Hello once again and this week, we’re heading off to Italy for a traditional Italian wedding that was also packed full of fun and laughter. I do love working as a wedding photographer in Italy and this occasion, in the delightful Italian regions of Apulia and Abruzzo, made me very happy indeed. So, without further ado, let’s escape to Italy together for this fabulous wedding.

 

Iole and Umberto were married on September 19th earlier this year and they squeezed so much into their day – literally! They surrounded themselves with 250 guests and held their ceremony in one location and their reception in another. I was an Apulia wedding photographer and an Abruzzo wedding photographer on the same day!

 

So, let’s start with the ceremony and this took place in the tiny Italian village of Chieuti in Apulia. Iole spent her childhood here so it was a very special location with lots of happy memories. The traditional Italian church was full of friends and family and when Iole made her way down the aisle in her Pronovias gown, Umberto couldn’t take his eyes off his beautiful bride.

 

From the ceremony, we moved onto the Convivium Hotel in the truly gorgeous Italian city of Vasto. Vasto sits on the beautiful Adriatic Sea and, as you can imagine, the views from the hotel are simply stunning. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture the bride and groom in the hotel’s grounds and gardens and their personalities certainly shone through during our portrait session.

 

Once Iole and Umberto had arrived at their reception and were greeted by their guests (with a celebratory glass or two!), it was time for their aperitif buffet. This took place outside and the buffet tables were laden with a huge choice of canapés and nibbles that absolutely everyone enjoyed. I have to say that this part of the day was really brilliant – it gave everyone time to chat, enjoy some delicious food and the seated format worked so well.

 

As you might well imagine, wedding traditions and formats differ from country to country and as an experienced wedding photographer in Italy, I’m well used to working with all styles of wedding day and also advising you if you need. In fact, I’ve created a Facebook group – ‘Planning Your Destination Wedding In Italy’ – that I wanted to tell you about. If you’re getting married in Italy, you can become part of the community, alongside lots of top Italian wedding vendors, and ask for advice, ask questions or simply share plans with other couples. I hope to see you there soon!

 

Anyway, let’s get back to Abruzzo and move on to Iole & Umberto’s elegant dinner that took place in the Convivium’s restaurant. The tables were light and simply decorated with orchids and little DIY touches that were really lovely. Of course, the traditional sugared almonds called ‘confetti’ were wedding favours and Italian weddings have long featured these gifts, given to symbolise the hope that the new couple will have a marriage that is more sweet than bitter. The five almonds themselves represent health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life. In fact, this is another Italian wedding tradition that’s spread across the world.

 

After dinner, Iole, Umberto and their guests made their way to the dancefloor for a fun-filled night of dancing that went on long after this Italian wedding photographer had said goodbye and left the party celebrating this fantastic couple.

 

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this wedding in Italy as much as I enjoyed photographing it. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy (or indeed a destination wedding in Greece or even further afield!) and you’d like to find out more about my wedding photography services then please do get in touch.

 

I’m also a London wedding photographer and I love engagement shoots too! You can take a look at my wedding portfolio right here!

 

Why not keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Google+?

 

Don’t forget my Facebook group for couples marrying in Italy – come and say hello!

 

 

 

Photography: Roberta Facchini Photography | Reception Venue: The Convivium Hotel, Vasto | Bride’s Gown: Pronovias | Bride’s Shoes: Bibala Sposa | Second shooter: Maxeen Kim Photography | Videography: Pink Camera