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Getting Married at Villa Astor: Luxury and Beauty on the Gulf of Sorrento

When choosing Italy as the location for your wedding, one might think that any place would suffice. After all, we’re in the Bel Paese, aren’t we? In reality, while Italy undoubtedly offers an enviable variety of locations, cities, and villages unmatched by most other countries, some deserve special mention as dream wedding destinations. Today, we want to talk about one such city and one such location that epitomize the very essence of Italian luxury, beauty, and romance. Villa Astor, in Sorrento, on the Gulf of Naples.

While couples often gravitate toward central regions like Tuscany for their Italian weddings, Matt and Kelsey were captivated by the allure of the South. Its breathtaking seascapes and ancient, folkloric traditions offered something uniquely magical. In this article, we’ll share a wedding featuring a couple and a venue so stunning that the final video looks more like a fashion film from a high-end designer. This cinematic effect is something we often strive to achieve in our videography, but in this specific case, the result far exceeded the expectations of both the couple and our own! Enjoy the read.

Villa Astor, A Beautiful Venue in the Gulf of Sorrento

Surely, you’ve imagined many times saying your vows surrounded by a breathtaking panorama and searched far and wide for a wedding venue that fits this dream. Villa Astor, perched on a Sorrento cliff with a stunning view of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Every corner tells a story of love, Italian beauty, and the scent of the sea and lemons. With one of the most spectacular views in the world, this residence has rightfully been called a true “Paradise.” This magnificent historic villa, part of the Heritage Collection, a family-run group that transforms historic residences into luxurious event venues, allows you to embark on a kind of journey through time.

Drone shot of Villa Astor

Originally built in the 1st century AD, when Agrippa Postumus, grandson of Emperor Augustus, made it his home. Many centuries later, in 1905, it became a luxurious property loved by prominent figures like magnate William Waldorf Astor, who chose it as his Italian retreat and from whom it still takes its name. Lord Astor completely transformed the villa, expanding its grounds and designing spectacular gardens on the site of a former Dominican monastery. His most iconic contribution was the construction of the so-called “Pompeian Villa,” adorned with Ionic columns and neoclassical frescoes by Roman artist Mario Spinetti.

Inside a room of Villa Astor

The villa’s most striking feature is its Italian gardens: six hectares of greenery filled with Mediterranean flowers, exotic plants, ancient fountains, and sculptures that seem to whisper poetry from bygone eras. And then there’s the view. Oh, the view! Standing on Villa Astor’s main terrace, as the sun sets over Mount Vesuvius and the sea glows orange, everything feels perfect, and every frame of a wedding video appears straight out of a grand cinematic production. Today, Villa Astor is one of the most prized gems of the Heritage Collection and a symbol of luxury on the Amalfi Coast. Featured in prestigious lifestyle and travel publications like Forbes and Bloomberg, it continues to be a sought-after setting for dream weddings and high-profile vacations. And you? Can’t you already picture yourself there, surrounded by such beauty, celebrating the most important day of your life?

A Touch of History: The Heritage Collection

In Italy, countless venues promise to host and organize fairytale weddings. But to truly achieve such an event, the venue itself cannot be the only factor that matters. It’s not just about a location; it’s about an experience that encapsulates centuries of history, elegance, and prestige. Villa Astor belongs to the Heritage Collection, an exclusive network of historic luxury properties that includes extraordinary locations worldwide, each with a distinctive story and identity. This remarkable estate on the Gulf of Sorrento, with its elegance and rich history, is one of the Collection’s crown jewels.

The Heritage Collection is a meticulously curated selection of architectural treasures that preserve memories, traditions, and immense cultural heritage characteristic of our Bel Paese. The aim of this series of luxury venues is to craft the experience of living history itself, offering privileged access to residences that combine refinement, modern comfort, and historical authenticity. Guests and visitors are immersed in a world spanning centuries of tradition, art, and culture. Alongside Villa Astor, the Heritage Collection boasts equally extraordinary properties in Italy, Europe, and beyond, representing the pinnacle of luxury and elegance. Examples of its most famous venues include Château de Villette near Paris, the extraordinary Villa Balbiano on Lake Como, and Villa Clara in Italy’s “eternal city,” Rome.

the bride and her bridesmaids

For couples who choose Villa Astor, its membership in the Heritage Collection becomes an extraordinary and symbolic added value. Getting married here means celebrating your union in a setting that has hosted illustrious guests, spanned epochs, and maintained its original charm. Every stone, every corner of these spaces has witnessed incredible stories and sealed countless loves over the centuries. To say your vows here is to embed them forever in a country and a millennial history.

Sorrento as The Perfect Backdrop for Romance

In Southern Italy, there’s a place where beauty fills the air, where the sea breeze gently brushes your face and whispers tales of sailors, and where water and land embrace to create landscapes that resemble painted masterpieces. We’re talking about Sorrento, one of the jewels of the Campania Coast that has been capturing hearts for centuries. Sorrento’s Mediterranean climate is warm and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to celebrate love in almost any season of the year. Its fragrances of lemons, sea, and bougainvillea come together in a harmony that engages all five senses, creating a magical atmosphere that envelops anyone who visits.

Panoramic view of Sorrento

Sorrento is unmistakable, with its cobblestone streets, flower-laden balconies, and small piazzas where time seems to slow down. Its narrow alleys form a labyrinth of ancient charm, where traditional architecture occasionally gives way to breathtaking glimpses of the Gulf of Naples: a panorama stretching from Mount Vesuvius to the islands of Capri and Ischia. It’s a horizon where the blue of the sea blends with the green of the lemon groves. Here, amidst these streets, love seems to take on a deeper, more genuine flavor.

Newlyweds Kissing over the Gulf of Naples

For all these reasons, hundreds of couples choose to marry here each year. But what is Sorrento’s true secret? We’ll tell you: it’s the way it manages to be both romantic and authentic, charming and unpretentious. It’s a place where tradition seamlessly blends with modernity, and hospitality is an ancient art passed down through generations. For a couple choosing to crown their love story, Sorrento isn’t just an enchanting backdrop for wedding photos and videos. It becomes a silent yet passionate protagonist in their love story, a witness that makes every moment unique and unforgettable.

The Love Story of Matt and Kelsey

Matt and Kelsey’s love story began ten years before their wedding, and it shows. Their level of connection is as clear as the sun, and it’s evident how the two are not just lovers but best friends. Their decision to fulfill their wedding dream at Villa Astor was a deeply thoughtful one. After so many years together, they wanted to exchange vows in a place that could reflect their journey: elegant, unique, full of charm and meaning. Villa Astor turned out to be the perfect setting for this chapter of their lives.

The Groom and his mom

On the morning of their big day, the sky was overcast, offering a soft, cinematic light that felt almost surreal (many might think the best light comes from clear sunny days, but that’s not the case!). Preparations started early in the villa’s elegant rooms, surrounded by the love of family and closest friends. Kelsey was the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance: her refined ivory-white dress revealed her back, while pearl earrings accentuated her natural beauty. She looked like she had stepped out of a fashion photoshoot, yet with the spontaneity that only true love can bring. Matt, defying tradition, chose a petrol-green suit, bold and original, perfectly coordinating with the bridesmaids’ dresses and creating a visually stunning effect.

The spouses and their friends

While the day remained mostly gray, as if by magic, the sky cleared during the ceremony, gifting a golden ray of sunlight that illuminated the couple as they exchanged vows. Guests were visibly thrilled to celebrate the love of such a special couple in a place like Sorrento. The air was filled with anticipation, joy, and that unique magic only a wedding like this could bring. Between dinner and the final celebrations, the day flew by. It was a wedding beautiful in every detail and facet, and we are thrilled to have been part of the love story of these two soulmates.

Read also: Saying ‘I Do’ in Sorrento: Celebrating Love at Villa Antiche Mura

A Wedding Video: A Timeless Gift to You as a Couple

Some days fly by in an instant but remain alive in your memories forever. Your wedding day is undoubtedly one of those moments. And what better way to relive it than through a video? Wedding videography isn’t just a means of documenting an event; it’s an art form that transforms real moments into an emotional narrative, filled with details and nuances that even the bride and groom might miss in the intensity of the day. A venue like Villa Astor, with its breathtaking panoramas, gardens straight out of a painting, and terraces overlooking the Gulf of Naples, added unparalleled value to our videography work.

The Bride reading wedding vows

Every shot from this wedding video is simply incredible: from the golden light playing with the tones of the sunset and sea to the intricate designs and furnishings of the location, every frame feels like it belongs in a fashion film. This cinematic effect was amplified by the bride, Kelsey, whose natural grace and confidence mirrored that of a professional model. Her effortless poses and interaction with the camera added a sophisticated touch that made every scene vibrant and captivating. But much credit also goes to the technical and creative work behind the scenes: from expertly managing light during filming to the meticulous attention given in the editing phase and in post-production.

The Bride and the Groom in Villa Astor's garden

A key role was also played by photographers Vlanda and Emina, a husband-and-wife duo whose talent has graced the pages of Vogue. Their skill in capturing the essence of Matt and Kelsey’s wedding perfectly complemented the video team’s work, creating a visual story that exudes glamour and style. A piece of advice for all couples: investing in videography doesn’t just document a day, it creates a memory that becomes a cherished treasure to revisit over the years. A memory that, as was the case for Matt and Kelsey, can turn into a true cinematic narrative.

Read also: Why You Need Both Photography & Videography at Your Wedding

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FAQ

Ready to answer to all of your questions and needs

Sure! You can request the price quotation by calling me or filling out the form. If you prefer, you can also send an email to this address: info@thirtyfivestudios.com

Weddings and elopements are confirmed only by contract and first deposit. Usually couples book their event 6-9 months in advance: for this reason, please contact us in time so that we can check our availability immediately.

It’s important to note that a date cannot be reserved until a formal contract is signed with our videoography studio. This policy is in place due to continuous inquiries, as multiple couples might request the same date during the same period.

 

Generally work is divided into two types: weddings and elopements.

For the wedding what is delivered is:

  • Trailer 4K (from 2 to 4 minutes).
  • Film 4K (from 10 to 15 minutes).
  • Extra videos 4K (these are video clips in addition containing full speeches, dances and other things).

 

For the elopement what is delivered is:

  • Instagram Reel (60 seconds).
  • Film 4K (from 5 to 7 minutes).

 

However, nothing prevents you from extending your requests when signing the contract. Request more information and take a look at our pricelist to find out about all the services we offer.

In our packages, travel and stay expenses are included in the cost because we regularly travel throughout Italy to shoot weddings. Being based in different places in Italy, we do not inflate prices for travel because we are close to major and famous wedding locations. Therefore, no matter where in Italy you choose to have your wedding, our costs remain the same.

Please note that VAT is included in our prices. However, our prices are listed in Euros, not in dollars, and any currency conversion fees and taxes from their originating bank are the responsibility of the clients.

 

Generally, no more than 90 days for the complete work, as written in the contract. However, by choosing “fast delivery” you can receive the finished work within 15 days.

The videos are delivered in digital format via our Google Drive. However, upon extra payment, you can request a usb pen box set on which you can keep a copy of the videos.

Our videography studio operates as a cohesive team with a shared vision and methodology. Consequently, we can all ensure the same reliability and style consistency, However, during our acquaintance you will know immediately if I will be free for your event or if my team will be present.

For years so far, we have chosen not to charge for the drone as for a service apart, so it is already included in our basic package and there is no increase in price. This instrument will be used at our discretion, where there is needed. 

In some places drone use is unfortunately not permitted. In that case we will use 4K stock aerial footage of the location.

In a wedding we generally stay from 8 to 10 hours. For an elopement the service time ranges from 4 to 6 hours.

Obviously it is possible to create a tailor-made contract for you in order to cover the entire event (welcome dinner, night party, post and pre wedding experiences).

Yes, you can make some small changes to the video such as scene changes. It is not possible to change the music because the music is always chosen by the couple before starting the assembly phase. 

We always give the couple the choice of two important things:
the music and the parts of the speeches.

The music can be chosen by the couple before or after the wedding day.

For the speeches, however, we send the couple all the videos of the speeches and the couple can tell us the most important minutes they want to have in the video.

In this way we try to create a product that is as close to what the couple would like to receive.

Obviously this is not a requirement. If the couple doesn’t want to do this, they can totally rely on our personal taste.

With our videography studio, we do not directly offer photographic service. However, we do offer the “Film Frames” service, which consists of about 100+ images (vertical and horizontal) in 4k from our clips. This allows you to have one team at your event, one image style and cut the cost in half. Alternatively, we will be happy to recommend some professional photographers with whom we frequently work throughout Italy.

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