Floriana and Matteo’s wedding at Castello il Palagio, Chianti

Floriana and Matteo chose a castle lost in the Chianti hills near Florence for their medieval wedding.

A 13th century manor among the vines

We met Floriana and Matteo during the site inspection at Castello il Palagio. The castle is a medieval Tuscan manor from the 13th century, and in its halls you can still sense a medieval atmosphere. It sits up on a hill surrounded by rows of vines as far as the eye can see, and it has a wonderful inner courtyard, where the couple decided to have dinner.

A handfasting ceremony by the fountain

Floriana and Matteo got ready at Castello il Palagio, and we stayed with them from their preparations until late at night. The ceremony was outside, in the main garden around the fountain, with an olive grove in the background.

They chose a ceremony inspired by an ancient Celtic tradition, called handfasting. During the ritual the bride and groom tie the knot, binding themselves physically and spiritually to each other as a sign of commitment. Groomsmen and bridesmaids took part too, each adding a cord and sharing their best wishes with the couple.

The aperitif took place in the same area at sunset, in a magical light with a fairy atmosphere. We shot the couple portraits on a white road near the entrance of the castle, surrounded by olive trees and Chianti vines.

Dinner in the courtyard and folk dances

The al fresco dinner was in perfect castle style: everybody ate in the main courtyard, some under a medieval loggia and the rest in the open air. After dinner we moved outside again for the cake cutting under a giant cedar of Lebanon, while the catering cleared the tables and set up for the dancing.

The music came from a nice Italian and Irish folk band that added a medieval vibe and was really fun for the newlyweds and all the guests. After many dances we asked Floriana and Matteo for a few photos together on the entrance walkway, lit only by candles.

We really enjoyed photographing this castle wedding. Castello il Palagio is a place out of time, where you feel like you are back in the Middle Ages.