There’s something undeniably special about an Umbria wedding. Veronica and Emil’s celebration at SPAO Borgo San Pietro was the perfect example of why couples choose this beautiful, lesser-known region of Italy. Nestled among rolling hills, olive groves, and golden light, SPAO Borgo San Pietro created the most romantic setting for their destination wedding.
Travelling from Norway, Veronica and Emil brought nearly all of their guests with them. Transforming SPAO Borgo San Pietro into a true home away from home for the weekend. It felt intimate, warm, and full of connection, even if (for me!) it came with a unique challenge.
This was my first time photographing a wedding where none of the spoken moments (ceremony or speeches) were in a language I understood. I speak English and French fluently, and usually get by with a little Spanish. But Norwegian was entirely new territory. While there was no language barrier when directing the couple (their English was impeccable), I quickly realised how much I rely on verbal cues during a wedding day.
During the ceremony of this Norwegian wedding in Umbria, I couldn’t anticipate key moments like the first kiss through words alone. I had to stay completely visually alert, reading body language and positioning myself instinctively. The same applied during speeches. Instead of reacting to names or punchlines, I watched the room closely, scanning for emotional reactions and meaningful connections.
Despite this, it was such a joy to experience a different culture so intimately. One of my favourite traditions? Throughout the wedding breakfast, guests would start gently tapping their glasses with cutlery. Prompting Veronica and Emil to stand on their chairs and kiss for the crowd. It happened multiple times and brought such a playful, joyful energy to the evening.
An Umbria wedding at SPAO Borgo San Pietro offers something truly special. Authenticity, intimacy, and breathtaking Italian scenery. For Veronica and Emil, it was a celebration full of love, laughter, and beautiful cultural moments I’ll never forget.
The Rehearsal Dinner – Umbria Wedding
The celebrations began the evening before with a relaxed and stylish rehearsal dinner at SPAO Borgo San Pietro. Guests embraced an all-white dress code, creating a beautifully cohesive and effortlessly chic atmosphere against the warm tones of the Umbrian countryside. In contrast, Emil stood out in classic black, while Veronica completely stole the show in a stunning pink look. Such a fun and confident choice that perfectly set the tone for the weekend ahead. The evening unfolded as a laid-back pizza party, with long tables, flowing drinks, and that unmistakable pre-wedding buzz. It was the perfect way for everyone to settle in, connect, and soak up the magic of being together in Italy before the main event.
The Wedding
The wedding day itself came with a little drama. An approaching storm that threatened to disrupt plans for a fully outdoor celebration at SPAO Borgo San Pietro. Every part of the day had been designed to take place outside, from the ceremony through to the alfresco dining and evening party, so there was a collective sense of anticipation watching the skies. In a last-minute decision, the ceremony was pushed back by an hour to avoid the drizzle. And somehow, it worked. While the skies remained moody and distant thunder rumbled in the background, the rain mostly held off, allowing the entire wedding to unfold exactly as planned, entirely outdoors at SPAO Borgo San Pietro.
The later start (which was already on the later side) did mean I had to move quickly through couple portraits and group photos, making the most of the fading daylight after the ceremony. But in a way, it added to the energy of the day. Everything felt a little more heightened. A little more intentional. And all the more memorable because of it.
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