This morning, we had the pleasure of sharing Ore & Lawson’s breathtaking wedding film, and now, we’re thrilled to present their exquisite photographs and delve deeper into the story behind their unforgettable celebration. This London-based couple always knew they’d have a destination wedding, and after a fortunate Google search, they discovered the majestic Italian castle, Castello Monaci in Apulia, which perfectly aligned with their regal vision.To capture the essence of their stylish and romantic day, talented photographer Paola Colleoni and videographer Angelo La Torre were entrusted with the task. When we asked Ore to describe their special day in three words, she replied, ‘Elegant, glamorous, and fun-filled’ – a sentiment we couldn’t agree with more.Ore chose not one, but two stunning wedding dresses: a romantic ceremony gown featuring sheer embellishments by Tarik Ediz and a glamorous reception dress designed by the up-and-coming London designer, AloNuko. Lawson, too, made a stylish impression in his black tuxedo, which he exchanged for a crisp white jacket to match the celebratory mood.Ore’s meticulous planning skills came into play as she created an elegant reception with a stunning backdrop, lush blooms, gilded details, and personalized touches that left no stone unturned. The addition of delectable cuisine, a show-stopping wedding cake, non-stop dancing, a fireworks finale, and a memorable dip in the fountain sealed the deal – their day was indeed elegant, glamorous, and fun-filled.
Our Love Story
It’s hard to believe that Lawson and I first crossed paths at a library when we were just 16 years old, both studying for our A-levels. We were introduced by mutual friends and initially remained platonic for the first year. However, things took a romantic turn on the last day of school when we all went out together – depending on who’s telling the story, one of us might have made the first move! Fast forward to university, starting our careers, and getting settled into our adult lives. Nine years flew by, and before we knew it, we were still inseparable. In fact, Lawson proposed just a week and three days after our nine-year anniversary – talk about perfect timing! He surprised me while I was rushing out the door for work, got down on one knee, and popped the question. To make matters even more unforgettable, he revealed that he’d secretly arranged for me to have the day off, giving me just an hour to pack for a spontaneous weekend getaway to Barcelona! I always knew that Lawson was the one I wanted to spend my life with, but it was incredible to know that our love would officially be cemented and that I’d get to share all of life’s adventures with my best friend by my side.
The Destination
From the moment Lawson proposed, our wedding plans were already taking shape. We’d discussed having a destination wedding, driven by our love of travel and the unpredictability of London’s weather. Greece had initially caught my eye, as we’d both fallen in love with its beautiful islands. However, our engagement coincided with the Greek financial crisis, forcing us to explore alternative options.A random Google search for European wedding locations led me to Apulia, an Italian region that had captured Justin Timberlake’s heart (literally!). The picturesque vineyards, farmlands, and coastlines seemed like a perfect blend of charm and tranquility. I began researching venues in the area, despite neither Lawson nor I having set foot in Italy.After some diligent searching, I stumbled upon Castello Monaci, a stunning castle that stole my breath. I shared it with Lawson, asking for his thoughts, and his response left me laughing: ‘Dude, are you serious…it’s a freaking castle! Like, I’m a king – IT’S PERFECT!’ We both fell in love with the venue during our first visit to Italy, and our wedding plans took shape. We had hoped to have 18 months to plan, but the venue only had one available date left for all of 2016 – June, just 11 months away. With no hesitation, we secured it, and I went into overdrive planning mode.
The Inspiration
With a flair for the dramatic, our vision for the special day centered around an air of glamour and romance. To bring this aesthetic to life, we carefully curated a stunning color scheme that featured rich marsala tones, soft blush hues, and touches of luxurious gold metallic finishes.
The Venue
In the heart of Apulia, Southern Italy, lies the enchanting Castello Monaci – a castle that will transport you to a bygone era with its breathtaking gardens, on-site winery, and delightful surprises around every corner. But what truly sets it apart is the exceptional staff who go above and beyond to make your special day unforgettable. From the meticulous planning leading up to the big day to their tireless efforts on the actual wedding date, the team’s dedication and support are truly priceless.
The Photography & Videography
Our multimedia team – photographer and videographer – left an indelible mark on our special day. Their ability to capture the moment without disrupting the natural flow of events was nothing short of remarkable, with many of our guests commenting that they barely noticed their presence. This seamless integration is a testament to their exceptional skill. The wedding trailer crafted by Angelo has become a cherished keepsake for Lawson and me, as it distills the essence of our day into a captivating few minutes. From the love and joy we shared, to the infectious energy of the party atmosphere, every moment is preserved in this unforgettable film.
The Decor & Details
As a planner by nature, I took on the challenge of organizing my own wedding alongside my day job as a business consultant. This hands-on approach allowed me to delve deep into every detail and witness the entire event come together, ultimately resulting in a priceless experience for our guests.I was particularly meticulous about the paper goods, recognizing their significance in setting the tone for our special day. In today’s digital age, I wanted to create something tangible that would bring joy to our loved ones. To achieve this, I designed Save the Dates resembling boarding passes, cleverly incorporating the surprise destination of the wedding.For our formal invitations, I enlisted the help of my incredible bridesmaids and we crafted handmade boxed invites. Although it took 12 hours of meticulous work, including sticking, folding, and ribbon-tying, I wouldn’t have done things differently. Our guests adored the unique invitations, and the DIY approach allowed us to tailor them precisely to our vision.Other details that stole the show included a terrarium ring holder, homemade charging station (because no one wants their phone to die during the wedding!), and personalized gym towels given out as favors, accompanied by Italian Limoncello. These thoughtful touches made the event truly unforgettable.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning your wedding without a planner, social media can be a game-changer. For us, getting married in a remote region of Italy meant that finding vendors online was a challenge – until we turned to Instagram. By using relevant hashtags like #apuliaflorist, we were able to quickly identify potential vendors and get a visual sense of their work through their posts. In the end, we found our photographer, videographer, and florist all thanks to Instagram, making it an invaluable resource for couples like us.
Favourite Moments
As we reflect on our special day, it’s the reception party that stands out as a highlight. From the beginning, Lawson and I knew we wanted our wedding to be a celebration of love and good times. To bring this vision to life, we flew in two of our favorite DJs from London and partied the night away until 4:30 am. The energy was electric, and at one point, we even found ourselves dancing in a fountain in the castle gardens – a memory that will forever be etched in our minds. It’s a testament to how carefree and happy we were on that magical night, and let’s just say we were also quite drenched!