Intimate Italian Wedding in Bellagio on the banks of Lake Como – Jen & Tom
A stunning destination wedding in Bellagio, Tuscany at the Hotel Royal Victoria Lake Como
dream Tuscan wedding started long before I knew I would be a Wedding Photographer. Jen even recommended my skills for my first wedding photography gig back in 2010! Back when I was pre-beard I worked in their local pub and got to know both of them pretty well, which coincidentally is where they first met.
COUPLE
Jen and Tom are a brilliant couple, they/we all met at the 3 Stags on The Wirral, many…..many years ago. Tom decided to ask the all important question during a surprise trip for Jens 30th birthday to Lake Como. Having completed hours of research trying to find the perfect destination he finally decided on Bellagio, Lake Como; right in the heart of Tuscan wedding country.
On the second day of their trip and the day before Jens 30th birthday they spent the day exploring the lake, hopping on and off the lake Como ferry, finishing at Villa Melzi in Bellagio. The views from Villa Melzi in Bellagio are outstanding, a botanical paradise half way between lopper and Borgo of Bellagio (the village in Italian I now know).
After a short walk admiring the gardens at Villa Melzi the couple found the perfect spot to take a few pictures or so Jen thought! The GoPro was set up, with Jen completely unaware, enjoying the views, she turned to find me on one knee with a ring in hand.
BELLAGIO TOWN HALL
The wedding ceremony was held in Bellagio at the Town Hall followed by a wander through the backstreets of Bellagio to capture some epic shots whilst playing with the shadows and giving the couple some time to themselves before boarding the ferry to Varenna across Lake Como for the wedding breakfast and reception.
I love shooting in and around tiny Tuscan villages, around every corner there is light and shadow, different textures and doorways – as a photographer you really can’t ask for more (aside from the tourists to be gone, but its pretty easy to escape them down all of the stunning tuscan alleyways).
The reception was held across Lake Como in Varenna, at the Hotel Royal Victoria. Upon disembarking the ferry we headed to the lakeside for some extra special lake como and the surrounding mountain wedding photographs, a couple of group shots and then the party began.
THE DAY
Drinks flowed on the banks of the river into the evening where Jen and Tom surprised everyone with a silent disco. Such a brilliant idea!! I captured the all important mum swigging a bottle of Prosecco and the dancing all night.
Because of the sound restrictions in Lake Como it’s impossible to play music outside late into the night, our bride and groom had the outstanding idea to hold a silent disco – which worked out perfectly. We partied back in the Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna until the small hours in a local restaurant drinking gin and feasting on fantastic local pizza!!
SUPPLIERS
When planning a destination wedding its always a challenge trying to work out whether you should use home based suppliers whom you’re familiar with and can trial but may have added expenses vs those local to the venue whom you may have to interrogate before booking to find exactly what you’re looking for. The Bride, Jen, Purchased her wedding dress from Penny Gray Bridal Boutique whilst Tom’s suit was from NEXT. The brides hair was by Victoria Lecoustre and the flowers by Inspirations . They chose their wedding photographer on his handsome good looks and beard………okay maybe not……but they did choose a supplier that fit in with their style, no posing, lots of use of natural light and someone who stays late to capture all of the important dance floor shenanigans.
Jen and Tom’s wedding ceremony took place at Bellagio Town Hall and the reception was at the Hotel Royal Victoria, both absolutely incredible venues for a destination wedding in Tuscany.
SUMMARY
I loved shooting Jen and Toms Wedding, not only because I had met them before, or that their wedding was in Lake Como, Tuscany (obviously a bonus) but because their day flowed with ease. Weddings should easily glide from one moment to the next, removing any stress from the couple and the guests, allowing everyone to be in the moment and enjoy the festivities of the day.
Having the opportunity to shoot in both Varenna and Bellagio was also a real treat, exploring old Italian towns, with crooked walls, unbelievable colours and new mysteries beyond every corner, make for outstanding wedding photographs. It was a real pleasure to shoot this wedding in Lake Como and I can’t wait to get back out there next summer.
