An Editorial Wedding at Villa Astor: Where Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Romance

Hybrid film + digital. Limited 2025/26 dates

Perched atop the cliffs of Sorrento, overlooking the shimmering Bay of Naples, Villa Astor stands as a testament to Italy's rich history and architectural grandeur. This historic estate, once home to aristocrats and collectors, provided the perfect canvas for an editorial-styled wedding that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with contemporary romance.

The Vision Behind the Editorial

The concept for this styled shoot was meticulously crafted to inspire couples seeking a wedding that transcends traditional boundaries. With the collaborative efforts of planner @angiemaravalweddings and the executive production team at @wed_vibes, the vision was brought to life with precision and creativity. The overarching concept, developed by @thc_planning, aimed to highlight the villa's historic charm while introducing modern design elements that resonate with today's discerning couples.

The Medium is the Message

To truly reflect the layered elegance of Villa Astor, I documented the day using both digital and analog formats—specifically 35mm and 120 film. Film brings a certain honesty: the grain, the tone, the softness in the highlights. It invites you to slow down and observe. Shooting medium format (120mm) gave me the resolution and depth to render each moment with intimacy, while 35mm offered spontaneity and texture. Digital allowed for quick adaptability and detail. The result? A gallery that’s rich in tone, painterly in composition, and deeply connected to how the day actually felt.

Aerial view of Villa Astor perched on cliffs above the sea in Sorrento, Italy.

Villa Astor stands like a dream suspended between sea and sky — its pale facade catching the last light as waves curl against the ancient cliffs below. From here, the Amalfi Coast feels infinite, every glance a reminder of how beauty and history can coexist so effortlessly.

Villa Astor in Sorrento, Italy, with gardens and sea view from a coastal cliffside perspective.

From this angle, Villa Astor feels like a secret kept by the cliffs — a pale, storied facade framed by cascading gardens and the deep sapphire of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A place where centuries-old elegance meets the quiet hum of the Amalfi Coast breeze.

Villa Astor stone window with ivy, twisted column, and sea view, photographed on Leica M7 35mm film.

Framed by the weathered stone and twisted column of Villa Astor, the Tyrrhenian Sea stretches quietly into the horizon. Ivy spills into view like a secret, the kind you only discover when you slow down long enough to notice. Captured on Leica M7 35mm film for a timeless, tactile sense of place.

Villa Astor marble bust with laurel crown overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, black and white film photograph.

A weathered marble bust crowned with laurel stands sentinel at Villa Astor, gazing out over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The intricate stone latticework and towering cypress frame the scene, while the horizon fades into a soft, moody haze. Captured in timeless black and white for a sense of quiet grandeur.

Fashion and Beauty

The bride's attire, curated by @murashkaofficial, featured gowns that combined classic silhouettes with modern details, reflecting the shoot's theme of timeless elegance. Hair and makeup for the main couple were expertly executed by @makeupfrankfurt, emphasizing natural beauty with a touch of glamour. Hair and makeup for the guest couples was beautifully done by @elenagentilewedding, adding to the overall cohesive and elevated look of the day.

Silk  Murashka wedding gown draped on a chair in morning light at Villa Astor, film photograph with light leak.

A voluminous silk gown by Murashka rests in soft folds on a vintage chair, bathed in hazy morning light streaming through French doors at Villa Astor. A delicate film light leak adds a dreamlike, painterly quality to the scene.

Black and white flat lay of Italian wedding stationery with flower, wax seal, and David bust candle on marble.

A flat lay composition in black and white featuring elegant wedding stationery with Italian script, a delicate single flower, a wax seal with a tassel, and a sculpted bust candle of David, all arranged on a marble surface.

Elena Gentile, hair and makeup artist, applies eyeshadow to a bride in a silk robe during the wedding morning preparations. The scene is intimate and softly lit, with makeup brushes and beauty products spread across the table.

Make-up Frankfurt artist applying eyeliner to a woman in a white tank top, captured through a railing for a candid, behind-the-scenes look.

A makeup artist, Dina from Make-up Frankfurt carefully applies eyeliner to a woman seated in a relaxed pose, wearing a white tank top and black skirt. The shot is framed creatively through a railing, adding an intimate, behind-the-scenes feel.

Close-up of a woman’s blue eye with pearl earring and layered pearl necklace, her hand resting softly at her neck.

The kind of beauty you can’t manufacture — the soft trace of a fingertip, the quiet luxury of pearls, the way her gaze holds both excitement and calm. A moment suspended between getting ready and stepping into the story of her day.

Bride in ruched ivory gown with flowing draped sleeves standing in an open doorway, ocean view beyond, captured on Leica M7 film.

he pauses at the threshold, the sea spilling light across her Murashka gown. Every fold and drape of silk catching the glow, as if the day itself is pulling her toward it.

A quiet moment on the balcony of Villa Astor, overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Captured in profile, the bride's sculptural couture gown and statement earrings take center stage. This editorial wedding portrait blends fashion and storytelling—ideal for couples seeking a destination wedding photographer in Italy with an eye for timeless, high-style imagery.

Featured on The Lane & The Wed

Close-up portrait of a woman in a voluminous white gown with textured ruffles, wearing large gold and pearl earrings, photographed at Villa Astor with the sea in the background.

The kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention — it simply holds it. Her gaze steady, framed by folds of silk that feel more like clouds than fabric, golden pearls catching the last of the afternoon light.

Black-and-white photograph of a woman in a dramatic ruched white gown standing in an opulent interior at Villa Astor, framed by blurred figures in motion in the foreground.

A moment caught between motion and stillness — she stands rooted in quiet command, the sculptural folds of her gown echoing the marble and history around her, while others blur past like fleeting thoughts.

If Villa Astor embodies Italian seaside grandeur, Masseria Moroseta is its soulful southern counterpart — sun-drenched courtyards, olive groves, and an intimacy only Puglia can offer

Three groomsmen in black suits pose beneath a classical fresco inside Villa Astor, blending modern elegance with the villa’s historic charm

Inside Villa Astor’s frescoed salon, three groomsmen pause between moments — each carrying their own quiet charisma. The centuries-old mural behind them tells its own love story, and in the stillness, you can almost hear the echo of history. This is where timeless architecture meets modern elegance — a setting that makes every frame feel like part of a bigger, more meaningful narrative

Design and Aesthetics

The event design, orchestrated by @pavlina.design, embraced a palette of soft neutrals accented with touches of gold and blush, complementing the villa's opulent interiors and lush gardens. Florals by @motifloral featured a mix of classic roses, peonies, and wild greenery, arranged to evoke a sense of effortless beauty. The ceremony space, set against ancient Roman columns, was adorned with cascading floral installations that appeared to grow organically from the surroundings.

For the reception, @geg_party_service provided elegant rentals that enhanced the villa's grandeur without overshadowing its historical elements. Tables were set with fine linens, vintage-inspired tableware, and delicate glassware, creating an ambiance of refined sophistication.

Luxury wedding ceremony decor at Villa Astor with ivory silk, gold candelabras, and white florals.

A decadent ceremony installation unfolds against Villa Astor’s grand facade — ivory silk cascading over pedestals, gilded candelabras catching the Mediterranean sun, and sculpted lions standing guard. The air feels heavy with history and romance, as if the setting itself has been waiting centuries for this moment.

Guests arrive at Villa Astor, walking through the garden paths as the light filters in off the coast. They’re wearing Murashka dresses—soft silhouettes in muted tones that feel effortless and romantic. The fabric moves with the breeze, catching the light just right. It’s quiet, calm. A sense of anticipation lingers in the air. The scene feels timeless—elegant without trying too hard. Just beautiful people in a beautiful place, right before it all begins.

A black and white drone shot of the ceremony set just in front of Villa Astor. Guests are seated in neat rows, facing the grand doorway, where florals frame the entrance in an intentional, sculptural way. The overhead view captures the symmetry—the lines of the chairs, the shape of the villa, the balance in the design. Even without color, it feels full. Timeless, quiet, and grounded in place.

Capturing the Moments

The essence of the day was captured through the lenses of @jayandmack, whose videography told the story with emotional depth and cinematic beauty. Real-time content was created by @sobridalsocial, providing immediate, on-brand visuals that amplified the editorial’s reach across social platforms. Every frame felt intentional, styled yet sincere—evoking the kind of atmosphere that modern couples are drawn to.

The bride stands just after the ceremony, holding her bouquet by Motif Flower. She’s wearing her Murashka gown, looking directly at the camera with a calm, natural expression. The moment feels candid and real—no posing, just her in that quiet, beautiful pause. The soft light highlights the texture of her dress and the effortless shape of the flowers, capturing something honest and true.

A vintage-inspired shot of the groom and guests mingling during cocktail hour. The soft focus and warm tones, along with a subtle light leak, give it a nostalgic, dreamy feel—like a fleeting memory. It’s relaxed, warm, and full of quiet moments you don’t usually see.

Shot on film * digital

An editorial portrait of the bride and groom inside, posed next to a statue. The groom sits, the bride squats beside him. Both hold serious expressions, looking straight into the camera with quiet intensity. The mood is modern and refined—something you’d see in a Vogue spread—clean lines, strong presence, and effortless style.

Stationery & Musical Styling

The tactile details of the day extended into paper goods by @ideadarte_weddinglab_official, who created a custom stationery suite inspired by the villa’s sculptural details and faded fresco tones. From the invitations to the menus, every piece felt like it belonged to the space—thoughtful and refined.

As the day unfolded into golden hour, music by @jaminthejukebox filled the air. Their duo effortlessly blended Italian classics with soft acoustic covers, creating a soundscape that was both romantic and cinematic.

The bride, groom, and guests dancing together with live music from Jamin the Jukebox—vocals and guitar filling the air. Everyone’s caught up in the energy, moving freely and smiling, creating a joyful, unforgettable moment that feels warm and alive.

A black-and-white image with a slight motion blur, capturing the groom twirling his bride on the dance floor. The musicians, Jamin the Jukebox, are softly visible in the background, adding to the energy and emotion of the moment. It’s raw, alive, and full of movement—like a beautiful, fleeting memory.

Why Villa Astor?

Villa Astor is one of those rare venues that needs no transformation. The location offers a story all on its own: the cliffside views of the Amalfi Coast, the interior antiques collected from across Europe, and the sheer scale of its gardens and architecture. What makes it particularly ideal for editorial weddings is how many layers it offers—indoor, outdoor, garden, sea, and ornate interiors all within one property.

Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a high-style celebration, this villa holds space for both. And for those of us documenting it? It’s a dream.

A drone view from the side of the dinner reception on the iconic balcony at Villa Astor. The tables are set perfectly, and beyond the railing, you can see the harbor of Sorrento stretching out below. The scene feels open and inviting—where celebration meets breathtaking views.

A black-and-white image with slight motion blur of the bride and groom walking toward the dinner reception. She’s wearing the same wedding gown, now striking in black. The movement feels fluid and cinematic, with a quiet intensity that makes the moment feel both timeless and bold.

Guests raising glasses in a joyful toast at Villa Astor, surrounded by candlelight, flowers, and sweeping Amalfi Coast views.

A moment you can almost hear — the laughter, the clink of crystal, the warmth of old friends gathered under the Italian sky. At Villa Astor, dinner is never just dinner; it’s a celebration draped in candlelight, framed by cypress trees and the sea.

A black-and-white image with a light leak, capturing the cake moment—an unexpected cake made entirely of candles. The bride is kissing her groom, and the soft glow from the candles adds warmth and intimacy to the scene. The vintage feel and light leak make it feel like a cherished memory.

Film photograph of Amalfi Coast sunset with coral sky, dark clouds, and silhouetted mountains over a softly lit coastline.

A cinematic sunset over the Amalfi Coast, where the sky blazes in soft coral and rose tones, melting into the deep indigo of the approaching night. Dark clouds drift above the silhouetted mountains, while the coastline below glimmers faintly with the first evening lights. Captured on film for a nostalgic, timeless feel.

Final Thoughts

This editorial wasn’t just an aesthetic exercise—it was a love letter to timeless design, to meaningful collaboration, and to the couples who value artistry as much as emotion. Every vendor involved brought their unique perspective to the table, creating something that felt editorial, elevated, and entirely inspired by place.

The Dream Team Behind This Villa Astor Wedding

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Villa Astor comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests for a seated dinner on its expansive terraces and indoor salons. For ceremonies, outdoor garden spaces can host slightly larger groups, depending on layout and seating.

  • Yes, the villa is available for exclusive use, allowing you and your guests complete privacy throughout the wedding weekend. This exclusivity ensures a truly intimate and personalized celebration.

  • Villa Astor offers 10 beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, designed with classic Amalfi elegance, accommodating up to 20 overnight guests onsite. For additional guests, there are several luxury hotels and villas nearby within easy reach.

  • The villa features a variety of exquisite settings:

    • A lush formal garden terrace ideal for ceremonies

    • An expansive sun-drenched terrace overlooking the sea perfect for cocktail hours

    • Elegant indoor salons and dining rooms for receptions and dinner, with classic frescoes and views

  • Villa Astor respects local regulations and typically allows celebrations until midnight, but music volume must be moderated to comply with noise ordinances. Your planner will coordinate with the venue to ensure a seamless experience.

  • There is limited onsite parking for VIPs and vendors. Most guests are transported via private shuttles or luxury car services arranged from nearby Amalfi Coast towns or airports.

  • Villa Astor is nestled in a secluded hillside location with walled gardens and gated entry, ensuring complete privacy and exclusivity for your event.

  • Villa Astor allows couples to bring their own vendors with prior approval. However, they maintain a curated list of preferred luxury vendors familiar with the property to ensure seamless coordination and high standards.

 

“Suzy brings a warm, joyful energy to every project—she genuinely loves what she does. Her eye for detail and natural sense of elegance shine through in every photo she captures. Working with her felt effortless, and her thoughtful nature made the entire experience unforgettable.”

Angie Maraval- Wedding Planner

Let’s Tell Your Story Next

If you felt something while scrolling through this gallery—if the style, the emotion, or the setting spoke to you—I'd love to hear from you.
Whether you're planning an editorial destination wedding or an intimate celebration with soul, I’m here to document it in a way that feels honest and artful.


Previous
Previous

The Art of Film Photography for Luxury Destination Weddings

Next
Next

The Ultimate Guide to Weddings at Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte: Cost, Reviews, and More