I'm just back from a couple of weeks in Italy on my holliers, and as with all first-timers, I fell in love with the place. Sunshine, food, history, culture and the fabulous Italian attitude to life, it's just a joy. So no wonder today's couple Gemma and Columb chose to escape to the Italian hills […]

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I'm just back from a couple of weeks in Italy on my holliers, and as with all first-timers, I fell in love with the place. Sunshine, food, history, culture and the fabulous Italian attitude to life, it's just a joy. So no wonder today's couple Gemma and Columb chose to escape to the Italian hills for a blissful few days of wedding fun. This destination wedding to Italy took them from Northern Ireland to Orvieto in Umbria, with an intimate group of guests for a celebration none of them will ever forget...

bride with princess gown and pink peony bouquet

I can't quite imagine them both in school uniforms, but believe it or not Gemma and Columb are schoolyard sweethearts! They met originally in 2004 on a night out with mutual friends, as they were still in school they just lived for the weekends when they could spend time together (and away from the parentals no doubt!). Six years later, the couple still going strong and Gemma having started her career as a photographer, they were on a romantic trip to Paris, when Gemma was positioning the camera for a perfect pic of the Eiffel tower, and a funny blur appeared on front of the lens. A little focusing and Gemma spotted a beautiful sparkler staring right back at her!

The couple set out their priorities very clearly from the beginning - a small intimate wedding with an outdoor reception and informal dining, and for Gemma in terms of decor, the only important must-have was a whole load of beautiful pink peonies. Doesn't every girl love a big blousy peony?

So a small party of family and friends decamped to the gorgeous countryside of Umbria in central Italy, for a relaxed, sun-drenched and fun-filled few days celebrating their loved ones, and guests of honour were both Columb and Gemma's grandparents who made the trip to our wedding, something the couple were aware was a big ask, but the day wouldn’t have been the same without them there, and it's a memory they'll have forever.

With a soft palette of pink and peach for the bridal party, the girls looked beautiful in those lovely lace sleeved gowns, while of course the shining star was Gemma the bride. Can you believe she did her hair and make up herself? She looks immaculate! Not sure I'd have the steadiest of hands for it, but at the same time so relaxing just to be able to do your own thing on the morning of the wedding with everything else kicking off.

The boys meanwhile kept it classic with navy suits and shades - loving that lad's trilby - very Godfather!

After the ceremony in Orvieto cathedral, and a walk around the town for some pretty portraits, the couple and their guests returned to their private villa for the wedding celebration they had always dreamed of...

"We wanted a really informal, relaxed diy wedding with our close family and friends, Set in the beautiful Italian countryside. Our chosen villa was perfect set among corn fields, and the garden area was surrounded with lavender and hundreds of butterflies."

So, privacy, intimacy, great food and wine, balmy temperatures and amazing light for beautiful photos like these - getting married in Italy really is the dream folks!

To round off all the fun, the couple continued their Italian adventure by heading to Venice for a few nights, followed by glamping in Veneto, finishing up in the magical city of Florence.

When's the next flight? I'm gone! Too romantic guys. Congratulations to you both Gemma and Columb, so many thanks for sharing your fabulous wedding escape with us all.

And huge thanks to DL Photography for sharing her gorgeous images with us - what a dream! Pop over to www.photographyisme.co.uk for more.

All the Wedding Details