Styled Wedding Shoot at Villa Cozzano in Tuscany, Italy

A dreamy editorial experience in Tuscany with WedVibes

While Phuket has become our little family’s home (for now), I had already planned a much-needed holiday to Croatia in July—a chance to reconnect with family and friends back home. As fate would have it, a couple I’d already photographed twice before were planning their destination wedding in Switzerland around the same time, and I was fortunate to be invited along.

Already buzzing with excitement for my return to Europe, my restless creative mind began to wander. How could I make the most of this time away? What opportunities might allow me to expand my visual artistry and storytelling voice as a photographer?

So, when I discovered that WedVibes was hosting an editorial workshop at Villa Cozzano on the 1st of July, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. Their aesthetic vision resonated so deeply with my own, and the thought of shooting in Italy felt like the perfect answer I was looking for.

I joined the Villa Cozzano editorial workshop with a clear purpose: to stretch my creativity and curate wedding content beyond Phuket, Thailand. Photographing a summer wedding in Tuscany—or anywhere in Europe—has long been a personal goal, and joining this workshop felt like a small but meaningful step toward nurturing that vision.

Through My Lens: A Destination Wedding Editorial in Italy

WedVibes couldn’t have chosen a more fitting backdrop for their editorial workshop. After all, they’ve been curating global wedding trends and inspiration since 2015.

Nestled between Tuscany and Umbria, Villa Cozzano is a wedding and accommodation venue that embodies timeless romance. With its blend of heritage architecture, sprawling gardens, olive groves, vineyards, and refined suites, the countryside estate feels like a postcard come to life.

Dating back to the 1500s, Villa Cozzano has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its historic charm while offering modern comfort. A secluded yet soulful setting—perfect for hosting intimate weddings and celebrations with up to 50 guests.

Every moment of this editorial was captured through a thoughtful mix of digital and film photography, blending crisp detail with soft, nostalgic tones.

Intimate Destination Wedding Ceremony at Villa Cozzano

The bride wore a delicately sequined lace gown by Rara Avis—long-sleeved, soft, and ethereal—paired with a statement Chantilly lace veil. The groom’s modern white tuxedo, styled with a black bow tie and patent leather loafers, offered a subtle contrast. Their styling brought a graceful edge to the raw Tuscan backdrop—elegant without excess, grounded yet elevated.

Just like my natural photography style, the ceremony styling embraced a philosophy of less but meaningful. A soft circle of light-washed timber chairs framed the space, drawing guests into a moment of presence. Instead of a traditional arch, an organically sculpted floral installation—an assortment of ivory blooms and delicate green foliage—mirrored the bride’s bouquet and brought the setting to life with understated luxury.

Couples Portraits in the Tuscan Light

We began the afternoon with a series of laid-back portraits that embraced the ease of summertime romance. The groom wore a relaxed linen set, while the bride floated through the villa grounds in a billowing white tiered dress with off-the-shoulder sleeves—an effortless silhouette that felt classic yet defiant.

Between portraits, we also captured the guests enjoying Italian wedding games, adding a unique, playful touch for a layered, storytelling feel.

As golden hour settled in, the couple slipped into their post-ceremony looks—he in a sleek black tux, and she in the full-length Rara Avis Gabriella gown with its detachable sheer floor-length skirt. Framed by centuries-old trees and the estate’s natural lush tones, they posed beside a cream vintage Mercedes two-seater, complete with red leather seats.

The resulting images evoked old-money charm with a contemporary edge—enduring, cinematic, and rich in feeling.

Garden Micro-Wedding Reception in the Italian Countryside

Tucked within the gardens of Villa Cozzano, the luxe cottagecore reception styling felt like a scene from a romantic European film. Paired with baby blue kitten heels, the bride removed the detachable skirt of her Rara Avis Gabriella gown, transforming it into a playful yet classy mini dress—perfectly suited for the relaxed tone of the evening.

The long, draped tablescape was adorned with sculptural florals, ripe fruit, vintage glassware, and towering candelabras that caught the light in all the right places. Every detail was thoughtfully styled—yet nothing felt overly polished or out of place. Just quietly luxurious, as though it had always belonged there.

While the tablescape set the scene, it was the soft laughter, lingering glances, and subtle gestures between guests that brought it to life.

Villa Cozzano Editorial: Workshop Organiser & Participating Vendors

From the vision behind the scenes to the seamless beauty that was presented on the day, it was clear how much thoughtful intention WedVibes poured into curating and hosting this editorial photography workshop at Villa Cozzano.

As any creative knows, dreaming up a vision is just the beginning. To see it come to life with such elegance is a true testament to the artistry and dedication of every vendor involved. I’m so grateful to have witnessed the care and detail each contributor brought to the table.

Much like planning your own wedding, there’s something so powerful about entrusting your story to a team that not only sees your vision—but elevates it.

Organiser: @‌wed_vibes

Venue: @‌villacozzano

Planner: @‌weddingsbyelizabethanne

Executive Production: @‌wed_vibes

BTS Video: @‌alex.gaidashev

Content Creator: @‌sociallymichelleandco

Floral Designer + Concept: @‌kuts_flowers

Furniture: @‌ele_light

Tableware: @‌ristorante_tonino_cortona

Makeup & Hair Stylist (Main Couple): @‌stefaniecoronas.makeup

Makeup & Hair Stylist (Guest Couples): @‌goncharova_muah

Stylist: @‌vladavladasem

Stylist Assistant: @‌daria.lipanova

Bridal Dresses: @‌raraavis_group via @‌salon_kuraje

Bridesmaids Dresses: @‌aware.barcelona

Suits: @‌bencivengaaltasartoria

Cake: @‌sweetiepie.love

Stationery: @‌livlaermann

Game Experience & Cigar Bar: @‌italianweddinggames

Retro Car: @‌tedeschi_guido

Models (Main Couple): @‌shootercouple

Models (Guest Couples): @‌eric.x.elisa & @‌carolynroesner

Post-Workshop Reflections

Though the one-day experience felt like an absolute whirlwind, the Villa Cozzano editorial reminded me just how important it is to honour your creative instincts. While the collaborative setting offered a fascinating glimpse into how other photographers see and interpret the world, I found myself continually drawn back to my own way of seeing—trusting my eye, my inner rhythm, and my instinctual response to the moment.

Creating alongside other photographers and vendors gave me the confidence to stay true to capturing imagery that feels like me. And as a natural introvert, I often found myself inspired in the quiet pockets of stillness, where I could tune out the noise and focus inward. What do I feel, not just see? What story is unfolding beneath the surface? Why am I drawn to this moment?

One of the most memorable surprises of the day was the wedding cake itself. At first glance, it appeared to be a sculptural stack of stones, yet it turned out to be an edible creation with the most delicious ice cream inside!

The unique wedding cake was a sweet reminder that what we see on the outside doesn’t always tell the whole story—just as in photography, where the real magic lies beneath the surface, in the emotions and narratives that lie within. And YES, it tasted every bit as incredible as it looked!

Because for me, it’s never just about photographing pretty scenes or perfectly arranged details. My artistic vision lives in that balance—composing each setting like an editorial still, while allowing the people, emotions, and fleeting in-between moments to breathe through each frame.

This workshop left me feeling creatively invigorated and even more inspired to pursue destination weddings across Europe, especially in gorgeous locations like Villa Cozzano.

For the lovers dreaming of a destination wedding in Europe

While it has—and always will be—an honour to serve couples travelling to Thailand for their destination celebration, I’m equally drawn to the opportunity of capturing love stories across Europe.

As a wedding photographer based in Phuket, but born and raised in Croatia, Europe will always hold a special place in my heart. From the sun-drenched coasts of Italy and Spain to the timeless charm of France and Greece, this part of the world is home to some of the most breathtaking wedding venues, where heritage architecture and iconic landscapes meet.

Of course, where you choose to get married will never overshadow your love. The location is simply the setting—a beautiful, meaningful backdrop to frame the memories you’ll hold for a lifetime.

So, whether you’re saying I do in Phuket, Palermo, or Paris, know that it would be my greatest joy to document your story. To explore my wedding photography packages or start dreaming together, I’d love for you to get in touch.