A Bold, Modern Wedding Wrapped in October Sunlight at Villa Lena
Steffi and Matt’s autumn wedding at Villa Lena unfolded exactly as their photographers described it: “the kind of autumn celebration that feels suspended in time — luminous, heartfelt, and wrapped in the gentle warmth of a late-October sun that refused to leave.” That warmth shows up in every image—from the villa’s terracotta hues catching the first light to the soft glow across the surrounding hills. The sense of calm and clarity set the tone for a celebration that felt relaxed, refined, and grounded in the natural rhythm of a late-season Tuscan day.
The morning began with a quiet, unhurried pace. Inside the villa, Steffi’s structured gown hung against warm plaster walls, while her details were photographed in an intentional, editorial composition that highlighted her contemporary aesthetic. As the photographers shared, “soft morning light drifted through the villa’s windows as they got ready,” and the photos reflect that softness beautifully. These early frames capture what continues to draw couples to Tuscany—moments that look cinematic without any added effort.
Their ceremony took place outdoors on an open lawn shaped by the surrounding landscape. Florals brought in coral, citrus, and rose-toned shades, contrasting gently with the muted October palette. The photographers described the experience as “a ceremony embraced by nature’s golden tones,” and the aerial shots confirm exactly that—open space, warm colour, and a sense of ease. The weather played a defining role, offering “a truly remarkable day — bright, warm, and calm from beginning to end — allowing the couple to fully embrace the outdoors.”
After the ceremony, portraits around the property shifted into a more expressive, editorial mood. Under stone archways, through iron gates, and across open fields, each frame reflected the couple’s colourful and modern approach. Photographers Esme Film and Photography captured it perfectly in words: “Steffi and Matt chose a colourful and modern aesthetic that contrasted beautifully with the rustic elegance of Villa Lena.” The bold “colour bomb moment” captured in the playful portrait brought a unexpected burst of personality to the Tuscan backdrop, reinforcing what the photographers called “a unique blend of sophistication and spontaneity.”
As the day transitioned into evening, guests gathered for an outdoor dinner set under fading sunlight. The long tables were dressed with vibrant florals and candlelight, creating a striking contrast against the deepening sky. The photographers shared how “as the sun set behind the hills, guests sat for an al fresco dinner illuminated by candlelight,” and those images reveal exactly why Villa Lena stands out among wedding venues in Italy—it holds the space for modern design to sit comfortably within a historic setting.
The celebration closed with fireworks bursting overhead and dancing beneath string lights, creating a high-energy finale that matched the couple’s vibrant aesthetic. Reflecting on the day, their photographers described it as “a celebration of joy, connection, and effortless style — a perfect reflection of who they are as a couple, and a testament to how magical Tuscany can be when nature, design, and emotion align so beautifully.” For couples drawn to the idea of a modern wedding framed by the Italian countryside, Steffi and Matt’s day offers an inspiring blueprint: warm, colourful, unforced, and visually unforgettable.
Wedding team
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: @esme.filmandphotography
VENUE: @villalena
COUPLE: @stefyandmattsaysi, @stefysmith, @mcarter2121
WEDDING PLANNER: @righeepois
MUA: @liza_samokhina_
DJ: @trmusicdj
STRINGS: @italystringquartet
FIREWORKS & COLOUR BOMB: @fuochishow