A private villa in the heart of Tuscany sounds like a dream wedding venue to us, and for couple Federico and Michela, it truly was! Located in the Chianti region of Montespertoli in Italy (less than an hour from Florence), Antica Fattoria di Paterno sits atop a hill that slopes down into a flourish of vineyards and olive groves. As the sun set over those hills during the couple’s special day, it was both magical and enchanting for them and their guests, as well as for Italy-based photographer Edoardo Agresti, who captured it all in rich tones of black and white.

The couple first met in July 2016 and their bond was immediate. “Our first outing lasted until late at night on a bench in Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, laughing and joking, embraced by a veiled undercurrent of embarrassment that made us feel as excited as two teenagers,” they recount.

After five years of living together, on the day of their engagement anniversary, the marriage proposal arrived. “At first we had thought of a romantic escape with a celebration among a few close friends during a specially planned holiday. Yet we soon understood that our desire was to share this moment with our dearest loved ones, near and far,” the couple explained. “And when we saw the venue, we immediately fell in love with Antica di Fattoria Paterno. During the visit to the location, our eyes met and confirmed that it was the right place for our wedding party. We have wonderful memories of that day; it was exactly as we imagined it, full of love and fun.”

Even better, adds Agresti, it was a wedding that all took place on the same site. From the getting ready of the bride in the tower to the groom welcoming guests from all over Italy as they arrived. “A very heartfelt civil wedding ceremony on the terrace of the Antica Fattoria di Paterno ensued with a splendid view of the Tuscan Hills, officiated by a close friend of the couple.”

Couple portraits, enveloped in the warm light of the sunset, took place in the lush garden of the Antica Fattoria di Paterno among the olive trees and tall cypresses.

As a wedding photographer, Agresti says a story unfolds that allows him to capture the events, emotions, and environments that give life to a wedding. The use of black and white in this instance, he adds, lent a stylistic coherence to the couple's wedding collection. The photos were delivered in color as well, but we chose the black and white versions that so beautifully exemplify Agresti’s timeless style.

Check out more of Edoardo Agresti’s work on his website and profile and don’t miss our carefully-vetted list of the world’s best wedding photographers.

 

Vendor Credits:

Makeup and Hair: Lorenza Acconciature

Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero

Groom’s suit: Carlo Pignatelli

Florists: Arte e Fiori

Catering: Le Cirque

Music and lights: Omikron Service

Venue: Antica Fattoria di Paterno

 

For Photographers:

Cameras: Nikon D850 – Z7II, Sony A9

Lenses: Nikon f/2.8: 14-24mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm | Sony: 24mm, 50mm, 85mm

Lighting: 4 Godox and 2 Nikon flashes