Intimate Wedding in Italy: Alessio & Leah, Villa Grazioli

Indice dei Contenuti

Alessio and Leah: an Intimate Wedding at Villa Grazioli

Intimate Wedding in Italy : Francesco Russotto
Wedding photo shoot at Villa Grazioli
Wedding photographer Rome : Alessio and Leah

Location : Park Hotel Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata
Civil ceremony : Pannini Gallery

Alessio, born in Canada to an Italian family, and Leah, of Chinese origin, live in Canada and chose Villa Grazioli for an intimate wedding in Italy, with a civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery on 21 September 2026. A young, elegant and fun couple, around thirty guests and a day that felt like a celebration among friends. If you are planning a wedding near Rome from another country, you will find more stories like this one in my page about destination weddings in Castelli Romani.

What you are about to see is my personal narrative, not all the photos but only a selection I chose to tell the story of the day from my point of view. You will not find many ceremony photos (especially those of the ceremony itself) because I consider that a private part of the event, just as I do not publish family group photos or generally the more “classic” photographic component of the wedding which is nevertheless always present and delivered to the couple. These photos you will see are more numerous than those typically included in a wedding album, demonstrating that every photo must communicate and be effective from beginning to end.

TO SEE THE PICTURES OF THE PHOTO SHOOTING AT VILLA GRAZIOLI, PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE. (I suggest watching the gallery while listening to the soundtrack below)

Alessio Getting Ready at Villa Grazioli

Halloween is approaching!! This photo inspired me! Park Hotel Villa Grazioli in Grottaferrata, backlit under a dramatic sky on the morning of Alessio and Leah's intimate wedding

But Alessio and Leah’s wedding wasn’t all that close to Halloween, so let’s give the photos the look they deserve 😉 Facade of Villa Grazioli with the fountain, and views of the park in Grottaferrata, Castelli Romani

Villa Grazioli, on the morning of 21 September.

Groom Alessio getting ready at Villa Grazioli: gold watch and cufflinks, and a family member fastening his shirt cuffs

A family member moved to tears while a guest in a grey suit helps groom Alessio with his cufflinks

Groom Alessio smiling in white shirt and black braces while a guest helps him get ready at Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio raising his fists to show his cufflinks in the library room of Villa Grazioli

Cufflinks on, fists up. Ready.

A family member in a dark suit smiling at groom Alessio, and the gold watch fastened on his wrist

Groom Alessio holding his bow tie with the wedding date 21.09.2026 stitched on the strap

The date, stitched inside the bow tie. Just in case anyone forgot.

A family member tying groom Alessio's bow tie in a yellow room with old portraits at Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio having his bow tie adjusted by a family member, seen through a doorway at Villa Grazioli

Some knots you still let someone else tie for you.

Black and white photo of groom Alessio reflected in an antique carved mirror at Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio putting on his black tuxedo jacket with help, between the painted doors of Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio and a guest in a grey suit walking down the steps of Villa Grazioli, family behind them

Groom Alessio laughing with family members at the entrance of Villa Grazioli, one of them pinching his cheek

Nerves? Not many. Teasing? Plenty.

Portraits of groom Alessio in black tuxedo standing at the entrance door of Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio standing inside the hollow trunk of an ancient tree in the park of Villa Grazioli, Castelli Romani

Low angle portraits of groom Alessio checking his watch in front of the facade of Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio seen from behind at an open window of Villa Grazioli, looking at the view on a sunny morning

A last look outside before the day really starts.

Black and white silhouette of groom Alessio buttoning his jacket against a bright window

Groom Alessio as a silhouette in front of a tall open window in a frescoed hall of Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio in black tuxedo lit by window light inside Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata

Groom Alessio walking out through the main doorway of Villa Grazioli towards the park

Next stop: the Pannini Gallery.

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Leah Getting Ready at Villa Grazioli

Bridal details for Leah: white bow flats, wedding rings, wax sealed invitation, perfume and white orchids on a wooden table

Bride Leah in a white robe having her make-up done in a room of Villa Grazioli

Black and white photo of bride Leah sitting by the window, reflected in a tilted mirror

Quiet minutes before the noise started.

Bride Leah looking down with red lipstick and a diamond necklace while her hair is finished

Detail of bride Leah slipping on white bow flats under her robe on the terracotta floor of Villa Grazioli

Black and white backlit photo of bride Leah with her bridesmaids during the getting ready

Bridesmaids in matching pyjamas dancing and laughing with bride Leah during the getting ready at Villa Grazioli

Pyjamas, music, and nobody taking it too seriously.

Two family members arriving at the door of the bride's room, one holding a small gift

Frescoed ceiling of the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli, white chairs set for the civil ceremony and an embroidered handkerchief on a chair

Downstairs, the Pannini Gallery was waiting.

Lace wedding dress hanging in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli, and Leah's hand with her engagement ring touching the fabric

She took a moment with the dress before putting it on.

Bride Leah smiling in a white robe in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli

Bride Leah in a strapless lace gown while a family member laces up the back of the dress

Bride Leah with her long lace train spread on the floor while family members help her get dressed

Black and white photo of two family members fastening bride Leah's dress, with strong shadows on the wall

Every hook done by hand, one at a time.

Bride Leah adjusting her strapless lace dress in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli

Two family members fastening the back of bride Leah's dress, and the veil being placed on her head

Detail of the lace wedding dress and Leah's cascading bouquet of white orchids

Bride Leah smiling with two family members in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli, holding her orchid bouquet

Black and white photo of bride Leah with lace veil and orchid bouquet, surrounded by her bridesmaids

Black and white photo of bridesmaids spreading the veil and train of bride Leah on the floor

Everyone wanted to help with the train.

Black and white close portrait of bride Leah with lace veil and white orchids by an old wooden door

Black and white portrait of bride Leah in her lace veil looking down at a doorway of Villa Grazioli

Bride Leah with her five bridesmaids in pastel satin dresses in a frescoed room of Villa Grazioli

Bride Leah walking through a doorway of Villa Grazioli with her bouquet, bridesmaids behind her

Black and white photo of bride Leah walking down the spiral staircase of Villa Grazioli while bridesmaids hold her train

Down the old staircase, and straight to Alessio.

Civil Ceremony at the Galleria del Pannini, Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio walking down the aisle of the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli, guests seated on both sides

Bridesmaids walking down the aisle one by one, then bride Leah arriving on the arm of a family member in the Pannini Gallery

About thirty people, and every one of them turned around.

Groom Alessio with his hands clasped, looking at bride Leah during the civil ceremony at Villa Grazioli

Bride Leah reaching groom Alessio and the officiant in the Pannini Gallery, and her lace veil settling on the floor

Wide view of the civil ceremony under the frescoed ceiling of the Pannini Gallery at Villa Grazioli, Grottaferrata

The Pannini Gallery, with just the people who mattered.

The officiant reading during Alessio and Leah's civil ceremony, the couple standing in front of him

Details of the couple's hands during the ceremony and guests watching from their seats

Alessio and Leah exchanging rings during their civil ceremony at Villa Grazioli

Groom Alessio dipping bride Leah for the first kiss in the Pannini Gallery, guests applauding

And then the kiss. With style.

Alessio and Leah walking back down the aisle as a married couple, Leah laughing with her orchid bouquet

Alessio and Leah hugging in a warm lit corridor of Villa Grazioli right after the ceremony

Black and white photo of groom Alessio signing the marriage register next to bride Leah

One signature, and it’s official.

Black and white photo of Alessio and Leah facing each other by a window of Villa Grazioli

Black and white portrait of Alessio and Leah holding hands and smiling by the window

Alessio and Leah kissing among the bridesmaids, and group photo with all the guests in front of Villa Grazioli

Everyone outside for the group photo.

Alessio and Leah: Sunset Portraits at Villa Grazioli

Bride Leah with her orchid bouquet on the terrace of Villa Grazioli at sunset, Alessio in the foreground

Groom Alessio standing on the terrace of Villa Grazioli at sunset, Leah's lace veil blurred in the foreground

Golden hour on the terrace, with the countryside towards Rome below.

Bride Leah smiling and holding out her cascading white orchid bouquet at sunset

Groom Alessio leaning on the terrace wall of Villa Grazioli with the sunset behind him

Close portrait of Alessio and Leah looking into each other's eyes, her hand on his chest

Alessio and Leah wrapped in her long veil blown by the wind on the terrace

The wind took care of the veil.

Hands reaching towards each other framing Alessio and Leah on the terrace at sunset

Detail of Alessio and Leah's hands with their wedding rings and his gold watch on her lace dress

Two rings, a few hours old.

Alessio and Leah on the terrace of Villa Grazioli behind a stone finial, the plain below at sunset

Alessio and Leah looking at the view from the terrace of Villa Grazioli as the sun goes down

Silhouettes of Alessio and Leah facing each other at a tall window of Villa Grazioli in the evening light

Black and white photo of Alessio and Leah kissing in front of a tall open window, her long veil spread on the floor

Groom Alessio leaning against a wall in the evening while Leah walks towards him with her bouquet

Alessio and Leah leaning against the wall of Villa Grazioli under a lit lantern at dusk

Then the lights came on, and it was time for the party.

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The Party at Villa Grazioli

Alessio and Leah at night in front of Villa Grazioli, the fountain splashing in the foreground under string lights

Alessio and Leah's first dance under the glass pavilion at Villa Grazioli, a twirl and a dip

First dance under the lights. Turns out Alessio can lead.

Alessio and Leah toasting with white wine at their table, city lights in the distance

Bride Leah dancing and laughing with a family member in a light grey suit

Groom Alessio dancing with a family member while Leah watches and smiles

Wedding guest book with handwritten messages and instant photos of the guests

Guests having fun with photo booth props, funny glasses and frames, and writing in the guest book

Alessio and Leah kissing behind the wedding cake between cold sparklers at night

Cake, sparklers, and a kiss nobody could miss.

Leah in a short white party dress hugging Alessio on the dance floor

New dress, and the party started properly.

Alessio and Leah dancing close while guests dance behind them under the pavilion

Leah in a short white dress and long gloves dancing in front of Alessio

Guests laughing, hugging and filming on their phones during the wedding party at Villa Grazioli

Two family members dancing and laughing at the wedding party

Bridesmaids and guests dancing and laughing with drinks in their hands

Thirty guests, and the dance floor was never empty.

Alessio and Leah laughing and showing their wedding rings to the camera on the dance floor

Alessio and Leah's wedding rings on a wooden table with leaves and fern at night

Thank you, Alessio and Leah.

FOR YOUR QUOTE, CLICK HERE !

Why an Intimate Wedding in Italy

More and more couples living abroad choose a small wedding in Italy instead of a big celebration at home. With around thirty guests there is time to talk to everyone, the timeline is relaxed and the day feels personal from beginning to end. For guests it also becomes a trip: a few days in Rome and a wedding in a historic villa just outside the city.

Alessio and Leah are a perfect example: a young couple, elegant and easy-going, who wanted their closest family and friends around them and nothing more. No crowd, no rush, just the people who matter.

Villa Grazioli for a Small Wedding

Park Hotel Villa Grazioli is in Grottaferrata, in the Castelli Romani, about 20 km from central Rome. For an intimate wedding it works very well because ceremony, photos and dinner can all happen in one place. The civil ceremony is held in the Pannini Gallery, the hall frescoed by Giovanni Paolo Pannini, and with a small group of guests the room feels even more intimate.

I have photographed many couples from abroad at this villa. You can see their stories on my page about destination weddings in Castelli Romani, and if you are comparing photographers for this area, read my guide on how to choose the best wedding photographer in Castelli Romani.

Getting Married in Italy from Canada

A civil wedding in Italy for foreign citizens requires specific documents, which depend on your nationality. Couples living in Canada should contact their consulate early and plan the paperwork months before the date. Read my guides on what documents are needed to get married in Italy and how to get married in Italy.

Photographing an Intimate Wedding

At a small wedding every guest is part of the story. My approach is documentary: I follow the day as it happens, without forced poses, and with thirty people I can tell the relationships between them, not just the main moments. As a wedding photographer for foreign couples I work in English from the first email to the wedding day. If you are planning an intimate wedding near Rome, ask me for a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an intimate wedding in Italy?

It is a wedding with a small group of guests, usually up to around thirty or forty people. Alessio and Leah celebrated with about thirty guests: a format that leaves more time for each person and a more relaxed day.

Can you have a small wedding at Villa Grazioli?

Yes. Alessio and Leah had about thirty guests at Villa Grazioli, with the civil ceremony in the Pannini Gallery and the whole day inside the villa.

Can a couple living in Canada get married in Italy with a civil ceremony?

Yes. Alessio and Leah live in Canada and had their civil ceremony at Villa Grazioli. The documents required depend on your nationality, so contact your consulate and start the paperwork early.

Do you photograph small weddings and elopements in Italy?

Yes. I photograph weddings of every size, from elopements to intimate weddings with a few guests, always with a documentary style and no forced poses, in English for couples from abroad.

Francesco Russotto

Fotoreporter Matrimonio – In the TOP TEN of the best wedding photographers in the world for the Prowed Awards 2026

My name is Francesco Russotto, and I’ve always worked in photography and imagery. I’m a reportage-style wedding photographer based in Rome, but I travel easily throughout the province, Italy, and even abroad. I offer wedding photography services, pre-weddings, engagements, and bachelorette and stag parties in a variety of styles. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Rome and the province or Lazio with a reportage style, real wedding, urban wedding, or even a Trash the Dress style, don’t hesitate to contact me to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll have a nice chat, get to know me, and decide if I’m the right photographer for your wedding.

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Intimate Wedding in Italy: Alessio and Leah at Villa Grazioli