Julie + Deneb

Albergo L’Ostelliere Gavi, Piedmont, Italy.

I had the chance to photograph a wedding in the rolling hills of the Piedemont wine country, in Northern Italy. I knew it would be magical, so I hopped on a plane from London and flew to a little piece of paradise.

The entire day, from ceremony to reception to dinner to after party, was held on the grounds of Albergo L'Ostelliere, in Gavi, about an hour and a half outside of Milan. This gorgeous property features a vineyard, hotel, restaurant, and beautiful grounds perfect for meandering through its own as well as nearby vineyards.

The wedding itself was as luxurious as it was down to earth. Music flowed throughout the day; a string quartet welcomed guests before the ceremony, and a band played for the party, all friends of the bride and groom (not to mention the groom himself on the drums). Between the outdoor ceremony and the sunset reception, the guests, followed by the bride and groom alone, walked through an entirely candle lit wine cellar humming with Italian classical music.

Could you get any more romantic than that? And wondering about the bride's dress? It was handmade by her mother, as was her matching shrug. In fact, her mother was trimming the dress just minutes before the ceremony! It was a truly lovely day for all who attended, including me.