Artistry and luxury from the 1600’s run deep here.  These hilltop towns contain secrets of lives that are rusting away, and the paint from the walls thats hundreds of years old creates a fascinating backdrop that is impossible to duplicate.  The authenticity of a tuscan villa built in 1697 was a perfect place for our shoot.  This region has so many interesting and enchanting stories to tell if you are looking for, and take the time to slow down and experience them. Shelley & Antonio the following day dawned their wedding attire and we headed out for a sunset session.  We explored the diverse areas around this property and could have shot for days without duplicating anything ,I know you will enjoy these images.

Villa Catignano caught my attention 5 years ago when I was commissioned photographed an american italian wedding there in the spring of that year. Located just outside Siena and one hour from Florence, its easy to get to, yet tucked away in the heart of the Chiante region of the hills there.  We had taken the train up from Rome and fell in love with this countryside region.  It was such a private place for the family to rent out the entire 30 room villa for their family and friends to come and enjoy their wedding!  As you can see from some of the scene setting shots within eyeshot of the property as well as the view overlooking the town of Siena, this is a spectacular spot. One of the highlights of the villa are the ancient historical frescos painted on the walls and ceilings of the Villa.  This was once a working olive oil farm with a chapel, pool, vineyard, cellars and production barn.  As I was exploring I found the ruins of an old greenhouse where they kept their citrus trees in the winter.

Enjoy this collection of images from Antonio and Shelley.  They were a sweet couple with equally as much interesting history together as the villa, and yet down to earth. My favorite images are the ones with the row of hedges that were almost a quarter mile long.  Only in Tuscany.