Nestled in the enchanting Mugello Valley, a XIX-century villa set the stage for a magical styled wedding shoot. Organized as part of a photography workshop led by Maria Bryzhko, the shoot highlighted the 2024-2025 wedding trends. With its focus on timeless elegance and practicality, it offered a modern fairytale set amidst unpredictable weather.
Drawing inspiration from classic paintings, this styled shoot embodied the romanticism of Francine Van Hove’s portraits and the floral beauty of Paul de Longpré. The villa’s Florentine and Liberti-style architecture added a Bridgerton-inspired grandeur. The shoot featured stationery from Paper Blossom, blending watercolor florals and textured paper with a vintage charm. “We aimed to create a dreamy yet realistic vision,” said Maria, the photographer. The inclusion of a Prince Charming in a red convertible and a princess in a flowing gown perfectly captured this ethos.
"We were influenced by the mood in Francine Van Hove's women's portraits, the floral gardens of Impressionists like Émile Vernon, and the romantic scenes of Pino Daeni."
The bride’s attire showcased the versatility of modern bridal fashion. Her first look featured a long-sleeve satin gown with an effortlessly flowing silhouette, paired with a natural bun and pearl accessories by Zanegina Brand. For the ceremony, a structured strapless dress by Dominiss in mikado fabric added sophistication. The party look—a spaghetti-strap gown with a cowl back—balanced simplicity and elegance. Makeup by Beauty Linka and hairstyling by Makeup Hair Kris completed her flawless transformation.
The groom’s attire was a statement of classic refinement, featuring a tuxedo from Acco Fashion and Altinyildiz Classics. Polished black shoes and a white shirt added timeless appeal, matching the fairytale aesthetic of the shoot.
Maria Bryzhko’s keen eye for detail brought this vision to life. Despite shifting weather, her photography maintained a cohesive aesthetic, blending soft light with rich textures. Videography by Dimitris Pavlidis added a cinematic touch, ensuring the essence of the shoot could be relived.
The outdoor ceremony was set against the villa’s lush gardens, featuring an arched floral arrangement by Starace Florist. Dusty pink and tea roses mixed with greenery created a romantic yet modern ambiance. Bridesmaids in flowing dresses by Ariamo Bridal complemented the aesthetic with soft teal tones, while the groomsmen wore classic tuxedos.
A vintage red convertible, driven by the groom, added cinematic flair to the shoot. Against the backdrop of Tuscan hills, the couple shared intimate moments, reflecting the playful yet elegant modern fairytale theme.
Maria Bryzhko’s artistry perfectly captured the essence of the shoot. Through a blend of digital and film photography, she highlighted the timeless charm of Tuscany while preserving the contemporary vision. Her use of a nostalgic Super 8 video added depth, transforming intimate moments, such as the couple’s ride in the convertible, into cinematic treasures. Each frame showcased her talent for balancing fine art aesthetics with storytelling.
"We envisioned a modern fairytale featuring a Prince Charming in a red convertible, a princess in a flowing gown, and a castle adorned with dusty pink flowers."
The indoor reception mirrored the villa’s grandeur. A long dining table was adorned with lush floral arrangements, featuring dusty pink and tea roses intertwined with vibrant greenery. The cascading blooms created a sense of romance, complementing the villa’s intricate architectural details. Soft pink upholstered chairs added a modern yet sophisticated touch, harmonizing with the delicate crystal glassware and fine linens. The setting was illuminated by a sparkling chandelier, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room. Each detail of the decor reflected a balance of opulence and approachability, inspiring couples to recreate this enchanting ambiance for their own celebrations.
For the evening, the bride changed into a sleek and sophisticated gown by Dominiss. The design featured delicate spaghetti straps, a draped neckline, and a low cowl back with an intricate lace insert, blending modern elegance with timeless simplicity. Her hair was styled into a polished low ponytail with soft waves, perfectly complementing her understated yet glamorous accessories.
Dinner was a celebration of joy, with the couple and their party sharing laughs over champagne. The couple shared heartfelt toasts and warm conversations, making this moment an intimate highlight of the day.
The cake-cutting moment was a picture of elegance and joy, perfectly complementing the enchanting atmosphere of the shoot. The couple stood beside a breathtaking multi-tiered cake by Creamy Cakes Lab, its design a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The textured, ruffled layers of the white fondant created a flowing effect reminiscent of soft fabric, while fresh dusty pink roses adorned each tier, adding a romantic touch.
The surrounding citrus trees and the villa’s scenic backdrop added to the charm of this timeless tradition. With a gentle cut into the cake, the couple smiled, marking this sweet and symbolic part of the day, a highlight captured beautifully on film.
"The most challenging aspect was managing the unpredictable weather, which shifted between rain and sunshine, often simultaneously. This created a unique effect in the photos but required flexibility and adaptability as conditions changed."
PHOTOGRAPHER Maria Bryzhko | VIDEOGRAPHER Dimitris Pavlidis | FLORIST Starace Florist | MUA BRIDE Beauty Linka | MUA BRIDESMAID Karina Bridal | HAIR Makeup Hair Kris | STYLING Zanegina Juli | BRIDE DRESS Dominiss | BRIDESMAID DRESS Ariamo Bridal | GROOM ATTIRE Acco Fashion, Altinyildiz Classics | ACCESSORIES Zanegina Brand | INVITATIONS Paper Blossom | CAKE Creamy Cakes Lab
