Set in the heart of Tuscany, this inspirational shoot at Villa Colletto reimagines timeless Italian elegance through a modern lens. Photographers Alyona & Nikolay Simon crafted a multidimensional story inspired by European cinema and fashion from the 70s to 90s, blending vintage charm with contemporary sophistication. Each carefully designed detail, from the bride’s stunning looks to the intimate dinner décor, transports the couple into a scene reminiscent of an old Italian film—romantic, nostalgic, and effortlessly luxurious.
Vision Behind the Shoot
The concept of this shoot was a masterful interpretation of eternal Italian classics, seamlessly weaving together nostalgia and modernity. With the help of Farniente Agency, Alyona & Nikolay Simon not only photographed the project but also brought the entire vision to life, from designing the concept to creating a captivating atmosphere. Their work tells a story that feels intimate and cinematic, transforming each frame into a timeless piece of art.
"We aimed to unpack and reinterpret eternal Italian classics, placing the bride and groom in an atmosphere that feels familiar only through movies and old photographs."
Bride’s Morning
The bride’s morning began with a serene moment by the pool, where the stillness of the water reflected the calm intimacy of the start of her day. Dressed in a delicate slip inspired by vintage nightgowns, her look evoked effortless elegance and a sense of quiet luxury. The soft, flowing fabric accentuated her natural beauty as she strolled barefoot along the poolside, bathed in the gentle Tuscan sunlight.
Inside Villa Colletto, the bathroom—a sanctuary of warm tones, hand-painted walls, and a striking black stone bathtub—served as the perfect setting for her morning preparations. Her hair, styled loosely, framed her face in waves, while the subtle makeup by Katyoss MUAH enhanced her features without overpowering them. This quiet beginning set the tone for the day, reflecting an atmosphere of romance and the beauty of slow, intentional moments.
“It’s a time meant only for her—a slow morning routine in a breathtaking bathroom and a serene stroll by the pool.”
First Look
The couple shared their first look in the elegant halls of the villa, an intimate moment brimming with emotion before the ceremony began.
The groom wore a muted white suit by Wilvorst, its clean lines and tailored fit offering a refined, timeless look. A black bow tie added a subtle touch of vintage charm, perfectly balancing modern sophistication with old-world elegance.
The bride’s gown by Rouvell Wedding was a masterpiece of design, with soft drapery that gracefully sculpted her silhouette. The textured folds of the fabric gave the dress a romantic, almost architectural quality, effortlessly combining structure and movement. Her accessories—a pair of 100-year-old vintage gloves with intricate lace patterns and a pearl detail—infused the look with history and character. Each element felt intentional, enhancing her elegance without overwhelming her natural beauty.
“The villa felt more homely than castle-like – lace doilies, carefully chosen furniture, handcrafted details, and vintage paintings enveloped us in the warmth of a shining past, making us feel like part of it.”
The villa itself, with its preserved interiors and romantic charm, played a significant role in the moment. The tall windows allowed light to cascade into the room, illuminating the couple in soft, golden hues. Vintage furnishings, lace curtains, and hand-carved details added warmth and authenticity to the scene. The mountain views just beyond the balcony framed the couple beautifully, turning their first look into a scene that felt both cinematic and deeply personal.
“We all feel nostalgic for times we’ve never lived in.”
Ceremony
The ceremony was held in the villa’s lush garden, a quiet oasis where nature and design came together beautifully. Rows of white Chiavari chairs, paired with delicate parasols, lined the path leading to the altar. Cascading clusters of white roses, arranged to appear as if they had naturally bloomed there, framed the aisle and created a romantic, organic atmosphere. The ceremony setup highlighted simplicity and grace, with every detail thoughtfully curated to let the couple remain the focus.
"We wanted to focus on the couple and their feelings for each other, capturing their excitement, tenderness, and the touching moments of their vows."
The ceremony began as the bride made her way down the aisle, carrying an unstructured bouquet by Tonight CS, filled with deep purple calla lilies and ivory ranunculus, wrapped in a flowing white ribbon. The groom waited for her beneath the lush greenery, his quiet emotion visible as he watched her approach.
Surrounded by their closest guests, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows. As they shared a kiss to seal their promises, guests tossed white petals into the air, creating a moment of pure joy. The lush greenery, soft florals, and intimate gathering turned the garden into an unforgettable scene filled with love and celebration.
Private Moment
After the ceremony, the bride changed into her second look—a satin gown by Bridal Story. The dress featured a dropped waist and a cape-like train that flowed effortlessly from her shoulders, adding a sense of fluid movement as she walked. In her hands, the bridal bouquet reflected the villa’s vintage charm, with deep tones, rich textures, and an unstructured design that added to the overall timeless feel.
Her hair, styled into sleek waves, cascaded down her shoulders, enhancing the gown’s understated elegance. Later in the evening, her hair was pulled into a soft, loose bun, perfectly complementing her long satin gloves.
The couple shared private moments exploring the villa grounds, walking hand in hand across stone pathways and along the tranquil poolside. Photographers Alyona & Nikolay Simon artfully captured these intimate glimpses—the bride’s train sweeping gently across the stones, soft laughter exchanged between them, and their quiet connection framed by lush greenery and mountain views.
Their stroll ended on the villa’s terrace, where a champagne tower stood draped in white linen against the dramatic backdrop of Tuscany’s rolling hills. They celebrated the day, sharing their first dance beneath the open sky as the sun dipped below the horizon—a perfect moment of a truly romantic escape.
"Against the backdrop of the mountains, it looked incredible, combining both coziness and luxury."
Reception
The couple entered the reception space, which was set on a stunning villa terrace overlooking the mountains. The evening air was filled with soft candlelight, as the intimate setting welcomed them and their closest guests for a dinner under the sky.
The decor seamlessly reflected the elegance of the day. The tables were draped with luxurious fabrics that mirrored the bride’s flowing dresses, creating a sense of understated beauty. Antique candles stood tall among vintage ceramic swans and silver tableware, all carefully arranged to evoke an old-world charm.
Flowers in soft ivory, blush, and rich earthy tones added texture and romance to the table settings. The stationery, inspired by the Italian Renaissance, completed the look with intricate designs and classic elements. Against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and glowing candles, the scene captured the perfect balance of coziness and luxury.
"The most fascinating part of this project was immersing the couple in an atmosphere where they could escape the background noise of the set and fully embrace the romantic, dreamy setting."
ORGANIZATION, CONCEPT & PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Fotografie | PLANNER Farniente Agency | VENUE Colletto Villas | MUAH Katy Oss MUAH | FLORIST & DECOR Tonight CS | STATIONERY Who is Wedding | SUIT Wilvorst | DRESSES Rouwell Wedding, Bridal Story
