A Romantic Destination Wedding in Umbria, Italy
Photographing Love at Borgo di Celle for a Multicultural Couple
A Wedding Day Filled with Heart, Culture, and Natural Beauty
As an Italian wedding photographer living in London, it's always an honour to return to my homeland to photograph weddings full of emotion, soul, and stunning landscapes. Jenny and Neil's destination wedding at Borgo di Celle in Umbria celebrated love that blended cultures and personal touches.
Their day wasn't just about elegant details but connection, laughter, and being fully present with their families and friends.
Why Borgo di Celle Was the Perfect Venue
Set atop the rolling hills of Umbria, Borgo di Celle is rich with rustic Italian charm, complete with cobbled streets and breathtaking views. For Jenny and Neil, the choice was deeply personal.
A Place with Meaning
Jenny's childhood was spent between Rome and Città di Castello, and Neil has always deeply loved Italy. The venue represented their shared values, heritage, beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere where guests could feel completely at ease.
A Multicultural and Inclusive Wedding Ceremony
Jenny and Neil wanted their celebration to reflect their backgrounds, her Italian roots and his Jewish heritage.
A Personalised, Heartfelt Ceremony
The couple had a civil ceremony led by the local mayor, followed by a Jewish blessing from Malcolm, a dear family friend who had guided Neil through his Bar Mitzvah. Their chuppah, made of bamboo poles and a tallit, was held by close friends, a beautiful blend of tradition and creativity.
A Seamless Experience with Amoretti Weddings
Planning a destination wedding can feel overwhelming, but it becomes a joyful journey with the right people by your side. Jenny and Neil worked with the incredible Amoretti Weddings, led by the talented Emiliana, to bring their vision to life elegantly and precisely.
As someone who has collaborated with Emiliana on many occasions, I can confidently say that her ability to navigate both Italian and English cultures makes her exceptional. Like me, Emiliana is multilingual and deeply in tune with both countries, which is an invaluable skill when planning inclusive, emotionally rich weddings for multicultural couples.
Her calm, creative energy allowed Jenny and Neil to feel relaxed and supported throughout their day, free to focus on love, joy, and celebration.
Styling the Day – Natural, Elegant, and Joyful
Everything about this wedding was understated but meaningful.
The Dress and Accessories
Jenny wore a simple and elegant Alan Hannah gown, ideal for the warmth of an Italian summer. Her accessories were minimal, just a pair of earrings gifted by her mother-in-law, reflecting her quiet sophistication.
Her shoes? A pair of white and silver flat sandals, beautiful, practical, and perfect for dancing.
Hair and Makeup
Keeping true to herself, Jenny chose a natural look, styled by her sister. She wanted to feel like the best version of herself, not overly styled or made-up and it showed in every moment she smiled.
Music, Atmosphere, and Spontaneous Joy
The ceremony music included Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No.3 for the entrance, and The Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" for the joyful exit.
Their evening was soundtracked by Britannica, a Britpop cover band from Rome. The energy was infectious, culminating in a joyful moment when guests jumped into the pool under the stars to cool off from the summer heat!
Floral Design Inspired by Umbrian Landscapes
The fabulous Hiden Floral Design created arrangements that echoed the region's natural beauty. Peonies, garden roses, eucalyptus, and olive branches brought texture and fragrance to the entire setting.
• The bouquet was lush and bright.
• Buttonholes included miniature pink and purple roses.
• Table centres featured tall gold stands draped in greenery, elegant, modern, yet timelessly Italian.
The Cake, Favours, and Special Touches
• The cake: A traditional Italian millefoglie with strawberries, light, fresh, and joyful.
• Favours: Beautiful boxes of Sulmona confetti (sugared almonds), following Italian tradition with five per guest to symbolise indivisible love.
• Children's zone: Thoughtfully arranged with games, LEGO, and crafts to make young guests feel just as cherished.
Why did Jenny and Neil choose Paola De Paola Photography
Jenny and Neil were referred to me by their wedding planner, and they immediately felt connected to my work. They chose to focus solely on photography, skipping video altogether, because they thought my images could fully capture the emotion and energy of their day.
"We knew right away, we felt seen, supported, and at ease. Paola's photographs reflect everything we felt.”
A Bit About the Couple
Jenny, a teacher, moved to London from Italy to pursue her career and found love along the way. Neil, an accountant, shared her passion for travel, nature, and meaningful connections. Their honeymoon? A dream road trip across Canada and the US, just the two of them, celebrating their new chapter with adventure and love.
Planning a Wedding in Italy or London?
I would love to work with you if you're planning a multicultural, inclusive wedding and value emotional storytelling over posed perfection.
I offer documentary-style wedding photography in Italy and London, especially for couples who care deeply about the experience and connection behind every photo.
Let's create something together. Get in touch I would love to know more about your beautiful day!