Tuscan Wedding at Villa Montanare in Cortona / Alyssa + Derek

A tale of Etsy witches, a vintage blue Citroën drink truck and a dance floor no one wanted to leave.

The week before the wedding at Villa Montanare, the forecast was catastrophic. Rain, all day, no question. Alyssa did what any reasonable bride would do: she found a witch on Etsy and commissioned a weather spell. Needless to say, it worked. The day was flawless, warm, clear, the Tuscan hills doing their best impression of a painting. It finally started raining the moment the last guest left. Not a minute before.

I believe this particular story sets the tone for who Alyssa and Derek are. They're the kind of couple who solve problems creatively, commit fully, and somehow always end up with a good story. That energy was present in every single frame of the day.

A Tuscany wedding at Villa Montanare

There is a particular kind of stillness in Tuscany that shapes the way a day unfolds. It is not silence, but a quiet rhythm carried through light, landscape, and the presence of people gathered together. This wedding at Villa Montanare was defined by that atmosphere. Intimate, grounded, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Set in the hills near Cortona, Villa Montanare offers a version of Tuscany that feels both expansive and personal. Surrounded by olive trees, cypress lines, and open views across the valley, the setting creates a natural sense of calm that carries through the entire wedding experience.

Villa Montanare is one of those places that does not need to be transformed. It already holds a strong identity. A private villa dating back to the seventeenth century, positioned on a hilltop with views over the Val d’Esse and Val di Chiana, it offers a setting that feels both historic and quietly contemporary

Weddings here are intentionally intimate. The scale is smaller, the pace slower, and the experience more personal. This allows the day to move naturally, without the structure often imposed by larger venues.

For this wedding, the ceremony took place within the olive grove, framed by the Tuscan landscape. The simplicity of the setting allowed the focus to remain exactly where it belonged. On the couple, on their words, and on the people around them.

The atmosphere of an intimate wedding in Tuscany

What defines a Tuscany wedding is not only the landscape, but the way the day is experienced. There is a sense of continuity between moments. From preparation to ceremony to dinner, everything feels connected.

At Villa Montanare, this is particularly evident. Guests move through the space as if it were a home rather than a venue. Aperitivo flows into dinner, conversations extend into the evening, and the atmosphere shifts gradually as the light changes.

This kind of celebration is rooted in tradition, but not in formality. Food, wine, and shared time become central elements. A long table under the open sky, a quiet moment before sunset, the sound of conversation carrying through the garden.

These are the details that define a destination wedding in Tuscany. Not spectacle, but presence.

A setting shaped by landscape

The surrounding landscape plays a defining role in the experience of a wedding at Villa Montanare. Olive trees, stone walls, and the soft lines of the Tuscan hills create a natural framework for both the day and the images.

The light here moves slowly. In the late afternoon, it softens across the valley, creating a warm and diffused atmosphere that shapes every moment. It is this quality of light that makes Tuscany one of the most sought after locations for destination weddings in Italy.

From a photographic perspective, the environment does much of the work. It provides depth, texture, and a sense of place that cannot be recreated elsewhere.

Three women sitting in a room, with one woman smiling and looking at her hand, dressed in a white lace robe, while another woman with long black hair and a third woman with blonde hair sit nearby.
A woman in a white lace wedding dress holding a bouquet of white and cream-colored roses.
A bride in a white wedding dress with a train is standing at the top of a curved staircase, holding a bouquet, looking up from an overhead perspective.
A man in a white tuxedo jacket, black vest, and black tie standing outdoors near a beige wall with greenery, purple flowers, and a window with metal bars.
A bride getting ready for her wedding with her bridesmaids outdoors, one bridesmaid adjusting the bride's dress, all in elegant dresses.
Two men dressed in dark suits and hats playing musical instruments outdoors with green foliage in the background. One man is playing a violin, and the other is playing an accordion.
A couple getting married in an outdoor ceremony under trees, with guests seated on wooden chairs.
Group of people dressed in elegant formal attire walking outdoors on a grassy path surrounded by trees.
Bride and groom toasting with glasses at outdoor wedding reception with vintage blue car in background.
A vintage blue Piaggio Ape three-wheeled vehicle with the words "paracelso" and a cocktail glass logo on the door, parked on gravel.
A group of musicians playing instruments descending stone steps during an outdoor gathering, with guests standing on the steps listening.
A bride and groom walking down stone steps outdoors, holding hands, celebrating, with a tree and stone wall in the background.
Close-up of prickly pear cacti with green pads and red fruit, outdoors with trees in the background.
A bride and groom sitting at a table outdoors, drinking wine, while two men in vintage attire play musical instruments in the background, one with a guitar and the other with an accordion.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors in a garden with greenery and cacti.
A bride and groom in wedding attire sharing a kiss under a tree with lush green leaves.
A bride and groom holding hands, walking away in a garden setting on their wedding day, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Assorted cocktail glasses on a weathered stone table outdoors, some with slices of citrus fruit, and one with a slice of grapefruit.
Multiple glass dessert cups filled with tiramisu with layers of cream and cocoa powder, arranged on a white surface.
A bride and groom on their wedding day, standing close and smiling while holding each other outdoors, with tall green trees and mountains in the background, the bride holding a white parasol, dressed in a white lace wedding gown and veil, and the gro
A bride and groom are standing close together outdoors, under a veil, with cacti and trees in the background, sharing an intimate moment.
A bride and groom standing on a garden pathway, surrounded by trees and plants, with mountains in the background. The bride is wearing a white lace wedding dress and holding a bouquet, and the groom is dressed in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants
People celebrating outdoors, one woman with a lace umbrella and another man smiling, holding a drink.
Two women at an outdoor wedding, one feeding the other with a fork, both smiling and enjoying the moment. One woman is wearing a white dress with lace details and sunglasses, holding a glass of pink cocktail. The other woman is in a strapless pastel
A woman in a white lace wedding dress and sunglasses strikes a confident pose outdoors at a wedding.

Capturing a destination wedding in Tuscany

As a wedding photographer based in Italy, my approach to weddings like this is based on observation. Allowing the day to unfold naturally, without interruption, while remaining attentive to light, movement, and the interactions that define each moment.

At Villa Montanare, this approach feels particularly aligned. The setting does not require direction. It encourages a slower way of seeing. Moments emerge quietly, and the role of photography becomes one of noticing rather than constructing.

This is what defines editorial and documentary wedding photography in Tuscany. Not control, but awareness. Creating images that feel both natural and intentional at the same time.

Why Tuscany is ideal for destination weddings

Tuscany continues to be one of the most desired locations for destination weddings in Italy because it offers a balance that is difficult to find elsewhere. It combines landscape, culture, and atmosphere in a way that feels complete.

Places like Villa Montanare represent a more intimate version of that experience. A private setting, limited guest numbers, and a focus on connection rather than scale.

For couples looking to create something personal, Tuscany provides a framework that supports that intention. The environment does not overwhelm the experience. It enhances it.

Planning a wedding at Villa Montanare

Planning a wedding at Villa Montanare means working with the rhythm of the place. The best months are typically from late spring to early autumn, when the weather allows for outdoor ceremonies and dinners.

The venue is designed for smaller celebrations, which allows couples to create a more intentional experience for their guests. With space for around fifty people, it is ideal for intimate weddings and destination celebrations focused on quality rather than scale.

The layout of the villa encourages movement through different areas, creating a natural flow throughout the day without the need for strict timelines.

Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany

If you are planning a wedding at Villa Montanare or anywhere in Tuscany, the focus should always be on creating a day that feels aligned with your own pace and your own way of experiencing it.

If you are planning a Tuscany wedding at Villa Montanare or an intimate destination wedding in Italy, you can get in touch to begin shaping your experience.

bride and groom with musicians tuscany wedding italy
tuscan wedding details fruit table villa montanare

A woman getting her makeup done by a makeup artist at a wedding or special event, with another woman waiting in the background.
A rustic stone house with dark green shutters, surrounded by potted plants and greenery, with large trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
A pathway lined with tall green cypress trees and bushes leading to a gate, with mountains in the background.
Swimming pool with white lounge chairs and umbrellas surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with a rustic stone building and hills in the background.
A woman getting her hair styled at a salon, smiling, with a hairstylist working on her hair, seen through a window.
Women preparing for a special event, with butterfly artwork on the wall in the background.
A framed collage of three photos on a wall, including a dog lying on gravel, a drawing of a building, and a small dog standing on grass.
A woman with long dark wavy hair and makeup smiling with closed eyes while a hairstylist styles her hair, and another person touches her shoulder in a softly lit room.
A white wedding dress hanging on a hanger from a vine-covered archway in front of a European-style building with green shutters.
A woman in a wedding dress getting makeup applied by a stylist, surrounded by three other women, in a room with a small window and wall-mounted light.
Bride in a white lace wedding gown holding a bouquet of white flowers standing outdoors in a courtyard with potted plants and lush greenery.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil walking away outdoors near a rustic building with greenery and decorative furniture.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress is getting ready, assisted by two women. The women are in a lush garden, and one woman is pinning or adjusting the bride's dress.
Four women, including a bride in a white wedding dress and veil, are standing outside near a building with green shutters, preparing the bride's veil with help from three other women dressed in different dresses.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet standing at the top of a wooden curved staircase inside a building.
Black and white photo of a spiral staircase with a dog walking down the stairs.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet of white roses, smiling outdoors in a garden setting with trees and pink flowers in the foreground.
A bride in a lace wedding gown holding a bouquet of white roses and smiling outdoors among tall green cypress trees and mountains in the background.
A woman in a white lace off-the-shoulder dress is adjusting her earring outdoors, surrounded by tall green cypress trees and lush greenery.
Black and white photograph of a young woman in a lacy off-the-shoulder wedding dress with a veil, standing outdoors near a large tree.
A bride in a white lace wedding dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves standing outdoors, smiling, with tall green cypress trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A man with dark hair and a mustache adjusts his collar while wearing a tuxedo with a white shirt, in a room with modern decor.
Man walking along a path lined with tall cypress trees and bushes in a garden setting, mountains in the background.
A man in a tuxedo jacket walking along a garden path lined with tall, leafless trees and bushes.
A man in formal attire standing outdoors next to a wall with a window and green plants with purple flowers.
A man dressed in a white tuxedo with a black tie smiling outdoors near a building with a window and greenery in the background.
Four musicians playing instruments outdoors under trees at a gathering, with seated audience members in the foreground.
A man dressed in a white tuxedo jacket, black bow tie, and sunglasses stands outdoors in front of a tree with green leaves, smiling.
Man in a suit giving a speech at an outdoor wedding ceremony under trees, with guests seated and listening.
A bride walking down an outdoor aisle with her father in a scenic garden setting with trees and mountains in the background.
Black and white photo of a wedding scene with a bride in a lace gown and veil, surrounded by guests. The bride is lifting her veil, revealing her face in front of seated guests and other wedding party members, all outdoors in a sunny setting.
Man in white tuxedo with black bowtie wiping his eye while standing outdoors among other men in suits, trees, and cloudy sky in the background.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom holding hands, exchanging vows, surrounded by seated guests in a natural setting with trees and mountains in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands during a wedding ceremony outdoors, with an officiant standing beside them, under a tree in a natural setting.
A bride and groom holding hands during their outdoor wedding ceremony, with a officiant reading from a book, under trees in a natural setting.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with a bride and groom under trees, officiant reading from a book, guests seated on chairs, musician in foreground playing violin.
A woman in a lace wedding dress looking at a man in a white suit, outdoors under trees.
A couple in wedding attire exchanging vows outdoors, holding hands, with officiant in background, surrounded by trees and mountains.
A bride and groom standing outdoors during a wedding ceremony, with mountains and trees in the background. The bride is holding a small book or card and the groom is touching his face, appearing emotional.
A bride and groom are hugging outdoors against a scenic background of trees and mountains, on a cloudy day. The bride wears a white lace wedding dress with a long train, and the groom wears a white suit jacket and black trousers.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors, with a bride and groom exchanging vows under a tree, and a man in a suit reading from a book in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other outdoors with trees and mountains in the background.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors on a dirt clearing surrounded by trees, with mountains in the background. The bride and groom are kissing under a large tree, with guests seated on either side.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors, with the bride and groom holding hands and raising them in celebration. The bride is in a long, elegant wedding dress with lace details, and the groom is in a white tuxedo jacket with dark pants
Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors, surrounded by wedding guests, with trees overhead.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding scene with a bride and groom. The groom is dipping the bride and kissing her forehead. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers, and her wedding dress is lace. Guests are standing and sitting around in an outdoor
A bride and groom walking away outdoors, with the bride wearing a lace veil and holding a bouquet, and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket.
Musicians playing guitar and accordion walking through a garden with wedding guests in the background.
A group of people dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, walking outdoors on a grassy area with trees and mountains in the background, heading towards a small building with a tiled roof.
A vintage blue Citroën 2CV car parked on gravel in front of a rustic brick and stone building with a black door, surrounded by greenery and flowering plants.
People outdoors at a bar, with a woman in white receiving a cocktail from a man in a burgundy jacket, while other guests mingle in the background.
People gathered at an outdoor wedding reception with vintage furniture, food, and drinks, surrounded by greenery and mountains.
A wedding group photo taken outside a rustic stone building featuring the bride and groom in front, with the bride wearing a white wedding gown and veil, and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket. Behind them are bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed in col
A man in a white tuxedo with a black bow tie, smiling and holding a glass of pink-colored beverage, standing outdoors with a rustic stone building and green trees in the background.
A happy bride in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet of white roses, with a groom in a white tuxedo and black bowtie embracing her from behind in a garden with tall, green trees.
A groom in a tuxedo carrying a bride in a lace wedding dress outdoors, with trees and mountains in the background.
A bride and groom sharing a joyful moment outdoors, with the bride laughing and the groom smiling, surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom standing among tall grass and wildflowers outdoors, smiling at the camera with trees and greenery in the background.
A bride and groom share a joyful moment outdoors among trees and greenery, with the bride wearing a lace wedding dress and veil, and the groom in a white tuxedo jacket and black bow tie.
A newlywed couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors, with the bride planting a kiss on the groom's cheek under a tree, both dressed elegantly.
A bride and groom celebrating with drinks at their wedding reception outdoors, with a vintage blue car and scenic greenery in the background.
A woman in a white wedding dress sitting in front of a blue vintage van with the text 'aracelso' on the side, outdoors with a rustic building and trees in the background.
Outdoor dining setup on a grassy area surrounded by trees and hills, with long tables covered in white tablecloths and yellow chairs, and a small table with plates nearby.
Long outdoor dining table set with white tablecloth, glassware, woven placemats, and green napkins, surrounded by wooden chairs, nestled among trees and rocks in a garden or natural setting.
Bride and groom standing outside at a wedding reception, facing a long table filled with guests, with trees and greenery in the background.
Group of people celebrating at an outdoor event, with musicians playing guitar, accordion, and violin in the background.
A couple in formal wedding attire enjoying drinks at a table outdoors, with musicians playing guitars and accordion in the background under a tree with a scenic mountain view.
People in line at an outdoor buffet with various dishes, including tomatoes, cheese, bread, and grilled meat, in a lush green setting.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss outdoors, surrounded by trees, plants, and rocks, in a garden setting.
A happy bride and groom smiling close together on their wedding day, with the bride's arm around the groom's shoulder.
A bride and groom celebrating outdoors with friends in a vineyard, some people wearing sunglasses, holding drinks, and smiling.
A pyramid of dessert glasses filled with layered tiramisu on a white table outdoors, with a blurred green landscape and mountains in the background.
A newlywed couple smiling and leaning close to each other outdoors, with a mountain landscape and greenery in the background, standing behind a table with a pyramid of dessert cups topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder.
A man in a white shirt and black pants is breakdancing on a wooden dance floor outdoors, surrounded by five people watching and reacting enthusiastically.
Black and white photo of a woman wearing sunglasses and a lace off-shoulder dress, smiling, as she interacts with a man in a white shirt, outdoors with trees in the background. Another man in a white shirt and tie stands in the background.
Group of people wearing formal attire outdoors, with mountains in the background.
A woman dancing and laughing with friends outdoors, wearing sunglasses and a lace dress, with others clapping and smiling nearby.
A woman in a wedding dress and sunglasses sitting on the floor, smiling as she is handcuffed by a man, while others around her are involved in the playful activity at an outdoor wedding reception.
Woman in a lace strapless dress lying on the floor, wearing white sunglasses, smiling, with her left hand bent at the elbow with her hand on her hip. People are standing around her, some in skirts or dresses, in a casual or social setting.
A woman and a man standing outdoors, with the woman raising her arm and pointing upward while the man looks to the right, both smiling. The image is in black and white, with trees and open landscape in the background.
People dancing on a wooden dance floor at an outdoor event under string lights, with tables and a scenic view of greenery and mountains in the background.
A group of people at a wedding, with a woman in a white lace dress lying on a wooden floor, smiling and laughing. Several people are leaning over her, helping or celebrating, with some appearing to be engaged in an act resembling a playful or humorou

Explore more destination weddings across Italy in the journal

Explore more destination weddings across Italy in the journal

 FAQs

Where is Villa Montanare located?

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Is Villa Montanare suitable for intimate weddings?

Yes, it is designed for small weddings and can host up to around fifty guests, making it ideal for intimate destination weddings in Tuscany

What makes a Tuscany wedding unique?

A Tuscany wedding is defined by its atmosphere, combining landscape, food, culture, and a slower pace of celebration into a cohesive experience.

What is the best time to get married in Tuscany?

The most popular months are from May to October, when the weather allows for outdoor ceremonies and evening receptions.

Planning a Wedding at Villa Montanare?

If you’re looking for film and digital photography for your Tuscan wedding, I’d love to be part of your celebration.

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