Are you ready for an unexpected beginning to a dream destination wedding? If you’re looking for destination wedding weekend photography, you’re in the right place!

Some love stories begin unexpectedly—like meeting in Mexico at someone else’s wedding and realizing you’ve just crossed paths with people who will soon change your own creative journey. 

Our story started at a friend’s destination wedding in Cancun, Mexico—sun-soaked days, late-night dancing, and that unmistakable feeling of being far from home but fully present. I found myself chatting with Maria and Josh, realizing we all shared two things: a love of travel and a soft spot for Chicago, the city we call home. So, when the couple told me they were planning their own destination wedding in Lucca, Italy, my heart basically packed its bags on the spot. But first, we had to capture their engagement, so here’s a peek inside that if you’d like to start from the beginning.

 

Why Lucca, Italy, Is Meant for a Wedding Weekend

Italy has that effect on people. It’s one of those rare places that sweeps you off your feet without trying—idyllic stone streets, clinking glasses of wine, warm, golden light that lingers. Experiencing it with your closest friends and family isn’t just a wedding; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chapter in your story. And Maria and Josh understood that from the very beginning. Instead of compressing everything into one whirlwind day, they chose to host a whole wedding weekend (as you do in Italy), starting with a joyful welcome party that set the tone for the rest of the weekend. 

Are you curious about the amazing Italian venue they chose for the welcome dinner and guest accommodations? Check out L’Arancera di Villa Grabau. It’s a stunning Tuscan villa (aka mansion) that can host up to 23 people! With a sparkling pool and garden. I can’t think of a better place to reconnect and share laughs over a long weekend.

 

The Beauty of Multi-Day Destination Wedding Photography

As a destination wedding photographer, multi-day celebrations fuel my creative fire. A wedding weekend gives space—for connection, for story, for moments that unfold naturally instead of being rushed. When the pace slows, you have time to take in (and photograph) the details. From the first hugs at the welcome party to the quiet exhale over the best coffee the day after the wedding, it’s all part of the narrative. (And if I’m being candid, the more time you have to reconnect before the ceremony, the more happy tears and rapt attention you’ll get when the moment comes.)

When you look back on your photos years from now, you’re not just remembering how it looked. You’re remembering how it felt and all the moments that came with it.

 

A Welcome Party That Set the Tone

Maria and Josh’s welcome party was the perfect opening scene. Set against the dreamy backdrop of Lucca in the Tuscan countryside, the evening felt fresh, electric, and full of anticipation. All of the guests arrived dressed in white—an inspired choice that felt effortlessly chic and fitting for the Italian setting. Crisp linens, glowing skin, laughter echoing through the space—it was bright, airy, and buzzing with energy.

And then there was Maria. Flipping the script, in the middle of a sea of white, she wore the lovliest pink ruffled cocktail dress. She looked like a flower in bloom—soft, confident, and beyond radiant. Cue bridal vibes. It was one of those fashion moments that felt like her, and it photographed beautifully. The contrast was striking without being loud, and romantic without trying too hard. You could feel how excited she was, how present she felt in that moment, surrounded by the people she loves most.

 

Photographing a Wedding Weekend, Narrative Style

Here’s where multi-day destination wedding coverage shines. A welcome party isn’t just a pre-event—it’s where nerves soften, friendships reconnect, and stories serendipitously overlap. You see who flew across the world to be there. The toasts are a little less formal, and the laughter is a little louder and less inhibited. As a fly on the wall (who happens to hold a camera), it’s fun to see the way couples settle into the rhythm of being together in a new place. These moments matter. They’re the foundation of the weekend. And you’ll want pictures to remember it by.

When I photograph destination weddings, I work in a narrative style, blending film and digital photography based on the light, emotion, and pace of the moment. Film brings a softness and timelessness that feels especially fitting in places like Italy, while digital allows me to respond quickly to fast-moving scenes and fleeting expressions. Together, they create a visual story that’s rich, layered, and emotive.

 

Why Full Wedding Weekend Coverage Matters

Choosing an all-encompassing destination photography package—one that includes the welcome party, the wedding day, and even the day after—means you’re investing in the full story. Not just the ceremony and reception, but the context around them as well. The way the weekend builds. The way relationships show up differently over time. Each event has a slightly different look and feel.

This kind of coverage is very different from the standard destination wedding package you might find at a resort or with a location-based vendor. Instead of checking boxes on a shot list or squeezing everything into a limited window, we can honor the experience you’ve created—for yourselves and for your guests. I’ll help you capture the in-between moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Wedding Weekend Photography

What is destination wedding weekend photography?

Destination wedding weekend photography documents more than just the wedding day. It typically includes events like the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, wedding day, and sometimes a day-after brunch or casual newlywed portraits—capturing the full story of your time together.

Is it worth having photography coverage for a welcome party?

Absolutely. Welcome parties are often where guests truly relax, reconnect, and settle into the destination. These moments set the emotional tone for the weekend and create images that feel natural and authentic without the pressure to “perform.”

How is a wedding weekend different from a traditional destination wedding package?

Traditional destination wedding packages often focus on a single day or a limited number of hours. They’re also portrait-heavy, with an emphasis on posed couple photos and less on guests, details, and interactions. Wedding weekend coverage allows for a narrative approach—capturing context, relationships, and transitions that give your gallery depth and meaning.

Why choose a photographer who specializes in multi-day destination weddings?

Photographers experienced in destination wedding weekends understand pacing, lighting changes, travel logistics, and how to tell a cohesive story across multiple days. This results in a more intentional, artful collection of images.

Does wedding weekend coverage work well for international weddings in Italy?

Yes—especially in Italy or any iconic destination, where location, atmosphere, and shared experiences are central to the celebration. Events like welcome parties and casual gatherings often become some of the most cherished memories of the trip. (You’ll want more than a set number of photos in a standard resort package. Plus, you get to plan and coordinate with me beforehand! Maybe even an engagement or bridal session with me back home. )

 

A Love Letter to Destination Wedding Weekends

If you’re planning a destination wedding and dreaming of more than just one day—if you want your photos to tell the full, vibrant, emotional story of your time together—I can’t recommend a weekend-long approach enough. Because years from now, it won’t just be the vows you remember. It will be the laughter over aperitivos, the glow of that first night, and the feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.

 

Let’s Connect!