As a destination wedding photographer, I remember walking into Adele and Jamie’s celebration and feeling as though I’d stepped into a quiet, private world tucked into the rolling Tuscan hills. Their wedding at Castello di Cafaggio was a relaxed day, full of elegant simplicity. Beautifully planned by Antonella Righetti, the day moved with a gentle ease — unhurried moments, heartfelt glimpses, and all the intimate details that make a destination wedding feel so deeply meaningful.
The Beautiful Venue: Castello di Cafaggio
History of Castello di Cafaggio
Castello di Cafaggio, tucked into the hills of Chianti, dates back to the 12th century. Once a private estate for noble families, its stone walls, vineyards, and olive groves carry centuries of Tuscan history. Today, it blends rustic charm with timeless elegance. Intimate corners and sweeping terraces create a romantic, cinematic backdrop for fine art wedding photography, where every detail tells a story.
Why a Tuscan Destination Wedding at Castello di Cafaggio
For many couples, the appeal of a Tuscan wedding is simple — sunshine, good food, and time to be fully present with the people they love. Castello di Cafaggio offers all of that in one place: a private castle near Florence, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with space for guests to stay on-site and enjoy a long weekend together.
Luxurious yet welcoming, it’s the kind of venue where time stretches — mornings by the pool, long table dinners, and sunsets sinking into the hills. It’s easy to see why couples dreaming of an intimate celebration choose this setting, and why working as a Castello di Cafaggio Wedding Photographer here feels so special.
1. Bridal preparations in the Castle Rooms
The morning of the wedding unfolded quietly within the castle walls. Adele prepared in a light-filled room, the soft Tuscan sun spilling through the windows. Final touches came together — her jewellery, perfume, and shoes — each detail adding to the sense of anticipation. I quietly captured these moments, preserving the small, intimate details that make mornings like this so special.
Elsewhere, Jamie shared a drink and a few nervous laughs with his party. Castello di Cafaggio allows everyone to be nearby while still enjoying their own space. The result is a morning that feels calm, intimate, and effortlessly elegant — the perfect start to a Tuscan wedding day.
2. A Ceremony Overlooking the Tuscan Hills
The ceremony took place outdoors, with the castle and rolling hills as a backdrop. Guests gathered in the warm air, surrounded by greenery and soft, natural tones that suited the setting perfectly. It felt intimate and heartfelt – the kind of ceremony where you can hear every word and see every expression.
As Adele walked in, there was that lovely hush that always seems to fall just before a ceremony begins. Vows were exchanged under the Tuscan sky, with the sounds of the countryside in the background, and I captured not only the couple and their guests but also the sweeping beauty of the castle and hills around them. Confetti, hugs, and a wave of emotion followed as they walked back up the aisle together.
3. Drinks, Golden Hour and Dinner Under the Stars
Drinks & Canapés:
After the ceremony, guests drifted into the castle gardens and terraces for drinks and canapés. This is always one of my favourite parts of a destination wedding — laughter, relaxed chatter, glasses raised, everyone settling into the day. As a documentary wedding photographer, I captured these candid, joyful moments under the warm Tuscan sun.
Capturing Quiet Moments Among the Castle:
Adele and Jamie stole a few quiet minutes for golden-hour portraits among the castle grounds and vineyards. The light softened around them, perfect for capturing intimate moments. As their Castello di Cafaggio wedding photographer, I documented these private walks, preserving memories that feel timeless and emotional.
Dinner Beneath the Tuscan Stars:
Twilight settled over the castle, and the courtyard came alive. Laughter, heartfelt speeches, and the clinking of glasses echoed through the evening. Guests savoured each moment beneath the twinkling lights.
4. Late-Night Dancing & Wedding Highlights at Castello di Cafaggio
Once dinner and speeches drew to a close, everyone moved into the next part of the celebration – dancing, music and that wonderful sense of ease that comes when no one has to rush away. First dances gave way to a lively dance floor, with guests spilling between the indoor spaces and the warm night air outside. I captured every laugh, every twirl, and the joyful energy that filled the castle under the night sky.
Some of the loveliest moments came later on, when the formalities were over: friends gathered in small groups, shoes kicked off, quiet conversations in corners, and the castle glowing softly against the dark sky. Photographing these candid, heartfelt glimpses made for the perfect ending to a day that felt both intimate and full of life.
A quiet, happy moment between me and Adele amidst the celebrations.
Planning Your Own Castello di Cafaggio Wedding
If you’re dreaming of your own wedding at Castello di Cafaggio, or just starting to explore the idea of a Tuscan castle celebration, you might find my planning guide helpful. I’ve shared five reasons this venue works so beautifully for intimate destination weddings — and how to make the most of your photographs — in this post: “Five Reasons Castello di Cafaggio Is Perfect for an Intimate Destination Wedding (and How to Make the Most of Your Photos).”
If you’re looking for a photographer for your own destination wedding in Tuscany or elsewhere in Italy, you can view more of my destination weddings or get in touch to chat about your day. I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming of and help plan photography that feels relaxed, elegant, and completely “you.”
Want to learn more?
Get in touch!
The Wedding Team:
Adele & Jamie
Wedding Planner @italian_wedding_papers
Location – Castello di Cafaggio
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