Returning to Where It All Began: Our 5-Year Anniversary Luxury Retreat for Photographers & Videographers
in Tuscany, Italy
NOVEMBER 1-5, 2026
Join luxury destination wedding planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings and 4 of Europe’s most celebrated fine-art photographers—Greg Finck, Audrey Neracoulis, Lilly Red, and Andreas Georgiou - for an unforgettable retreat in the heart of Tuscany at the iconic Villa Cetinale, one of the world’s most exclusive wedding venues.
This 4-day immersive retreat marks the 5-year anniversary of our celebrated retreat series—returning to where it all began, on the very same date, at the enchanting Villa Cetinale. What started as a vision to bring like-minded creatives together has evolved into a globally recognized experience for those seeking depth, clarity, and artistic refinement.
Curated for fine-art photographers, videographers, and select industry creatives, this experience blends hands-on editorials with intentional classroom sessions centered around:
Business growth and strategic branding
Artistic direction and visual identity
Portfolio curation and elevated storytelling
Building a resilient, profitable creative business
The retreat is open to digital, hybrid, and film photographers, as well as videographers. On a case-by-case basis, we also welcome content creators, wedding planners, and select industry creatives whose work aligns with the retreat’s vision. It is designed to reignite your passion, elevate your craft, and connect you with a global community that shares your drive for excellence.
An inspiring experience that will allow you to unwind, reconnect to your purpose and revamp your brand
2
full days of luxurious editorial shoots with real model couples, top industry suppliers, high fashion & the breathtaking settings of one of the most luxurious and iconic wedding venues in the world
✔ Curate an inspiring portfolio that elevates your brand & attracts your ideal client
✔ Develop clarity of aesthetic direction & position yourself powerfully within the market
5
days of interactive workshops, classroom time & networking experiences.
✔ Receive invaluable tools & guidance from 4 globally-renowned photographers
✔ Discover confidence in your photographic voice and completely transform your business
✔ Luxury accommodations onsite at Villa Cetinale
✔ Curated networking opportunities with a global creative community
✔ A leisure day exploring nearby Tuscan vineyards and the medieval charm of Siena
✔ An experience years in the making - and unlike anything we’ve ever created
✔ Connect with an intimate group of 21 peers (max).
Topics Covered
Brand & business coaching / Tapping into the luxury market & reaching your ideal client / Feeling more confident & empowered to bring your business to the next level / Posing & capturing emotion / Fine art film photography & Hybrid photography / Building a successful photography brand / Pricing in a way that serves your clients / Defining your style / Destination weddings / Getting your work featured / Working with wedding planners / Creating your own shoots & building a beautifully curated portfolio with high-end images that attract clients & planners / Luxury Weddings in Italy, Europe and Beyond
What’s Included
Two full days of luxury editorial shoots at the iconic Villa Cetinale, each featuring bride & groom models and complete storylines — from getting ready moments to ceremony, reception tablescapes, portraits, details, cake, and styled flat lays. Each editorial will also include a rehearsal dinner concept to complete your multi day wedding gallery.
• Four additional capsule shoots with different models and bridal looks — designed for bonus portfolio content and dedicated posing practice.
• Five days of education and connection, including classroom sessions, interactive workshops, and curated networking experiences with our global creative community.
• Four nights of luxury accommodations at Villa Cetinale and its sister villas. (Main villa rooms are allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis.)
• All meals and beverages from Sunday evening through Thursday morning, crafted to reflect the flavors of Tuscany.
• A leisure day in Tuscany exploring a local vineyard and the historic city of Siena.
• Optional travel assistance for coordinating group transport to/from Rome or Florence (available upon request; additional cost applies and is subject to demand).
Our previous attendees have been featured in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, WedLuxe, Wedding Chicks, Wedding Sparrow and many more notable publications
The Location
Villa Cetinale
HOST LOCATIONNestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany just outside Siena, Villa Cetinale is one of Italy’s most celebrated private estates - a masterpiece of 17th‑century Baroque architecture surrounded by immaculate gardens, olive groves, and sweeping countryside views.
Once the private home of nobility, the villa has hosted dignitaries, artists, and tastemakers from around the world. Today, it is also one of the most sought‑after wedding venues in Italy, known for its timeless elegance and unparalleled beauty.
Every corner of Villa Cetinale tells a story, from its sun‑drenched loggias and hidden courtyards to its sprawling formal gardens, recognized among the most beautiful in all of Italy. It’s a place where history, artistry, and natural beauty meet, creating an unforgettable setting for creativity and connection.
Florence Capsule Shoot (optional)
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6thAdditional Fee: $950Following our farewell breakfast at Villa Cetinale on Thursday morning, participants will have the opportunity to travel to Florence for an optional add-on shoot in one of the most romantic cities in the world.
We’ll gather for an optional group dinner that evening in Florence, and participants are free to book the accommodation of their choice for the night.
The shoot will take place at sunrise on Friday, featuring a bride and groom model, and will be a location-based editorial focused on fashion-forward styling and the romantic settings of the city. No large-scale floral installations or venue - just intentional, elevated imagery set against the timeless beauty of Florence.
*Cost of Transport to Florence from Cetinale is included
The cost of meals and accommodations are not included.
Meet The Host & Educators
Amanda Virga
Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding PlannerAmanda Virga is a globally recognized wedding planner & designer with over a decade of experience in the luxury event industry. With nearly 600 weddings and more than 20 successful retreats produced across four continents, her expertise spans destinations from Spain and Tuscany to Thailand and Bali. Now permanently based in Cannes, France, Amanda continues to bring a distinctly international flair to every event she curates.
What sets Amanda apart is her deep commitment to not only producing flawless celebrations but also cultivating meaningful experiences that connect and inspire. She is passionate about bringing wedding professionals together through intentionally designed retreats and editorials, often collaborating with some of the most respected creatives in the industry. Her work has been featured by Vogue, Good Morning America, BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, The Knot, Junebug Weddings, Wedding Chicks, and more.
An avid traveler who has visited 65 countries, Amanda spent an entire year traveling the globe in 2018, immersing herself in the wedding industry in every corner of the world. This adventurous spirit became the inspiration behind AMV Retreats, a one-of-a-kind platform for creative connection, growth, and editorial excellence.
When not traveling or producing events, Amanda enjoys slow moments at home with her husband or her yoga mat. She’s a firm believer that a balanced life is the ultimate foundation for lasting success.
Greg Finck
global destination Wedding photographer, paris basedOver the past 15 years, Greg Finck has specialized in documenting some of the most exceptional weddings and events across the globe. Aside from weddings, Greg has developed his craft in travel and fashion photography, working for renowned brands such as Elie Saab, Balenciaga or Rime Arodaky.
Greg’s work is elegant, natural and timeless, and captures the subjects under their most honest side. Strongly influenced by fashion photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino or Patrick Demarchelier, Greg always challenges the status quo. Greg travels to some of the most beautiful locations across the world, with a true love for the South of France, Italy and California.
Greg has been names one of the Top Wedding Photographers in the World by Harper's Bazaar and has been published in world-acclaimed publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The New York Times or Martha Stewart Weddings.
www.gregfinck.com | ig: @GREGFINCK
Lilly Red
ITALY Based Destination Wedding PhotographerLilly Red is an international wedding photographer who has built a career around storytelling, design, and visual artistry. Featured in top publications like Vogue, Elle, and Brides, she specializes in destination weddings, particularly in iconic locations like Lake Como, where her work captures more than just moments, it creates a visual narrative.
Through social media, Lilly crafted a personal brand that propelled her into the role of educator and podcast host of Say Cheese!, where she shares her journey and creative insights. With expertise in both digital and film photography, Lilly approaches each project like a director, crafting images that are as much about artistry as they are about connection.
Lilly and Vic are the husband-and-wife duo behind Lilly Red, bringing a mix of style and strategy to the wedding photography world. Lilly leads the creative vision, blending fashion and editorial influences, while Vic keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Their story started in 2011 when Lilly left her small Italian hometown to explore the world, eventually crossing paths with Vic, an American from San Francisco, in Qatar. Since then, they’ve traveled the globe, working with couples who want more than just pretty pictures—they want images that feel stylish and alive. Their work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, and Brides, but their real passion is in the moments that matter most to their clients.
Beyond photography, they’re educators, sharing everything they’ve learned through Say Cheese! and Lilly Red Academy—helping other photographers grow their brands and build businesses that give them creative freedom. Now based in Lake Como, they’ve built a life and business around capturing not just weddings, but the energy, movement, and emotion behind them.
Audrey Neracoulis
LUXURY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER & ART DIRECTOR, PARIS BASEDBased in the heart of Paris’ Marais district, Audrey is a film photographer known for her unmistakable fashion house-inspired aesthetic and distinctive, sophisticated, editorial, boudoir, and wedding photographic work.
In true Parisian style, she brings a certain "je ne sais quoi" to her images, which resonate with classic femininity and timeless elegance; capturing romance at its most chic.
Audrey’s passion for light and storytelling lend her a special ability to capture the emotional (and physical) connection between her subjects. The result? Clear, unmistakable chemistry, refined in her signature black and white and dreamy color.
Her vision - a delicate balance between fashion photography and cinematic documentary style - has made her a much sought-after partner in Paris’ creative industry, and a favorite among her wedding and elopement clients worldwide, print and online publications - Glamour, Vogue, Brides Magazine, and Style Me Pretty among them - and anyone who values elegant simplicity.
Audrey's happiest when shooting romantic, clean and classic images that will never go out of style, exploring favorite cities around the world, or with a pain a chocolat from the cafe down the street.
Andreas K. Georgiou
cyrpus Based Destination Wedding PhotographerI’m a photographer, author, and teacher. I started as a neuroscientist. Then I built a high-tech business, designed mobile phones for Nokia, and led an international marketing agency.
I photograph weddings to follow the human story. To notice what matters and make space for it. I write and speak about meaning. How to see it, create it, and hold on to it in a wedding world that often values surface over substance.
I co-founded AMV Retreats with Amanda to create space for conversations that matter. I’ve taught there since our first workshop at Villa Cetinale five years ago.
Winters find me in Cyprus with my beautiful wife and kids, where I write, play piano, and keep learning.
Retreat Schedule
*Subject to change
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1stArrival/Check-in (from 4pm)
Welcome Dinner (from 6:30pm)
MONDAY NOVEMBER 2ND8-9am Breakfast
9-10am Morning Classroom Session
11-4:30pm Editorial Shoot at Villa Cetinale
(Break for Lunch 1-2:30pm)
4:30-7pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale
from 7pm Dinner/Evening Networking
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 3rd8-10am Breakfast
10-11am Morning Classroom Session
11:30am-4pm: Offsite for Wine Tour and Siena Lunch
4-6:30pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale
from 6:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4th8-9am Breakfast
9-10am Morning Classroom Session
11-4:30pm Editorial Shoot at Villa Cetinale
(Break for Lunch 1-2:30pm)
4:30-7pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale
from 7pm Finale Dinner & Entertainment
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5th8-10am Farewell Breakfast
10am Departures & Optional Transfer to Florence for Sunrise Shoot on Friday Nov. 6th
6:30pm Optional Group Dinner in Florence
Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED TO BE A FILM OR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO ATTEND?Both digital and film photographers as well as videographers are welcome at this workshop! Our host photographers specialize in multiple mediums! Techniques & topics on both digital and film will be covered.
HOW WILL THE STYLED SHOOTS WORK?The styled shoots will be designed with over-the-top floral installations, featuring luxury brands and professional bride & groom models. The shoots will be split into 3 groups that will work in shifts with the models, and each set-up to ensure a small group atmosphere with one-on-one attention and a very smooth shooting process. The host photographers will be available during the shoots to guide you and assist with techniques/ hands on learning.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THE SHOOTS TO BLOGS?Absolutely. We will provide you with tips and best practice guidelines to help you get published. As is standard practice to respect the editing process and those shooting on film, we ask you to wait 4 weeks to submit to any blogs. After that you are free to submit wherever you’d like! Our attendees have been featured in endless publications including Vogue, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, and Wedding Chicks.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS I NEED TO CONSIDER?The only costs not included are your flight and airport transport, however Villa Cetinale is located just over an hour from Florence and just under 3 hours from Rome. We will assist in coordinating group transport to/from Florence or Rome (additional fees apply, depends on demand). Everything else is all inclusive from the time you arrive Sunday evening to the time you depart Thursday morning!
ARE PLUS ONES ALLOWED?We always welcome plus ones on our retreat so you can experience this beautiful country with your loved ones and possibly extend your trip to include further travel in the region! There are reduced rates available for your guest to join us for just the accommodation and meal portion of the retreat. Please inquire directly for more information.
IS THERE A REDUCED COST FOR A ROOM SHARE?Accommodation is offered on a Shared or Private Basis (Price differences apply as notated in the Investment section below). Room types are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis upon booking. Please inquire directly for more information.
Investment
FULL SHARE (SHARED TWIN BEDROOM & SHARED BATHROOM): $7,750BATH SHARE (PRIVATE BEDROOM & SHARED BATHROOM): $7,950PRIVATE ROOM (PRIVATE BEDROOM & BATHROOM): $8,250Optional Florence Capsule Shoot: $950
$1,750 to reserve your spot followed by your choice of monthly or bimonthly payments leading up to the event
*4 nights accommodation at Villa Cetinale and it’s sister villas as well as all meals and beverages for the duration of your stay are included in the investment cost. Main villa rooms are booked on a first come, first serve basis
* All payments are non-refundable. Pricing is inclusive of all taxes and fees.
Interested in joining us?
We’d be thrilled to hear from you and can’t wait to connect.
Event Cover Image by: Redamancy Photo & Film
Photography on Website by: Andreas Georgiou, Irene Fucci, Courtney Bowlden, Redamancy Photo & Film