An Intimate Italian Escape | Riley & Gema’s Wedding in the Heart of Umbria

Some weddings are not just a day. They are an entire experience, a story that unfolds over a weekend, surrounded by the people you love most, in a place that feels timeless. A true intimate Italian escape filled with love, family, and friendship. Riley and Gema’s intimate destination wedding at Casali di Colle San Paolo in Umbria, Italy was exactly that. It was a heartfelt celebration set against the rolling hills and historic charm of central Italy.

Open Arms & Raised Glasses

From the moment we arrived in Umbria, the weekend felt less like an event and more like stepping into a family gathering. Immediately, everyone welcomed us with open arms, warm hugs, and glasses raised before we had even set our bags down. Laughter echoed through the historic stone courtyards, and dinners stretched long into the evening. Throughout it all, every interaction felt sincere and unhurried. Rather than simply hosting a wedding, Riley and Gema created a space where love was shared freely and generously among everyone present.

Delicate Details

The morning unfolded calmly, with the brides helping each other get ready. They moved between rooms fastening buttons, adjusting jewelry, and sharing quiet laughs as they prepared side by side. Instead of separating for the morning, they chose to remain together, which made the start of the day feel deeply personal and grounded.

Getting Ready Together

Capturing the day on 35 MM Film

To complement the spirit of their Italian countryside celebration, I documented the wedding on 35mm film alongside digital photography. Film carries a softness and depth that mirrors memory itself, allowing each moment to feel lived in rather than simply recorded. Because of that, it honored the timelessness of Italy while preserving their story with honesty and artistry.

A Historic Italian Escape in The Umbrian Countryside

Nestled in the Umbrian hills, Casali di Colle San Paolo brings together historic farmhouses, elegant holiday apartments, cozy cottages, and a stunning villa, all framed by terraces, olive groves, and inviting pools. The estate offered the perfect backdrop for Riley and Gema’s celebration. It felt luxurious yet welcoming, refined yet entirely authentic.

Beneath the weathered stone of a 1700s chapel, Riley and Gema exchanged vows. It was the very first wedding ever held within its ancient walls. As they spoke their promises, a quiet stillness filled the space, as though the chapel itself had patiently waited centuries for this moment.

Beneath the weathered stone of a 1700s chapel, they exchanged vows

A Weekend Full of Intention

Instead of opting for a traditional one day celebration, Riley and Gema chose to embrace the slower joy of a full wedding weekend. From the very beginning, the pace invited everyone to settle in and truly savor each moment. Throughout the weekend, guests gathered for long meals on terraces overlooking the hills, and as the sun dipped lower, heartfelt toasts naturally gave way to laughter that lingered well into the night.

Then, as a gesture of gratitude, each guest received a small bottle of olive oil harvested directly from Casali di Colle San Paolo. In doing so, the couple offered not just a favor, but a tangible memory of their time together in Umbria. These thoughtful gifts beautifully reflected Riley and Gema’s deep appreciation for their family and friends, as well as their desire to honor the land that so graciously hosted their celebration.

Every moment felt curated, yet natural, embodying the essence of an intimate Italian destination wedding. Couples looking for a destination wedding in Italy are drawn to venues like Casali di Colle San Paolo for its authentic charm, rustic elegance, and the ability to host close family and friends for multiple days of celebration.

Why Choose Umbria for a Destination Wedding

Umbria, often called the “green heart of Italy,” offers couples the perfect combination of historic charm, natural beauty, and privacy. Venues like Casali di Colle San Paolo allow you to gather your closest loved ones for intimate celebrations that feel personal and timeless, rather than crowded and commercialized.

For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy, Umbrian farmhouses, villas, and estates provide the perfect blend of authenticity, elegance, and flexibility for multi-day celebrations.

A Wedding to Remember

More than just a wedding day, Riley and Gema created a weekend rooted in connection, intention, and love. Their celebration proves that the most meaningful weddings often unfold slowly, surrounded by history, landscape, and the people who matter most.

A Wedding Day That Felt Real

Dreaming of your own intimate Italian escape full of love family and friendship? Planning an intimate destination wedding in Italy or anywhere in Europe? I would love to help you document it with intention and artistry. I photograph weddings throughout New England, the East Coast, and international destinations, creating timeless, emotive imagery for couples who value connection and authentic celebration. If my style resonates with you, let’s connect.

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Vendors

Venue: Casali di Colle San Paolo Umbria, Italy

Florist: Wedbloom

Videographer Olmo Weddings