Wednesday 28 January 2009

Nicki & Ed

On behalf of Love & Lord the leading Italian Wedding Planning company I had the pleasure of working with Nicki & Ed to create an amazing and fun wedding in Tuscany.

After a year of planning and with many last minute dotting I's and crossing T' by the Italians on paperwork the day had finally come and it was a lovely day. Nicki had family and friends fly in all the way from New Zealand and England and Ed, well he had friends fly all the way from England and Wales!



The couple had a civil ceremony in Certaldo Commune, Nicki looked so beautiful and radiant and Ed was speechless almost. After there Ceremony the couple drove off with their champagne and Ed shouting out the car window "I am so happy" and it was back to Villa Vignamaggio for the Wedding Breakfast.






Villa Vignamaggio is a stunning Villa in Greve, Chianti.



The Villa of Vignamaggio, surrounded by an elegant Italian garden in a stunningly beautiful corner of the Chianti countryside, offers an authentic testimony of country life during the Renaissance period. The main part of the villa dates back to the 14th century. The Gherardi family who bought the villa from the Gherardini at the end of the 16th century, were responsible for its present appearance.


Mona Lisa, the daughter of Anton Maria Gherardini, was born at Vignamaggio in 1479. It is rumoured that Leonardo's Mona Lisa painting was of her in fact those are Tuscan hills in the background.

Due to the weather being a little unpredictable dinner was served in the Mona Lisa room, the speeches were brilliant with Ed stating he had to caveats to his marriage to Nikki, that they are always happy together and all their children get her looks!



It was then time for the dancing, and of course that was going to be a fun time as well.


With Ed being a fanatic Welsh Rugby fan it was not long before those Welsh Boys were singing not only their National Anthem but also a few other 'songs'.

Not to be outdone, Nicki and the New Zealand Ladies who are staunch supports of the NZ Rugby Team carried out their own version of a 'haka' which was awesome!










Sunday 25 January 2009

Sonia & Phil

Sonia & Phil had chosen Sonia's local family church to get married on the rainiest day Friday in June but this did not dampen anyones spirits it was a wonderful day.
St Lawrence's in Little Stanmore which was just stunning. It was a very special place in Sonia's life and was the perfect choice. The couple had family coming from all over the world to help them celebrate their wedding day.


With an 18th century interior in the style of continental baroque with ceiling and wall paintings by Laguerre, Bellucci and Sleter. Handel played the organ which has recently been restored.

St Lawrence's really didn't need much in the way of decoration but the pew ends were dressed with lilac blooms and cream roses to match Sonia's bouquet.

The rain unfortunately decided that it too was going to attend the wedding with great gusto and Sonia's 4 ushers had their worked cut out for them getting the Guests from cars to the church without getting soaked.

The Bride had to make a small journey across the road from her house to the Church with 3 umbrella's sheltering her, being the true sport she is Sonia hitched her dress up & just got on with it arriving in style!
The ceremony was beautiful with the London Concord Choir singing Sonia & Phil's favourite hymns.
After the Ceremony we had to hand back the 45 brollies that we had collected from the Guests on the way in and it was next door to the Church Hall for a brief Reception for all the local parishioners and neighbours who had know Sonia all since childhood.

The Wedding Reception was going to be held at Leeds Castle so once the Bride & Groom had made their way to their car it was time to get the Guests in to the Coach and off to Leeds Castle, one of Kent's most historical homes of King Henry VIII with its amazing Maze.



Afternoon Tea was served in the Castle Dinning Room for Bridal Party, while the rest of the Guests were treated to a guided tour of the Castle which was then followed by a Drinks Reception. Where Guests were asked to sign a guest book as a keepsake for the couple.

Sonia's Wedding Gown was stunning encrusted with pearls and crystal it was truly breathtaking.


It was then it was time to cut the fabulous cake which was two tiers with tiny little lilac flowers.


Dinner was served on long tables with Guests sitting either side. The tables were dressed with beautiful lanterns and tea lights giving off a really old fashioned glow.
Guests were treated to 4 course meal followed by speeches. .

And then it was time for that all important first dance and the to dance the night away in the Heraldry Room.













Georgina & Lee

It was a lovely Friday in June when Georgina & Lee got married.

Family and friends had flown in from all around the world for the event and with so many friends and family to share the event it couldn't help but be an amazing day with lots of surprises.




Once again the venue was Salomon's in Kent and a Civil Ceremony outside the Gold Room on the terrace was planned.

The weather kept us guessing right to the last moment in fact we were a few minutes late
getting started as we were waiting until the last minute just in case those dark clouds didn't lift but they did!

With everyone in place Georgina made her entrance through the gardens of Salomon's with her 3 small attendants who carried large red heart balloons which matched Georgina's amazing red wedding dress!

The theme for the wedding was Black Tie & Cocktail Dresses and all the Ladies were asked to wear black and white. So when the Groom took his place by his Bride to be he looked very dashing in his Tux.





Oh and did I mention the Bride made her entrance to Nice Day For A White Wedding, which had everyone in giggles and there were even bigger giggles when the couple headed back down the aisle to Bananrama 'Venus' song - to celebrate the marriage of the new Mr & Mrs Venus!

Georgina looked amazing in her red wedding dress which was trimmed with crystals and her silver & crystal accessories.



After the ceremony drinks and canapes were served on the lawn, those threatening rain clouds had disappeared and we were treated to a sunny afternoon. With Georgina and Lee mingling with the Guests and taking photographs and all the children playing it was a lovely time for all.


Dinner was served in The Library and Guests were treated to a BBQ which was delicious. The tables were decorated to match the black and white theme with black cloths & white Gerber's in clear glass vases sitting on beautiful round mirrors with tea lights and sparkles scattered.



The couple had chosen a truly vintage idea for their wedding cake, with individual white french fancies which had been pain staking decorated by a couple of Georgina's friends the night before, they also tasted fantastic and were served as dessert.

It was speech time and not only did Lee & his Bestman say a few words so did Georgina.

It was then time to dance the night away and celebrate in style.

STOP PRESS:

A few weeks later Georgina & Lee with their immediate family and close friends flew to Northern Ireland for a Church Blessing.