I remember very well the moment when Bill and Leah talked to us for the first time about wanting to get married in Italy, specifically in Umbria. We were at the the bar of the Summit Club in Tulsa, OK where Bill is the executive chef. We were special guests with our Olivando olive oil for a lovely italian inspired wine dinner they hosted. I was sipping on a manhattan feeling exhausted and grateful for the incredible evening. I remember I was thinking how gracious Bill was the entire evening, while keeping a really tight ship. Everything looked so easy and effortless and everyone in the kitchen had a big smile on their faces. The italian in me was prepared for at least a small amount of drama, a moment of commotion, a minor screw up. Something! Instead it was all smooth sailing. How does he do it? Clearly superior brains I don’t have access to. Meanwhile, I’m thinking and sipping, Leah looks like she just stepped out of the make up trailer in some big, fancy, Hollywood movie production from the 50s. She has this “diva” on, naturally, all the time that separates her from us, common mortals. At first, not going to lie, it’s a bit intimidating. But as you talk with her and get to know her she is just a joy to hang around with. Her sense of humor reveals a sensitivity that makes her relatable, quirky, unique.
What a couple, what an opportunity. They asked Amanda about planning their wedding in Italy, and for me to be their wedding photographer. I was ecstatic: beautiful people in beautiful places, my places. Almost too good to be true. A wedding photographer’s dream. The first image you’ll see was taken in November of 2023 when we went together to Assisi to scout the grounds. It was year ago, but still, today, after the big day and all the celebrations, I still pinch myself. Did these beautiful things all really happened? Let’s take a look, shall we?
Day 1: Destination Wedding at Tenuta San Masseo
Arrival and First Impressions of the Wedding Venue
Arriving at Tenuta San Masseo, right in the valley below Assisi, you are greeted by the picturesque views of rolling hills, olive trees, and cobblestone streets. This elegant venue, with its modern design, a sculpture park, and uninterrupted views of Assisi’s iconic Basilica di San Francesco, set the perfect tone for the wedding festivities. There was an air of excitement as guests from all over the world reunited, sharing warm embraces and laughter as they arrived at this serene oasis.
As a wedding photographer in Umbria, Tenuta San Masseo offered me a playground of opportunities to capture every emotion. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow on the property, and I knew that this location was going to provide an extraordinary backdrop for the entire 3 days we would be there.
Wedding Photography and Pizza Party
The first evening kicked off with a lively pizza party at Tenuta San Masseo pool bar. The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with joy and laughter as wood-fired pizzas were prepared in real-time. It was the perfect icebreaker for the guests, creating a sense of intimacy and togetherness that set the tone for the upcoming days. The endless spritz certainly helped.
As a photographer, capturing candid moments during events like this is one of my favorite things. I composed images of children playing on the grass, glasses clinking during toasts, and the smiles exchanged between Bill and Leah as they mingled with their guests. The setting sun painted the sky with rich hues, adding to the romantic ambiance, and I made sure to document every precious moment. These are the kind of memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 2: Truffle Hunt and Spa Day - Typical Day for a Wedding Photographer in Umbria
Every Wedding in Italy Should Start With a Truffle Hunt
The next morning, the men embarked on a truffle hunt in the surrounding woods above Campello sul Clitunno, a unique experience that perfectly captured the essence of an Umbrian wedding. Armed with espresso and laughter, Bill and his friends set off on an adventure, accompanied by local guides and their truffle-hunting dogs.
The earthy tones of the countryside here in Umbria, combined with the rugged beauty of the Appennini mountains, created a stunning backdrop for my photos. I caught the bill’s beaming smile as they unearthed their first truffle and captured the camaraderie amongst the men enjoying a rustic brunch of eggs and fresh truffles in the forest.
The Ladies’ Spa Day – A Wedding Planner Secret Weapon
While the men were off hunting truffles, the ladies enjoyed a relaxing day at Nun Spa, nestled in the heart of Assisi. This ancient Roman spa, with its limestone pillars and pools dating back to the first century AD, is really a sight to see. The full, five star experience, hammam quintessential trick to check out your brain an recharge…..Leah told us that all the ladies loved it.
Rehearsal Dinner at Locanda del Cardinale, a Professional Photographer Point of View
That evening, the couple hosted their rehearsal dinner at Locanda del Cardinale, a restaurant in the heart of Assisi. The venue itself is a masterpiece of history and modern elegance, with its dining area set over ancient Roman villa, separated by a suspended glass floor. The dinner was an intimate affair, blending the historic charm of the venue with the refined, classic Italian cuisine.
Day 3: The Wedding in Assisi at Tenuta San Masseo
The Morning Preparations for the Big Day
The morning of the wedding was filled with excitement and a quiet sense of anticipation. Leah, surrounded by her bridesmaids, prepared for her big day in a sunlit room at Tenuta San Masseo. Graziano, the make up artist was the perfect guy for the job, bringing the D in Diva for all the ladies. I photographed some of the details of accessories and wedding shoes, the intricate lacework of the corset, the beading on the shoes for the party and the genuine moments of laughter and reflection shared between the women. BTW the getting ready neglige was the bomb. Bill, meanwhile, rehearsed his vows, sipping a spritz in the garden, offering me the perfect opportunity for some candid, lighthearted shots.
As a professional Assisi wedding photographer, it’s important to capture not only the big, posed moments but also the in-between moments that show the raw emotions of the day. The morning preparations were filled with such moments—nervous excitement, love, and a few happy tears.
The Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony took place at Tenuta San Masseo, with the stunning backdrop of Assisi’s Basilica di San Francesco in the distance. The couple exchanged their vows beneath a canopy of flowers, with the golden light of the afternoon casting a soft glow over the ceremony. Some dark clouds were forming in the distance but we were lucky not to have a drop of rain. The intimate setting, surrounded by family and close friends, added to the emotion of this celebration.
As I captured the special moments—the couple’s exchange of vows, the tearful reactions of the guests, and the joyful kiss that sealed their union—I was struck by the beauty of the day. The countryside views of Umbria, combined with the personal touches the couple had added, such as the custom floral arrangements and unique color palette, created a perfect blend of elegance and intimacy.
Capturing Memories and Celebrations
Following the ceremony, the guests were treated to a lavish aperitivi spread, a rich display of Italian delicacies served in true Italian style. As the sun set over the rolling hills, I followed the couple aside for some quiet moments together, photographing their first kiss as newlyweds by the freshly decorated dinning room while they had a private rehearsal of their first dance. These authentic, stolen moments allowed the couple to savoir their day and created some of the most beautiful shots of the weekend.
The wedding reception was nothing short of spectacular. The elegant dinner setup, with a long wavy table under a canopy of twinkle lights, candelabras and hanging chandeliers made for a magical atmosphere. The joy and celebration of the speeches was accented by a live cooking show featuring an open fire grill, in original umbrian style. The night came alive with the sounds of a sax and percussion jam, adding a vibrant energy as the guests danced under the stars. I captured every laugh, every toast, and every twirl on the dance floor.
A Dream Wedding
Being part of Bill and Leah destination wedding in Assisi was a privilege, not only because of the stunning location but also because of the deep emotions and beautiful connections that unfolded over the weekend. Capturing memories at such a beautiful wedding was about more than just the breathtaking backdrop of Umbria—it was about the people, the love, and the special moments that will stay with them for a lifetime.
As a destination wedding photographer, I strive to capture every emotion, every fleeting glance, and every heartfelt moment so that these memories can be cherished for years to come. Weddings in Italy, particularly in Assisi, offer an unmatched blend of history, beauty, and romance. The opportunity to photograph these unforgettable moments is why I love what I do, and I look forward to many more beautiful weddings in this magical corner of the world.