When a couple decides to get married, one of the first choices they face, often even before determining the “when,” is the “where.” The location where they choose to celebrate their wedding not only impacts the organization of the big day but also becomes an integral part of their love story. Some choose the venue for its aesthetic beauty, others for the services it offers, and still others for the charm and history that the place holds. Lovers who choose to get married in Italy seem to have implicitly made all these choices together: history, beauty, culture, and charm are indeed the words that perfectly describe our country.
Among all the Italian regions, Tuscany stands out as the preferred destination for couples from around the world. Its harmonious blend of characteristics makes it difficult to find a destination that can surpass it (not by chance, many Italians also choose to leave their home region to celebrate their wedding in Tuscany!). Here, among ancient churches, castles, medieval villages, and green hills, every step is a journey through history. Getting married in this land means intertwining your love story with the millennia-old history of these places, creating a bond that will last forever.
Tien and Juan chose to celebrate their love in Siena, at two different locations: the Certosa di Pontignano, where they held the ceremony, and Villa di Catignano, which hosted their reception. Both of these estates are ancient constructions that still preserve traces of their secular past and offer them to the eyes of visitors and lovers from all over the world. For a wedding videographer, working in such extraordinary places represents a unique opportunity to maximize their talent, creativity, and work, because with breathtaking backdrops like these, we can guarantee that your wedding video will truly be a work of art.
From History to Modernity: Why Tuscany is the Ideal Choice for a Wedding
Why do couples from all over the world decide to travel thousands and thousands of kilometers to celebrate their wedding in Italy? There are many reasons, it could be our good food, the scenic landscapes, the millennial history of our country… But what really makes our land unique is the incredible variety it offers. All the things I mentioned before are not the same everywhere, quite the opposite! The regional differences are one of the most characteristic and fascinating things about Italy: each region tells its stories through its own culture, its geographical peculiarities and its dishes.
Obviously there are the typically mountainous regions, with their heights and stories that intertwine with those of bordering nations such as France and Germany, as well as the typically maritime ones, overlooking the splendid Mediterranean and influenced over the centuries by distant cultures such as those of the East. However, there are also some regions that seem to gather within them the union of all these different stories, as if they were the perfect synthesis of Italianness, a perfect combination on a natural, climatic and cultural level: among these regions which in the collective imagination represent the idea of Italy more than the others, Tuscany certainly stands out.
A region inextricably linked to the history of Italy, which first saw the birth of the first organized civilizations of our country, even before the more famous Romans, and subsequently gave the wonders of the Renaissance to Italians and to all those who still visit this land. For newlyweds, then, it is simply a corner of paradise on earth: the climate is mild, often sunny but with the possibility of taking refuge in the splendid hills of Chianti to cool off a bit and enjoy breathtaking landscapes, the perfect setting for a dream wedding.
Siena: The Historic Heart of the Tuscan Hills
Among the many villages and towns that dot the Tuscan hills, one of the best known is certainly Siena. A city that has managed over the centuries to maintain its identity intact, as few other cities in the world have managed to do: just think that its typically medieval architecture with Gothic nuances has remained substantially unchanged since its construction, allowing the historic center of the city to be included for this reason among the UNESCO heritage sites. The architecture fully reflects this concept of identity, even in the details: it is no coincidence that the Duomo is made with two-tone marbles and stones, which recall white and black, the historical colors of the city’s coat of arms: this wonderful church is counted among the most beautiful in Italy (and the competition is really tough!), and should be part of any tourist’s itinerary.
But the Sienese’s love and respect for traditions and history is not limited to architecture. Here in Siena a historical event takes place which every year attracts people from all over the world, which is broadcast live on Italian television networks and which has its roots in the 13th century: the Palio di Siena. The Palio could be defined as a horse race, but it is much more than that: in this race the 17 contrade of the city (comparable to the ancient districts) compete in an exciting race in the heart of the city, in Piazza del Campo. The challenge is deeply felt, and the winners are treated with all the honors: in fact, in the past, rivalries between the contrade were decidedly bloodier and winning the palio was considered a disgrace for the losers and a source of pride for the winners.
The Wedding of Tien and Juan: Between Pontignano and Catignano
Tien and Juan’s wedding was an unforgettable day, marked by the beauty and tradition of Italy. The day began in the elegantly frescoed rooms of Villa di Catignano, where the couple spent their preparation moments surrounded by their closest friends, with their emotions mingling with the anticipation of the most important moment of their lives. From the villa, the couple and their guests moved to the Certosa di Pontignano, where the religious ceremony took place in a small church adorned with wonderful 16th-century paintings. The environment was simple, intimate, yet solemn: it was in this beautiful setting that the couple could pledge their eternal love and fidelity, under the moved eyes of everyone.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds returned to Villa di Catignano to continue the celebrations. Before dinner, Tien and Juan strolled through the magnificent Italian garden of the villa, immersed in the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside (meanwhile, we videographers and photographers captured fantastic shots of these moments!). One of our favorite parts of the day was the brief ride of the newlyweds in a splendid vintage Alfa Romeo: the couple drove through winding streets among the Tuscan hills, soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and golden fields, in a magical and bucolic atmosphere.
Upon their return, Tien and Juan were warmly welcomed by their guests to start the dinner and festivities. During the evening, the witnesses paid tribute to the couple with their speeches, filling the room with emotion and joy, culminating in a collective toast. The cake-cutting moment added a special touch to the day because Tien and Juan participated in the preparation of their wedding cake, a delicious millefoglie, decorating it with care and attention alongside the pastry chefs. This gesture made a sweet moment even more unique, symbolizing their new life together.
A Journey Through the History of Certosa di Pontignano
The foundation of the Certosa di Pontignano dates back to the 14th century, and originally, it was an ancient monastic complex. Today, the Certosa presents itself as a multifaceted place: a center for university studies, a prestigious event venue, and a refuge for travelers seeking an authentic experience. Despite adapting and evolving over the centuries to embrace new functions, its very structure perfectly embodies the essence of Carthusian architecture. The spaces are extremely versatile, used for various types of events and celebrations, taking place within its interconnected cloisters: the first, once the epicenter of contemplative life and now a stage for exclusive weddings, is distinguished by a finely crafted 14th-century well and gives access to a church adorned with rare 16th-century frescoes.
The second cloister, once reserved for lay brothers, now hosts spaces dedicated to conferences and tastings. The third, the largest, has seen the ancient monastic cells transformed into cozy accommodations, offering guests a unique and special stay. At the center of the complex stands the manor house, a building that blends aristocratic elegance with modern comfort. Its rooms, spread over two floors, tell stories of past eras through architectural and decorative details. A hidden gem within the Certosa is the chapel dedicated to Saint Agnes, a small Baroque masterpiece with frescoes so beautiful that the church has earned the nickname “Sistine Chapel in miniature” of the Sienese territory.
The outdoor spaces are no less impressive: meticulously maintained gardens, including a classic Italian garden, offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Siena. As often happens in many places in Tuscany, here too, past and present intertwine, welcoming visitors with the promise of an experience that touches the soul and remains etched in memory. The Certosa di Pontignano continues to write its millennial story through its numerous visitors and through our footage of your wedding video.
Read also: Wedding Video In Certosa Di Pontignano: Florence E Aurelien Said Yes
Villa di Catignano: A Majestic Residence in Chianti
Amidst the bucolic hills of Chianti, near Siena, stands the majestic Villa di Catignano, a splendid ancient residence still bearing witness to nearly five centuries of history. Built during the 17th century as an opulent noble residence, this estate underwent careful restoration in the 20th century, preserving its original soul while adapting to contemporary needs. The entire complex includes not only the main villa but also a farm, a chapel, and a charming Italian garden where most ceremonies are celebrated.
The interiors of the main residence are breathtaking: seven apartments, each decorated and furnished with period pieces, where wooden floors, frescoes, and fine decorations create an atmosphere of discreet luxury and warmth. In the area once bustling with rural life, four independent homes complete the residential offer, recreating the atmosphere of a small Tuscan village. The Tinaia and Sala Giglio, both versatile and suggestive spaces, can accommodate up to 150 guests, turning every celebration into an unforgettable experience. The crown jewel of the property is undoubtedly the Italian garden, with its maze of hedges, ivory statues, and riot of flowers.
This space is perfect for outdoor ceremonies immersed in the Tuscan landscape, allowing especially foreign couples to experience the Italian wedding of their dreams. Capping the enchantment of the place, the chapel of the ancient village of Clatinianum allows for religious wedding ceremonies in a setting of rare beauty, allowing couples and their guests to experience every moment of the special day within the historical walls of the Villa. For those fortunate enough to stay or celebrate at Villa di Catignano, the experience translates into indelible memories, infused with the magic and eternal elegance of the Tuscan countryside. Every corner, every view, every detail contributes to creating a fantastic atmosphere where history blends with the present, giving emotions that will remain etched in the heart forever.
Read also: Wedding Videography at Villa Catignano: A Journey Through Love and Beauty
Wedding Stories: Capturing Emotions and Unique Moments
Marriages are intertwined stories: stories of people that intertwine with each other, that intertwine with the places they have chosen to seal their union, that will generate other stories. Stories that must be handed down to be made eternal, that deserve to be told allowing the emotions and feelings of unrepeatable moments to shine through. This is what we try to do with our work as wedding videographers: to return not just images, but a real visual story of what will be a day that you will keep forever in your hearts, a storytelling that will allow you to relive those emotions as the first time, and that will allow you to share them with those who were not present.
When you are willing to travel across the world to celebrate your wedding, you can’t leave anything to chance: it is essential to have a whole team of experts from every sector to organize and manage everything in the best possible way. Our experience allows us to interface with many professionals specializing in weddings and to harmonize our tasks to ensure that on your most special day you have nothing to worry about other than enjoying your day, while we and the rest of the crew will take care of making it unforgettable and making it run smoothly.
For Thien and Juan’s wedding, we had the pleasure of collaborating with a very special couple of photographers, Linda and Carlo Nari: the two work by combining digital and analog photography to create something unique. Also in this case it was evident how their more than ten years of experience gave an edge to our work: for this reason, choosing local professionals who know the places, the dynamics and the secrets of this type of ceremony is absolutely essential.
