elegant and classy tuscany wedding at villa medicea di lilliano

A wedding in Tuscany is always about romance, timeless beauty, and Italian charm. That is exactly what SoulCycle instructor Victoria Brown and Michael Court envisioned when they tied the knot on June 17 at the breathtaking Villa Medicea di Lilliano, just outside Florence.

Their story began in an unexpected way: Victoria first met Michael in her own SoulCycle class in Washington, D.C. At first, it was just fleeting smiles and short conversations. Life then brought them back together in New York City, where their real love story unfolded. Years later, they chose Italy—where both have family roots—as the place to celebrate their wedding.

For Victoria and Michael, choosing a destination wedding in Tuscany at the historic Villa Medicea di Lilliano felt natural. With strong Italian roots and family connections, the couple wanted a place that truly reflected who they are. “There wasn’t a location in the States that felt quite right for us. A wedding in Tuscany just felt right—we wanted to share a piece of ourselves with our guests,” Victoria shared.

When planning their destination wedding in Tuscany, the couple had one main priority: the experience of their loved ones. Together with seventy close friends and family members, they celebrated a weekend filled with joy, love, and connection. “Our guests’ experience was the number one thing we focused on throughout planning—how each detail would make people feel, and how we could bring them together to create an unforgettable night.”

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple chose Millefoglie, a classic Italian cream pastry topped with berries. With the help of the bride and groom, the chef assembled the dessert live in front of the guests—symbolizing the sharing of happiness and good fortune.

Victoria looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder gown by KYHA Studios, while the décor was understated and elegant. White, green, and soft blue tones complemented the Tuscan hills and the historic Medici villa, allowing the natural beauty of the setting to shine through.

The ceremony, officiated by Michael’s father, perfectly reflected the couple’s values—simplicity, closeness, and authenticity. “The Tuscan countryside has remained unchanged for centuries. That enduring aspect is what we hope our love and marriage will be—lasting now and for decades to come,” Victoria said.

One of the things I like most about Villa Medicea di Lilliano is how much variety it offers without ever feeling overwhelming. Throughout a wedding day, couples and guests can move between historic courtyards, elegant villa spaces, olive groves, and open views of the Tuscan countryside, all without leaving the property.

Originally connected to the historic Medici estates, Villa Medicea di Lilliano combines centuries of Tuscan history with a setting that feels remarkably relaxed and welcoming. Located in Bagno a Ripoli, just outside Florence, the estate is surrounded by approximately 18 hectares of vineyards and 42 hectares of olive groves, including more than 12,000 olive trees. One of its most distinctive features is the panoramic terrace overlooking Florence, with views stretching towards the city’s famous Duomo.

For photography, Villa Medicea di Lilliano offers a balance that is surprisingly difficult to find. Some venues have beautiful architecture but limited outdoor spaces. Others have incredible landscapes but fewer elegant backdrops close to the reception area. Here, both elements work together naturally.

What I especially love is that there is no need to create photographs by constantly moving from one location to another. Beautiful light, historic details, panoramic views, and intimate corners are already part of the venue, allowing couples to stay present with their guests and enjoy the day without feeling like they are spending hours away taking portraits.

Another advantage is that the venue offers elegant indoor spaces as well. In case of rain, celebrations can move to the Limonaia, allowing couples to enjoy the day without compromising the overall atmosphere of the wedding.

For couples planning a destination wedding in Tuscany, Villa Medicea di Lilliano combines convenience, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place while remaining just a short drive from Florence.

As a Tuscany wedding photographer, I always pay attention to how a venue works throughout the entire day rather than during a single portrait session. Villa Medicea di Lilliano is one of those locations where every part of the celebration can be photographed beautifully, from preparations in the morning to dinner and dancing in the evening.

The surrounding hills create particularly beautiful light close to sunset, while the historic villa and gardens provide timeless backdrops that never feel tied to a specific trend. The result is a wedding gallery that feels connected to Tuscany itself rather than to a particular season or style.

Another advantage is how naturally the venue allows moments to unfold. Guests remain together in one location, transitions between different parts of the day are smooth, and there is very little need for additional travel. This creates more opportunities to capture genuine interactions, emotions, and the atmosphere of the celebration as it happens.

Victoria and Michael’s wedding is a wonderful example of how Villa Medicea di Lilliano brings together the beauty of Tuscany, meaningful moments with family and friends, and a relaxed destination wedding experience.

Victoria and Michael’s wedding at Villa Medicea di Lilliano is a wonderful example of how Tuscany brings together history, landscape, and hospitality in a way that feels effortless. For couples planning a destination wedding in Italy, venues like this offer the chance to bring family and friends together while experiencing one of the country’s most beautiful regions.

Explore more real weddings from Tuscany venues:

Villa Catignano Wedding

Quercia al Poggio Wedding 

Conti di San Bonifacio Wedding

Coutry relais & Spa Le Capanne Wedding