Modern Multicultural Wedding Photography: From London to Tuscany

An Intimate London Ceremony at Old Marylebone Town Hall

In September 2023, Felegh and Davide began their wedding journey with a beautifully intimate ceremony at The Old Marylebone Town Hall in central London. As a multicultural couple living and working in the capital, they chose this location for its elegance and ease, blending legal formality with heartfelt style.

Bride in red dress and groom smiling outside Old Marylebone Town Hall during their multicultural London wedding, captured in documentary style

As a London-based photographer of Italian origin married to a British partner, I always recommend having the legal wedding in London to simplify transitions between countries. If you’re living and working in London, handling the legalities here is often much easier. Personally, I had the joy of having two weddings: the legal one in London, and a beautiful summer celebration in Italy, this made the paperwork so much simpler.

Just married couple laughing as guests throw confetti outside Old Marylebone Town Hall, London, bride in bold red dress at a city registry wedding

Emotional, Elegant, and Exceptionally Stylish

The ceremony, attended by close family members, captured the essence of urban romance. Felegh wore a radiant red dress, simple makeup, and a joyful smile, an effortlessly elegant look that set the tone for the day. This is one of the reasons I absolutely love city weddings: there’s no rigid expectation. People feel free to express themselves, wear what they love, and celebrate their way. There’s always a sense of freedom and excitement at a London Town Hall wedding, it’s joyful and liberating.

Wedding guests clapping inside the Paddington Room at Marylebone Town Hall, during an intimate multicultural ceremony in central London

Why Old Marylebone Town Hall Is a Dream Venue

With its walnut panelling, elegant details, and velvet seating, Old Marylebone Town Hall feels more like a boutique hotel than a government building. Its friendly staff and beautifully photogenic interiors truly set it apart from other London venues.

Unlike many town halls, which can feel clinical or uninspiring, this one offers charm, character, and exceptional light, perfect for documentary-style wedding photography. I’ve written extensively about this incredible venue and have even left a glowing five-star review. Honestly, get in touch if you want to know more about getting married in this beautiful space.

Couple walking near Old Marylebone Town Hall, smiling at each other with London townhouses in the background, urban wedding portrait

A Refined Italian Celebration at Santo Mare

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at Santo Mare, a top-tier Italian seafood restaurant just moments away. Known for seasonal produce and culinary excellence, it’s linked to sister venues in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, and soon New York City, making it a perfect mix of luxury and authenticity for this Italian-inspired wedding.

The couple, of African origin but raised in Italy, had very clear expectations of what Italian food should be. Their restaurant choice was a careful, informed one, they knew what they wanted, and they wanted it done beautifully.

Newlyweds embracing outside Santo Mare Italian restaurant in Marylebone after their London wedding, celebrating with elegant, intimate style

A Tuscan Fairytale Wedding at Villa Dal Pozzo

Exactly one year later, in September 2024, the second part of their wedding took place in the Tuscan countryside. Surrounded by family and friends, Felegh and Davide exchanged vows once more at Villa Dal Pozzo in Collesalvetti, near Pisa.

It was a dream to photograph their second wedding. Both events were beautiful in their own way: the first was small, exciting, and freeing; the second, rich and grand in one of Italy’s most stunning regions. I flew down a few days early with my husband Robert to explore Pisa and enjoy some peaceful days before the big day. London is home, but Italy is my heart, I adore going back to discover new towns and regions!

Multicultural couple surrounded by joyful guests at their second wedding celebration in Tuscany, Italy, candid moment with older relatives

Villa Dal Pozzo: Rustic Charm Meets Romance

With its manicured gardens, peaceful landscape, on-site chapel, and sparkling pool, Villa Dal Pozzo was the perfect Tuscan backdrop. The scenery was a dream, sun-kissed light, laughter, and heartfelt moments everywhere. Visiting Italy in September is pure magic: warm days, colourful blooms, singing birds, and sunsets that take your breath away. If you’ve never been to Tuscany, I can’t recommend it enough.

Tuscany wedding reception at golden hour with elegant floral tablescape, fairy lights, and countryside villa backdrop — romantic outdoor dining setup

Alfresco Dining and Fireworks Magic

Guests were treated to an outdoor feast, with chefs grilling traditional Florentine steaks on-site. As the sky changed colour, fairy lights twinkled and the couple cut their cake by the pool, just before a jaw-dropping fireworks display lit up the night.

Evenings like this bring back memories of summers spent outdoors with my family. These joyful gatherings are the spirit of Italian life, and part of why I cherish visiting so much.

Bride and groom dancing by the pool under fireworks during their Tuscan wedding evening — documentary-style image of joy and celebration

A Vibrant Multicultural Celebration

The wedding was blessed by a local priest, honouring the couple’s spiritual roots. Friends and family travelled from all over the world, making it a colourful, multicultural affair. Traditional attire, multilingual moments, and lively music created a joyful, unforgettable atmosphere, photographed naturally in a documentary style.

As someone who’s also married into a multicultural family, Italian and Anglo-Caribbean, it was beautiful to see how different cultures met and celebrated together. It’s refreshing, moving, and something I love witnessing again and again.

Wedding guests in traditional African attire smiling during a multicultural celebration in Tuscany — colourful fashion meets elegant styling

Why Choose a Multilingual, Documentary-Style Wedding Photographer?

My style is made for couples bringing together different cultures, countries, and languages. I’m a London-based photographer with Italian roots, specialising in natural, documentary-style storytelling.

I began in fine art BA in Italy and earned a post Photography degree at LCC in London. I’ve spent years refining my art, with a style that’s rich in emotion, detail, and authentic storytelling. I look for beauty in the little things and prioritise real, touchable emotions over expensive accessories.

Guests applauding and filming at wedding couple in a Tuscan villa — fairy lights, trees, and destination wedding magic

Experience and Multilingual Advantage

With over a decade of experience, I’ve photographed everything from chic city weddings in London to luxurious countryside celebrations in Italy. I speak Italian, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, making it easy for me to connect with couples and families from around the world.

Being multilingual allows me to direct group photos smoothly, communicate with vendors, and ensure everyone feels relaxed. After my art studies in Italy, I spent a year travelling in Brasil, meeting new people daily. That desire to connect across cultures still excites and energises me.

Guests enjoying cocktails and conversation during an alfresco Tuscan wedding reception at sunset — relaxed, joyful atmosphere with fairy lights

Planning Your London or Tuscany Wedding?

Whether it’s a simple legal ceremony at Old Marylebone Town Hall, a lavish villa wedding in Tuscany, or a destination celebration anywhere in Europe, I’d love to help you tell your story.

I offer bespoke photography packages tailored for multicultural and destination weddings. Based in London, I’m always happy to travel to Italy and beyond. I love exploring new places, reading authors from around the world, and diving into different cultures, it’s all endlessly inspiring.

Tuscany villa with ivy-covered walls, open green shutters, and glowing outdoor tables — romantic countryside venue for destination weddings

Get in Touch

Looking for a wedding photographer who understands your culture, speaks your language, and tells your story with heart?

There’s nothing more thrilling for me than learning about new cultures. I adore trying new food, visiting different places of worship, and talking to people from all walks of life. It’s enriching, exciting, and something I treasure deeply.

Let’s chat, I’d love to hear about your plans and create a unique photography experience just for you.

Paola De Paola