My part in a wedding celebration is to tell the story of a couple’s day. This time I captured the celebration over three days so there will be three blog posts. It’s a bit unfair because let me tell you, this bride and groom are graceful and stunning and so totally and completely in love that if you knew what I was hiding you’d hate me. But stick with me, it’s worth it.

Laura and Derek met just over a year ago and after a handful of dates found themselves deeply in love. A few months later they married in a small ceremony but still wanted to share their joy with more friends and family. Over the year plans unfolded and on their first wedding anniversary, May 8, 2010, they once again expressed their love this time in a celebration held at the Villa Mangiacane just outside of Florence, Italy.

Now to set the stage: the villa and the first night celebrated with a traditional Tuscan meal.