From Florida to Italy · Sam & Steve
Samantha & Stephen’s wedding at Castello Brancaccio
Samantha & Stephen travelled from Florida to Italy for a wedding at Castello Brancaccio near Rome. Known as Sam & Steve, they brought their family and friends into a setting of historic rooms, gardens and Italian atmosphere. I’m Ralf Czogallik of Eppel Photography, and I had the pleasure of photographing their celebration.
The couple: Samantha & Stephen · Sam & Steve
From: Florida, United States
Wedding venue: Castello Brancaccio, near Rome, Italy
The day: castle preparations, a garden ceremony, dinner and dancing
Photographer: Ralf Czogallik · Eppel Photography
From Florida to an Italian castle
For Sam & Steve, getting married abroad was part of the adventure. Italy offered the romance, culture and food they wanted to share with their guests. Castello Brancaccio brought those plans together in a setting with a strong sense of history and space for their celebration to unfold.
The journey mattered, but so did the feeling once everyone arrived. Their wedding combined the energy of an American celebration with an Italian setting. I wanted the photographs to hold both: where they had chosen to marry and the people who had travelled to be there.
Getting ready and a garden ceremony
The day began in the castle’s historic rooms, where Samantha prepared surrounded by natural light and antique details. Outside, Stephen and their guests gathered in the garden. Beneath a floral arch, with the castle behind them, they exchanged their vows.
These are the moments where my documentary approach becomes especially important. A glance, a breath before the vows or a guest’s reaction can carry more of the story than a perfectly arranged scene. I watch for those moments while also making photographs that show the scale and atmosphere of the place.
A reception with Italian atmosphere
After the ceremony came prosecco and antipasti on the terrace, followed by dinner in the castle’s grand hall. Long tables, candlelight and Italian dishes made the evening feel warm and inviting. Later, dancing brought a different rhythm to the photographs and a joyful finish to the day.
A complete wedding story needs that change of pace. Quiet preparations, the emotion of the ceremony, conversations over dinner and the energy of the party all belong together. The gallery below follows the people and atmosphere that made this wedding their own.
Planning your wedding photography from overseas
If you are travelling from the United States or elsewhere, we can begin with a video call. Tell me about the events you are planning, your guest arrangements and the photographs that matter to you. From there, we can agree coverage and a timeline that works with your celebration.
For portraits, I offer relaxed guidance and look for light, composition and a connection that feels natural. We plan time for couple and family photographs, with enough breathing room to enjoy being with your guests. My destination wedding photography guide explains more about choosing coverage and preparing for a wedding abroad.
Discover the Castello Brancaccio wedding photography guide for an overview of working together at the venue, or explore Charity & Gennady’s international wedding to see a different story at the same castle.
Questions about a Castello Brancaccio wedding
Where did Samantha and Stephen get married?
Samantha and Stephen, also known as Sam and Steve, travelled from Florida to celebrate their wedding at Castello Brancaccio near Rome, Italy.
What was their Castello Brancaccio wedding like?
Their day included preparations in the castle, a garden ceremony beneath a floral arch, a reception and dinner, followed by dancing. This gallery shares their real wedding story.
Who photographed Sam and Steve’s wedding in Italy?
Their wedding was photographed by Ralf Czogallik of Eppel Photography, combining documentary coverage with colorful, editorial portraits.
Can you work with couples travelling from the United States?
Yes. We can plan the photography by video call and email before you travel. Share your date, venue and any welcome events so I can prepare a proposal around your wedding plans.
How much time should we allow for portraits?
The right amount depends on your ceremony, the light and the locations you want to use. We agree a relaxed portrait window within your timeline, leaving space for family photographs and time with your guests.
Can we see more weddings at Castello Brancaccio?
Yes. Explore Charity and Gennady’s wedding story and the Castello Brancaccio photography guide linked on this page to see another celebration and learn more about my approach.
From your first plans to your wedding photographs
Planning your own celebration in Italy? Send me your date, venue and the events you have in mind. I’ll confirm availability and prepare a personal photography proposal.
Sam & Steve’s Castello Brancaccio gallery
See their wedding photographs below, from the preparations to the celebration.
