Tuscany

San Galgano Abbey - 11th April 2019

Lauren & Lee chose the stunning San Galgano Abbey in the Tuscan area of Val de Merse for their wedding ceremony.

This is one of the most suggestive settings in Tuscany, and makes for a truly unforgettable and magical backdrop for a wedding. The abbey is located about 25 miles from Siena, in southern Tuscany. The Cistercian Abbey was built in 1324, and holds a very important place in the art and history of Siena.

Travelling with Lauren’s make up artist Hannah at Lipstick & Hairpins, we both travelled together to Pisa 2 days before the wedding date. Having a giggle on the plane and then having a few issues with which train to catch (there were a few stops and changes to get to Siena from Pisa!) not great with luggage and Hannah with all her kit and me with all mine too, it was back breaking! We arrived at Siena around 9pm and was welcomed by Dan who was our Uber driver, he was a very cautious driver which were were thankful for as the twists and turns and sheer drops on the 40 minute drive to the hotel was hair raising! I was also grateful I couldn’t see much as it was getting dark! I really don’t like heights!

We arrived at Agriturismo & Casale, a pretty rustic Italian hotel and restaurant just a stones throw away from the abbey. This would be my base for 4 days and I wasn't disappointed as it was picture perfect and everything you can imagine.

On waking the next day, I opened my blinds to see the most beautiful Tuscan sunrise, it was breathtaking with the view of the Abbey just literally a few feet away. It’s was truly wonderful.

Hannah and I spent the day meeting with Lauren & Lee to go over the final details for the wedding the following day, we also has time to go into Siena with Lauren and her bridesmaids Lucy. Lucy’s husband drove, although he wasn’t so cautious as Dan on those twisty roads! (My eyes were firmly shut for at least 25 mins) I’m a bit of a nervous passenger! We got there and back safely, so all good!

The morning of the wedding arrived, I opened my blinds to a grey, wet day, how disappointing but I wished and prayed for sunshine during the ceremony as the abbey has no roof!

Hannah had an earlier start to me as she headed to Laurens room to make a 7am start of the hair and makeup for the bridesmaids. When I arrived to see Lauren in her room, I was excitedly greeted by Sam her bridesmaid, on hand for all bridesmaid duties including getting the coffee!

I spotted Laurens dress hanging up, I never tire of seeing brides dresses and I literally let out a squeal! Stunning! I knew Lauren was going to look simply exquisite in this dress.

Whilst the ladies were prepping themselves, I headed over to the guys to find a few rather brave and crazy groomsmen about to take a dip in the natural outdoor swimming pool, it was pretty cold in Tuscany so probably not outdoor bathing weather!

Lee wasn’t as brave and spent his morning setting up the garden games and just relaxing with the rest of the groomsmen.

When it was time for the ceremony, Lee and his groomsmen headed to the Abbey on foot, which was just a couple of minutes walk down a pretty tree lined lane. The abbey was closed for the hour duration of the ceremony for the sole use of the wedding party. San Galgano Abbey is a popular tourist attraction so it was no surprise to see some tourists waiting to see the bride!

Just as Lauren was about to leave the hotel, the sun shone brightly and the warm Tuscan sun was so very welcome!

Watched by around 40 of their friends and family, they had a little bit of a wait until Lauren reached Lee.

Lauren was escorted by her father, bridesmaids and her best friend Nuno who would help Lauren down the aisle to Lee.

It took Lauren a whole 2 minutes to walk down this aisle! It was by far the longest aisle I’ve seen!

When Lauren reached Lee, he kissed Laurens hand and had so much love in his eyes for Lauren, it was very emotional.

The vows were beautifully translated by Laurens friend Bianca.

Following the ceremony, we did the group photos then bride & groom photos around the stunning Abbey and the sun shone so beautifully thought the ceremony, we were all grateful!

Lauren & Lee celebrated the rest of the day with a stunning meal and emotional speeches, a free bar for their guests and their first dance. I later joined them in their celebrations.

A wedding I won’t forget!

Thanks for choosing me to capture your most wonderful wedding day!