth and kindness, immediately made me feel like part of their family.
A panoramic ceremony overlooking the Tuscan countryside
The wedding ceremony took place on a stunning panoramic terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by olive trees and the characteristic woods of the Siena area. It was an emotional and deeply meaningful moment, made even more special by live music performed by three incredibly talented musicians, accompanying every moment with great sensitivity.
Couple photo session and poolside aperitivo
After the ceremony, it was time for the couple photo session. Ellen and Justin chose to fully enjoy this moment, while their guests relaxed during a poolside aperitivo, surrounded by excellent Tuscan food, wine, and breathtaking views. Tuscany as a backdrop combined with great food and wine, simply the perfect match. We explored every corner of Castello La Leccia: the Italian garden, the castle’s historic interiors, the olive groves, and the picturesque entrance road, passing through a beautifully maintained wooded area. We laughed, had fun, and created truly meaningful images. Ellen and Justin trusted every suggestion I gave them, confirming the strong connection we built throughout the day.
Golden Hour, outdoor dinner, and Tuscan magic
The entire wedding was beautifully coordinated by wedding planner Franca Ferrali, who made the most of every moment and every corner of Castello La Leccia, turning Ellen and Justin’s dream into reality. The outdoor dinner felt like a fairytale, especially when Golden Hour arrived, gifting us around 20 minutes of pure magic. The warm, golden light wrapped around Ellen and Justin, who by then felt completely at ease in front of the camera. Everything was perfectly aligned, right place, right time. Those photographs remain some of my absolute favorites. Moved by the moment, guests stood up from their seats and started taking photos as well, capturing the newlyweds and the surrounding landscape. It felt like a postcard titled: “In Tuscany, with love.” As Golden Hour faded, Blue Hour took over, painting the sky in deep blue tones and allowing the warm, elegant lights above the dinner tables to shine even more. Speeches, emotions, wine, human warmth, and a true Tuscan atmosphere. A perfect combination for an unforgettable dinner.
Party inside the castle walls
After the cake cutting, the celebration moved inside the castle walls, where a live band transformed the party into a small country rock concert, energizing all the guests and keeping everyone dancing late into the night.
A wedding I will always carry in my heart
This wedding at Castello La Leccia in Tuscany will always hold a special place in my heart. I had the privilege of meeting two truly wonderful people, and we have stayed in touch even after their wedding day. This is one of the many reasons why I deeply love my job: the human connection, the exchange that happens when you capture emotions and give them back through photography. A unique bond that goes far beyond the wedding day.
