Dive into
Sam & Alex's
STORY
A celebration at Villa merlo nero, florence, in the heart of tuscany
Crossing continents from the shores of Michigan to the medieval whispers of Florence, Sam and Alex sought an escape, a quiet place to weave their inner circle into their love story. Their dream was an intimate, joyful gathering, bringing together only their twenty-eight closest souls for an unforgettable Tuscan celebration in Florence.
At Villa Merlo Nero, they found more than just a venue, they found a sanctuary of stone walls, hidden gardens, and elegant, sun-dappled lounges, where history met modern love. The owner’s, Giuditta's genuine warmth made every detail feel personal, from the moment guests were welcomed beside the pool for a poolside pizza party at Villa Merlo Nero.
Our time with them began as the sun dipped low, a wood-fired oven glowing as artisan pizzas were shared and local wines were poured, setting a relaxed, joyful tone for the days to come.
When the wedding day arrived, it unfolded with the grace of a slow, summer day. There was no sense of rushing, only an unspoken permission to be present. This allowed us to capture the genuine, unscripted moments, the quiet laughter, the tender glances, and the authentic joy that filled the air.
Discover the intimate chapters of their celebration, from the, romantic ceremony in the olive grove to the exquisite dinner under an open sky, framed by the intricate maze and a chorus of local flavor. Join us as we transport you to that unforgettable Italian summer.
Vendors & Venue
Location
Tuscany, Italy
Villa Merlo Nero
Florence
Vendors
Venue: villa merlo nero
Coordination: your wedding in florence
Catering: Stilicius Catering & Banqueting
Photo+Film: aurora borealis weddings
The Pizza Party — The true Italian experience
After crossing the Atlantic, there was no better way to shake off the jet lag than a thoroughly relaxed afternoon by the pool at Villa Merlo Nero. Before the main culinary festivities took center stage, everyone simply took the time to breathe. Many plunged into the cool water, while others reclined along the deck, sipping on vibrant cocktails, crisp champagne, and fine local wines, toasting the beautiful days ahead under the Tuscan sun. As the afternoon softened, the poolside relaxation transformed into a vibrant, bustling Italian fiesta.
The wooden terrace set up beside the water for dinner was nothing short of Tuscan magic. String lights woven intricately through the canopy of olive trees cast a warm, golden glow over the long, rustic wooden tables. The decorations faithfully evoked the world of traditional Italian trattorias: classic red and white checkered runners and napkins, terracotta pots with fragrant fresh rosemary, glass pitchers filled with dried pasta, bright red flowers, and vibrant, fresh summer salads created an unmistakably inviting atmosphere.
The true highlight of the party was the open-air show kitchen. Pizzaiolos, wearing aprons expertly embroidered with the Villa Merlo Nero logo, rolled and shaped the fresh dough on floured surfaces right before the guests' eyes. Firewood crackled in the stone oven at the edge of the terrace, and as the paddles slid the pizzas one after another next to the glowing embers, the fensage scent of baking bread and tomato sauce filled the entire garden. One by one, the rustic, wood-fired pizzas emerged, bubbling with mozzarella, topped with fresh basil leaves, and packed with the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine.
As night fully descended and the lights among the olive branches sparkled against the deep blue sky, the dinner evolved into a joyous celebration of community. Sharing artisan pizza in this fairytale olive grove, surrounded by laughter and good wine, not only provided energy for the events ahead but also perfectly embodied the very best of the Tuscan lifestyle.
The morning of Sam & Alex— slow moments at Villa Merlo Nero
The morning at Villa Merlo Nero carried an undeniable, electric buzz of anticipation, especially for Alex. He was brimming with excitement for the first look, counting down the quiet, reflective moments until he could finally see the love of his life on the most beautiful and important day of their journey together. That nervous, joyful energy was perfectly balanced by his best friend, Jacob, who proved to be the ultimate anchor throughout the morning. Jacob effortlessly stepped in to handle all the behind-the-scenes logistics, ensuring that everyone was exactly where they needed to be at the exact right time. From helping Alex knot his tie to keeping a secret stash of safety pins in his pocket just in case of an emergency, Jacob made sure Alex could simply focus on the gravity and joy of the day.
On the other side of the villa, Sam’s morning was unfolding with a beautifully warm, cozy energy, surrounded by the supportive hum of her closest friends. The room felt like a safe haven of shared laughter, quiet storytelling, and gentle preparation. While Leah worked her magic, carefully crafting Sam’s hair into a stunning bridal style, two of her other friends were busy steaming her dress and veil, gently smoothing away the lingering traces of their long journey from Michigan. There was no rushing, only the soft, steady rhythm of friends taking care of each other before a life-changing moment.
The atmosphere felt completely grounded and relaxed, made even better when a large tray of authentic, freshly made Italian sandwiches arrived. The rich scent of local cured meats, fresh tomatoes, and rustic bread filled the room, bringing a genuine taste of Tuscany right into their morning preparations. Sitting together, sharing local food, and soaking in the bright Italian sunshine pouring through the historic windows, they found the perfect, delicious burst of energy for the monumental day that was about to unfold.
The First look — An emotional release before the aisle
Anticipation had been building all morning, but when the preparation timeline slipped by an hour, Alex’s nervous excitement reached a peak. Fortunately, Jacob stayed right by Alex’s side until the very last second, anchoring the room with a calm, steadying presence. Watching the raw emotion and joy radiating from them, we were just as eager for the moment they could finally see each other, embrace, and take in the reality of the day.
When that first glance finally happened, the result spoke entirely for itself. Having documented hundreds of weddings over the years, we can honestly say this was one of the most profoundly emotional first looks we have ever witnessed. The second they locked eyes, time seemed to stand still. They held each other close for long, unbroken minutes, talking, laughing, and constantly reaching out to touch one another, completely wrapped up in each other's presence.
Seeing such genuine connection unfold, we stepped back and let the moment breathe naturally. As creatives, this organic flow was an absolute gift, giving us the freedom to capture these deeply heartfelt interactions from countless beautiful perspectives. By the end of the first look, all the remaining pre-ceremony jitters had completely evaporated. Hand in hand and filled with a quiet strength drawn from one another, Sam and Alex were ready to step into the single most important moment of their shared future: walking down the aisle.
The ceremony — Personal vows in the Tuscan shade
Officiated by one of their closest friends, Justin, the ceremony felt deeply personal and heartfelt right from the very first word. The surrounding olive trees provided a picturesque setting, casting long, cool shadows that created a serene oasis, a much-needed refuge from the intense Tuscan summer heat.
One of the most touching moments was their unique unity ceremony. Family members and close friends gathered around to place dice into a bowl for the couple. This collective gesture transformed the ritual into something far broader than just the two of them, honoring the extraordinary bond they share with their loved ones and weaving their community directly into the celebration.
Following the unity ritual, Sam and Alex read their handwritten vows to one another, putting the ultimate crown on an already breathtaking moment. Emotion reached its absolute peak as their words echoed through the grove, leaving hardly a dry eye among their guests. After their joyous recessional, we couldn't wait to wrap up the family portraits and head off for their private couple session.
The couple session— Capturing love between Villa Merlo Nero and Piazzale Michelangelo
We began the couple session within the magnificent interior halls of Villa Merlo Nero, stepping into a space rich with Italian heritage. Surrounded by ornate hand-painted wooden paneling, vintage pianos, classic sculptures, and warm antique accents, the villa provided a cinematic backdrop that felt both regal and deeply intimate. From there, we made our way to one of Florence’s most iconic panoramas: Piazzale Michelangelo. Having scouted the location and mapped out every key spot the evening before, we seamlessly navigated the setting to capture their love against the heart of Tuscany. The Florence skyline created an unforgettable canvas, with the majestic Duomo towering over the vibrant, medieval city below. Whether sharing quiet, dreamlike moments beneath a sweeping veil overlooking the red rooftops or laughing together in the villa's historic rooms, Sam and Alex completely let go in front of our cameras. Their natural warmth and authentic connection radiated through every frame, leaving us with a collection of truly breathtaking, deeply emotional portraits.
The Reception — A Tuscan feast and sweet celebrations under the stars
As the sun dipped below the cypress-lined hills surrounding Villa Merlo Nero, the celebration moved outdoors beneath a canopy of warm fairy lights. The reception opened with deeply moving speeches from parents and close friends, heartfelt, funny, and profoundly personal toasts that left hardly a dry eye around the long banquet tables. Tears of joy quickly blended into shared laughter, setting a warm, intimate atmosphere for the entire evening. Guests were treated to an authentic Italian culinary journey, highlighted by exquisitely plated courses such as rich, creamy Tuscan risotto served on fine china. Adding an elevated touch to the night, a pop-up artisan bar kept the energy high as a skilled mixologist poured custom signature cocktails tailored to Sam and Alex’s favorite flavors alongside classic Italian aperitifs. From emotional toasts captured amidst green foliage to relaxed, candid moments of the bride savoring her drink under the night sky, the evening captured the true essence of Tuscan hospitality and effortless romance.
The dance floor — high energy, pure emotion, and italian magic
As the dinner plates were cleared at Villa Merlo Nero, the romantic atmosphere seamlessly shifted into overdrive. Sam and Alex kicked off the party with a breathtaking first dance, bringing all their guests together into a tight, loving circle around them. Bathed in the soft glow of string lights against the Tuscan night, you could feel every bit of anticipation, relief, and joy from the day culminate in that single, unforgettable moment.
From that second on, the floor was never empty. The quiet courtyard erupted into an absolute celebration of pure, unfiltered joy. Friends and family flooded the space, singing at the top of their lungs, spinning each other around, and sharing spontaneous group hugs. Generations danced side-by-side, completely caught up in the high-energy pulse of the night, creating a atmosphere where formality faded and real connection took over.
It was one of those rare, magic-filled nights where nobody checked the time, and no one wanted to leave. Long after the last song faded out over the Florentine hills, the warmth and euphoria of the celebration lingered in the air.
Living in the Motion
Real magic happens when a wedding moves to its own spontaneous, unscripted rhythm. Sam and Alex’s celebration at Villa Merlo Nero was defined by that very pulse, from the quiet elegance inside the villa’s frescoed halls to the soft rustle of olive leaves during their shade-dappled ceremony. The day carried an effortless momentum, taking us from intimate vows to the dramatic backdrop of Florence at sunset, before spilling back into the courtyard for an unforgettable night under the festoon lights.
Our goal through photo and film is always to archive the atmosphere itself rather than just static poses. It’s about preserving the actual texture of the day: the sound of ice clinking at the artisan cocktail bar, tears brushed away during heartfelt speeches, the wind catching a delicate veil with the Duomo in the background, and those stolen, quiet glances between Sam and Alex when the rest of the world faded into blur.
These are the fleeting, emotional beats that define a wedding—moments created not to stand still, but to keep breathing every time you look back at them.
finca son bí, mallorca, spain — saskia & sahin
Curious about their destination wedding story?
Set in the heart of Mallorca, Spain, Saskia and Sahin's celebration was a timeless gathering shaped by warm light, coastal air, and the effortless rhythm of the South. Every part of the day unfolded naturally from quiet, emotional moments to vibrant celebrations surrounded by the people they love most.