9 marzo 2023
An evocative ceremony in one of the most magical and unique places in Italy and in the world: San Galgano Abbey. Moreover, Tuscany is the perfect backdrop for this wonderful shoot. With Rachel and Chris we organised this elopement in just under two months. They had a very clear idea of what they wanted and what was not for them. All the scenery had to be a perfect canvas on which BenniCarol would immortalise their love... and so it was! The Abbey of San Galgano is part of the municipality of Chiusdino and the mayor herself came to celebrate the rite; the exchange of vows was a very moving moment indeed, where each promised and pledged to be a pillar in the other's life and to support him with all the love they could.
They decided to get married on March 9, 2022, the day of their ninth anniversary as a couple! A splendid day with a sun that tried to mitigate the low morning temperatures that were around -5. Preparation for the newlyweds began early in the morning with Maurizia Paradisi and Virginia Guidotti beautifully styled and made-up Rachel and her mother, while the bride's father helped Chris with the final details. The bouquet and the boutonniere were made by my incredible Claudia Sessa of Floreart Firenze. The couple decided to go together, hand in hand in the abbey to get married… but their “first look” took place along the cypress-lined avenue…. There they saw each other for the first time with an ever-increasing level of emotion. On the notes of one of their favourite pieces, they entered the Abbey and became husband and wife!
After San Galgano we left for Siena, walking through the alleys that lead to Piazza del Campo and the Duomo! We stopped to eat in a restaurant hidden from most people and then resume our journey towards Florence, destination Villa Agape. The sunset made the shooting just perfect; the newlyweds in the Italian garden allowed themselves a few dance steps around the fountain while Carolina never stopped basking in the perfect light that hit them!
