Marysia & Maciej a wedding at Fattoria Mansi Bernardini

A Polish wedding photographer in the heart of Tuscany

The June sun showed no mercy that day. The sky was cloudless, and the heat poured down from above, as if the weather itself wanted to seal the occasion. At Fattoria Bernardini, a luxury villa, Marysia and Maciej got married. A subtle, gentle couple who dreamed of simplicity, intimacy and nature. That is exactly the style in which they organised their wedding in Tuscany. As a Polish wedding photographer in Italy, I had the honour of capturing this special story.

A ceremony among olive trees: natural minimalism

Before the preparations began, the couple and I took care of the ceremony spot together. Marysia and Maciej wanted it to take place among the olive trees, without excessive decoration, only a delicate white cloth hung on one of the trees made a subtle backdrop. Everything in the spirit of nature, light and space. It was like a set designed by Tuscany itself: perfect for an outdoor wedding in Italy.

Maciej getting ready

Maciek got ready inside the villa, because of the heat. Before he put on his suit, I photographed his details outside, among the greenery and the Tuscan light. The bottle-green suit matched the surroundings perfectly. He was accompanied by his father, with whom he shares a strong bond. His father helped him dress, was by his side the whole time, and his mother watched it all with a warm gaze. These shots had a remarkable intimacy and pride in them.

Marysia getting ready

In the main bedroom of the villa, Marysia began her ritual. She did her own makeup and hair, supported by her mother and sister. It was calm, quiet and real. The wedding dress from Warsaw Poet, light and airy, captured her character perfectly: naturalness, delicacy, intimacy. Marysia's mother stayed close the whole time. She helped with care, admired every gesture of her daughter and, with a smile full of pride, supported her in those special moments.

The ceremony at five

The ceremony began at 5:00 pm sharp. To the sound of violins, Maciej walked first, led by his mother. A moment later Marysia appeared, also walked in by her mother. The first look happened right under the tree, at the ceremony spot: it was quiet, deep, wordless.

The ceremony was led by an Italian official together with a Polish interpreter. The atmosphere was solemn but full of tenderness. Marysia looked like a painting. A gentle wind stirred her hair, and the sunlight lit her face. It was that moment when time stood still.

Aperitif and the olive grove

After the ceremony, the guests moved with relief to the aperitif area. The Italian snacks and chilled drinks prepared by the Fattoria tasted especially good after the hot afternoon. A moment later, Marysia, Maciek and I set off to the olive grove for the wedding portrait session, another of their dreams.

They behaved like teenagers in love. Even though they have been together for 10 years, in that moment they were carefree, they laughed and ran between the trees. Photographing them was pure pleasure. No posing, only genuine emotions.

Dinner under the lamps

After we returned to the villa, dinner was served. The table was set outdoors, among decorative lights and candles. There was ravioli with ragu, steaks with mash and spinach, in other words classic Italian flavours at their best.

Meanwhile, spontaneous toasts began. One of the most moving was the toast from Maciej's godson, who said with tears in his eyes: "Maciek, you have always been my role model. Thank you for that." That was the moment when my eyes too, as the photographer, filled with tears.

String lights, dancing and millefoglie

The evening party went on to the rhythm of music: Polish, Italian and English. Against the Tuscan hills, lit by the lights of distant towns, everyone danced, laughed and enjoyed the moment. The decorative lights gave the atmosphere a fairy-tale feel.

To finish, Marysia and Maciej cut an Italian millefoglie cake and shared it with their guests. Delicate, creamy and crisp. The perfect ending to a perfect day.