European Vacation in Italy

Last Summer, we flew to Italy to photograph a wedding in Tuscany. Since we had already made the trip, we extended our stay to enjoy a European vacation in Italy. We landed at Fiumicino Airport in Rome in the early hours of the morning, hopped in our rental car, and headed out to Firenze. The first three days of our trip were spent exploring this spectacular city. While walking down the narrow streets and along the Arno, we feasted on spaghetti, gelato, and lots of tasty Italian beers.

In Italy, Florence specifically, is known for its leather goods. While walking the city streets one will see endless vendors selling everything from jackets and belts to shoes and backpacks. Other local artisans can be found throughout the city. Painters recreating local scenes are a sight to behold and their talent is just incredible.

San Gimignano and Siena

Following our stay in Florence, we headed South to Tuscany where our second stay awaited us- Borgo San Luigi. Nestled deep in the Tuscan countryside, this stunning resort was home for us for two nights. The staff took the absolute best care of us and we recommend to anyone who is planning a European vacation in Italy.

Breakfast consisted of an omelette bar with farm fresh eggs, a veggie and fruit juice bar, and daily-made pastries that knocked our socks off. Two major towns were located just a short drive away from where we were staying- San Gimignano and Siena. San Gimigano was at the top of our list of places to visit during our trip. This 800-year-old walled medieval town sits atop a hills and boasts 360 degree Tuscan views.

Nicknamed the medieval Manhattan, San Gimignano is known for its towers that are spread throughout the town. With classic architecture, absolutely incredible food, and unparalled views, we could have wandered around forever.

The next stop on our trip was the town of Siena. Most famous for their food, narrow streets, and the famous bi-annual Palio, this town is just overflowing with things to do. It just so happened that our visit would coincide with the famous Palio. This event, dating back to the 1600’s is the most important event that takes place in Siena. Ten riders, each representing a different city ward, ride horses bareback in the city center for three laps.

It is absolutely something one must experience in their lifetime.

Rome

Ah, Rome. Where do we even begin with this spectacular city. Filled with a seemingly endless list of landmarks to visit, we only just scratched the surface of this magical place. Only having a day here to explore before our flight home, we saw as much as we possibly could in 24 hours. The great coliseum was at the top of the list, followed by the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Altar of the Fatherland.

Needless to say, all of the walking and exploring certainly gave us quite the appetite. Fortunately, we just so happened to be surrounded by some of the most excellent restaurants in the world. For ten days straight we were in pasta, pizza, and truffle heaven!

On the morning that we were set to head home, I woke up before sunrise to capture the sleeping city, before the streets were overrun with people. There’s just something about that warm light from sunrise and a quiet city that’s just magical.

Borgo Santo Pietro

One venue in particular that was a must during the trip was Borgo Santo Pietro. This five star estate is truly a dream come true. They havean infinity pool, suites fit for royalty, lush gardens, and a spa that I could die happy in. We spent the first few hours of hour visit exploring the seemingly endless grounds. They have an organic farm that is absolutely mind blowing- not to mention their vineyard and culinary gardens. This property is truly like something out of a fairy tale.

We stopped into their restaurant, Trattoria Sull’Albero which hands down serves the best prosciutto pizza I’ve ever eaten. After a mild food coma, we continued our tour inside the property’s 13th century villa.

Amalfi Coast

One of our last stops on our trip was to visit the infamous Amalfi Coast. We stayed in Serrano, ja quaint little town just a short drive from the town of Positano. No one told us that parking a car in Positano is a hopeful wish. We left our rental at the top of the hill upon arriving and made our way down via a series of steep, narrow steps. After about a mile of descending, we finally made it.

The narrow streets were fulls of tourists and vendors who were selling their goods. The buildings in the town are almost overlapping one another, similar to Santorini. This place really exudes relation to whoever visits. Being there makes you want just kick back with an aperol spritz on your hand and your feet up. We (slowly) headed back up to the car after a relaxing lunch to visit our next destination: Villa Cimbrone in Ravello.

Villa Cimbrone

I knew before even leaving for Italy that we absolutely had to visit this iconic hotel. Villa Cimbrone is perched atop the Amalfi Coastline overlooking the Mediterranean and has been around since the 11th century. This venue contains the iconic Terrazzo dell’lnfinito (perfect for cocktail hour) and an ancient crpyt that hosts the most beautiful wedding reception you’ve ever seen.

We had the most wonderful time visiting this beautiful country and we can’t wait to return for our next adventure!

Film Lab | Richard Photo Lab

European vacation in Italy

Conti Di San Bonifacio Wedding in Tuscany, Italy | Lily + Steven

Conti Di San Bonifacio Wedding

Prepare yourselves for Lily and Steven’s stunning destination wedding at Conti Di San Bonifacio. This bi-coastal couple did away with a local wedding and instead flew to Italy to tie the knot. They had originally planned for a Summertime wedding in Napa, but with a guest count approaching 300 and temperatures nearing 100, the couple knew that just wasn’t for them.

Conti Di San Bonifacio winery and resort boasts 360-degree vineyard views and rolling Tuscan hills. This spectacular venue is nestled deep in Tuscan wine country and served as the backdrop for the wedding weekend.

Bridal Party

Lily’s bridesmaids wore a collection of soft pink dresses. Instead of the traditional bouquet, the ladies instead wore delicate flower crowns. Steven’s groomsmen kept it traditional with black suits while he donned a classic black tux.

Portraits

We walked throughout the property during Lily and Steven’s midday portrait session. The overcast weather allowed us to shoot in all directions and really utilize what Conti Di San Bonifacio had to offer. We began at the back of the property where cocktail hour would be held. Lily and Steven walked hand in hand around the pool and made their way down to the main lawn. With the rolling Tuscan countryside in the background, it looked like we were on a movie set. It was absolutely unreal!

Getting Ready

Lily and Steven combined Italian elements and held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony in the morning. They were surrounded by their closest friends and family, some of whom even flew in from China. Afterward, Lily returned to her suite to change into her wedding dress for her first look with Steven. She paired her strapless, open-back dress with a classic pair of nude Louboutin heels. The bridesmaids chose to forgo the traditional bouquet and were adorned with flower crowns.

Bridal Bouquet

Lilly’s traditional bouquet was composed of lush greenery and white roses and was held together with a long white ribbon.

Cheers

While the ladies got ready, Steven and his groomsmen enjoyed a shot of some Hibiki whiskey. After some liquid courage, the guys headed over to the pool to get in a quick dunk and cool off.

Ceremony

While we captured portraits, the floral installation was underway at the ceremony site. Infinito Amore spearheaded the floral design. There was a seven-foot-tall ceremony arch at the end of the aisle composed of pampas, roses, and eucalyptus.

Lily and Steven officially became husband and wife in front of their closest friends and family. Everyone cheered and tossed olive leaves on the couple during their recessional down the aisle.

Just Married

Guests showered Lily and Steven with olive leaves as they made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Following the ceremony, guests were ushered to cocktail hour poolside. A spread complete with local meats and cheeses, fresh Caprese salad, and delicious homemade sliders awaited everyone.

During cocktail hour, we captured romantic portraits while Lily and Steven savored their just-married sunset together. The ceremony site was converted into the reception space where garlands of greenery and roses adorned the communal tables. Upon sunset, market lights illuminated the dining space with a warm glow. The floral wreath was moved to be the backdrop for the sweetheart table. Lily and Steven’s grand entrance was welcome with cheers from their guests. Everyone soon took their seats to enjoy a candle-lit al fresco dinner. Endless courses of authentic Italian food accompanied by local wine from Conti Di San Bonifacio were served.

End of the Night

Conti Di San Bonifacio served traditional Italian wedding cake and pizza for guests to enjoy as a late-night snack. This wedding was truly one for the books and I was honored to have documented it.