Both lovers of travel today's Irish couple Ciara and Jonny got engaged in New York and immediately knew they wanted to have a destination wedding. Drawn to the romance and sunshine of Italy, Ciara and Jonny planned a scenic lakeside Italian wedding with just 26 guests and Irish wedding photographer Ursula McCollam. Effortlessly relaxed this Italian wedding is guaranteed to make you want to elope (or at the very least book a sunny holiday...)
Both from Newcastle, Co. Down, Jonny and Ciara met while working in their local supermarket. Students at the time they quickly realised they were both studying at Queen's University and soon after began to date.
Five years later Jonny surprised Ciara with a proposal in New York. Ciara remembers..."Jonny organised a Christmas trip to New York and surprised me, maintaining tradition by asking permission from my Dad before we travelled. I chose the ring - a platinum band with a central brilliant cut diamond and princess cut diamonds in the band."
Lovers of travel Ciara and Jonny decided on a destination wedding in Italy - overlooking the beautiful Lake Como.
Photographer Ursuala describes the wedding ceremony..."Jonny and Ciara invited 26 close friends and family to share in their nuptials in an outdoor ceremony, right on the lake at Villa Cipressi. Ciara came down the beautiful stone steps, amongst the lemon and lime trees. The smell alone was amazing. She incorporated yellow and white roses, with some green foliage to create an elegant and airy feel, fitting with the location and the atmosphere."
After their picturesque wedding ceremony Ciara and Jonny treated their guests to a boat trip around Lake Como, taking in scenery and the town of Bellagio before returning to Villa Cipressi for their outdoor reception.
As an alternative to the traditional wedding guestbook or fingerprint tree guestbook Ciara and Jonny had a painting station set up, which guests contributed to throughout the evening. The painting was then framed and now hangs as a lasting memento in Ciara and Jonny's home.
Continuing their Italian dream Ciara and Jonny honeymooned in Rome and Venice. A huge congratulations to you both and thanks so much for sharing your Italian wedding with us all.
A big thank you also goes to Ursula McCollam Photography for sharing her work with us. To see more from Ursula McCollam Photography visit www.ursulamccollamphotography.co.uk
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony: Villa Cipressi
- Photoshoot Location: Villa Monastero
- Afterparty: Orso Bar
- Wedding Dress: Temperley London from Blush Boutique
- Veil: Antonio Riva
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy After 6 Collection from Perfect Day
- Shoes: Christian Louboutin
- Flowers: Mario Pirovano
- Groom's suit: French Connection
- Groomsmen’s suits: Ted Baker
- Jewellery: Swarovski
- Cake: Villa Cipressi
- Wedding Favours: Cancer Research UK
- Stationery: Hummingbird Card Company
- Make Up & Hair: Elena Panzeri
- Wedding Bands: Lunns
- Boat Hire: Galli Boat Service
- Wedding Planner: Wedding Box Lake Como
- Photographer: Ursula McCollam Photography
- Videographer: Claudio Polotto