Amidst the ruins of a 13th Century Abbey and the cypress trees of the Tuscan countryside, Britten Bride Natalie declared her love for her groom Mark in a breathtaking Italian wedding.
The cinematic landscape of the surrounding Val de Merse and the grand scale of the mediaeval monastery gave London photographer Benjamin Wheeler the perfect location for capturing the most naturally beautiful moments of the day in his own unique artistic style.
With a long train and delicate crystal bead shoulder detailing, Natalie looked the epitome of elegance in her sheath-style crepe Pronovias wedding dress. Minimalist in design, our real bride allowed the sophisticated clean lines and the backless drape of the fabric to do all the talking.
Completing her hair and makeup herself, Natalie extended the minimalist feel throughout the rest of her bridal look with a pared-down, low and sleek ponytail. Securing her chic hairstyle with a nude tone ribbon, she added some understated decoration with individual pearl hairpins above the base of the ponytail.
She then accessorised her bridal outfit with our barely there wedding veil 'Skylar'and shoes from Francesco Russo. Opting for the Skylar veil in cathedral length, the subtle drama of this exquisite lightweight piece worked perfectly with the simple yet showstopping aesthetic of both the bride and the wedding venue.
Natalie added the finishing touches to her look with a Cartier Love bangle and a bespoke diamond necklace, given to her as a gift from her new in-laws.
Natalie carried an oversized luxury bouquet, bursting with pale pink and white blooms, as she walked down the aisle decorated with matching floral arrangments by Chiara Sperti Floral Events. Here she was reunited with Mark, and the couple exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends.
Following the wedding ceremony, within the gothic architecture of the legendary San Galgano Abbey, the newly-weds led a procession through the historic roofless church before moving through scenic countryside and unspoilt mediaeval hamlets on their way to their rural-chic wedding reception at nearby Villa Podernovo, in Siena, Tuscany.
The speeches at the reception left Natalie with some of her most memorable moments from the day:
'Mark's speech was by far the best part of the day. He spoke calmly and lovingly for fifteen minutes to everyone special to us. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.'
The newly married couple shared their first dance to the soulful sounds of Aretha Franklin's 'You Send Me' before dancing the night away with their wedding guests under a starry Tuscan sky.
Congratulazioni Natalie and Mark and thank you for allowing us to take a peek at the stunning images of your wedding day. We wish you both the best of luck and happiness in your future together.
