Villa D’Este Lake Como Wedding
A Stunning Villa D’Este Wedding on Lake Como, Italy
Occasionally, the life of a wedding photographer takes me on adventures outside of the UK. Last August, I packed my bags and made my way to the motherland for Dani & Ollie’s Villa D’Este wedding on the stunning Lake Como in Italy! With family being an important part of both their lives, they were keen to capture plenty of their guests just being themselves and enjoying the day. And with a setting like this, it wasn’t hard to find people having fun! Everywhere you looked were happy, smiling faces. Enjoying the sunshine and taking in the gorgeous views of the lake. The day was filled with love, laughter, and one of the most epic cake-cuttings I’ve ever witnessed! Here are some highlights from my time as a Villa D’Este Wedding Photographer.
What Next?
If you’d like to chat about booking me as your Villa D’Este wedding photographer, just fill in my form and tell me about the two of you and your wedding plans.
Bridal Prep at Villa D’Este
Dani, along with her mum, sister, and bridesmaids, had a wonderful room to spend the afternoon before the ceremony. With a balcony overlooking Lake Como, they could’ve been forgiven for being late to the ceremony. Like something out of an old movie, the classic elegance of this place is captivating! With the sun blazing outside, the thick walls kept the suite nice and cool, and the girls were having a fab time sipping champagne and taking turns to have their hair and makeup done. Roberto and the Villa D’Este team were fantastic! Nothing was too much trouble for them, and they were great helping Dani get a few last minute things arranged.
Late Afternoon Wedding Ceremony on Lake Como
The summer sun is so hot during August that the venue recommend that ceremonies are conducted later on in the afternoon, to give the sun a chance to set a little. Yet as I was stood with Ollie, in the impressive gardens of the Villa, sweat running down our faces, I suspect he was secretly wishing for another couple of hours to enjoy the air-con! All thoughts of air conditioning swiftly evaporated from his mind when he caught glimpse of Dani at the end of what is probably the longest aisle I’ve ever seen! What a truly incredible setting this is, with the lake behind us, and the mosaic-embellished garden in front.
An Italian Summer Wedding Reception
With the knot well and truly tied, the guests were able to cool down a little on the venue’s terrace. Nicely in the shade, and with a gentle breeze coming off the lake, it was a perfect time for mingling, chatting, and enjoying a few canapes before the wedding breakfast. After the meal, with the sun set, and the lights sparking on the opposite side of the lake, the guests were ushered outside to witness the cake-cutting. Not only was this one of the biggest cakes you’ll ever see, but as they cut into it, a burst of fireworks erupted from behind them, to everyone’s delight. I love the expression on Dani’s face during this. Such a joyous moment!
The evening showed that the villa had one last trick up it’s sleeve for the guests…it’s very own nightclub! Which is where I left the happy couple. Surrounded by their nearest and dearest (even granddad got on the dancefloor!), and dancing the night away for the first time as husband and wife. Congratulations, you two, and thanks for asking me along for the ride!
Where Next?
For more of my destination wedding photography around Europe, here’s a few more weddings for you.
Normandy Village Wedding
