Location: Lake Como, Italy
Setting: Italian Villa
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 11 months
The number of guests: 120
Wedding theme/style: Chic, timeless, black tie, effortless, sophisticated, outdoor, country club, end of summer.
Lucie is a wedding photographer from London, and Jamie is in a wedding band and works for the NHS in Hertfordshire. They met in 2015 when Jamie slid into her DMs, and gradually, their relationship grew into something more, leading them to spend weekends together in London. Sharing a mutual love for adventure, they started traveling together. In 2018, Jamie accompanied Lucie to a wedding shoot in Finland, and at some point, he picked up a camera to take a few shots, sparking his love for photography. Since then, they began working together. That same summer, they went to shoot a wedding at Lake Como, and they realized it was the perfect place for their own one.
Lucie and Jamie planned their wedding as a family event, wanting to spend as much time as possible with their loved ones, so this unique familial, warm, and heartfelt atmosphere was essential to them. The videographer who captured their wedding, Arran Kenny, skillfully conveyed this special day. He showcased the beauty of Lake Como and the wedding venue, but particularly finely and in detail, he captured every emotion and all the significant moments of the day, making the wedding video feel like a magical day, bringing to life every beautiful moment.
Lucie shares the story of how Jamie proposed to her: “We got engaged during the pandemic (this was Jamie’s fourth attempt, as he wanted it to be on a memorable trip). Our canceled trips were a California road trip, Edinburgh Christmas market, Skiing in France, and finally, we were allowed to fly into the green zone of Porto in Portugal in July 2021. Jamie planned the entire day, starting with a food market visit and cookery class with a local, followed by painting our own Porto-style tiles (which we use around the house!), and ended the day with a photoshoot with a photographer at golden hour (Lucie’s favorite time of day). Jamie proposed, looking over the Dom Luís in a quiet spot. We spent a few days in the Duoro Valley discussing our plans, knowing immediately that we wanted to get married at Villa Regina Teodolinda. Being photographers, our 2022 diaries were already pretty full, so we decided to make it a two-year planning process.”
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Regina Teodolinda, overlooking Lake Como, the wedding was a harmonious blend of summer vibes, pastel hues, and timeless elegance. Inspired by the villa’s colors and the essence of Italy, it celebrated love, beauty, and personal touches.
Lucie found her dream dress in Suzanne Neville‘s bridal collection. The dress fit her figure perfectly, but she wanted to add a touch of individuality. On a design day, Lucie met Suzanne Neville and proposed her idea for an embroidery that slightly differed from those presented in the collection. “The next collection the following year included a leaf design, which was exactly what I was looking for, so I then requested to have the lace in a long sleeve as this was what I preferred.” – Lucie recalls. Jamie had designed the engagement ring with a hint of leaves, and Lucie was eager to reflect this element in the design of her dress.
Lucie looked incredibly elegant in her bridal ensemble. For her hairstyle, she chose to wear her hair down, styled in sleek Hollywood waves, and her gentle makeup highlighted the bride’s glowing beauty.
Jamie was also dressed stylishly and elegantly. He wore a light beige suit with a thin white stripe, custom-made and tailored in Italy by Lucie and himself.
The first look between Lucie and Jamie took place on a jetty, with the sun-kissed lake glittering behind Jamie. When Lucie approached him, it seemed as if time stood still. Seeing his beautiful bride, Jamie was overjoyed, his eyes sparkled with happiness and love.
The ceremony occurred at a location with a fantastic lake view. Instead of a traditional arch, beautiful, bright floral arrangements and white chairs that seemed to be woven from delicate lace created a special magical atmosphere. The couple prepared fans and paper umbrellas for the attendees as a gesture of care and love for every guest. “I spoke with Sasha (from SASSFLOWER) at length about my vision. The only draw back I had about the venue was the lack of sunset so i wanted to bring those colors to the flowers with a touch of blue as a nod to the venue color scheme.” – shared Lucie
The ceremony was filled with touching moments, from the groom’s anxious anticipation of the bride’s arrival to the exchange of heartfelt vows. Jamie delivered a beautiful vow that served as a perfect opening for their wedding film, filmed by Arran Kenny.
After the ceremony, guests gathered for a cocktail hour to enjoy socializing and discussing the beautiful ceremony they had just witnessed.
While the guests enjoyed their drinks, the couple took time to take beautiful photos. Phoebe Jane, the photographer, captured stunning portraits of the couple, whose refinement and elegance can be felt in every captured moment.
The reception venue looked stunning, with abundant bright flowers against the backdrop of the picturesque villa, creating a festive atmosphere. A special touch was the place names, which Jamie had drawn himself. He made them in the shape of lemons to reflect the Italian flair, and each guest could take them home as a souvenir.
Lucie stayed at the Relais Vittoria the night before the wedding, conveniently located next door. Jamie dropped her off in a white vintage Fiat 500, used for his arrival on the morning of the wedding and as a charming backdrop for a gift store/photo spot on their special day. They drove the Fiat 500 back to the train station the following day, marking a memorable journey that added extra magic to their celebrations.
The reception began with the bride and groom’s vibrant entrance. As they appeared, guests joyously waved white napkins, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Meanwhile, the evening was beautiful; guests gave congratulatory speeches, and the clinking of glasses and laughter filled the atmosphere with happiness.
The newlyweds prepared a special gift for the guests: throughout the evening, an invited artist was painting their portraits.
Considered of Jamie’s strong love for desserts, Lucie decided to surprise him by arranging a special treat. The wedding cake was prepared before them, making it an extraordinary moment for the couple.
In the evening, the couple slightly changed their appearance. Lucie switched her shoes and hairstyle, while Jamie removed his jacket and swapped his loafers for Vans sneakers. This allowed them to dance with their guests all night long, the perfect conclusion to their beautiful wedding.
Advice from couple:
• The couple believes in the beauty of planning and the joy of anticipation. Their advice to couples embarking on this journey is to cherish every moment, from tasting canapes and wines to selecting music and flowers. They found bliss in the little things, like their mini-moon post-wedding, and were reminded that the essence of a wedding lies in the celebration of love, surrounded by those who matter most.
In sharing their story, Lucie and Jamie hope to inspire others to find joy in their own love stories, embrace the journey of planning a wedding, and always remember that the simple, unyielding love that brings two people together is at the heart of every grand celebration.
VIDEOGRAPHY Arran Kenny | PHOTOGRAPHY Phoebe Jane | PLANNING AND COUPLE Lucie Watson Photography, Jamie Archer Imagery | VENUE Villa Regina Teodolinda | BRIDAL PREP VENUE Relais Villa Vittoria | ON THE DAY COORDINATOR Kat Connelly | CELEBRANT Serena The Celebrant | GUITARIST Sink The Beat, Ollie Townsend | CATERING Sunlake Catering | FLOWERS Sassflower | MUAH Storme Webster | BRIDAL DRESS Suzanne Neville London | BRIDAL SHOES Loeffler Randall | RINGS Taylor & Hart | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Reformation, Monsoon| GROOM’S SUIT Tailor Made | GROOM’S SHOES Baudoin & Lange | GROOMSMEN SUITS Moss | LIGHTING, SOUND & ENTERTAINMENT BLUNOTTE EVENTI| STATIONERY Papermill Calligraphy| VINTAGE CAR Vintage Drive Como Lake | BOAT Lake Como Boat
