Lake Como is everything you’d imagine it to be—stunning vistas, historic charm, and that undeniable air of romance. When I first met with Abi and Rob, I was struck by their vision for the day: a wedding that would feel intimate, gathering their favourite people in one breathtaking place. They couldn’t have chosen a better spot than Hotel Villa Cipressi in Varenna. Even with a touch of Lake Como’s signature breeze, this wedding was as beautiful as it was heartfelt.
A Warm Welcome (Minus the Boat!)
The festivities began with a relaxed welcome party at Hotel Victoria, where guests were treated to a gorgeous first look at Lake Como. Originally, Abi and Rob had planned a scenic boat trip with pizza, but with the lake a bit too lively, they kept the celebration onshore. Sometimes, flexibility is part of the charm in destination weddings! A great photographer will always be ready for whatever the elements bring, and there’s always a way to make it work beautifully and keep the mood light. The welcome party set a lovely, intimate tone for the weekend, surrounded by family, friends, and the stunning Italian scenery.
The Wedding Day: Sunshine, a Little Breeze, and a Lot of Love
The wedding day brought Italian sunshine with a touch of wind, but nothing could dampen the spirit of the day. The incredible team at Marry Me On Lake Como discreetly kept the floral arch steady so it looked picture-perfect throughout the ceremony. Abi and Rob were able to hold both their ceremony and dinner outdoors with that gorgeous lake view, and the breeze just added a touch of natural drama!
Abi got ready with her closest friends in a room with panoramic views, filled with laughter, a few emotional moments, and that special excitement that only a wedding morning brings. I’ll never forget the look on her dad’s face when he saw her for the first time—one of those beautiful, raw moments that I feel so honoured to capture.
A First Look to Remember
Abi and Rob decided to have a first look, a moment that’s still rare here in the UK but one I always encourage. There’s something so special about seeing each other for the first time without all eyes on you, sharing that intimate, emotional moment together before the ceremony begins. It’s also perfect for those pristine photos when everything is fresh and untouched—one of those quietly magical moments that feels completely theirs.
The Ceremony & Photos by the Famous Gates
The ceremony location at Hotel Villa Cipressi is absolutely stunning, with views that give you endless perspective options for photos—high, low, and everything in between! My husband joined me as an assistant, and he captured some wonderful shots that added even more depth to the coverage. After the ceremony, we headed to the venue’s iconic gates. A bit of advice for future couples: the gates are a popular spot, so building in a little extra time for photos here is ideal!
The videographer, Matteo, worked wonders with a drone, capturing Lake Como from above in a shot that felt cinematic and unforgettable. It was an amazing way to highlight the setting while keeping Abi and Rob as the stars.
Speeches, Cake, and the Importance of Great Lighting
The speeches were filled with emotion, laughter, and those heartfelt moments that make you want to capture every word. The cake cutting was a magical highlight—set against the backdrop of the beautifully lit venue, designed by a top-notch planning and production team. Lighting is one of those details that can easily be overlooked but makes all the difference, especially for photography. It’s moments like this that make me truly appreciate the skill of a good planner and DJ—they ensure every element is showcased in its best light.
From start to finish, Abi and Rob’s wedding embodied everything a Lake Como wedding should be—romantic, intimate, and surrounded by the beauty of Italy. For anyone dreaming of a Lake Como wedding photographer or a relaxed, stylish celebration in Italy, this was the perfect reminder of just how incredible a destination wedding can be, breeze and all!
Suppliers:
Planner: Marry Me On Lake Como
Videographer: Matteo MDM Wedding Videography
Venue: Hotel Villa Cipressi, Hotel Victoria
Hair & Makeup BLBS Management
Florist https://www.alessandropiacenza.net
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