Destination Elopement -Tuscany- Erin & Nasir

Erin & Nasir’s story is no exception when it comes to my lack of ability to put into words our experience we shared together.  I think they know how grateful I was and thats all that matters.  Following my own mantra of ‘hiding from comfort’ over the past few years was both daunting and exciting. Leaving behind my 7 week old baby boy for my first European trip was a little bitter sweet at first but with the full support of my wife Tess and family back home I was determined to make the most of my trip.  Man did I cover some ground and shoot my ass off.

Our destination elopement was to be held in a town called Volterra in the Tuscan hill side of Italy. Roughly 1.5 hours out of Florence.  After shooting an absolute cracking winter wedding (like it was blue skies and amazing golden winter light) at Black Brewing Co. down in Yallingup, I raced back to Perth to catch my flight to Florence.  I basically had 12 nights to explore with Erin & Nas’s elopement on the last day of the trip, before racing back to Perth for another wedding.

Everyone was talking the trip up saying I was going to loose my mind over there. I knew it would be wild but man it was actually next level.  I was so overwhelmed for the first few days.  By the time the elopement came around I had finally felt grounded again and was totally able to cope with every new castle around each corner surrounded by mountains.

I hired a car. Yep that shit was crazy but gave me  lot of freedom to get around. Driving on the opposite side of the road and pushing my ford fiesta to 160kms while still being overtaken was hectic.  I only managed to get stuck at the toll booths 3 times shouting into the speaker box ‘ENGLISH – HELP’ ‘NO SPEAK ITALIAN’.  Clearly the louder we argued the less we understood each other until eventually the toll gate would lift.

I seriously underestimated the language barrier.  I had some communication fails such as ordering a long mac coffee and receiving a tall glass of hot milk just for one example.  It didn’t take long to pick up the essential daily greetings and good manners though.

In just under 2 weeks I traveled from Florence to Volterra, Rome then down to Amalfi Coast before flying out from Naples back up to Florence.  Each city had its own character and essence.  3 times a day I would head out shooting with different gear for a different perspective. Digital, Film and finally with my phone. Some days walking around 17000 steps.  The walking was helpful to burn off all the Lasagne, Bolognese, Bruschetta & Pizzas. Yes the food is actually better than you can imagine!  I’m pretty close to finishing up some personal work from the trip which I’ll blog soon along with a  bunch of info on the who what when where.

Anyways all this was just the warm up for Erin & Nas’s wedding on the last day of the trip. I felt so good leading into their elopement after having a solid taste of such an incredible country.  I was so excited to see them both and explore a little further. Man these guys were so endearing which is always a pleasure to photograph and witness. There was definitely a few pinch yourself moments while we stood together on a Tuscan hillside looking off into the mountains.  It was intimate, personal and everything you would hope an elopement would be.  Fortunately I will be heading back to Italy in June 2019 to do it all again so get in touch if your heading over that way!

Wedding & Elopement planer- Weddings in Tuscany // Luxury weddings

Dress- Louicol Designs

Hair & Make up – Consuelo Make up & Hair

Villa- Borgo Pignano