Martina and Daniele were married in the church of San Nicolò in San Gemini, in the province of Terni, and celebrated at Castello di Montignano, in Massa Martana. A religious ceremony in the village, portraits among the hedges and stone houses of the castle, dinner in the white Pavillon among the olive trees and the cake cut by the pool, with the lit walls behind them.

It is the formula many Umbrian couples choose: the church in their own town, and then a venue where they can stay until late. It works, as long as the transfer is well organised.

Getting ready

Martina got ready calmly, between hair and make-up by Lauteri, with her friends and her mother around her when the moment came to put on the dress. The gown was by Atelier Marcelloni, with lace on the back and shoulders, and the bouquet was in powder and pale pink tones.

Daniele, in a Davino Sposo suit, had his moment with his mother, who pinned the flower to his lapel.

I always ask for one thing in these hours: curtains open and lights off. The portraits of Martina at the window, bouquet in hand, were made exactly that way, with daylight alone.

The ceremony in the church of San Nicolò

San Nicolò is a Romanesque church in San Gemini: stone arches, columns, a wooden ceiling and clear light coming in from above. For the ceremony it had been dressed with a white aisle runner and flower arrangements along the pews.

Martina walked in on her father's arm. The exchange of rings, the vows, and then the exit through the main door under a shower of rice and petals. Together with videographer Maurizio Rinaldi we worked in silence, along the sides of the nave, never putting ourselves between the couple and their guests.

I don't use flash in church. A bright nave like this one handles natural light very well, and the photographs stay true to what you had in front of your eyes.

The portraits at Castello di Montignano

From San Gemini to the castle takes about half an hour by car. We arrived before the guests, and we used those minutes of advantage for the portraits.

First the path between the tall hedges, with string lights overhead and the low sun filtering in from the side. Then the lanes of the hamlet, between the stone houses, and the view over the hills of the Monti Martani. Finally the lawn by the pool, with the castle façade in the background.

At Castello di Montignano the best light comes in the last hour before sunset, when the stone warms up. If the ceremony is elsewhere, it is worth working out the timings backwards from there.

Dinner in the Pavillon and the party

Guests were welcomed in the garden for the aperitivo. Dinner, by Apollinare Catering, was served in the white Pavillon among the olive trees, beside the panoramic pool.

After dark, the cutting of the cake at the poolside: the tiered cake, the lit candles, the illuminated water and the castle walls behind. Then the guests' sparklers, the first dance and live music coordinated by Event Music Planner, with the dance floor full until late.

Church in San Gemini, party at the castle: what to know

The distances

San Gemini is a few kilometres from Terni, on the road to Todi. Castello di Montignano is in Massa Martana, in the province of Perugia. Between the two there is about half an hour by car: guests need to be told clearly, and anyone who doesn't know the area will appreciate clear directions on the invitation.

The timing

With a transfer in the middle, the time of the ceremony decides everything. An early afternoon ceremony leaves time for the exit, the journey, portraits in low light and the aperitivo without rushing.

The castle

It is a fortified hamlet restored as a relais and spa, with gardens, an olive grove, a panoramic pool and suites. With no strict time limits, it lets you stay up late without worrying. Couples who want to avoid the transfer can hold the ceremony right there: the castle is licensed for civil ceremonies and has a church inside the hamlet.

All the details on spaces, capacity and ceremonies are in the story of Caterina and Gianluca's wedding at Castello di Montignano, who held both ceremony and party inside the hamlet.

How I photograph a day like this

To build the schedule, see my guide to a stress-free wedding in Umbria.

The suppliers at this wedding

Gallery

Frequently asked questions

Can you get married in the church of San Nicolò in San Gemini?

Martina and Daniele held their religious wedding there. For availability and arrangements, ask locally.

How far is San Gemini from Castello di Montignano?

About half an hour by car. It is an easy transfer, but one worth explaining clearly to your guests.

Is Castello di Montignano suitable for the reception only?

Yes. Many couples marry in the church of their own town and then celebrate at the castle, as Martina and Daniele did. Those who prefer can do everything on site, with a civil ceremony or in the hamlet's church.

Where are the portraits taken at Castello di Montignano?

On the path between the hedges, in the lanes of the hamlet, among the olive trees and by the pool. The best light is in the last hour before sunset.

Until what time can you celebrate?

The castle has no strict time limits, and the suites let the couple and their guests stay overnight. For current conditions, the venue has the final word.

How much does a photographer cost for a wedding in San Gemini?

San Gemini is a few minutes from Terni, where I live. Collection prices and what they include are on the page about being a wedding photographer in Terni.

Castello di Montignano is one of the places I have gathered in my guide to wedding venues in Umbria.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Umbria and are picturing a day like this, look at the portfolio and the other wedding stories, or tell me about your wedding: I answer every message personally.