Anyone who knows me, knows that I adore photographing weddings in Italy and so it was that I found myself preparing to photograph the wedding of Nichola and Adam at Castello di Vincigliata in Florence last week
Bringing to a close my marathon run of weddings I knew that there were some risks attached to this particular day. Nichola and Adam had specifically requested me as their wedding photographer after I had done their pre-wedding shoot as part of a prize in a competition that I ran. It was a great honour but on this occasion I had would have to fly in to Florence Sunday lunchtime and get to the venue in time for the 3.15 kick off – oh the sleepless nights! Believe me when I say the logistics pushed my planning capabilities and knowledge of Florence and surrounding areas to the limit! I would normally arrive in Florence at least a day ahead if not longer!
Having broken the record to get through Florentine customs my plans were initially thwarted by the hire car company who had no record of my booking! Having sorted that out, in true Florentine style I was told the wrong area for where my car would be (a sprint round the car park soon located it!) Increasing in comedic content by the minute I then set off in my newly found vehicle only to be thwarted again at the exit by a polite Canadian chap who had parked at the exit to ask for directions! (the hire car company had lost his satellite navigation request). With time pressing there was no other option – in the very best of English accents out came the shout ‘oi mate get a shift on I have a wedding to photograph!’ Both the Italian gateman and the by now bemused Canadian gentleman cleared the way as I did a rally style exit out of the airport (I only hope our Canadian friend had experienced Europe before otherwise I fear he may be left with a feeling of being dropped into some arcane bohemian landscape, devoid of satellite navigation and basic manners!)
My blood pressure returning to normal I relaxed – plenty of time, know the way there etc – but clearly the gods were not with me – the road to the castle from the direction I was coming was closed! By now I was seeing distraught brides and refunds looming but the gods clearly decided I had suffered enough and presented to me a kindly group of elderly gentlemen (if I had time I would have photographed them as they were so photogenic and what you envisage as typically Italian) who helped me see a way through and presto I arrived on time!
So, onto the wedding photography itself; Castello di Vincigliata is set high in the Florentine hills and provides a magnificent backdrop for any wedding. It apparently has a beautiful if sad legend attached to it; a beautiful young girl Bianca fell in love with a handsome young man. Sadly he was the son of her family’s arch rival. They planned to marry but as she waited for him on their wedding day he was abducted and slain by his brothers before her eyes… she of course died of a broken heart still wearing her wedding gown. Her spirit is said to roam the castle walls protecting those who are in love…
I soon forgot about my traumas and legends as I got to work. Every opportunity was utilised, although with the heat, traffic and road closures I advised Nichola and Adam that it would be safer to stay in their wedding venue for their more intimate shots rather than risk getting in the car to the nearby olive groves. My favourite shots are those that are ‘wedding photojournalism’ – everyone relaxed, unaware of me and just enjoying the moment (or concentrating on the moment during the vows)
The light during the heat of the day can be quite harsh especially on the terrace where the ceremony was held but the ‘magic hour’ as dusk approaches is amazing. The light softens and takes on beautiful deep hue. I chose that time to get the more intimate shots of Nichola and Adam together, using the stunning architecture and vistas over Florence as a backdrop.
As always a wedding day in Italy is celebrated with the making of the traditional fruit cake (like a millefeuille) in front of the guests and having captured this it was now officially time to rehydrate and finally cool down……………
Until next time enjoy the wonderful wedding of Nichola and Adam……….io spero ritornare a Firenze presto……..
P.S. Photographers, NEVER try to take your tripod as hand luggage through Florence Airport. Currently they will make you check it in and charge you 90 Euro for the privilege

