In late September, Alex and Lukas brought their closest family and friends to Tuscany for an intimate destination wedding at Villa Lena. Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, Villa Lena is a secluded hilltop estate surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards.

The couple’s day blended relaxed rural charm with black-tie elegance, creating a celebration that was both refined and effortlessly laid-back. For Alex and Lukas, this remote artistic retreat became more than just a wedding venue — it was the space where they could slow down, be fully present, and share something real with the people they love most.

Bride and groom seated during outdoor ceremony at Villa Lena, Tuscany, holding hands and fan reading 'Amore' beside vibrant floral arrangement

Why Villa Lena is the Perfect Tuscany Wedding Venue

Set deep in the hills of Tuscany, Villa Lena feels less like a venue and more like a world of its own — a place where time slows, the light lingers, and creativity lives in the air.

At its heart is a beautifully restored 19th-century villa, where original architectural details meet refined, contemporary design. The suites are understated and soulful - terracotta tiles underfoot, vintage accents, and tall windows framing the golden landscape beyond. It’s the kind of place that invites presence.

But what makes Villa Lena truly special isn’t just the aesthetic — it’s the energy. With its artist-in-residence program, seasonal food grown on-site, and sprawling grounds dotted with olive trees and sun-soaked terraces, it’s a space that inspires connection. A space that’s alive.

For couples dreaming of an intimate destination wedding in Tuscany, Villa Lena offers something quietly rare: an effortlessly beautiful and deeply felt setting. A place where your wedding becomes more than an event — it becomes an experience.

Aerial view of Villa Lena and Tuscan hills surrounding a destination wedding venue in Italy

About the Couple & Their Vision

Alex and Lukas are the kind of couple who make simplicity feel meaningful. Originally from Sweden, they share a quiet appreciation for thoughtful design, natural beauty, and experiences that feel rooted and intentional. When they envisioned their wedding, they didn’t want anything overdone — just a slow, intimate gathering surrounded by nature and the people closest to them.

Villa Lena gave them the space to do just that. A retreat where time could stretch, where each moment could breathe. It wasn’t just a venue — it became the soul of their celebration.

The Wedding Day Story

Getting Ready in the Tuscan Light

The morning began in true Villa Lena style — unhurried and full of warmth. Alex and Lukas got ready surrounded by their closest friends, sharing laughs, music, and the kind of energy that only comes when everyone is genuinely excited to be there.

bridal party at villa lena getting ready

In the villa’s character-filled rooms, with the soft rustle of trees outside, the atmosphere was light and joyful. No pressure, no staging — just natural moments unfolding in beautiful light. It was less about preparation and more about presence. A quiet build-up filled with real connection and ease.

A Ceremony in the Tuscan Pines

The ceremony took place in a sunlit garden space framed by tall pine trees, that unmistakable Tuscan silhouette rising quietly around the scene. It was a bright summer afternoon, with clear light that made every detail feel crisp and alive.

Alex and Lukas kept the setting minimal and modern, letting the natural beauty of Villa Lena do most of the talking. Two sculptural floral installations stood at the front — a bold, textural mix of dahlias, carnations, and anthuriums in vibrant shades of red, pink, and soft coral. Artistic, joyful, and slightly unexpected, they brought a burst of color to the neutral palette of the landscape.

Guests were welcomed with white fans on their seats — a simple, elegant gesture for the heat. As everyone gathered under the open sky, there was a calm anticipation in the air. No excess, no spectacle. Just two people, deeply present, exchanging vows in a space that felt both grounded and full of meaning.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Villa Lena with pine trees and modern floral altar, destination wedding in Tuscany

Cocktail Hour & Portraits

Afterward, guests wandered to the terrace for a slow cocktail hour — spritzes in hand, the sound of soft laughter echoing across the hills. As the sun began its descent, I slipped away with Alex and Lukas for a few portraits.

We didn’t pose much. We just walked, paused, and breathed. At times, I stepped back and let them move through the landscape naturally, through olive groves, along sunlit paths. And then there were moments when the villa itself framed them perfectly: clean lines, textured walls, sharp corners catching the light. The kind of quiet architecture that turns into a set, timeless, sculptural, almost cinematic.

Some frames felt like they belonged in a Vogue editorial, yet nothing about it was forced. Just two people, completely themselves, letting the place and the moment shape the images.

Editorial-style portrait of bride and groom at Villa Lena with soft architectural tones, Tuscany wedding photography

Al Fresco Dinner Reception at the Villa

The newlyweds share a lighthearted moment at the reception dinner table, exemplifying the relaxed elegance of the celebration.

Dinner was served al fresco in the courtyard of Villa Lena, allowing everyone to dine under the open sky. Long wooden tables were arranged in a U-shape to encourage a communal, convivial feeling. The décor kept with the natural and elegant theme: linen table runners in a neutral tone, clusters of rustic candles, and floral centerpieces by Arte e Fiori Firenze that combined olive leaves with pops of colorful blooms picked from the Tuscan fields.

As darkness fell, strings of bistro lights and hanging fairy lights illuminated the dining area, casting a warm glow that felt almost magical against the villa’s historic stone walls. The meal itself was a highlight of the evening – a true Tuscan feast. Villa Lena’s catering team showcased farm-to-table Italian cuisine. Each course was paired with wines from the region so that everyone could taste the flavors of Tuscany.

As the laughter got louder, the music kicked in, and the dance floor filled with joy and abandon. The day never felt like it followed a script — it simply unfolded.

Aerial view of Villa Lena courtyard wedding dinner with string lights in Tuscany, Italy

How I Photographed the Day

My approach is always the same: quiet observation, gentle direction, and a sensitivity to the in-between. With Alex and Lukas, it was about honoring the intimacy of the day without ever disrupting it.

I focused on the unscripted — the glances, the stillness, the movement between moments. I wanted the images to feel like memories: timeless, emotional, and completely true to who they are.

Bride and groom pouring champagne tower during outdoor Tuscany wedding reception at Villa Lena

Thinking of Getting Married at Villa Lena?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like an extension of your life — relaxed, soulful, surrounded by nature and art — Villa Lena is a place that holds that dream gently.

Whether you're imagining a small elopement or a multi-day gathering with your closest people, this part of Tuscany offers a kind of beauty that stays with you.

I’d love to help you capture that feeling with images that are calm, honest, and artful — get in touch here and let’s start a conversation.