In the heart of the Tuscan hills, east of Florence, lies a place where time seems to hold its breath. Castello di Ristonchi was originally commissioned by the esteemed Medici family in 900 AD. In September of 2025, those same walls provided the foundation for Alexis and Justin’s three-day wedding celebration. The estate is a sprawling tapestry of olive groves, hemp fields, and vineyards, all nestled within a historic chestnut forest that continues to tell the tales of the monks and stonemasons who once walked these paths.

A Florentine Welcome Party

The couple invited their closest inner circle to join them at this beautiful castle nestled in the Tuscan hillside, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a grand reunion than a traditional wedding celebration. Guests traveled from as far as Hong Kong and Switzerland, Dallas, Nashville, and Las Vegas to witness this union. The festivities began with a pizza party on the first evening, where the air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke and basil. Laughter echoed through the grounds as guests gathered around a traditional brick oven to toss dough and create their own artisanal pizzas, setting the joyful and relaxed tone that permeated through to the days ahead.

Before the Ceremony

After two years of anticipation and careful planning, the wedding day finally arrived with the golden softness unique to September in Italy. One of the most moving moments of the entire weekend took place during the couple’s private first look in the castle’s central courtyard. Bathed in dappled sunlight that filtered through the ancient architecture, Alexis and Justin saw each other dressed for their wedding. The tenderness of that moment was palpable – a quiet breath after a two-year journey toward the altar. It was a profound reminder of the beauty found in these sacred, private spaces and moments.

A Ceremony in the Olive Grove

The ceremony itself was held with the silver-green leaves of an olive grove as the backdrop, grounding the event in the natural beauty of the landscape. It was a deeply personal affair, made even more significant by the involvement of their family. Justin’s uncle officiated the marriage, while Alexis’s uncles contributed readings that brought an extra layer of warmth, humor and shared history to the ceremony.
Throughout the weekend, the couple’s eye for classic style was evident in every choice they made. From the exchange of a custom Christian Bauer ring and Tiffany and Co. wedding band to the groom’s Gucci loafers and the bride’s Christian Louboutin heels complimented with her mother’s pearl necklace, every detail was chosen with a sense of enduring elegance. Later in the evening Alexis transitioned into a sparkling Nadine Merabi gown that shimmered and sparkled while partying in the castle’s Rave Cave, a dungeon turned into a disco dance floor.

Wine Tastings and a Pool Party

The final day allowed everyone to lean into the slow, intentional pace of Italian living. Guests participated in a large morning wine tasting, lounged by the pool, and enjoyed freshly made, local gelato. It was a chance for everyone to relax and take in the spectacular views of the rolling hills, reflecting on the memories made over a weekend that felt both historic and entirely new.

The Value of Trust

This level of deep intimacy is exactly what I strive to capture. I believe that our true value lies in our ability to step into a couple’s inner circle, honoring the trust required to document their most honest moments. We aren’t just “vendors” standing on the sidelines; we seek an insider’s perspective to ensure the story we tell is authentic. The goal is always longevity, creating classic and timeless images that bypass fleeting trends. I want these photographs to serve as a lasting legacy of the family you’re creating, captured with the same permanence as the 1,000-year-old walls of Ristonchi.

Creative Partners:

Venue: Castello de Ristonchi

HMU: Valeriya Beauty