Lauren + Luca’s happily-ever-after Tuscan wedding
Photo: Sam Docker
Lauren and Luca’s wedding threw many a curveball their way - not ones to focus on the negative, but we are compelled to share (there is a happily-ever-after ending, we promise!) From Italian airport strikes threatening to prevent their guests from actually arriving in Italy, a hospitalised Priest, Luca very nearly marrying a ‘Maureen’ at the church, a missing groomsman suit, a late DJ, all topped with torrential rain, it is surprising that the couple didn’t have an epic meltdown. Steadfast and calm, Lauren and Luca trusted their suppliers to deliver excellence and had the most magical day.
“Our advice to anyone planning a wedding is to just roll with it; no matter what gets thrown at you (and it will, nothing ever goes to plan!) stay in the moment and just enjoy having your loved ones there. That and your love for each other is really all that matters.”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue: Borgo Pignano | Planner/Organiser: Ben Italy Weddings | Flowers: Le Petit Jardin Italy | DJ: Mint DJs | Photography: Sam Docker | Videography: Alessandro Pardi | Dress & Veil: Suzanne Neville | Hair & MUA: Samantha Pretto | Bride Shoes: Emmy London Official | Groom Shoes: Loake Shoemakers | Stationery: Katie Raymond Design | Bridesmaid Dresses: Miabelle and Confetti Bridesmaid | Stretch Tent: Tentickle
The Dating
“We used to run at the same club when we were younger, Tonbridge Athletics Club and went on a few dates as 14 year olds. We then matched on a dating app in 2019, after both having lived abroad and had a lot of life experiences in between!”
The Engagement
“Luca proposed on a rooftop in Cambridge and invited all of our friends and family for a surprise gathering afterwards. It was truly special to have everyone there with us. My Nans still joke about how they were spying on us arriving at the hotel before the engagement, hiding behind the curtains and watching us from their window!”
“Italian Airport Ground Staff decided to strike on the day all of our guests were due to fly to Italy.”
Why did you choose Italy?
“Luca’s paternal family are Italian. His grandfather is Sicilian and grandmother was born in Florence. Anywhere else wouldn’t have been right for us!”
“We knew we wanted a Catholic ceremony and so went to visit San Gimignano during our venue trip.”
Stand out Moment?
“Being referred to as “Maureen” by the Priest throughout the first 5 minutes of our ceremony, until my Maid of Honour boldly corrected him. Everyone erupted in laughter and it made what could have been quite a formal service comfortable for everyone. ”
Did anything go wrong?
“Italian Airport Ground Staff decided to strike on the day all of our guests were due to fly to Italy. Our guests moved mountains to be there for the weekend and incredibly, everyone could still make it. On top of that, our original Priest was in hospital (the replacement got my name wrong!); it rained more than it had in Tuscany in years; our DJ had to miss his first set on the Friday because of the strikes; a groomsman left his suit at home; and so many other mishaps which were out of everyone’s control! But it didn’t matter. We wouldn’t change a thing because those are the moments you remember and can laugh about.”
How did you choose your venue?
“We found our venue via Ben Italy Weddings and arranged a site visit with him. We could feel it was the right place as soon as we arrived and loved it so much we didn’t bother looking anywhere else! It could accommodate everyone on site which was essential for us. ”
“We definitely went over our budget, but not as much as I thought we would. I think our estimate was realistic and accurate and we compromised on small things what we (having been to other weddings) didn’t think would “make” the day. So we did away with things like gelato carts and photo booths, things like that. We were blessed with an incredibly aesthetic venue (which was the biggest expense) that didn’t need much dressing, which helped.”
Best Supplier
“Has to be the main man himself, Sam Docker! We spoke to a number of photographers who recommended Sam when we described the style we liked and he exceeded expectations even after several glowing referrals. Sam was the cooolest, most down to earth, talented guy. His vibe complimented the whole weekend and he was just very easy to be around. You have to trust your photographer because it’s one of the only records of the event. And we would trust Sam time and time again. ”
The styling
“We asked Katie Raymond Design to create our bespoke wedding stationary, which encapsulated the spirit of the weekend and the venue and brought every tiny detail together. One of the most precious wedding gifts we received was the original watercolour she painted of a feature archway at the venue. ”
SUPPLIER TEAM
Venue: Borgo Pignano | Planner/Organiser: Ben Italy Weddings | Flowers: Le Petit Jardin Italy | DJ: Mint DJs | Photography: Sam Docker | Videography: Alessandro Pardi | Dress & Veil: Suzanne Neville | Hair & MUA: Samantha Pretto | Bride Shoes: Emmy London Official | Groom Shoes: Loake Shoemakers | Stationery: Katie Raymond Design | Bridesmaid Dresses: Miabelle and Confetti Bridesmaid | Stretch Tent: Tentickle
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