Romantic LGBTQ+ Wedding in Italy – A Woodland Celebration Near Venice

Karen and Sara’s wedding was the kind of day that stays with you. They travelled from England to marry in the Italian countryside, surrounded by trees, sunlight, and the people they love. It was relaxed, deeply personal, and full of joy, everything a wedding should be!

Two brides kissing after their ceremony, with wedding guests gathered in the background in a woodland setting in Italy

As a London-based photographer with Italian origin, I’m often asked to photograph destination weddings in Italy, especially by LGBTQ+ couples looking for someone who understands both cultures and both languages. Being fluent in English and Italian means I can support my couples in more ways than just photography. It creates trust, calm, and space to just be present. This day was a perfect example of that.

Two brides sitting side by side in the woodland, holding hands and sharing a quiet, intimate moment on their wedding day

A Dream Wedding in Veneto, Italy

Choosing Frassanelle – A Hidden Gem Near Venice

Karen and Sara chose to marry at Frassanelle, a historic Venetian estate about an hour from Venice. It’s a truly special place, 70 hectares of peaceful woodland and farmland, with a 17th-century farmhouse and an old park that feels completely timeless, and a swimming pool!

Exterior view of Frassanelle Estate near Venice, a stunning Italian wedding venue with historical charm
Two brides walking together in sunglasses, smiling and holding hands, with champagne and flowers in hand

The estate is elegant but never stuffy. It has a soul. The kind of setting that holds you gently and lets you slow down. The light was beautiful, the air was still, and there was so much love in the air.

A Warm Welcome

One of the things I love about destination weddings is arriving early and being fully immersed in the rhythm of the day. I had time to settle in, connect with the couple, and meet the amazing team who brought it all together:

– Anna Cogo, the brilliant event manager

– Saba Berhe, the warm and kind housekeeper

– Maison Mariage, who styled the day beautifully

– Monica Mazzetto, for unforgettable food

– Diane Rossi, the celebrant whose words moved everyone to tears

– Tiziana Tornari, whose harp music filled the woods with magic

Villa Bencontenta and swimming pool at sunset, the elegant reception venue for this destination wedding in Italy
Close-up of handmade Italian wedding food, beautifully presented during the outdoor reception dinner

A Woodland Ceremony Full of Magic

An Emotional, Natural Moment

The ceremony took place in a forest clearing, with hay bales for seating, white cushions, and rose petals scattered everywhere. It felt untouched and honest, like nature had been waiting for them.

Woodland wedding ceremony setup at Frassanelle, with floral arrangements and hay bale seating awaiting the guests

Diane, the celebrant, created a ceremony that was deeply personal. Not scripted. Not formal. Just words spoken from the heart. Guests laughed, cried, and held each other. It was a ceremony I’ll never forget. Pure Magic!

One of the brides getting ready in the morning, a calm moment captured before the wedding ceremony

Two Brides, Two Dresses, One Love

Karen and Sara each wore long, lace long gowns, relaxed, elegant, and completely their own. There was no fuss, no stress. Just quiet smiles, meaningful looks, and the kind of calm that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

The second bride having her make-up done, a quiet behind-the-scenes moment before the wedding begins

An Alfresco Dinner at Villa Bencontenta

Celebrating Under the Stars

After the ceremony and drinks in the courtyard, guests made their way to Villa Bencontenta, a nearby 17th-century farmhouse with a swimming pool and open-air dining area. Long tables stretched across the terrace, lit by candles and the last of the golden light.

Close-up of floral table decorations with guests in soft focus in the background during the wedding reception

Dinner was slow, gorgeous, and full of fun. Glasses clinked, stories were shared, and people danced late into the evening.

Two brides cutting their wedding cake together, hands touching gently in a close-up shot

Why This Wedding Meant So Much

A Safe, Joyful Space

This wedding wasn’t just beautiful, it was Perfect. It was a space where Karen and Sara could be fully themselves. Where every guest felt part of something real.

Wedding guests sitting around the swimming pool with their feet in the water, enjoying the relaxed Italian setting

For me, it’s never about staging the perfect image. It’s about the energy, trust, and creating space for people to relax into who they are. That’s where the magic lives.

LGBTQ+ Destination Wedding Photography in Italy

Supporting You with Calm, and Care

I work with LGBTQ+ couples across the UK and Europe who want photography that feels natural and true to them. I speak both English and Italian, and I bring more than just experience, I bring a sense of peace, kindness, and deep respect for your story.

If you’re planning a wedding in Italy and looking for someone who understands both the logistics and the emotion, I’d love to hear from you.

Romantic sunset portrait of two brides smiling at each other, bathed in soft golden light in the Italian countryside

Let’s Tell Your Story Together

If you’re looking for an English-speaking, LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding photographer for your Italian destination wedding, someone who will support you with warmth, care and creativity, I’d love to talk.

Let’s create something beautiful that feels completely you. Get in touchHere is Karen and Sara’s pre-wedding photoshoot in London.

BlogPaola De Paola