Destination Wedding in Abruzzo: Aria and Tobias

When I think about Aria and Tobi’s wedding in Italy, there are countless memories that come to mind, both about the celebration itself and who they are as individuals. Our very first interaction was a video call, as they live in Berlin, and from that moment there was an undeniable connection. It felt as though our paths were meant to cross, and I knew I would have the honor of capturing their wedding through my eyes.

They are remarkable people—thoughtful, cultured, lovers of art in all its forms, and full of wit and humor. Their personalities complement each other perfectly, with their differences adding to the strength of their relationship. It was clear that portraying the essence of who they are, beyond the wedding day itself, would be a meaningful challenge for me as a photographer.

Tobi, being German, and Aria, being Italian, also hinted at a fascinating blend of guests from different backgrounds, something that I knew would provide even more inspiration as I documented their day. The venue they chose, L’Antico Tratturo, a charming farmhouse in the heart of Abruzzo, added another layer of beauty. I had worked there once before and was captivated by its deep connection to the surrounding nature.

As the day approached, I learned more details about the wedding plans, and my excitement grew. Every expectation I had was exceeded.

From the early morning, I was with them, witnessing their private moments as they quietly prepared, writing personal vows and notes for their loved ones. The serene atmosphere of the farmhouse provided a perfect backdrop as they got ready for the day, filled with a sense of calm and emotion.

One special aspect of their day was their openness to trying something not often seen in Italy: the First Look. In the shade of an ancient oak tree, they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire, away from the eyes of their guests. It was a deeply personal and moving moment, one that allowed them to connect in a way that felt truly intimate. At that moment, I wasn’t just a photographer, I was a witness to something truly special, reflecting my own emotions as I captured theirs.

Later, we drove to the small town of Guardiagrele for their civil ceremony. A light rain may have altered their plans, but it didn’t dampen their spirits. They exchanged vows and rings made of simple twine, then shared celebratory toasts as they wandered through the charming village.

Returning to L’Antico Tratturo, they held a symbolic ceremony with the traditional ring-warming ritual, this time using their real wedding bands. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches and concluded with the building of a small wooden structure designed by Tobi: a meaningful symbol of their first project together as a married couple.

From this moment, the celebrations truly began. The atmosphere was energized by folk music played by the Lupi della Majella, a talented group that managed to get everyone involved, even those unfamiliar with the local tunes.

This wedding was a deeply emotional experience for me, and I’ve tried to capture the full story in the photos that follow. There are more images than usual because every part of their day felt significant and worthy of remembrance. Before diving into the photographs, though, I invite you to enjoy the slideshow I created for them, which features all the photos set to music chosen especially for the occasion.