bride and groom portraits at Hotel Villa Cipressi, Lake Como, Italy

Madeleine & Christopher’s Italian Lake Wedding

October 4, 2024

At Villa Cipressi in Varenna Italy

Madeleine & Christopher’s Italian Lake Wedding at Villa Cipressi in Varenna Italy was absolutely stunning! I’m still in disbelief that I actually photographed a destination wedding in Italy! It was truly a bucket list item for me. Every detail that Maddie chose for their wedding was beautiful and she has a style that is truly dreamy!

The Details

We started the day with Maddie & Chris’s details. I didn’t carry my styling kit or boards so I was a little stressed the day before deciding how I would photograph them. My best bet was finding a scarf that matched her details. I headed out that afternoon with my sister to scour the Varenna shops for options! I’m not normally one to wear scarves so I worried if I would find any. Much to my surprise we found many choices in the local shops. I chose three and let Maddie choose the one she liked. She chose the one I hoped for and I have to say I love her detail shots.

When I originally booked Maddie & Chris, I excitedly let my best friend Kylie know. She enthusiastically told me if I needed a 2^nd photographer she would go with me. I happily took her up on that offer and cannot tell you how glad I was knowing she would 2^nd for me. Thank you Kylie!

Getting Ready

After details it was time for Chris to get dressed. I loved hearing him talk about the suit he chose for their big day. He told us a tux is not appropriate for casual or daytime events. I didn’t know that. He then told us his was a morning suit which is what is supposed to be worn for morning or afternoon events. I looked this up after returning home and I also found that striped trousers are traditionally worn with a morning suit jacket. Yes he had striped trousers as well. He finished off his attire with a watch, blue tie and black dress shoes that were definitely unique. Well done Chris!

When Maddie finished with hair and makeup, I was floored. She was truly a vision to behold! I grabbed a few photos before sending her to put on her wedding gown. Her Mom help her finish buttoning the dress and then we proceeded to get her earrings and shoes on along with a little perfume. And wait until you see the shoes and the perfume! Maddie has exquisite taste! Every detail was a dream and oh the light in front of those huge windows in their suite! I couldn’t stop telling Maddie how beautiful she was.

I asked Maddie if she would like to do a first look with Chris. We did not plan that but she was agreeable to it so Kylie and I set it up! We continued with bride and groom portraits around their suite and then it was time for the ceremony.

Ceremony

The backdrop for their ceremony was the most beautiful broken arch with gorgeous florals that overlooked Lake Como. I’m not sure there has ever been a more beautiful backdrop and we had dramatic clouds to accent the view. Wow!

Their ceremony was simple and sweet. Maddie and Chris chose to have a harpist there for the processional and recessional which added a truly unique touch. And, I loved their officiant, Rita, who added a traditional Italian gesture of having Maddie and Chris kiss each other’s ring before placing it on their finger.

The Boat Ride

After their first dance, Maddie and Chris chose to take a boat ride with Kylie and I in tow. The water was a bit rough so it was quite the adventure trying to photograph them on a rocking boat! We laughed through the whole ride and when the driver suggested we head back we were happy to oblige. Our biggest problem upon returning was one of the docks was not lowered so we were stranded for a short time on the dock anchored out in the water. I’m sure I made quite the site trying to balance myself while calling the hotel to come lower the dock. I gave up and sat down on the dock.

After leaving the dock we continued portraits as we made our way back to their reception! Maddie and Chris made their grand entrance to dinner and we left them to enjoy while we grabbed a bite to eat ourselves. Once we finished dinner we set up for the cake cutting! Maddie and Chris chose to have a traditional Italian wedding cake which is called millefoglie. I really hate I didn’t try it as normally after guests have a chance to get dessert, I take a piece for myself. Ahhh I’ll have to assume it was delicious.

Their Reception

After the cake cutting, Maddie and Chris settled in on the patio with a dessert bar and their guests! I sent Kylie on her way and chatted with Maddie before they retired for the evening! I cannot describe what it meant for me to photograph Maddie and Chris’s Italian lake wedding. It truly was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve documented and it definitely checked an item off my bucket list!

Enjoy Madeleine and Christopher’s Italian Lake Wedding at Villa Cipressi in Varenna Italy!