Location: Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Setting: Countryside
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 30
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
Wedding theme/style: Classic, chic, intimate, relaxed, and fun Italian garden party style.
The story of Connor and Lauren began at Amicus Apple in Aberdeen, where Connor approached Lauren at the bar. Although initial exchanges were brief, fate intervened when they reconnected on Tinder. From that moment, their relationship blossomed, marked by individual growth and shared milestones. The couple’s deep understanding of each other paved the way for a strong bond that would withstand the test of time.
Dreaming of a wedding in Italy, the couple decided to honor Lauren’s heritage. Their wedding wish was to create an intimate celebration surrounded by loved ones. The vision was clear: a small, intimate wedding because of a last-minute decision to tie the knot and throw a joyous party. Italy, with its rich culture and familial ties, became the perfect backdrop for their love story.
The couple drew inspiration from their values—family, Italian connections, and Scottish heritage. Emphasizing deep love for family and friends, they aimed to create a relaxed, mellow, and fun atmosphere, allowing each person’s style and personality to shine through.
Connor’s proposal plan was set after Lauren’s 30th birthday party, but he hadn’t yet sought her father’s blessing. Unaware of his intentions, Lauren thought they were heading to Skye for a birthday gift. During a rest stop in their campervan, she napped while Connor attempted to call her dad. In a comical twist, he walked through rough terrain, unaware that his phone was still connected to the campervan’s Bluetooth. Luckily, Lauren, hungover and exhausted, slept through the phone ringing. Their engagement unfolded atop a Skye Munro, with a serene atmosphere and clear blue skies, a rare sight at that elevation.
The couple envisioned a wedding that was classic, chic, intimate, and relaxed—a true Italian garden party. The venue, Villa Buonvisi in Lucca, perfectly captured the essence of their vision, with olive trees and rolling hills providing a picturesque backdrop.
Lauren dreamed of a wedding dress that would be elegant and timeless. Her gown from Essence of Australia was the true embodiment of a bride’s dream. She looked stunningly refined and delicate in it. Her look was complemented by gorgeous open-toe golden shoes from Christian Dior.
Lauren spent her morning with her closest friends and family who helped her prepare for the wedding ceremony. Their friendly support and joyful company created a special, heartfelt atmosphere on this beautiful morning.
The ceremony, held in the villa’s courtyard, was intimate and filled with love. The bride was escorted to the altar by her father. The couple was overjoyed to see each other and exchanged vows of eternal love.
Connor Irving and Lauren Miller, originally from Scotland, wanted to bring a touch of their homeland to this Italian wedding. They incorporated the ‘Irving’ tartan for the groom and best men, intending to include the Scottish hand-fasting tradition with a strip of the same tartan. However, during the ceremony, when the celebrant, Camila, asked for the tartan strip, neither had it. Fortunately, Connor’s uncle, decked out in the Hawick tartan, a small Scottish town where Connor is from, stepped in. He took off his Hawick tartan tie, and it became the substitute to symbolically ‘tie the knot.’
The venue, Villa Buonvisi, played a pivotal role in making the day truly unique. The owners tailored everything to the couple’s vision, providing a homely, intimate atmosphere. Local suppliers, including Martina Catering, Ortica Wedding Photographers, and Verdimaniaeventi Flowers, added a sense of community, making the couple feel like they had known everyone for years. Minimal flower accents added a touch of simplicity against the natural beauty of Tuscany.
Ortica Wedding photographers, the magicians behind Conor and Lauren’s wedding snapshots, wielded their cameras like wands, conjuring timeless images that etched the beauty of this splendid day into the couple’s memory. With a blend of seasoned expertise, a dash of creative magic, and a keen eye for details, they transformed each moment into a visual masterpiece. These captivating photographs not only showcase the allure of the wedding venue and the palpable love between the couple but also stand as precious gems, a fascinating treasure trove for Conor and Lauren to relive their special day.
The wedding reception brimmed with heartfelt conversations as guests extended their warm congratulations to the newlyweds. The heartfelt speeches, infused with love, delivered by friends and family, stood out as one of the most cherished moments for the couple.
After the enchanting reception, the spotlight shifted to the dance floor. The bride, embracing the night’s festivities, transformed her look into a more captivating ensemble. As the infectious beats of spirited music filled the air, the energy soared to extraordinary heights, ensuring the guests could groove and twirl in, ready to dance the night away.
• Advice from the couple:
• What will be – will be – no matter what happens on the day, even if it’s not in the plan, it’ll work out, and nothing will take it away from being the best day for you!
PHOTOGRAPHER Ortica Wedding | WEDDING PLANNER & VENUE Villa Buonvisi | FLOWER Verde Mania Eventi | CATERING Martina Catering | BRIDE DRESS Essence of Australia | BRIDE SHOES Christian Dior | GROOM ATTIRE Lochcarron of Scotland | CELEBRANT Tuscan Pledges | CONFETTI Jack Blooms
