Featured on Junebug Weddings: An Intimate Multi-Day Wedding at Villa Lenka, Lucca

One of my favorite weddings from late september last year just earned the recognition it deserves.

I’m thrilled to share that this wedding an intimate, multi-day celebration for 17 guests at Villa Lenka in Lucca, Tuscany; was recently featured on Junebug Weddings, one of the most respected editorial wedding blogs in the industry. You can read their full feature here: Intimate Tuscany Wedding at Villa Lenka Proves Less Is Always More.

For me, this wedding is proof of something I keep coming back to: the smallest weddings often carry the most weight. Fewer guests means fewer distractions, more honest emotion, and a couple who can actually stay present in their own day instead of performing it.

The Couple: Victoria & Zac

Victoria, a flight attendant, and Zac, a pilot, chose Tuscany for a wedding built around two things they clearly value: intimacy and intention. With only 17 people in the room, every detail — the ceremony seating, the timing of golden hour, even the pacing of the day itself; could be considered with real care instead of compromise.

What made this wedding different from a typical single-day celebration is that it wasn’t just one day; it unfolded slowly, starting with a welcome dinner where near-strangers became family over shared plates and long conversations. By the time the wedding day itself arrived, there was no performance left in anyone. Just two people, fully present with each other, in early spring light that arrived soft and golden through Villa Lenka’s stone archways.

Why Villa Lenka

Villa Lenka’s quiet elegance — its stone archways, its soft natural light, the kind of atmosphere that doesn’t need much styling to feel cinematic — made it possible to use the same space for both the ceremony and the first look. That choice kept the day unhurried and let Victoria and Zac stay close to each other from the very first moment, rather than being pulled in different directions for photos.

As a wedding photographer who returns to Tuscany again and again, this is exactly why venues like Villa Lenka matter to me: it’s not just the backdrop, it’s what the place does to the people inside it. Multi-day weddings here give the story room to breathe, and something real tends to happen in that space.

The Details

A Few Words on Style

I work with a documentary and editorial approach: honest emotions first, soft and natural light, muted tones, and a focus on genuine moments over posed ones. On a wedding like this one: small, unhurried, spread across several days; that approach matters even more, because there’s simply more real life to notice and less need to manufacture a moment for the camera.

This coverage also includes a selection of frames shot on film, using Kodak Portra 400; part of a hybrid approach I bring to weddings like this one, mixing digital and analog to give the story more texture and depth. The grain, the color rendering, the way film handles skin tones in open shade — it adds a quieter, more timeless layer to the day alongside the digital images.

  • A bride in a white lace gown with a long, floral veil stands facing a groom in a black suit who wipes his eyes, appearing emotional. They are outdoors on a gravel path with scattered flower petals, surrounded by greenery and stone buildings. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a long, lace off-the-shoulder wedding gown and veil stands on a gravel path, holding white flowers. She is next to a classical nude statue, with green foliage and a stone wall in the background under a cloudy sky. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom dance outdoors in front of a beige building with white shutters. Five well-dressed guests watch from a balcony above, while two more stand below. Greenery frames the scene, and the couple appears joyful and close. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom kiss outdoors during their wedding ceremony, framed by greenery and a tall fountain in the background, with guests watching in the foreground. The scene is elegant and romantic, set in a manicured garden with tall trees. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman with dark hair in an updo, wearing a sleeveless, white, embellished mini dress and strappy heels, sits sideways on a piano bench. She smiles, with one arm resting on a black piano, in an ornate, warmly lit room with patterned carpet and painted walls. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • Elegant table setting with clear plates edged in gold, gold utensils, crystal wine glasses, tall glass candle holders with lit white candles, and small votive candles. A green napkin and a printed menu rest on the plate; greenery decorates the table. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a strapless white gown with a long veil and a groom in a black tuxedo stand smiling together outdoors on a gravel path, with green grass, manicured bushes, and a rustic stone building surrounded by trees in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A man in a dark tuxedo with a bow tie stands indoors, smiling while buttoning his jacket. The room has warm lighting, a red couch, a white lamp, and framed art on the walls. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A person in a long, white lace robe walks barefoot through an elegant, vintage room with tall windows, gold curtains, and ornate furniture. They are seen from behind, swirling slightly, with natural light filtering in through the curtained windows. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a long white lace gown with a flowing veil stands beside a groom in a black suit and bow tie. They smile outdoors on green grass, with a pond, blooming bushes, and tall willow trees in the background under an overcast sky. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a long-sleeved lace wedding gown smiles at her groom, who wears a black suit and leans his forehead to hers. They embrace in a lush garden with tall trees and hedges, both looking joyful and affectionate. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • Two people pour champagne from dark bottles into the top glasses of a tiered champagne tower. Bubbles overflow as the champagne cascades down. Soft focus floral decorations are visible in the background. The scene looks elegant and celebratory. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman with long wavy dark hair sits on a wooden chair, wearing a white lace robe. She rests one arm on a black table, which holds a wine glass and stacked books. Her bare feet are crossed, and she looks calmly at the camera in a softly lit room. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman with long dark hair in an off-shoulder, lace white gown stands by an open window, looking back and smiling. Lush green scenery is visible outside. Warm, gold curtains frame the window, and soft natural light illuminates the scene. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a sparkly, short white dress and high heels poses gracefully beside a black grand piano in an ornate room with decorative walls, chandelier, patterned carpet, and warm lighting. She smiles while lifting one leg, resting her hand on the piano. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a lacy, off-shoulder white gown holds a bouquet and walks beside a groom in a black tuxedo on a grassy lawn. Both smile at each other, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with trees and bushes in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a fitted, off-shoulder lace gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk arm-in-arm on a gravel path, smiling. The bride holds white flowers; lush greenery and a rustic building are in the background, suggesting an outdoor wedding setting. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple poses indoors; the man wears a black tuxedo and bow tie, while the woman, smiling, sits on a piano bench in a sparkling, sleeveless mini dress and heels. The room is dimly lit with ornate decor and a patterned red carpet. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a white, off-the-shoulder lace gown and veil holds calla lilies, walking arm-in-arm with a groom in a black tuxedo. They smile at each other on a pebble path, flanked by greenery and stone buildings, with trees in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman with long dark hair sits in a dimly lit ornate room, wearing a white lace robe over a satin slip. She poses with one leg crossed, looking at the camera. A table nearby holds books, a wine glass, and a pair of glasses. The wall is decorated with floral murals. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple dressed in formal attire passionately kiss in front of a table with a decorated cake. The woman, wearing a short white dress and heels, lifts one leg playfully as the man, in a black suit and bow tie, supports her. The background is dark. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • Elegant table setting with a clear plate rimmed in gold, a green napkin, and a menu card on top. Gold flatware and rimmed glasses surround the plate. A place card and green garland decorate the white tablecloth background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom, both in formal attire, share a joyful dance outdoors in front of a beige building with white shutters. Friends and family watch from a balcony above and a doorway behind, all dressed elegantly, celebrating the couple’s wedding. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a white lace gown and long veil walks arm-in-arm with an older man in a black suit on a gravel path outdoors. Both are smiling. Tall trees, green grass, and stone buildings are visible in the background. A man in black stands nearby, watching. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a white, off-shoulder lace wedding dress holds a bouquet of white flowers, smiling as she walks arm-in-arm with an older man in a black suit. They walk on a gravel path in front of tall trees and a fountain in a garden. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a fitted, off-the-shoulder lace wedding dress and long veil descends stone steps. She holds a bouquet of white flowers and has long dark hair, surrounded by rustic stone and brick walls in an outdoor setting. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple sits closely on a red velvet couch. The man in a white shirt with suspenders smiles at the woman, who wears a sleeveless, short, light-colored dress and heels. The woman leans in, touching his chin affectionately. The setting is ornate, with green drapes and floral decor. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling woman in a lace, off-the-shoulder wedding dress pours champagne into a glass at the top of a pyramid of coupe glasses, with babys breath flowers nearby and a warmly lit indoor setting in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A white wedding welcome sign with green ribbon stands outdoors on gravel, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The sign reads: “Welcome to the wedding of Victoria and Zachariah, September 29, 2023, Lucca, Italy.” A small statue is on top of the sign. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in an ornate, off-the-shoulder white lace wedding dress stands in an elegant, vintage-style room with cream-colored furniture and gold curtains, softly lit by natural light from a window behind her. Another person is blurred in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom share a dramatic kiss as the groom dips the bride on a gravel path. The bride wears a lacy white gown and veil; guests watch and smile. The backdrop is a large, tan villa with shuttered windows and greenery. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A black-and-white close-up photo of a couple at their wedding ceremony. The bride in a lacy off-shoulder gown touches the grooms hand. The groom wears a suit with a calla lily boutonniere. An officiant stands blurred in the background, holding a microphone. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a long, white lace wedding gown with a train sits on an ornate chair, gazing out a tall window. Warm golden curtains and soft natural light fill the elegant, vintage-style room, creating a serene and dreamy atmosphere. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple sits on a red couch, gazing at each other and smiling. The man wears a white shirt, black suspenders, and a bow tie. The woman wears a short, sleeveless white dress with beaded details. Behind them is a painted floral mural and a white column. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a long black dress and a man in a black tuxedo walk arm-in-arm on a gravel path in front of a water fountain, surrounded by tall green trees and manicured gardens under an overcast sky. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • An elegant outdoor dining setup features two long tables with white tablecloths, brown wooden chairs, floral centerpieces, and lit candles under a large cream canopy. The scene is surrounded by greenery and trees, creating a serene garden atmosphere. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in an off-shoulder lace gown and veil smiles at her groom, who wears a black suit, during an outdoor wedding ceremony. They stand on a gravel path, holding hands, with greenery and seated guests in the background on a cloudy day. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A groom in a black tuxedo gently embraces a bride in an off-the-shoulder lace wedding dress. The bride closes her eyes, smiling softly, while the groom lovingly kisses her temple. They stand on a tree-lined path surrounded by greenery. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom sit close together, smiling affectionately, at a candlelit dinner table decorated with flowers and greenery. Guests around them enjoy their meal in a warm, elegant setting with soft lighting and tall glass candles. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A joyful bride in a lacy, off-shoulder white gown with a long veil holds hands with a smiling groom in a black tuxedo as they walk outside a grand building with cream walls and white shutters. Flowers and petals decorate the ground behind them. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling bride with long dark hair wears a strapless, lace wedding gown with sheer sleeves. She holds a white bouquet and stands on a gravel path bordered by neatly trimmed hedges and tall trees in a lush, green garden. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling couple poses indoors; the man stands in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonnière, while the woman sits in a sparkly, short white dress and nude heels. The setting features ornate walls, dim lighting, and a patterned red carpet. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A person in a long, lace wedding dress adjusts a high-heeled, open-toed shoe with a decorative pearl. The image is in black and white, showing delicate lace sleeves and a tiled floor beneath their feet. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A person in a delicate, lace long-sleeve white dress sits on a tiled floor, adjusting a high-heeled sandal with ankle straps and pearl embellishments. The scene is softly lit, evoking an elegant, serene, and possibly bridal moment. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a sleeveless black dress sits on a wooden chair outdoors on grass, smiling at the camera while holding a wine glass. She has long brown hair and wears a necklace and bracelets. Empty chairs and greenery are visible in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple sits on a red couch, kissing. The man wears a white dress shirt with suspenders; the woman, with dark hair in an updo, wears a short, beaded white dress. Floral wallpaper and a painted column are visible in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling woman in a black dress with sheer sleeves walks arm-in-arm with a man in a black tuxedo and bow tie. They are outdoors on a stone path with grass and trees in the background. The man wears a white boutonniere. Both look happy. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a white lace-trimmed robe sits on a bed’s edge, eyes closed. In front of her are white high-heeled sandals, perfume, pearls, earrings, a garter, and greenery atop an upholstered bench. The setting appears luxurious and tranquil. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A man stands outdoors wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie, and a white calla lily boutonniere. He has short brown hair and a slight smile. The background shows green foliage and a blurred path, suggesting a garden setting. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling couple holding hands walks out of open double doors at night. The woman wears a short white dress and heels, and the man wears a black tuxedo with a white shirt and bow tie. Guests in dark attire stand nearby, watching them. The setting looks elegant and festive. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A rustic stone building with a red-tiled roof stands under a cloudy sky. There is a statue in front, potted plants, and green hedges. Behind the building, a lush, tree-covered hill rises, giving the scene a peaceful, countryside feel. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A black and white, slightly blurred photo of a formal dinner. A man in a suit and bow tie sits beside a woman in a strapless dress. They look at each other and smile. A third person sits next to them. Candles and flowers decorate the table. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • Five people stand on grass at an outdoor event, all dressed in formal black attire. Two men and three women are present; one man holds a baby, and a woman holds a child’s hand. Trees and greenery surround the area; chairs and flowers are visible. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in an off-shoulder lace gown and a groom in a black tuxedo walk arm in arm on a gravel path, surrounded by manicured bushes and rustic buildings. The bride kisses the grooms cheek while holding a bouquet of white flowers. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a long white gown with a lace train and veil stands with the groom at an outdoor wedding ceremony. They face each other near a flower arch; guests in formal attire sit and stand behind them amid stone buildings and greenery. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a white lace robe and slip sits smiling with eyes closed as another person applies makeup to her face. The room is dimly lit with ornate walls and a window in the background, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in an off-the-shoulder white dress holds a microphone, smiling warmly at the groom, who is facing her in a black suit. They stand outdoors with greenery and a potted plant blurred in the background, creating a romantic atmosphere. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A close-up of a person in a fitted, sheer lace wedding dress with intricate embroidery, pearl details, and bead embellishments. The sleeves are long and decorated with lace and pearls. The figure stands by a window, softly lit by natural light. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a white lace gown and veil stands beside a groom in a black tuxedo. They pose under a brick archway of a rustic stone building, holding hands and flowers. Two decorative dog statues are at their sides and greenery frames the scene. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride in a lacy, strapless white gown with a long veil and gloves smiles and raises one arm, holding hands with a groom in a black tuxedo. They stand on gravel outside a tan building with white shutters and flower petals scattered on the ground. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom stand close together outdoors, smiling at each other. The bride wears a white, lace, off-the-shoulder wedding gown with long sleeves, while the groom wears a classic black tuxedo. Lush greenery and a stone path are visible in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A close-up of a person’s hands adjusting a silver wristwatch with a black face. The person is wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, and the background is blurred with shades of red and brown. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A groom in a black tuxedo smiles while holding hands with an older man in a black suit outdoors. A woman in a black dress watches and smiles nearby. Another man, casually dressed, stands in the background near greenery and a tree. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A pair of elegant white Jimmy Choo heels with pearl accents sits on a light blue and gold patterned bench, alongside a small beige pouch, boxes of sugared almonds tied with green ribbon, and two gold hairpins. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A bride and groom walk arm-in-arm on a gravel path through a formal garden. The bride wears an ornate white dress and holds white flowers; the groom wears a black tuxedo. They smile, leaning their heads together beneath tall trees and trimmed hedges. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling woman in a white, beaded dress stands behind a seated man and woman at a dining table. She raises one arm enthusiastically, fingers forming a rock-and-roll gesture. The table is set with plates, glasses, a bottle, and blurred candles in the foreground. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A pair of elegant white heeled sandals with ankle straps and large pearl accents sit on a patterned light blue and gold cushion. Nearby are gold earrings, a silver ring with stones, and a decorative blue-and-white perfume bottle. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A woman in a white robe sits on a chair, smiling and holding a glass with a patterned design. Her dark hair is in a loose updo. The room behind her is softly lit, with green draped fabric, a mirror, and elegant, vintage-style decor. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A white lace wedding dress hangs on a door in an elegant, ornately decorated room with high ceilings, intricate molding, and a lit chandelier. Soft daylight enters through the open window, highlighting lush greenery outside. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • Two gold rings rest on the open pages of a book with text in a serif font. Nearby are a black bow tie and a gold ring with a dark stone, all arranged on the book, suggesting a formal or romantic occasion. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A couple in wedding attire kisses outdoors in front of an elegant building with white shutters. The bride wears a long, white gown with a veil, and the groom wears a black suit. Green floral arrangements and white petals decorate the stone courtyard. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A groom in a black suit dips and kisses a bride in a white lace gown and veil. They are under a brick archway with green vines, flanked by stone walls and two dog statues. The bride holds a white bouquet as they share a joyful, intimate moment. Tuscan Wedding Photographer
  • A smiling bride in a lace off-shoulder wedding dress stands beside a groom in a dark suit. The groom embraces her waist and nuzzles her cheek. They are outside on a tree-lined path with greenery and sunlight in the background. Tuscan Wedding Photographer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Villa Lenka good for an intimate wedding?
Yes, Villa Lenka, in Lucca, works especially well for smaller weddings, since the same space can be used for both ceremony and portraits, and its interiors hold up beautifully as a backup if weather turns, keeping the day relaxed no matter what.

Is Villa enka suited to multi-day weddings?
Very much so. Its layout and quiet atmosphere suit weddings that unfold over more than one day, welcome dinners, long lunches, and a wedding day that feels like the natural conclusion of a shared few days rather than an isolated event.

What does a wedding photographer cost in Tuscany?
Every wedding is different, and pricing depends on coverage length, number of days, and deliverables. You can see my full wedding photography packages here.

Do you shoot film for weddings?
Yes, I often bring a hybrid approach, mixing digital with film shot with Kodak and Ilford Films, like in this wedding. It’s part of how I give a day more depth and a more timeless feel.

Do you travel for destination weddings outside Italy?
Yes, while Tuscany remains home base, I photograph destination weddings across Italy, Europe, and further afield, from Sardinia and Sicily to the Amalfi Coast and beyond.

Ready to plan your own Tuscany wedding?

If you’re planning an intimate or multi-day wedding in Tuscany, Lucca, or anywhere in Italy, I’d love to hear your story. Get in touch here or find more real weddings on my blog.