Chelsey & Isaac’s Micro Destination Wedding at Villa Conti Galgani, Tuscany

When Chelsey and Isaac first reached out to me about photographing their destination wedding at Villa Conti Galgani in Tuscany, Italy, I had to pinch myself. From the way they described their vision to the thought of celebrating with them on the other side of the world, I was beyond honoured to be invited into their intimate celebration.

This one was extra-extra special, as I had my husband, Tom, join me as a second shooter, making it just as much an adventure for us as it was for them. Between the day’s relaxed pace, the people, and the setting, it was the ultimate mix of laid-back and sentimental. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever fully get over this one

Getting to Know Chelsey & Isaac

Aside from our catch–up calls and emails, I sent them a questionnaire to help me get to know them and their dynamic a little better. To me, wedding photography is so much more than nailing timelines and shot lists. It’s about understanding their connection and the underlying story. Having been together since high school, I wanted to know what was important to them and what they pictured for their wedding. 

Here are a few of my favourite responses they shared, specifically about their vision for the day. 

What do you remember most about your day?

“I mostly want to remember the emotions of the day, what everything looked like, we don’t often get dressed up, so also what we wore, and of course memories with our guests and families.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is the photography aspect of your wedding day?

“Probably 9 or 10. I want to be able to look back and remember the day, and I’d like to get some photo books and frame some images.” 

What is the most important thing to you on your wedding day?

“I want to embrace and enjoy the occasion and be present in all the love.”

Throughout the answers, I loved the recurring theme of wanting to stay present and remembering how everything felt, rather than getting caught up in being the perfect hosts. That’s exactly what inspires my approach to wedding photography: balancing the relaxed and meaningful with an editorial eye, so couples can stay in the moment while I capture it. 

From Sydney, Australia, to Tuscany, Italy: How Their Destination Wedding Celebration Unfolded

With just 11 guests, all of whom stayed together at the villa, Chelsey and Isaac’s destination wedding felt more like a long weekend away with their favourite people than a traditional wedding day. Their families were already close before the wedding (their parents often catching up even without them), so keeping things meaningful and intimate was always the plan. 

They chose Villa Conti Galgani in Sarteano, Italy, as their backdrop — a lovingly restored 1500s convent set across 600 square metres and surrounded by 65 hectares of Tuscan countryside. Every view from every direction looked just like a postcard. 

With everything held on-site, from getting ready to the reception festivities, there was no need to rush between locations or juggle logistics. Just one stunning location to settle in for the day ahead.

Before the Vows: Getting Ready Moments

Chelsey and Isaac opted to get ready separately and skip the first look, saving their anticipation for the ceremony. With the ceremony starting in the late afternoon, there was no early rush. Just a slow, calm morning that still carried that unmistakable buzz of excitement. 

While Isaac spiffied up, Chelsey spent the morning getting ready with her mum, her (now) mother-in-law, and her sister. Her elegant half-up half-down hair was styled by @alecortisswedding, and her makeup was done by @hacm_makeupartistitaly. Both enhanced her natural beauty perfectly, the ideal finishing touch to her off-the-shoulder gown.

An Intimate Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Tuscan Countryside

Their outdoor ceremony was set beneath a sprawling old tree, with rows of olive groves and the rolling countryside stretching out behind them. Allowing the natural scenery to shine, a statement garland of white florals and greenery by @piantalashop traced the space with simple wooden chairs lined on either side for their guests. The definition of elevated minimalism, there was no over-styling, allowing Chelsey and Isaac to take the spotlight. 

Passing on the usual wedding party, Chelsey’s dad walked her down the aisle, and both mums carried the rings — a lovely, understated way to honour their parents while celebrating both their families officially becoming one. Officiated by @amiramakhloufglobal and accompanied by live violin tunes by @francescasviolin, the ceremony was deeply heartfelt, like a gentle exhale. Witnessed by their closest friends and family, nothing felt staged or performative.

Celebratory Italian Aperitivo & Couple Portraits

Following the ceremony, their guests moved into a relaxed aperitivo, complete with delicious Italian spreads by @bacchettaannalisa and a live violin performance by @francescasviolin. Overflowing bowls of sun-ripened tomatoes, baskets of citrus, fresh bread, prosciutto, and cheese were laid out alongside sweet nibbles and drinks, all with that effortless Italian countryside charm you simply can’t get enough of. 

While the guests soaked up the rest of the afternoon, we slipped away for portraits around the estate, a quiet moment just for them before the celebrations continued. Wandering past the towering cypress trees and centuries-old architecture, Chelsey’s delicately embroidered, beaded gown and flowing Cathedral veil, paired with Isaac’s dark green tailored suit, were a match made in heaven for the rustic, historical backdrop.

An Alfresco Reception Among Historic Brickwork & Garden Views

As evening set in, everyone gathered under the villa’s covered terrace for their sit-down reception. A single long, candlelit table was covered with a white silk tablecloth and adorned with white roses and greenery, elegantly juxtaposing with the rustic brickwork and stone walls. With expansive views of the surrounding gardens and rolling hills through the open arches, the entire setting felt undeniably romantic and timeless.

Dinner, catered once again by @bacchettaannalisa, was indulgent and generous, finished off with a classic two-tier cake by @tortaincorso. Speeches brought plenty of laughter and tears, and they kept things low-key from there, skipping the traditional first dance in favour of simply enjoying the evening with their closest people. 

In love and surrounded by love, in the middle of the quiet Italian countryside, it felt like exactly where they were meant to be.

Planning a Destination Wedding in Europe or Anywhere Else in the World?

A destination wedding is so much more than an excuse to get married somewhere beautiful overseas. It’s a chance to be genuinely intentional about how you want to celebrate your love, and who you want there to share it with.

Whether it’s just the two of you eloping somewhere quiet, or gathering your closest people for a bigger celebration, a destination wedding gives you the freedom to turn it into an entire weekend, or longer, spent properly with the people you adore. Not just a few rushed hours of hellos and goodbyes, but real, unhurried time with people who actually want to be there and are genuinely excited to be part of it.

With bookings in New Zealand and Thailand on the horizon, I can’t wait to photograph even more destination celebrations, wherever in the world they take me. If you’re currently planning your own destination wedding, I’d love to hear all about it! Reach out, and in the meantime, please explore my destination wedding photography packages for more information.