Villa Medicea di Lilliano Destination Wedding Photography Florence Italy - Monika & Oliver

“Richard was fantastic!!

We could not have chosen a better photographer. He was super-helpful in the run-up to the wedding, managed a mini photoshoot with us in Florence pre-wedding, and was generally a calming influence on both of us before and on the day. I felt entirely comfortable with him around throughout preparations – a fun but unintrusive presence.

Having the initial preview a week after the wedding was so nice, since I really wanted to see some photos from the day after it was gone, to recall what happened in the whirlwind but also see those moments where we were not present.

The photos were gorgeous and will serve as a wonderful memory of our special day! Thanks Richard!”

The one thing I’ve discovered about Italy is that everything in this sun-kissed country is beautiful. But I can honestly say Villa Medicea di Lilliano, the venue for Monika & Oliver’s wedding, has to be one of the most romantic spots I’ve ever been to. Nestled high on the hills outside Florence, the beautiful Medici villa is quite something else. Painted Hallways, flower-filled courtyards, and a beautiful terrace with views looking back towards Florence and the iconic Duomo. I’d had a little peak at the venue during a site visit after their Florence pre-wedding shoot the day before but with the trestle tables set-up and flowers in situ everything was looking even more incredible.

I arrived around midday and the first thing that struck me was the smell of freshly picked grapes from the vineyards seeped out of the silos. The weather forecast had been horrible but thankfully our sun dance had worked – the sun was out and any thunderstorms and rain clouds were respectfully keeping their distance!

Oliver & Monika’s ceremony was held in the late afternoon up on the terrace with 180+ degree views across to Florence and the surrounding countryside. It was a highly personal affair and conducted by friends and family. After a reception to guitar music guests processed through the courtyard to the rear of the property, blessed with even more exceptional views,  for confetti and more canapés. The wedding breakfast and speeches were held outside at sunset under festoon lights with traditional Slovakian music echoing across the countryside. Cake-cutting was the final act to be held outside before everyone went inside for a proper knees up to more Slovakian music which lasted into the very early hours of the morning.

Here is just a small selection of images from an incredible day (and night!).

ABOUT RICHARD MURGATROYD

Richard Murgatroyd is a London-based destination wedding photographer bringing a natural, documentary approach to telling the story of your special day. You can see a wider selection of Richard’s wedding portfolio from Mexico to Australia here.

Villa Medicea di Lilliano Destination Wedding Photography Florence Italy by London Destination Wedding Photographer Richard Murgatroyd