Sealing Their Love with a Vintage Vow: Emma and Jim's Timeless Celebration at Villa Aura del Lago

Love Story

Once upon a time, on the sun-drenched shores of the Gold Coast, destiny intervened in the form of a charming French exchange student named Jim. Emma recalls, "We first met in class at Griffith University when we were paired together to work on a group assignment. I remember feeling drawn to him and his thick French accent and he recounts being mesmerized by my sheer lack of care, sporting a huge backpack to class, something absurd coming from the South of France,where style is paramount. Over the months that ensued, we built a friendship which later developed into a romance. Picture conversations that stretched for hours and the fun and laughter of playing tour guide around my hometown of the Gold Coast."

But their fairytale was not without its challenges. As Jim's visa expired, Emma confesses, "I recall the sickening pit in my stomach as his date for departure grew closer and closer. Deep down, we both knew this Aussie fling couldn't last. Still, the first goodbye was heart-breaking, a silent promise hanging heavy in the air."

Through years of long-distance and countless goodbyes, their love story persevered. “When I ‘conveniently’ chose Europe for my study abroad in the Netherlands. Jim ‘conveniently’ came to visit and ended up staying with me– it was like our love story was begging for a sequel. But soon enough, reality bit again, and I had to fly home,” Emma shares. “Two and a half years of long-distance, many hellos and many goodbyes, many plane tickets, and a whole lot of longing later, Jim courageously decided this couldn't be our reality anymore. With a heart full of love and a one-way ticket, he traded the cobbled streets of France for the sunny shores of Australia – talk about a grand gesture!”

Fast forward three years, Jim popped the question in an unforgettable surprise. As Emma shares, "It was an easy decision to marry him and commit to no more goodbyes just hellos and building a future together. Forget cheesy fairy tales, this is our love story: proof that forever starts with a plane ticket, a whole lot of missing someone special, and a connection that defies distance."

The proposal itself was a romantic whirlwind. Emma reveals, Little did I know, Jim had been plotting a surprise so over-the-top, Imogen, my beautiful friend, had to be his accomplice. We were living in Brisbane when she "needed my help" with a photoshoot at the Gold Coast Races. Spoiler alert: there was no photoshoot."

Instead, she stepped into a fairytale scene, "Instead, I walked into a stunning setting, overflowing with white roses – a scene straight out of a fairy-tale. And then, there he was, Jim, with our adorable dog Hugo by his side. Before I could even process the magic unfolding, he was down on one knee, asking me to be his forever."

The surprises didn't stop there. With joyful laughter, Emma recounts, "Out came my family to congratulate us, as well as Imogen who finally could share her excitement over the secret she’d been keeping. As if this wasn't enough, Jim had also arranged for a private helicopter to pick us up and take us for a scenic tour of the Gold Coast. We soared above the ocean, the breathtaking views the perfect backdrop for our newfound fiancé-fiancée bliss. Finally, we landed at the luxurious Sheraton Marina Mirage,where we spent the night savoring the emotions of the day. Talk about an unforgettable way to start the next chapter of our love story!"

Emma shares her approach to envisioning their dream wedding day: "Okay, so as a psychologist, I'm all about introspection, right? Especially when it comes to mega-milestones like our wedding! So, I spent a good chunk of time asking myself questions to figure out what I truly wanted from this crazy exciting chapter."

Their planning became a collaborative exploration. "Then, Jim and I did what we do best – we talked it out. Like, for hours. We brainstormed our dream day, bouncing ideas back and forth until a compelling vision emerged."

At the heart of it all was a desire for more than just a celebration. The couple reveals, "Both of us craved something more than just a party. We wanted a moment suspended in time,where everyone was fully present, celebrating life, love, and that amazing feeling of connection. We wanted a day drenched in beauty and awe, leaving our loved ones feeling grateful simply to be alive, surrounded by the people they cherish most."

Emerging from the Covid era, they aimed to inspire their guests. "We wanted to inspire our loved ones to embrace travel and create lasting memories of their own. Our wedding wouldn't just be a celebration for us, it would be a catalyst for personal adventures. That's when the idea struck: a destination wedding!"

The vision crystallized around the idyllic locale of Lake Como. As Emma describes, "We knew that with a destination wedding, we could coordinate a few days,where our loved ones could escape the daily grind and immerse themselves in pure joy and love. Additionally, it bridged the geographical gap for Jim's European family, reconnecting them after years apart due to Covid."

"We envisioned a breathtaking location, grand and picturesque, with calming water nearby. Basically, somewhere romantic and awe-inspiring. And voila! Lake Como entered the discussion. The perfect blend of beauty and serenity, with grand mountains creating the ultimate backdrop for countless "pinch me" moments," Jim and Emma share.

Their stylistic choices reflected an understated elegance. They explain, "For our vendors, three words captured our vision: elegant, modern, and romantic. To achieve this, we embraced a "less is more" philosophy, ensuring the décor would complement, not overpower, the breathtaking lakeside setting. We went with ghost chairs which provided a modern touch, while deep anthracite tablecloths mirrored the deep colour of the lake. Long-stemmed roses in soft pinks and neutrals, nestled amidst cascading ivory candles, added a touch of romantic elegance. The gentle flicker of candlelight dancing on the water's surface was beautiful - a considered blend of elegance, romance, and modern sophistication."

When it came to planning inspiration, Emma shares, "Pinterest and Instagram became my absolute wedding planning besties! I had endless albums overflowing with inspiration for every detail, from the ceremony flowers to the perfect table arrangement. Booking vendors even became an intense Instagram treasure hunt – scouring hashtags to find the most talented photographers and other creatives who could bring our vision to life. It was a lot of work, but it really paid off as we adored our vendor selections!"

The three-day celebration unfolded at the picturesque Aura Villa del Lago in Limonta, Italy on the 23rd of August 2023. With 58 carefully selected guests, the couple reveals it "felt absolutely perfect for us. We wanted to be able to celebrate with everyone we loved and create a truly intimate atmosphere. Having a smaller guest list allowed us to spend quality time with each person and mention them in our speeches. It was important for us to create a celebration,where everyone felt truly connected."

The meticulous planning spanned over a year. As Emma recounts, "A little over a year went into planning our wedding, and I'm so glad we started early! Securing the perfect vendors without in-person meetings definitely added a layer of complexity. It was a lot of "Insta-stalking" and video conferences to get a feel for everyone's style and personality. In the end, though, the extra time was worth it – we found an incredible team who helped create the perfect day for us."

Morning details

The morning details were carefully curated to infuse personal touches and honor loved ones. When it came to the wedding rings, Emma shares, "Our wedding rings were important to us – we wanted them to tell a story! So, we jetted off to Jim's hometown, Cannes (talk about a fancy errand!), to find the perfect pair on the French Riviera."

Their shared admiration for Cartier guided their choice. "We both instantly fell in love with Cartier's Love ring design. Not only are we both suckers for the Cartier brand, but the fact that the rings symbolized eternal love and commitment, totally sealed the deal. We had them engraved so they are personal to us, and the story of picking them out together in Jim's hometown made the whole experience extra special."

Emma also donned a cherished family heirloom, imbuing the day with multi-generational meaning. "Yes, I did wear a special piece of jewellery on my wedding day. It was my grandmother's diamond tennis bracelet. Since she wasn't able to travel from Australia to celebrate with us in person, wearing her bracelet was a beautiful way to have her presence felt on such a special day. The bracelet itself is beautiful, but the sentiment it carries makes it even more precious. It was originally a gift from my late grandfather to my grandmother, so wearing it felt like a lovely way to honour both of them and their role in my life."

Bride getting ready

Emma's journey to her dream dress was an adventure unto itself. "Finding the perfect dress was definitely an adventure!" she admits. "I initially fell in love with a princess-style gown. However, once we finalized the lakeside venue, I realized it wasn't quite the right fit for the setting. Note to brides, pick your dress after you have picked your venue."

After an exploratory search, the perfect dress revealed itself. "The dress I ultimately chose was the "Azalea" gown by Alena Leena Bridal. This design struck a perfect chord – it was modern with a touch of classic romance, which felt ideal for our lakeside celebration."

To make it utterly her own, Emma embarked on a labor of love. "To personalize it further, I embarked on a project of hand-beading and embellishment. I painstakingly hand-sewed pearls throughout the bodice and even incorporated some special touches, like stitching our initials in pearls. To top it all off, I chose a dramatic cathedral-length Chantilly lace-edged veil."

The final result left Emma breathless. "It took some time to find "the one," but seeing it all come together on the wedding day was truly magical."

The villa itself set the scene for Emma's bridal debut. "The villa was the perfect setting for our getting-ready photos – a stress-free sanctuary right,where the celebration would unfold. Jim and I both loved the idea of avoiding the pre-ceremony rush and extra travel. However, dividing the three-story villa between the guys and us girls also presented a fun challenge – how to ensure we didn't accidentally bump into each other! Looking back, the playful maneuvering only added to the excitement of the day!"

The couple raves about their photographer's ability to capture the magic. "Our incredible photographer, Dani Rodrigues, captured the whole thing beautifully. His guidance and light-hearted approach kept the morning photoshoot fun and positive – the perfect way to kick off the celebration."

Groom getting ready

Jim exuded timeless elegance in his Hugo Boss tuxedo, complemented by dapper details like Mont Blanc cufflinks and a classic cummerbund and bow tie. As Emma fondly recalls, "The entire ensemble was a timeless and elegant choice for our special day."

First Look

Emma describes, "We opted not to do a first look as we wanted the moment we saw each other at the alter to be special and full of anticipation and surprise."

Ceremony

Emma and Jim infused personal meaning into their ceremony through special traditions. The couple shares, "We incorporated a beautiful wine box ritual into our ceremony. As Jim's father is a passionate wine expert, it felt especially meaningful. We sealed a bottle of wine and our vows inside a beautiful box, symbolizing the hope that our love, like fine wine, will only get better with age. It was a touching ritual involving Jim's dad and a lovely way to personalize our ceremony."

Their ceremony took place at the breathtaking Villa Aura del Lago. "The estate's 200 meters of waterfront offered a multitude of stunning locations, and we chose a picturesque spot under the grand Cipresso tree for our lakeside vows.."

Emma's walk down the aisle was serenaded by a deeply meaningful song choice. "I chose 'I Get to Love You' by Ruelle," she admits. “ The song's message of deep appreciation for love resonated with me. The lyrics 'I get to love you / It's the best thing that I'll ever do' perfectly captured the overwhelming gratitude I felt to be marrying Jim.”

Keeping family close, they honored loved ones with special roles. "We both wanted our siblings to be a part of our special day, so Jim's sister Natalia was the ring bearer and my brother James was the emcee."

The ceremony itself was an intimate, emotion-filled affair. As Emma reminisces, "The vows were very touching, we felt as though we were the only people there." Those profound moments of connection created cherished memories.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After saying "I do," the newlyweds embarked on a romantic wooden boat ride across Lake Como's tranquil waters, savoring their first moments as husband and wife. As Emma describes, "Our photographer and videographer, captured these intimate moments as we reveled in the pure joy of being newly married. It was a tranquil pause amidst the excitement, a chance to connect and simply soak in the magic of the day."

Wedding Venue & Decor

Roses set the romantic tone for Emma and Jim's wedding decor. Emma describes, "We chose a warm neutral color palette as the base, allowing the beauty of the flowers to truly shine. A delightful mix of Quicksand, Menta, and White O'Hara roses in various styles brought a touch of elegance and whimsy to the space. The combination created a truly romantic and timeless aesthetic."

Selecting their dream venue was an intensive search that paid off in spades. Emma recalls, "Finding our dream venue on Lake Como was a whirlwind of wedding websites and Instagram! After narrowing down 40 options to 10 based on photos and reviews, we prioritised venues that could host us and our family for three nights and offered complete privacy.”

Their hearts were won over by Villa Aura del Lago. "We fell head-over-heels for Villa Aura del Lago – an 18th-century estate with an incredible 200 meters of private waterfront with a jetty. This incredible lakeside location meant our entire wedding could be by the water, from the ceremony to the reception. Plus, the option for post-wedding water sports sealed the deal – pure lakeside bliss!"

Reception

The reception was a beautifully choreographed celebration, starting with Emma and Jim's romantic first dance. The couple shares, "Our first dance song was 'Biblical' by Callum Scott.” The bride adds, “I loved the beautiful melody that built over time, and even more so, the lyrics resonated deeply. "I wanna have it all with you" perfectly captured the enduring commitment we were celebrating."

She fondly recounts the journey to that special moment. "Having choreographed many a first dance for our friends, I was particularly excited to create a special piece for us. Jim, who isn't the biggest dance enthusiast, agreed to giving me 30-minutes each week for eight weeks prior to the wedding. Let's just say those sessions were crash courses in efficiency! Honestly, choreographing and teaching him our dance was a highlight for me in the lead-up to the wedding, and I dare say Jim might even agree. The laughter and shared experience during those lessons remain some of my most cherished memories."

The culinary experience was a true taste of Italy. "Our wedding was a celebration of all things Italian, and the food was no exception, thank you to Class Eventi our caterers!" the newlyweds exclaim. "We created a menu that showcased the region's finest specialties, starting with playful passed hors d'oeuvres like tuna tartare on tapioca and parmesan lollipops. The sit-down dinner was a culinary journey, featuring a light and elegant liquid parmesan soufflé with seasonal greens and caramelized pears, followed by luxurious tagliolini pasta adorned with black truffle and rich cheese. For the main course, the melt-in-your-mouth Piedmontese beef with a decadent potato mille-feuille and a rich red wine sauce. To complete the experience, we paired each course with local wines, like a bold Langhe Nebbiolo for the main course and a crisp Lugana to complement the earlier dishes. Needless to say, our guests left raving about the food and wine."

Dessert was an equally decadent affair. The couple says, "Our wedding cake was a classic Italian Millefoglie, a delightful combination of light, crisp pastry and silky Chantilly cream topped with fresh raspberries. We chose this traditional dessert to add an authentic touch to our Italian wedding celebration."

But the sweets didn't stop there! "We also created a dedicated pastry and dessert corner that was a true feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Guests could indulge in a selection of classic Italian pastries, each a miniature masterpiece. Imagine creamy white chocolate with mango and almond flakes, decadent raspberry purée with panna cotta and a touch of mint, and the classic Italian comfort food, tiramisu. Fresh fruit platters overflowing with juicy strawberries and pineapples added a refreshing touch. For those who couldn't resist a bit of everything, there were also mignon cakes, dark chocolate cakes, and miniature versions of the Millefoglie with Chantilly cream and fresh berries. It was a sugar lover's paradise, and the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable Italian celebration," they add.

For Emma, one moment shines brightest. "There's no contest when it comes to my favourite wedding memory. It has to be the sheer, uninhibited joy of our reception entrance after the boat tour. Stepping off the classic Italian wooden boat, hand-in-hand with "Sara Perche Ti Amo" filling the air, the open-air lakeside reception transformed into a sea of electric energy! My brother, the master of ceremonies extraordinaire, had clearly whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Napkins pirouetted like celebratory flags, chairs spontaneously became standing ovations, and whistles echoed through the night."

"It was pure, electric joy," she continues. "Fuelled by the love radiating from our friends and family, with the breathtaking beauty of the lake as our backdrop, we walked directly into the heart of the party. The champagne toast that followed felt like the perfect crescendo to that incredible moment, launching us into a night filled with pure joy. While the private boat tour was absolutely special, it was this transition from a serene moment to a pure, joyous celebration that truly stands out. It's a memory that brings a smile to my face every single time."

Reflecting on their dream team of vendors, Emma beams, "Every vendor we chose brought their A-game and truly exceeded our expectations."