European-Inspired Weddings: Why It's Trending—and Is It Right for You?

Jul 16

There’s been a noticeable shift lately in the industry. Couples are leaning into slower moments, old-money elegance (our fave!), vintage charm and timeless beauty. I mean who doesn’t like to add a bit of nostalgia into celebrations? And with that, a new kind of wedding aesthetic has taken centre stage: European-inspired celebrations. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily new but there has been a bit more demand of it lately after the pandemic. Think soft stone textures, wild florals spilling out of urns, aged linens, handwritten vows on torn-edge paper, Aperol in delicate glassware, and the kind of light that only exists at golden hour in Tuscany… or in a thoughtfully chosen venue that channels that same romance.

But why now all of a sudden? And more importantly—should you lean into this trend too?

Europe is a continent composed of different countries that each celebrates their own individuality. So for the sake of this post, I want to clarify that my understanding of “European wedding trends” is heavily rooted in the weddings mostly hosted in a Tuscan villa or a chateau. Think pool-side Aperol spritz, garden florals, cypress trees that lines the driveway - you get the vibe.

*With this trend comes the newfound appreciation for vintage elements - think laces and pearls, bold colours and textures!*

A craving for something that feels..

Like many things, it began post-pandemic.

After years of lockdowns and uncertainty, travel felt sacred again—an act of celebration in itself. Destination weddings started booming. Post-pandemic, post-pinterest-saturation, couples are craving depth. Italy, France, Greece… not just as backdrops, but as characters in the love story. People wanted meaning. Experience. Beauty that couldn’t be rushed.
Celebrating weddings became so much more than a day but rather an experience shared together, not only between the couple but between friends and families involved.

But not everyone could travel.

So, couples started recreating the feeling of a destination wedding at home. That same sense of slowness and romance, but in a local vineyard, a family garden, or a historic estate. The heart of the European-inspired wedding is less about location, more about emotion. It’s about inviting people into an atmosphere that feels timeless.

*Romanic set-up at Villarica Estate in Adelaide*

So what does a European-wedding inspired look like?

A European-inspired wedding isn't about being overly styled or opulent—it’s about styling with intention. From drapings with natural linens to using antique vases for florals, this style leans into imperfection and restraint: undone arrangements (the messy but still kinda aesthetic, you know what I mean), vintage glassware that doesn’t match perfectly but somehow feels right (because it gives that feeling of you just used whatever crystal you can find in grandma’s cabinet), menus printed on textured paper, and meals that feel like rituals rather than rushed formalities set.

You’ll often see a mix of old and new—worn stoneware beside polished silver, faded linen napkins tied loosely with silk ribbon, seating charts painted by hand, or candles burning low in mismatched holders. Everything is chosen with a sense of quiet charm.

Even the table settings tell a story—layered textures, handmade ceramics, taper candles, and clusters of fruit or florals placed like still-life art. It’s curated, yes, but never forced. The kind of styling that makes guests feel instantly at ease, like they’ve been invited to the most beautiful dinner party in a Tuscan garden—even if it’s actually happening in your own backyard. But I think most importantly, the mismatch pieces and dining table style seating arrangement it gives a home-y feeling. A grand celebration yes, but not too polished like a hotel wedding.

And let’s talk about the outfit—laces are in! And we are here for it!

There’s something about the delicacy of lace that just fits this aesthetic. It’s soft, romantic, and feels like a nod to the past without being overly traditional. We’re seeing brides in sheer-sleeved gowns, high necklines, low backs, and heirloom-inspired veils that flutter in the breeze. The kind of dress that looks even better slightly crinkled by the end of the night.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about texture, movement, and how the outfit feels when you're living in it. Think silk bias slips, embroidered veils, pearl details, maybe even a vintage shoe moment. And for grooms? Linen suits, open collars, and tailoring that’s relaxed but intentional. It’s all about feeling good, looking effortless, and leaning into that lived-in luxury that defines European-inspired style.

So—Is a European-Inspired Wedding for You?

If you’re someone who dreams in golden hour light - soft and romantic…
If you value how the day feels just as much as how it looks…
If you're more drawn to slow, meaningful moments—then yes, this might be exactly your kind of celebration.

This style isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Whilst the Pinterest trends show lavish weddings, we wholeheartedly believe that the true essence of a European-inspired wedding is not necessarily about florals spilling over arches or having a 10-course menu (though you can!). It’s about intention. About trusting your vendors to create an atmosphere that breathes. About styling with care, not excess. It’s for the couple who wants to savour—who want their wedding to feel lived-in, not staged.

You don’t need a villa in Tuscany to create this experience - although who would say no to a destination wedding if possible right? With the right team, the right light, and a timeline that leaves room for stillness, you can absolutely bring this mood to life wherever you are. Because at its core, a European-inspired wedding isn’t about location—it’s about rhythm. A way of feeling. Slow, soulful, and deeply present.

*For us, a seamless timeline ensures quality time with your special people.*

To wrap it all up, Europe has this old-world charm you can’t quite replicate. From the detailed craftsmanship of heritage buildings to the way the light moves through olive trees at golden hour—these aesthetics set a beautiful foundation for a European-inspired wedding. But what truly completes it is the mood. A sense of slowness. Spaciousness. A day that isn’t dictated by a rigid schedule, but one that breathes—where moments unfold organically, and guests are truly in it with you. After all, isn’t that what wedding is all about? To celebrate love fully.

That kind of experience doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional pacing and a photographer who knows how to hold space for stillness without letting things fall behind. Someone who understands how to create calm, not chaos. But for full transparency. chaos also creates the most wonderful candids - you just need to make sure someone knows how to navigate through it. Over the years, we’ve come to specialise in these types of celebrations—ones where the timeline is designed to feel good, not just function. Whether we’re photographing a wedding in the European countryside or recreating that same feeling in Australia or anywhere in the world, we approach each day with thoughtfulness, rhythm, and an eye for detail that honours the atmosphere.

When done right, the photos don’t just document what happened—they capture what it felt like to be there. And that’s always our goal. We don’t believe in rushing through the good bits or staging every frame. We believe in working closely with your planner and vendors to build a timeline that holds space for presence—for light to spill in at the right moments, for you to step away from the crowd and take a breath, for the dinner candles to burn low while stories are shared around the table.

That kind of magic lives in the margins. And we know how to find it.