Val + Cam - Italian Mountainside Wedding

Val + Cam Italian Mountainside Wedding

Val and Cam’s Italian mountainside wedding was like something out of a Hollywood film. A dreamy oasis created with the help of Samantha and the team at Samantha Nicholas Events this wedding was a feast for the eyes, the ears, and of course the guest’s stomachs. I mean it is Italy after all!

The story of how I met Val and Cam goes back a few years when I met Val, who was playing maid of honour to one of my couples. We both hit it off and stayed well-connected over the years, but the story of Val and Cam goes back much further, as these two love birds have been together since they were in high school.

After the two were engaged, Val reached out to me and we booked their engagement session. This is where I got to witness how deep their love ran, and it was such a privilege to capture. So when I got an email letting me know that their dream wedding in Italy had been booked and they wanted me to come along for the ride, I was instantly thrilled!

If you know me, you know I absolutely LOVE pairing travel with my work. Capturing my couples in epic landscapes is one of my favourite things about my job, so when I get asked to book a ticket to a destination for a couple, I’m 100% in!

Val and Cam found a beautiful property called Abbazia San Pietro In Valle, about an hour and a half outside of Rome in the mountains of Italy, and it was absolutely picturesque. It was giving major Tuscany vibes! I felt like a kid in a candy store, capturing them with their guests, the venue itself, all their details, the characters of the buildings, the lighting against the mountainside, and the Tuscan-like, old-school vibe, the list goes on.

The couple said their vows with mountains as their backdrop, and then they continued towards the courtyard where guests feasted on a lavish five-course meal and Aperol spritzes flowed like water. The best part of their reception for me was their entrance. Val and Cam came down the grand staircase accompanied by a live saxophone player. This moment really had guests on their feet, twirling their napkins in the air – really setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

The dance party was like nothing I’d ever witnessed. I’ll say it now, incorporating live music with a DJ should be a trend in 2023. What a fun experience for guests!

All in all, this wedding was an absolute pleasure to shoot, I mean come on, right!? Thank you Val and Cam for bringing me along on this beautiful Italian adventure.

What was your favourite part of the day?

Val- "

getting to the alter, I could see Cam was on the brink of tears, holding it together. It was completely silent, I don’t do well in awkward situations, where naturally inclined to hug, or console.. but can’t do that then.. I just looked at him and innocently bursted into short lived laugh, Cam chuckling along. Breaking the tension, anxiety and nerves. And I could see the shift in the both of us, laugher helped us reset and be present, relaxed. Not to mention how cute the pictures are to document! This is my favourite part, because we were completely ourselves in the structured set up.

Cam- "

the dancing, seeing everyone have a good time, enjoying themselves, celebrating, and my ability to let loose. The stress and overwhelm of the day behind us. No more formalities, just bunch of friends and family coming together. You hope your guests have a great time, but the photos of this part of the night confirmed it!

What made you choose Abbazia San Pietro de Valle as your venue?

The venue was the hardest decision. Italy was on our mind from the start, but we kept this on the backburner and didn’t really solidify the decision until well on our way through the planning process. Being Covid, we went back and forth with the decision to travel .. No local venues, seemed to spark that excitement, left each spot pinpointing flaws, or things that we didn’t love, not to mention the cost being a huge factor. Truly, in hindsight, think our heart was on the Italy train, just had difficulty wrapping our heads around the “how” to say it aloud.
Part of me wanted to be mindful of the guests traveling out and having places to be able to explore within the area, not just come for the wedding. And other parts of us wanted to be particular with the space. It was between the southern Italian coast - which clearly is stunning and a must see when travelling through Italy. However, super populated with people, as its a major touristy spot.
We were drawn to the idea of greenery, tuscan valleys, winery inspired feel but historic, secluded and intimate, a sense of connection. I searched something along the lines of "hidden gems in Italy" and Umbria came up. It was perfect! That local town feel, vast amounts of greenery, amazing food, close to Tuscany - this was checking all the boxes. Once we had a location, the venue came easy, as it completely stood out! Thinking this place can’t be real! So sure enough, I asked my brother who resides in Milan to take a weekend trip up to the venue, we made arrangements with Abazzia di San Pietro in Valle, to get a feel for the place and food. We facetimed, shared multiple “walk thrus”, got a sample of a menu and locked in a DATE! Feel super fortunate for having access to be able to seek out the venue, as we likely wouldn’t have believe it to be true, just Stunning!

from Sam at Samantha Nicholas Events :

"When you are planning an intimate destination wedding, you have to get creative as we knew we wouldn’t be able to see the venue, meet vendors and language barrier (just to name a few!) However, after countless hours of planning, we had narrowed down the most beautiful venue, had a strong vendor team and just needed to hop on the plane and make the vision come to life. Safe to say, everything was executed perfectly and it was the most magical day!"

Do you have any advice for other couple’s on their wedding day?

Do what you want! And don’t settle. It is so worth it to look back and continue to be in awe of the day!. Not everyone will be able to make it and that’s okay! When finally stopped thinking of others is when really started to enjoy the preparation and get excited.. Just trust yourself in the process.
We were fortunate enough to speak the language and understand in communicating with vendors and planning. And really for the most part majority of the vendors spoke fairly decent English. But to a consideration or piece of advice to take into account, to have basic understanding of the language or access to translator, planner etc.

Is there a specific photo that sticks out as your favourite?

Specific photo is sooo hard! Goodness, I think the portraits with the view overseeing the venue are just beyond magical. And sentimental moments of the ceremony captured. Always so awesome to see the guests reactions and viewpoint as the day of just have tunnel vision so looking back almost like you can feel the emotion behind the pics. I can’t choose one though.. just went thru all them again to try, not possible!

Venue: Abbazia San Pietro in Valle

Bridal Boutique: Powder Bride

Dress Designer: Pronovias

Party Dress: Nookie

Suit: Sydney's

Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bec and Bridge

Catering/Rentals: Alloro Restaurant

String Quartet: Florence String Quartet

Planning: Samantha Nicholas Events

Hair/Makeup: Blbs Management

Florals: Sartoria Floreale

DJ: DJ Checco