Lake Como is one of my favourite areas. From venues such as Villa Balbianello where you can have one of the most famous venues as your wedding backdrop. This venue really is on my bucket list and what a stunning venue it is. If you are looking for more wedding venue options I can also recommend Villa Sola Cabiati which is out of this world. For Sadie and Matthew’s wedding, I headed to Villa Ciprissi by R collection hotels set in Verenna. This is such a stunning area of the Lake with some of the most popular villas including Villa Monestero where I worked last year. We headed out in the height of summer- so this was so so hot! I would recommend looking at a later ceremony time and dinner- these guys wanted to make the most of the day and enjoy it with a lunch time ceremony but some of the guests did struggle in the heat.
Getting ready on Lake Como
It was perfect having everything on site for this wedding. As driving around Lake Como, specifically parking can be a bit of a nightmare. So it was perfect to know we would not get stuck anywhere or have any issues for getting to each part of the day. I was over and back between Sadie and Matthew as well as waiting for the ceremony to be set up. So started the day already doing quite a few steps on site. Matthew got ready in one of the main rooms with the balcony while Sadie had one of the rooms down by the water which allowed her to be hidden away from guests and be lead around to the ceremony area in secret. We did the first look with Sadies Dad and also bridesmaids in this spot which was lovely and secluded.
Villa Ciprissi Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony set up was done on one of the levels of the Villa grounds just below the dinner and drinks reception set up. So it is nice and close to the main areas. With the ceremony being early, it was quite a harsh light of day on certain parts of the ceremony, luckily for most of the areas needed it was shaded with the trees so we were able to get some lovely soft, creamy looking photos. Matthew was quite emotional and nervous leading upto the ceremony and it was so sweet seeing them both come together.
Drinks reception on the Lake
Next it was time for drinks reception. With a live Saxophone player and some time for group photos before Sadie and Matthew headed out on to the Lake. We decided to do the groups nice and close to drinks reception so I could use the shaded area of the trees to still keep guests nice and cool.
Couple photos on the lake via boat
Before we headed onto the boat we did a few quick photos by Villa Ciprissi’s famous gates. We aimed to do these twice as they are set in a tight light area where the light changes throughout the day. so we wanted to get some where the lgiht was stronger and then later after dinner we would head down for the softer light for the rest of their couple photos. It was then time to head out onto the lake in the boat. As super hot time of day- so we were all sweating come the end. But what a thrill! Going for a boat ride on Lake Como allows you to see the area from a different perspective. Allowing you to really see the villas in all of their glory- and almost how they were made- to be seen from the water.
Wedding dinner at Villa Ciprissi
As there were several courses for dinner we benchmarked to do the second set of images during this time. As the boat ride took up more time during the drinks reception. So it was now time to enjoy the dinner and relax. As well as speeches from friends and family with food being served. Italian food is amazing so guests were in for a treat.
Couple photos in Lake Como
Villa Ciprissi has many areas to capture couple photos. There is almost too many areas to cover without taking a couple away from the wedding for too long. I would recommend for a Lake Como wedding to have a few couple photos at drinks reception for 10mins or so and then heading off for a second set and boat right around golden hour for the most perfect lighting. For Sadie and Matthews they did things a little differently but as a photographer it just means that you get creative with light and timings to give them the best photos possible.
Party time in Lake Como
What is great about weddings in Italy is that for dinner, dancing and party everything can still happen outside with the fairy lights and atmosphere. It was amazing to also have the cake cut outside with the dry sparklers to really get the party started.
Book your Lake Como wedding photographer
I adored capturing Sadie and Matthews wedding in Lake Como. If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your Lake Como wedding then please get in touch.
