Villa Fontelunga Wedding in Tuscany: Emma & Shaya
Some weddings feel extra special before you even pick up the camera. For me, this was one of them. I first met Emma back in 2012 when she was the makeup artist at one of my very first weddings. Back then I was still finding my feet, nervously clicking away and hoping I was getting it right, while Emma worked her magic on the bride. Fast forward over a decade and she was emailing me from her home in London to say she was getting married in Tuscany at the beautiful Villa Fontelunga and wanted me to photograph it. To be trusted with a friend’s wedding, especially one in such a stunning Tuscan setting, felt like a true honour.
About Villa Fontelunga
Villa Fontelunga is one of those Tuscan wedding venues that feels like it belongs in a film. Perched on a gentle hill in the Val di Chiana, surrounded by olive groves and rolling countryside, it offers sweeping views of the valley and distant hilltop towns. The villa itself has soft terracotta walls that glow in the evening sun, shuttered windows, and shaded gardens where you can wander with a coffee in hand.
This is not a huge, impersonal hotel. It is intimate, warm, and inviting, with spaces that feel personal while still giving you room to breathe. The property has a pool with loungers overlooking the countryside, terraces for dining, and rooms that mix rustic charm with modern comfort. You can book the whole place for your wedding, turning it into your own private haven for a few days.
For a Tuscany wedding photographer, Villa Fontelunga is a dream. Every direction offers a new backdrop, from the sunlit terraces to the olive trees, from the winding driveway to the quiet corners that catch the golden evening light just right. It also works beautifully for multi-day weddings, with plenty of spaces for a welcome dinner, pool party, and everything in between.
How to Get to Villa Fontelunga
Villa Fontelunga is located near the town of Pozzo della Chiana in the Arezzo province of Tuscany. The closest airports are Florence (around 90 minutes by car) and Pisa (around two hours by car). Many couples and their guests also choose to fly into Rome, which is around two and a half hours away.
Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around Tuscany, especially if you want to explore the surrounding villages, wineries, and countryside during your stay. The drive to the villa is scenic, winding through fields of sunflowers, vineyards, and olive groves before arriving at the secluded property.
Bridal Prep at Villa Fontelunga
Emma spent the morning getting ready with her sister and bridesmaids in one of the beautiful suites on site. The room was filled with the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter. Dresses hung neatly on the wardrobe doors, hair products and makeup brushes were laid out in the sunlight streaming through open shutters.
It is worth saying that getting ready on site at your wedding venue is one of the most relaxing ways to start the day. There is no rush to get into a car or travel anywhere, and everything you need is just steps away.
A Courtyard Ceremony in Town
Rather than marrying at the villa itself, Emma and Shaya chose to have their ceremony in the courtyard of the local town hall. The setting was pure Tuscan charm, with honey-coloured stone buildings surrounding the space, narrow cobblestone streets leading up to it, and locals pausing to watch as the wedding party arrived.
The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, with just the right amount of formality to make it feel special while still keeping things relaxed. The sound of footsteps on stone, the faint bells from a nearby church, and the warmth of the afternoon sun created a timeless atmosphere.
Drinks and Dinner Back at the Villa
After the ceremony, guests made their way back to Villa Fontelunga for the reception. The lawn was set up for drinks, with Aperol spritzes and champagne flowing freely. Guests mingled in the late afternoon sun, taking in the views and enjoying canapés.
Dinner was set on long tables under the open sky. White linens, fresh flowers, and glowing candles created a romantic yet unfussy look. The food, as you might expect in Tuscany, was exceptional. Fresh pasta, grilled meats, vibrant salads, and olive oil from the very groves surrounding us. Each course was served with care and at a pace that allowed guests to really savour the flavours.
Speeches in the Olive Groves
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebration moved into the olive groves. Festoon lighting was strung between the trees, casting a warm, golden glow. Friends and family stood with glasses in hand, delivering speeches that ranged from hilarious to deeply moving.
There is something magical about hearing speeches outside, in nature, under the stars. The air was still warm, the scent of the olive trees hung in the air, and every laugh and cheer seemed to carry just a little further.
Tips for Planning a Wedding in Tuscany
If you are considering a Tuscan wedding venue like Villa Fontelunga, here are a few tips from both a photographer’s perspective and from seeing many destination weddings in Italy.
Work with a planner
Having someone on the ground who speaks the language, knows the local suppliers, and can coordinate the logistics will make your life much easier. For this wedding, Emma and Shaya worked with Alice from Italian Style Weddings, who ensured every detail ran smoothly.
Have a later ceremony
The Tuscan sun can be fierce in the summer months, so scheduling your ceremony later in the afternoon will mean softer light, cooler temperatures, and a more comfortable experience for you and your guests.
Make it a weekend
If you are travelling all the way to Tuscany, make the most of it. Many couples choose to host a welcome dinner the night before and a relaxed pool party the day after. It gives everyone a chance to spend more time together and turns your wedding into a true celebration rather than a single day.
Think about transport
Make sure guests know how they will get to and from each part of the day, especially if you are marrying in one location and having your reception in another.
Why Choose Villa Fontelunga for Your Wedding
Villa Fontelunga offers the perfect blend of intimacy and elegance. It is large enough to host your wedding guests comfortably, but small enough that it feels personal and private. The views are breathtaking, the food is authentic and delicious, and the setting is about as romantic as it gets.
As a Tuscany wedding photographer, I love venues like this because they allow for a relaxed pace and plenty of variety in your photographs. You get the rustic charm of the olive groves, the elegance of the villa, and the sweeping landscapes that Tuscany is famous for.
If you are planning a Villa Fontelunga wedding or looking for a Tuscan wedding venue that feels personal, beautiful, and steeped in Italian charm, I would love to capture it for you.
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