Italian Summer Themed Styled Wedding Photography at Northwest Square in DeLand, Orlando, Florida

A Historic Orlando-Area Wedding Venue With European Charm

When it comes to wedding photography in Central Florida, few places rival the character and depth of Northwest Square in DeLand. Once a century-old church, this soon-to-be event space in DeLand’s Northwest Historic District is being lovingly restored while preserving its 100-year-old stained-glass windows, original wood beams, and hand-crafted architectural details.

For this Italian Summer themed styled wedding, I set out to capture the intersection of Old-World European romance and Florida’s glowing natural light — the perfect combination of historic venue + Mediterranean aesthetic.

The Venue: Northwest Square, DeLand Florida

Historic Church Turned Wedding Venue in Florida’s Northwest Historic District

Nestled in the heart of DeLand, Florida, Northwest Square embodies more than a century of heritage. The venue’s stained glass, arched ceilings, and antique pews provide texture and authenticity — every frame tells part of its story.

Architectural Details That Inspire Creative Photography

The tall windows diffuse sunlight into colorful beams, ideal for moody editorial photography. The warm hues of red, amber, and emerald bathe the space in a painterly glow, echoing the ambiance of Italian cathedrals while remaining distinctly Floridian.

Why Photographers Love This Venue

For photographers, the venue is a playground of contrast — bright reflections from glass paired with soft shadows across the wood grain. Every session here feels cinematic, perfect for couples seeking something timeless yet artistic.

The Theme: Italian Summer With a Moody Twist

Inspired by Italy’s Sun-Soaked Romance

The creative direction behind this shoot centered on the romance of the Italian countryside — golden tones, textured linens, lush florals, and natural light streaming through stained glass. Think Tuscany meets Florida heritage.

Embracing Moody Wedding Photography in Florida

While Italian themes often lean bright and airy, I approached this with a moody fine-art aesthetic, emphasizing depth, color contrast, and the interplay between sunlight and shadow. This style celebrates authenticity and emotion — the hallmarks of editorial wedding photography in Orlando.

Stained Glass as a Storytelling Element

Rather than using artificial lighting, the stained glass itself became the light source. The glowing windows painted the couple and décor in hues of rose, gold, and blue, turning simple compositions into fine-art portraits.

Capturing the Magic of Northwest Square

A Collaboration of Talented Florida Wedding Vendors

From elegant floral arrangements to artisanal tablescapes, every vendor contributed to this la dolce vita vision. Together we created a gallery filled with texture, color, and emotion — the essence of an Italian summer in the heart of Florida.

Playing With Light and Architecture

I experimented with framing subjects beneath the tall archways, back-lighting through stained glass, and incorporating reflections off polished pews. The resulting images carried an ethereal glow — soft, cinematic, and immersive.

The Emotion Behind Every Frame

Though this was a styled shoot, each moment carried the same emotional weight as a real wedding: connection, stillness, anticipation. That authenticity is what transforms styled wedding photography into timeless storytelling.

Why Northwest Square Is a Hidden Gem Wedding Venue in DeLand

1. Historic Charm and Enduring Character
   Built more than 100 years ago, Northwest Square is a living piece of Florida history. Couples who love architecture, artistry, and a sense of story will instantly connect with its vintage church design and old-Florida heritage.
2. Breathtaking Stained-Glass Windows
   The venue’s stained glass collection is its crown jewel. These century-old panels create natural light art installations that shift throughout the day — perfect for dramatic, fine-art wedding portraits.
3. Versatile Event Spaces for Any Style
   Whether you envision a small, intimate ceremony or a grand European-inspired reception, the flexible open floor plan and soaring ceilings adapt beautifully to any décor concept.
4. Prime Location in DeLand’s Historic District
   Set amid charming streets, Northwest Square is surrounded by boutique shops, local cafés, and vintage architecture. It’s an easy drive from Central Florida hubs, making it ideal for destination weddings that want local flavor with city-level amenities.
5. Unique Aesthetic Appeal for Editorial Weddings
   The juxtaposition of rustic beams and refined stained glass provides an editorial-ready environment that looks like an Italian chapel yet feels fresh and modern.
6. Intimate Yet Grand Atmosphere
   Despite its size, Northwest Square retains a sense of closeness — a rare blend of grandeur and warmth that makes even large celebrations feel personal.
7. Exceptional Photo Opportunities
   Every corner offers a vignette: vibrant windows, textured pews, and radiant light bouncing off polished floors.
8. Preserving History While Celebrating Love
   Choosing this venue supports the restoration of a DeLand landmark, keeping its legacy alive.
9. Vendor-Friendly and Flexible for Creative Teams
   With an open layout, it’s an excellent canvas for planners, florists, and photographers alike.
10. A Blank Canvas With Personality
    It’s a customizable space that doesn’t require heavy décor thanks to its distinctive architecture.

Italian Summer Styled Wedding Photography | Michelle Vila Photography

This Italian summer themed styled shoot at Northwest Square in DeLand combined history, artistry, and emotion into one unforgettable visual story. From the century-old stained glass to the modern creative direction, every element harmonized to create imagery that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

If you’re planning a wedding or styled shoot in Central Florida, or looking for a historic wedding venue near Orlando, Northwest Square is a space that invites creativity and storytelling.

👉 Inquire about your DeLand or Orlando wedding photography

The Talented Team Behind the Shoot

This shoot was brought to life by a talented group of vendors and creatives who each contributed their unique skills to create a truly magical experience.

• Organizer/Coordinator: 360 Emotions
• Photographers: Snapshots by Gabriela, Angela Lucht Photography, Contempo Photo/Video, Michelle Vila Photography, Joey Chase Photo
• Videography: Narlee Film Co.
• Content Creation: Case Creative Co.
• Hair and Makeup: House of Sheen
• Floral and Decor: Atmosphere Floral & Decor
• Catering: Bake Shop | Julie
• Rentals: A Chair Affair, Opal Luxe Rentals, Over the Top Linens
• Bridal Gown: Definition Bridal
• Tuxedo: Any Tux 45 Bucks
• Cake: Sweet Miss V
• Coffee Cart: Kineo Coffee
• Popsicle Cart: Wheelie Good Pops
• Models: Bride Model: Joice Soares, Groom Model: Sylas Costa
• Bartending: Sintonia Bartenders
• Cigars: De La Rosa Cubana Cigars