Planning a wedding is always exciting, but when Ally and Austin decided to celebrate their love with a fall wedding weekend at Castello di Ristonchi in Tuscany, Italy, they took it to the next level. (Seriously, a wedding in a 1,000-year-old castle in the heart of Tuscany? Talk about a dream come true!) With 100 of their closest friends and family, this weekend was filled with laughter, incredible food, and unforgettable moments that we were lucky enough to capture.
Castello di Ristonchi isn’t your average wedding venue—it’s an eco-friendly, all-inclusive retreat that’s perfect for couples who want something meaningful, sustainable, and stunning. The castle’s private pool, natural surroundings, and farm-to-table cuisine made it the ultimate destination for a fall wedding getaway.
But before we dive in, let’s introduce ourselves: At Kindred Light Studios, we’re Cincinnati wedding photographers with a passion for capturing love stories—whether they unfold in a charming local venue or a 1,000-year-old castle in Tuscany (we love destination weddings!). Wherever your dream wedding takes you, we’d be honored to be part of your journey. Take a look at our portfolio and reach out today if you think we’d make a great team!
Okay! Here’s a recap of Ally and Austin’s magical weekend at Castello di Ristonchi—from pizza parties to poolside gelato to a ceremony that felt straight out of a fairytale.
Day 1: A Pizza Party Welcome Dinner
When guests arrived at Castello di Ristonchi, they were greeted with an Italian welcome dinner that was as laid-back as it was delicious. The pizza party kicked off the weekend in true Italian style, with guests making their own pizzas loaded with fresh meats, cheeses, and veggie toppings (the wood-fired ovens didn’t hurt either).
It was the perfect way to set the tone for the weekend—relaxed, full of love, and centered on good food. We couldn’t resist snapping photos of everyone laughing, clinking glasses of wine, and, of course, showing off their pizza creations.
Day 2: A Gorgeous Wedding in Italy
Day two was all about Ally and Austin—and let’s just say, it was perfection.
The Morning: Relaxed Elegance
The morning started with breakfast on the terrace, where guests enjoyed fresh pastries and coffee with a view of the Tuscan hills. Ally and her bridesmaids spent the rest of the morning getting ready together, and let’s just take a moment to talk about Ally’s dress.
She wore a sleek, off-the-shoulder gown with long fitted sleeves, and the minimalist design was pure elegance. Her veil was cathedral-length and absolutely breathtaking (it flowed beautifully in every shot!). The bridesmaids complemented her look with pastel-toned dresses in sage green, blush pink, and soft floral patterns—a mix of styles that felt so romantic and effortless.
Meanwhile, Austin and his groomsmen were just as sharp in classic black tuxedos, complete with pink boutonnières that matched the bridesmaids’ bouquets. (We loved how the subtle pops of pink tied everything together!)
The First Looks and Portraits
One of our favorite moments of the day was Ally and Austin’s first look. (There may or may not have been tears involved—and it was mostly from us behind our cameras.) We also captured a sweet first look between Ally and her dad, filled with heartfelt emotion and memories they’ll cherish forever. It was truly magical.
After the first looks, the entire wedding party came together for pre-ceremony portraits. With such a lively group, it was an absolute blast to photograph—they kept us laughing the entire time.
A Tuscan Fairytale Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony was held outdoors, with the rolling hills of Tuscany as the backdrop. The wooden wedding arch adorned with pink and white roses and greenery was simple yet stunning, complementing the natural beauty of the setting.
As Ally walked down the aisle, the look on Austin’s face said it all. (Yes, we captured it!) The ceremony was emotional, heartfelt, and full of love—it was everything a wedding should be.
The Reception: Dinner, Dancing, and a Rave Cave
After the ceremony, we whisked Ally and Austin away for some golden hour portraits. Tuscany’s warm, golden light is something special, and these photos are truly some of our favorites from the day.
The cocktail party kicked off with Italian cheeses, meats and typical aperitivo dishes. Our mouth’s were definitely watering! Guests mingled, enjoyed Italian wine, and danced to live music before heading into the reception under a canopy tent.
The reception had long wooden banquet tables that were decorated with olive branch garlands that perfectly captured the natural, understated beauty of the Tuscan setting. And let’s not forget the dessert—a gorgeous millefoglie cake topped with fresh berries that looked almost too good to eat (but trust us, everyone did).
From there, the night ended with an epic after-party dubbed the “Rave Cave,” where guests danced late into the night. It was the perfect mix of elegance and fun—so very Ally and Austin.
Day 3: Poolside Brunch and Pasta Making
The day after the wedding, guests gathered for a poolside BBQ brunch, complete with unlimited gelato. (Yes, it was as amazing as it sounds!) The vibe was laid-back and celebratory, giving everyone a chance to recover from the night before while soaking up the Tuscan sun.
In the evening, everyone came together for a pasta-making class led by the castle’s very own chef. Watching the couple and their guests roll out fresh pasta, sip wine, and laugh together was a highlight of the weekend. It truly was so much fun!
Day 4: Farewell Breakfast
The final day of the weekend was bittersweet, as everyone came together for a goodbye breakfast. Castello di Ristonchi provided one last incredible spread of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee, giving everyone a chance to reminisce about the weekend before heading home.
It was the perfect way to wrap up a weekend full of love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Why We Loved This Wedding Weekend
As photographers, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful backdrop than Castello di Ristonchi. From the stunning natural surroundings to the heartfelt moments between Ally, Austin, and their loved ones, this wedding was an absolute joy to capture. (And the food? Let’s just say we’re already planning our return trip.)
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that combines European charm, eco-friendly elegance, and an unforgettable experience for your guests, Castello di Ristonchi might just be the perfect place to say “I do.”
At Kindred Light Studios we’re all about turning your wedding moments into memories you’ll cherish forever. If Ally and Austin’s magical destination wedding weekend inspired you, we’d love to chat about your plans! You can learn more about working with us here! Lastly, take a look at our portfolio and let’s see if we’re the perfect fit for your day!
Vendor List
Photography: Kindred Light Studios
Venue, Food, Decor, and Music: Castello di Ristonchi
Videographer: Vertigo Wedding Films
Makeup: Alla’s Makeup Florence
Hair: Agata Vaccaro
Wedding Dress: Chosen by Kyha
