European-styled Portrait Session at Monte Ventoso in Madison, VA

Sydney and I pictured a luxurious and vintage-inspired aesthetic when we designed the vision for this portrait session. I envisioned a glamorous, Audrey-Hepburn-esque bride, relaxing on the morning of her fabulous European wedding. One of the best things about a more editorial approach to photography is that it allows you to tell a story – with this shoot at Monte Ventoso in Madison VA, it felt like we were creating a glimpse into a whole world.

Villa Monte Ventoso in Madison, VA is a Window into Italy

To fulfill this elegant and glamorous vision for this portrait session, I knew that we needed the right venue. Monte Ventoso in Madison, VA, ended up being the perfect fit. This delightful villa, completed in 2012, is one of those places that truly transport you. From the olive trees growing in the spectacularly curated gardens to the marbled chess set on one of the ornate side tables, every aspect of this property has been designed with such thought and care.

The balconies offer the exquisite opportunity to have breakfast in the open air, with views of the pristine lawn and, distantly, the Blue Ridge Mountains. Imagine the serenity of your wedding-day morning if you woke up here! I love the photographs of Sydney at the table on the balcony, but I think the beautiful roll-top bath here was the scene of my favorite shots. Heaped in lush bubbles, her hair up in a towel, sporting sunglasses and earrings as she reads the paper – there’s something so playful about these images, but they manage to be so sultry and glamorous at the same time.

If you have any questions about the wonderful Monte Ventosa in Madison, VA – or if you’re interested in creating a window into a world of your own! – please don’t hesitate to get in touch.