A Pizza Party Welcome Celebration at Borgo di Pietrafitta, Tuscany | Mitch & Naomi
When it comes to destination weddings in Tuscany, I truly believe the celebrations shouldn't start and end with the wedding day. Some of my favourite moments happen the evening before, when everyone gathers for a relaxed welcome party, leaving behind the stress of travel and settling into the magic of Italy.
Mitch and Naomi's welcome party at Borgo di Pietrafitta was the perfect way to kick off their wedding weekend. Set amongst the rolling Tuscan countryside, guests arrived ready to embrace la dolce vita, sharing pizza, drinks, laughter and the excitement of knowing the wedding day was still to come.
As a destination wedding photographer, these evenings are some of my favourite stories to document. They're beautifully unfiltered, filled with genuine emotion and all those little moments that become some of the most treasured memories.
A Relaxed Pizza Party in the Heart of Tuscany
Instead of a formal rehearsal dinner, Mitch and Naomi chose something that felt completely true to them: an authentic Italian pizza party under the Tuscan sky.
Fresh pizzas were served by the incredible Ama On The Road, creating a fun, interactive dining experience that immediately brought everyone together. Friends who had travelled from different corners of the world laughed over Aperol Spritz, children played between the tables, and family members finally had the chance to slow down and enjoy each other's company.
There was no strict timeline…just great food, beautiful surroundings and the unmistakable atmosphere that makes destination weddings in Italy so special.
Documentary Photography for the Moments You Can't Plan
This is exactly why I love photographing welcome parties.
Without the structure of a wedding timeline, people simply relax. Conversations unfold naturally, hugs last a little longer, and the excitement builds as everyone counts down to the ceremony.
My documentary approach means I'm always looking for those fleeting moments that often go unnoticed…the proud smiles from parents, friends meeting for the first time, children running barefoot across the grass and couples stealing quiet moments together before the celebrations truly begin.
These photographs become an essential part of telling the full story of a wedding weekend.
The Beauty of Borgo di Pietrafitta
Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, Borgo di Pietrafitta is everything you imagine when you picture an Italian destination wedding.
Stone buildings, warm golden light, olive trees and breathtaking countryside views create an effortlessly romantic backdrop. As the evening sun dipped behind the hills, the entire venue seemed to glow, making every candid moment even more magical.
It's venues like this that remind me why I love photographing weddings in Italy.
An Incredible Team of Wedding Creatives
Destination weddings are always a team effort, and Mitch and Naomi surrounded themselves with an incredible group of suppliers who brought every detail together so beautifully.
A huge thank you to:
Bride: Naomi (@naimercieca)
Wedding Planner: Righe e Pois
Venue: Borgo di Pietrafitta
Pizza Catering: Ama On The Road
Videography: Soul Weddings
Wedding Day Photography: Sergio Sarnicola Studio
Wedding Content Creation: Hannah Warmisham Weddings
It was such a joy to document the beginning of this incredible wedding weekend alongside such a talented team.
Looking for a Tuscany Wedding Photographer?
If you're planning a destination wedding in Tuscany and want your entire wedding weekend documented, from your welcome party to your final dance, I'd love to hear all about your plans.
The in-between moments are often the ones you'll treasure most, and they're always worth remembering.
Italy has my heart, and I can't wait to be back.
Planning your wedding in Tuscany or anywhere in Italy?
If you're looking for a destination wedding photographer who captures genuine, relaxed moments with a documentary approach, I'd love to tell your story.
