Real wedding: Hannah and Ryan’s wedding in historic San Galgano

Wedding film in San Galgano, Italy

Hannah and Ryan live in Edinburgh, Scotland and have shared an incredible journey together for the past 6 years. Their love story began in 2017, and as a duo, they’ve always loved travelling – specifically Italy, where they got engaged in 2022 on the shores of Lake Como. For them, a destination wedding was an opportunity to provide their guests with an experience of a lifetime, and create memories that would live with them forever. They didn’t want a conventional wedding, and instead opted for the beautiful San Galgano Abbey, in Tuscany, Italy.

They first visited the Abbey in 2022, and fell in love with its mystic and grandeur. San Galgano dates back to the 13th century, when it was first built. In the following centuries, the vaults and the steeple fell to the ground - the bell tower collapsed, sweeping up great part of the roof of the church, and the ruins remain that way today. San Galgano Abbey is now one of the most visited medieval monuments in Tuscany. It’s full of heritage, and an incredibly special venue for a destination wedding.

Hannah and Ryan’s first kiss inside San Galgano

The creative process

As a wedding cinematographer, I’ve always felt strongly that a wedding film has to incorporate the ‘who’ but also the ‘where’ and ‘why’. In Hannah and Ryan’s case, the location of the ceremony itself takes center stage. San Galgano is one of the most unique locations in the world, and the abbey truly is magical. Walking through the roofless nave, open to the sky, creates a dramatic atmosphere, perfect for capturing stunning cinematic shots. I wanted to immerse the ‘viewer’ from the very beginning of the film, and used ambient sound capture on the day to truly remind the couple of what it felt like. The sound in the abbey is unlike anywhere else, and this needed to feature in the wedding film.

The ceremony took place inside the Abbey. And, as is always the case, San Galgano was open to the public, but this still felt incredibly intimate. The local mayor of San Galgano herself conducted the ceremony in Italian, which added so much to the charm, and something I wanted to incorporate into this piece.

San Galgano, also known as the roofless abbey

I also wanted to capture the grandeur of San Galgano, and for this reason the shots were taken from the ground as well as with my drone. To add to the atmosphere, the start of the film is in Italian, and instantly sets the tone. The mix of Tuscan visuals and sound makes a really immersive piece, and transported the couple back to the day they got married in seconds.

San Galgano Abbey from the outside

Inside San Galgano Abbey

When filming throughout the day, I really wanted to pay homage to the abbey, whether I was filming the surroundings, or the couple themselves. For example, some of the shots of Hannah the bride are very deliberate in framing and composition, with her veil and posture reminiscent of the statue outside. Each frame was sequenced to connect the story of the abbey with the story of the couple.

Hannah inside the abbey

San Galgano Abbey from the sky

Wedding ceremony in San Galgano

Hannah, Ryan and all of their 90+ guests made their way from Scotland to Italy a few days before the wedding, and hired Agriturismo San Galgano for the duration of their celebrations. Located a short 5mn walk from the Abbey, this was an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the sun and immerse themselves into the Tuscan way of life.

Both the bridal and groom preparation, and the wedding reception, took place at the Agriturismo. As guests enjoyed a glass of wine, San Galgano was always present visually, and it provided such depth to each of the shots. Their day had so much packed in, with an incredible band playing throughout the afternoon, and fireworks in the evening which looked absolutely stunning.

Guests overlooking the Abbey

Wedding breakfast setting

Wedding breakfast from the sky

The Film

Couple portraits inside San Galgano

As a creative wedding filmmaker, I want all of my wedding films to be bespoke. With Hannah and Ryan’s day, this was taken to a completely new level.

• The location itself is unique: I don’t think I’ve ever travelled to such a breathtaking spot, with so much history. Tuscany always looks beautiful in the sun, but San Galgano completely elevated the landscape. So I crafted their wedding film to remind them of the experience they had on the wedding day itself. Each shot is composed to add to the depth of the venue, and a remind of how impressive the Abbey was.

• Sound design: I created the introduction of their wedding film to remind them exactly of how unique this place felt like. Ambient sound captured on the day is used throughout, to add authenticity to the piece. For the film to feel even more immersive, I decided to incorporate some of the words from the San Galgano mayor, who conducted the ceremony. As a whole, this provides a really distinctive feel to the film, and something that I’m extremely proud of.

• Music selection was key: I wanted the music to feel completely unique. For this reason, I partnered with a music producer to create the soundtrack specifically for Hannah and Ryan’s wedding day in San Galgano. This allowed me to focus on the story itself, and the music was composed with my shots in mind.

The result is a cinematic wedding film that feels authentic, completely unique, and truly special. Just like San Galgano Abbey.

Fireworks at San Galgano

Hannah and Ryan’s golden hour portraits

Team on the day

Film: Joce - Lune de Miel Studio
Photographer: @serenamorandiphotography
Venue: @abbazia_san_galgano x @sangalganoagriturismo
Dress: @marrime_bridalwear x @kyhastudios
Hair & Makeup artist: @blbsmanagement
Floral design: @lillaflorals
Band: @brotherfromanotheruk

Real wedding: Dorja and Mike’s elopement in Scotland

Wedding film in the Scottish Highlands

Dorja and Mike have a deeply unique story that dates back to 2017. Dorja was born in Zagreb, Croatia. Mike is Scottish, and they met each other for the first time in Dundee, Scotland. Back then, they were both students, and Dorja worked in a local bar during her second year at university, which is where their first encounter took place. Working her usual shift, he says he was instantly struck by her beauty, and Dorja couldn’t help but notice Mike. As the night wrapped up, they exchanged numbers and from there, it began.

For the last 6 years they’ve built a house and a future in Dundee that they love. Like most couples, they faced some challenges together: they tackled long distance relationship early doors, when Dorja relocated to Spain for her studies, and faced lockdown together when they couldn’t see their family, which was particularly hard on Dorja.

They wanted to start their next adventure standing together with only the closest of people to them, declaring their love in a place that feels right for them. Only 13 guests travelled to St Mary’s Space, in the hearts of the highlands of Scotland, to celebrate their unique and intimate micro-wedding.

“Our wedding video is an absolute masterpiece. Joce's attention to detail, and his
ability to capture those small moments full of emotion is incredible.”
Dorja - Bride, 2024

The creative process

Dorja and Mike’s elopement film is inspired by cinema. Truly. Dorja wanted the moodiness of Scotland to come through, and she really wanted to incorporate the Scottish Highlands into their story. Their wedding film is an epic story of love of time. It’s about their unbreakable bond – their long-distance relationship only solidified their connection. It’s a story of trust and building each other up to become the best version of yourself. This is a unique wedding film, and very intimate look into Dorja and Mike’s story, which I felt extremely lucky to be a part of.

I wanted their film to connect their love for the outdoors, with the story of how it all began. In her vows, Dorja beautifully describes the leap of faith they both took, when they decided to give long distance a go. Editing was key here, as I wanted to tell their story from the very beginning. The intro to their wedding film represents this: the bride and groom filmed separately, symbolising their long distance relationship, with nothing but mountains between them. Followed by togetherness, and Dorja saying that she then experienced what it meant to be loved by Mike.

Incorporating the wilderness was also key. I needed to balance their shared passion for the outdoors, with the intimate feel of their day.

The result is a wedding film with powerful story-telling, underpinned by the couple vows. Their story, in their own words.

Dorja and Mike’s elopement in the Scottish Highlands

The elopement film

Their film is a story of time. The past, present and future. To achieve this, the edit was done with purpose:

• The past: separate shots of the couple. The foundation of their elopement film is based on the idea that they experienced long distance relationship early doors, and I needed this element to be captured. The towering mountains, a symbol of the distance between them.

• The present: togetherness. The Scottish Highlands are a unique part of the world, and this needed to be present within the overall piece, whilst demonstrating that Dorja and Mike had made it through challenging times. Shots of Dorja and Mike sticking together through a storm represents this. No matter the challenges, they stayed united.

• The future: coming times. The closing shots are a representation of togetherness, and looking to what’s ahead as a team. And throughout the film, the support of their friends and family.

St Mary’s Space in the Scottish Highlands

St Mary’s Space in the Scottish Highlands

The venue itself is perfect for a cinematic wedding filmmaker like myself: nestled in a forest of trees and surrounded by towering mountains, St Mary’s Space is a converted church, with heaps of character and heritage. Now a boutique recording studio, conceived by owner and composer Jamie and his creative wife Charlotte as a living art work. It still hosts weddings, but on a limited basis throughout the year, and it’s truly a unique space for a micro-wedding or elopement. The venue oozes creativity, with records everywhere, radio players, logs, bookcases, and instruments that you’ve never seen before. It keeps within the Scottish traditions, and its brick structure contrasts beautifully with the wooden beams that surround the venue.

Next door, the Sitoorerie, your very own rustic wooden cabin, adds so much charm and provides a quiet space for bridal preparation (more on this below), or for the couple to retreat to.

St Mary’s space is now a recording studio and wedding venue

Stepping inside the venue is like entering a magical world. The space can comfortably sit up to 16 guests, and it’s a place like no other. It’s an authentic spot, perfect to slow things down, and focus on what really matters: you and your guests. The warm and relaxed space serves as both the ceremony room, and wedding meal cooked by Jamie himself.

The elopement ceremony space at St Mary’s

St Mary’s Space is surrounded by forests and towering mountains

The Scottish Highlands are a wedding filmmaker’s dream, and really allowed me to push the limits of my creativity. I had to strike the balance between incorporating such epic views and surroundings, and delivering a film that felt adventurous, but also keeping within the theme of an intimate celebration. Dorja and Mike wanted their film to bring out their adventurous side, and their love for the outdoors. The wilderness shines through, and is an ever-present element of this elopement film in Scotland.

Morning preparation

Dorja’s bridal preparation at St Mary’s Space

Dorja’s mum, her sister and Dorja herself got ready in the cabin located right outside the main wedding space. No driving to different venues or stress about being late! This was a lovely morning as Dorja’s family, including her brother and her dad whom she hadn’t seen in months, all came in to say hello and hug her. This was a beautiful moment, and Dorja felt completely relaxed at that point.

The cabin is a beautiful space, and allowed me to connect the outdoor to every shot I framed. I really wanted to capture the intimacy of this moment, and create sequences of the bridal preparation that draw you in and out of the space seamlessly.

Mike got ready by himself in a nearby cottage. I made the short 10mn drive from St Mary’s Space to meet him, and to capture this intimate point, when he dressed in his traditional Scottish kilt. This allowed me to deliver quite a powerful sequence of shots, with Mike getting ready on his own whilst Dorja greets her family. Mike looking totally relaxed, yet determined.

Dorja’s in her dress before the ceremony

Mike traditional kilt attire for the wedding day

Dorja overlooking St Mary’s space before the ceremony

The ceremony

Elopement ceremony at St Mary's Space

The ceremony took place in St Mary’s Space, with only 13 guests, and hosted by local celebrant Rona from Humanist Society Scotland. Rona was incredible to work with, and truly crafted a ceremony that told Dorja and Mike’s story.

They chose to take part in the ancien Celtic tradition of hand fasting: this symbolic gesture where two people would bind themselves together freely and permanently. One hand is tied, and the other is free, representing that they are entering this marriage freely, but that they recognise that they are stronger as a couple. This was followed by the legal part of the ceremony, where they exchanged vows and rings. I had never witnessed a hand fasting ceremony before, and this really felt something special to be able to capture.

Mike’s first look

I wanted to be able to capture the powerful backdrop during the ceremony, alongside tighter shots of the couple. I loved the idea that I’d get beautiful symmetry of the couple down the aisle, but also close, intimate frames of them both.

So I decided to have a camera at the back, and one at the front. This allowed me to create balance in the shots, with lines that draw you to the couple from the back, and tight frames when they first see each other.

Dorja and her sister

The Reception

Dorja hugging Mike’s father after the ceremony

Dorja and her guests following the ceremony

Following the ceremony and the traditional confetti, we were able to enjoy the sun peaking through the forest trees. This gave me the opportunity to capture the real intimacy of Dorja and Mike’s life: only 13 people present, all hugging the couple like they hadn’t seen each other in years (which, in some cases, was true). A family-only wedding is always something that feels extremely special, but this felt even more precious knowing Dorja and Mike’s story. I genuinely felt the strong bond that all the guests had with the couple.

Wedding meal at St Mary’s Space

The space inside was then turned around into the most intimate setting. This felt like an authentic family reunion, a dinner table that anyone could have sat at and enjoyed good company. Just before guests enjoyed their dinner, I wanted to encapsulate this closeness, so I captured the whole family together, from the same position I filmed the ceremony. A node to the past, present and future: matching frames from the same spot, but different moments of the day.

Couple Portraits

Couple portraits in Glencoe

As a creative wedding filmmaker, one of the key elements of this wedding film to me was the location. Dorja and Mike wanted ‘the moodiness of Scotland’. They wanted the film to be full of excitement, yet emotional. Couple portrait gave me the perfect opportunity to do this. Before travelling to Scotland to film their wedding, Mike told me I’d experience all 4 seasons in one day … well, Scotland did not deliver! Rain, hail stones, and bright sunshine, all in the space of 10 hours.

We drove up to Glencoe, a 30-35mn drive from St Mary’s Space. The idea was to be able to capture the couple with nothing but mountains around them, and give the Scottish Highlands center stage to this love story. Dorja never hesitated when I mentioned the location for couple portraits, though a brewing storm meant we had to be a lot quicker than we’d have wanted! We had about 10-15mn maximum to be able to capture what we needed, before huge rain and wind joined the party. No pressure!

Their film is a story of time, and the couple portraits are framed with purpose, to achieve a series of shots which I knew I’d need for the edit:

• The past: separate shots of the couple. The foundation of their elopement film is based on the idea that they experienced long distance relationship early doors, and I needed this element to be captured. The towering mountains, a symbol of the distance between them.

• The present: togetherness. The Scottish Highlands are a unique part of the world, and this needed to be present within the overall piece, whilst demonstrating that Dorja and Mike had made it through challenging times. Shots of Dorja and Mike sticking together through a storm represents this. No matter the challenges, they stayed united.

• The future: coming times. The closing shots are a representation of togetherness, and looking to what’s ahead as a team. And throughout the film, the support of their friends and family.

The groom

Dorja and Mike on top of towering mountains

Team on the day

Film: Joce - Lune de Miel Studio
Photographer: @rachwal.photo
Venue: @st.marys.weddingspace
Dress: @azazieofficial
Hair stylist: @bonnyswonderland
Florist: @fynw.uk

Crafting your unique love story: From heart to film

Today, I want to dive into something truly special: the magic of storytelling through film, and how I pour my heart and soul into crafting unique wedding films for my couples.

Every couple shares a unique narrative, a tapestry woven from the threads of their shared experiences, dreams, and promises. As a wedding filmmaker, I have the profound privilege of not merely documenting an event but immortalising the essence of that love story on film. Each frame, each whispered vow, each stolen glance is an opportunity to craft a bespoke piece.

I always tell my couples that everything I do comes from the heart. I invest so much of myself into each wedding, and I take immense pride in understanding why my couples are together, what makes them special. That’s the passion that goes into each of my films.

The power of storytelling

At the heart of every unforgettable wedding film lies a compelling story waiting to be told. Whether it's a whirlwind romance, a tale of overcoming adversity, or a journey of rediscovering love, every couple brings their own distinct narrative, shaped by their experiences, aspirations, and dream.

As a filmmaker, my role is to delve deep into the intricacies of that story, to unearth its raw emotions and profound moments, and to artfully weave them together into a cinematic symphony that resonates with the soul.

“Joce is not just a videographer, he is a storyteller, a keeper of memories, and a true artist. We are forever grateful for the masterpiece he created for us. It’s a treasure we will cherish for a lifetime, a testament to the love that brought us togethe”

— Catherine, Bride. 2023

Capturing authenticity

Authenticity is the cornerstone of any meaningful wedding film, and emotion its lifeblood. Emotion is something that we are all able to relate to. For this reason, I’m not simply documenting the wedding day; I’m here to capture those real, raw moments that make your love story so special.

It's about the unguarded moments, the spontaneous laughter, and the tender embraces that define a couple's love. From the subtle nuances of a lingering touch to the infectious joy that lights up a room, my lens serves as a silent observer, capturing the essence of love in its purest form.

By approaching filming with empathy, sensitivity, and an open heart, I can create a film that not only documents the events of the day but also captures the essence of the emotions that underpin them.

This is something I feel really strongly about: for the wedding film to be relatable, and for the emotions to come through, each frame has to feel real and genuine. It involves fostering an environment of trust and comfort, allowing the couple to be their true selves in front of the camera.

“It not only captured the events of the day but also the emotions, the laughter, the tears, and the love that surrounded us.”

— Candice, Bride. 2023

Your vision at the heart

Your wedding film should be as unique as you are. No two love stories are alike, and neither should be their wedding films. I believe in taking a personalised approach to filmmaking, one that is as unique as the couples I work with. It’s about tailoring every aspect of your film to reflect your personality and style.

From the initial consultation to the final edit, I work closely with my clients to understand their vision, their personalities, and their aspirations. It's about more than just capturing moments; it's about curating an experience that reflects the true essence of their love story.

For some couples, their vision is that of adventure, where the location takes center stage for their love story: It can be the hustle and bustle of a city centre wedding in London, or a timeless destination wedding on Lake Como. For others, unique vows, where they express how they really feel about each other, but never truly take the time to think it through and write it down. It’s about incorporating unique elements that reflect the couple's journey, to craft a wedding film that truly speaks to the heart.

“ We felt really listened to, when discussing our wedding and our vision! We couldn’t have wished for anything better.”

— Jack, Groom. 2023

The art brought to life

Crafting a personalised wedding film is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of technical expertise, creative vision, and emotional intuition. From choosing the perfect soundtrack to meticulously editing each frame, every decision I make is guided by a commitment to telling a story of love and romance. My goal is to evoke emotions, to inspire, and to immortalise love in its most exquisite form.

I always tell my couples that, whilst I’m a wedding videographer - as this is the industry standard name, really I am a filmmaker. A film is so much more than a video. I feel passionate about the art of using visual and narrative techniques to convey meaning and captivate. By harnessing the power of cinematic storytelling, I can create a film that transports you into the heart of the couple's love story, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between.

Behind the scenes of creating your dream wedding film

In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing venues, picking out dresses, and finalising your guest lists. But amidst all the excitement (and sometimes stress), there's one element that often gets overlooked until the last minute: wedding videography. Your wedding film is more than just a recording of the day—it's a timeless memento that captures the essence of your love story, preserving precious memories and allowing you to remember how the day actually was.

In this blog, I’m pulling back the curtain to reveal my process for creating your dream wedding film. From the initial consultation to the final edit, every step is meticulously crafted to ensure that your love story is told with beauty, emotion, and authenticity.

My creative approach

If you’ve been on my website and have read about me, you know how much I love cinema. Everything I do is inspired by cinema. But your wedding cannot be a production set. My view is that, for your wedding film to be cinematic, emotive and timeless it needs to achieve two things: it needs to be artistic, and real. Having both of these elements in my wedding films is something I feel passionate about.

• The artistry is taken from cinema. This shows in my shooting style and the way in which I edit. Your wedding film will look and feel like a movie, with its own story. Yours.

• And, for it to be real, I need to be able to get under the skin of your relationship, so I can tell your story in the most authentic way, without any of it being staged or directed.

The initial consultation: Understanding your vision

The journey to your dream wedding film always begins with a conversation. During the initial consultation, we'll sit down (whether on Zoom, or face to face) to discuss your vision, preferences, and expectations for the final piece. This is your chance to share your story—the quirks, the inside jokes, the special moments that make your relationship unique. I feel strongly about getting to know my couples’ relationship, to really understand what makes them tick. This instantly allows me to paint a picture of your wedding day in my head

During this chat, I will ask questions to gain insight into your personalities, style, and the overall feel you want to convey in your wedding film. The artistic touch will be mine, and that’s ultimately why my couples choose me to capture their day, but the story is yours. This is a genuine collaboration between my artistic vision, and your dream wedding.

Capturing the moments: The art of filmmaking

A quality wedding film that tells your story isn’t just something that happens by magic. The film is only ever as good as the footage I’ve captured on the day, which I take great pride in. The overwhelming sentiment I want my couples to feel when watching their wedding film is that it needs to be real. And a huge part of this is to capture the right moments, at the right time. This is why the initial consultation is really important: it allows me to prepare ahead of the day, plan some of the shots, and understand the relationships that are important to you.

This means that, when the big day arrives, I don’t chase the shot. I know what to look for, and I always aim for a creative, artistic shot. A ‘safe’ shot won’t deliver a cinematic, emotive and timeless piece. I carry very little equipment with me, so l blend into the background, allowing my couples and their guests to relax and enjoy the day without feeling self-conscious.

Establishing shots: In the morning, I like to take my take with some of the detailed shots: rings, venue, room decor, dress. Anything that allows me to tell a complete story; those little things that contribute to the bigger picture. I’ll usually go to the venue first, to capture aerial drone footage of the location. This always elevates the final piece, and really turns a video into a film.

The bride & groom: During bridal preparation, I love to capture moments that build drama and tension. These are typically tighter shots, framed deliberately to make you experience what the bride is feeling at that point. Whilst there’s always laughter, you can also feel the nerves during bridal preparation, which I think is really powerful. This is something that usually contrasts to the groom’s preparation, often more lighthearted.

The ceremony: The tension is usually felt by the groom before the bride walks down the aisle. All eyes on him, yet everyone is waiting for the bride to arrive. This is a beautiful moment, and the groom reaction always makes for an amazing shot: after all the tension and anxiety, seeing your loved one, for the first time in her wedding dress.

The reception: These make the majority of the real, raw and authentic moments in the wedding film. The hugs with your nearest and dearest after you’ve just said “I do”. These are some of the most powerful moments because they’re exactly what make your day. You plan a wedding for yourselves, but also for those really close to you. Seeing the joy on their face is everything, and something you want to be able to watch back.

Couple portraits: I always join the photographer when doing couple portrait, as I never want you to be away from your guests for too long. But these are special moments too, that deserve to be caught on film. Couple portrait are not a make or break type of situation, and I know some couple are not always comfortable in front of a camera. I like to capture the natural reaction, nothing staged. It’s all about the connection you have. This usually focuses on stolen glances, the subtle touch of hands. Those intimate moments that define your relationship.

Dancing: All of my packages are for full day coverage, from prep to party. Every wedding is unique, and for my couples, the dance floor is an opportunity to let your hair down and get everyone having fun. The dance floor can also be an incredible opportunity for amazing shots, like a first dance with the father of the bride.

Post-production magic: Editing your story

The editing process is where it all comes to life. At that point, I’m essentially watching all the footage again, to immerse myself back into your day. I always listen to the ceremony and speeches, first, so that I know the most powerful moments are to include in your wedding film. This is where the magic really happens, as I weave together a narrative that reflects the love, laughter, and emotions of your special day.

Music selection is critical, too. I never want to make a wedding into something it isn’t, everything has to work in harmony. Along with the footage and sound design, the soundtrack I choose is always there to draw out the emotion, and enhance the mood and atmosphere, to make it a cohesive visual experience. Whether the wedding felt more romantic, or more upbeat, or something in between, the music selection plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your film.

As you can see, creating your dream wedding wedding is a labour of love—one that requires passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of your unique love story. From the initial consultation to the final edit, every step is carefully orchestrated to ensure that your wedding film is a true reflection of your day, capturing the moments that matter most in a way that is both beautiful and timeless. So when you're planning your wedding, don't forget to prioritise your videography—it's an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

“If you’re unsure about hiring a wedding videographer we would say it was 100% worth it and we couldn’t recommend Lune de Miel Studio more.”

— Louise, Bride, 2022.