Italy, Sorrento

A wide angle shot of a wedding ceremony being held amongst tall trees on the Italian coast of Sorrento, overlooking Mount Vesuvius.

"I've been through them four times already...they're amazing, thank you so much!"

Zoe & James

Sorrento, October 2025

Travelling is one of the ultimate perks of what I do, as a photographer I'm always looking, observing the world around me, the people, art, culture. When asked where I'm based my answer is always, wherever you need me to be. Talking with Zoe and James they shared such excitement about the beautiful location they had chosen it was clear this would be quite the wedding. Working in the hospitality industry running her own successful business Cheshire Tipi's Zoe knows exactly how to throw party.

Put simply Oasi Olimpia Relais is spectacular. Situated high in the hills, on the Amalfi Coast with Mount Vesuvius as its casual neighbour, driving the winding roads to reach it was breathtaking. With a canvas so picturesque I knew with certainty I could make beautiful pictures, the stunning views would do half the work for me.

POSTCARDS FROM AN ITALIAN WEDDING

A row of wedding bouquets lined up on a wall overlooking the views of the Italian shore line and Mount Vesuvius.

Newly weds holding hands at the alter in a tree lined garden whilst the smiling guests look on. The bride is adjusting her veil.

The tone of the day was set, many of Zoe and James' friends had made the journey and the celebrating was to stretch over several days including boat trips, hanging out at their favourite local restaurant, and soaking up the Italian sunshine for as long as possible. . The atmosphere was jubilant and as a vendor coming in to work it really didn't like work at all. Of course there is a level of focus, precision and preparation that takes place when you're photographing an event, but when everyone around you is so absorbed in the celebratory atmosphere you'll find it hard not to get swept up in the joy of it all yourself. Of course being in Sorrento added an element of grandeur but really the main sense of excitement came from the bride and groom surrounded by so many friends and family.

Husband admiring his beaming bride as they stand by the ocean and her veil flows behind her in the wind.

DESINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Bridal prep was provided by the impeccable bridalteam_hairmakeup and the florals from the very talented Casa.dei-fiori. The morning was relaxed and organised with an excited buzz in the air with vendors hustling in and out, ensuring Zoe and James' vision for the day came to life. From the immaculately made up bridesmaids to the elaborate floral table decor every detail looked prefect against the Amalfi Coast backdrop.

Zoe made her way down to the ceremony with her dad, they walked together arm in arm, laughing and chatting right up until the moment James came into view. The bond between father and daughter clear to see as he lovingly greeting his soon to be son in law and the trio exchanged affectionate hugs. Not wanting to miss the opportunity to give a nod to the beautiful surroundings mini bottles of Lemoncello were handed out to the guests and rapturous cheers filled the air. Before long vows were exchanged and the wedding party danced back up the hill to start the celebrations.

Bridesmaids walking hand in hand celebrating a wedding ceremony, smiling holding their flowers in the air in celebration.

Long winding wedding breakfast table dressed with green foliage and orange roses. A menu is displayed and crockery is set out neatly.

Zoe, James and all their loved ones dined under a spectacular canopy overlooking the rippling waters of the coast with entertainment from Nino Violin and Nino_mandolin_wedding_events. People whooped and cheered and waved their napkins in the air as the best man and Zoe's dad paid tribute to the happy couple with sweet words and comedic stories. Once the dining was over guests retired to recliners drenched in the last of the days sunshines whilst Zoe and James made their way up to the roof top terrace for dreamy golden hour photographs.

High above the clouds we took time to pause and enjoy the final rays of sunlight whilst the distant laugher of guests and the band drifted up and around us. The rooftop of the Oasi Olimpia Relais is a beautifully tiled rectangular sun trap surrounded by breathtaking views no matter which edge you look out from. This made for an idyllic setting to take photographs that had a more peaceful, romantic tone to end the day before the couple went back down to disco lights and pizza.

Couple holding hands whilst leaning on railings of a high balcony. Behind them the sky and tree tops are lit a soft orange as the sun sets.

Couple sharing a kiss on the roof terrace of hotel Oasi Olimpia Relais at golden hour. The sun drenches the trees below in an orange glow.

On my flight home the following day I thought about the previous two days and how lucky I felt to be calling this trip work, a wedding in Italy! How utterly perfect. I also thought about something that often comes to mind whilst flying, how silly my little face must look from the outside, peering out of my tiny window at the clouds. I'm not sure why this is something that always pops into my head, I imagine it's something to do with the thought of being so small and insignificant by comparison to the incredible feat of engineering flying is. Think about it, we fly through the sky wearing our little seatbelts, eating our Pringles, it's quite ridiculous.

Anyway as I settled into my seat my thoughts drifted back to the events of the week and how I wanted to do this everyday, well maybe not everyday but most days. Just to follow people in their joy, to create a lasting record of their precious memories. That feels pretty important and special.