To celebrate the union of Switzerland residents Thijs and Flora, 80 loved ones journeyed by boat to a tiny island in the nation’s south. With an entrance like that, it goes without saying, this soiree was certified amazing before guests even reached the shore. There, the two wed at Villa Emden with an Italian-inspired celebration that no wet weather could dampen.
“We picked the venue because we loved the outdoors,” the couple of 13 years told us. “Unfortunately it rained pretty much non stop that day so everything had to be moved indoors. Luckily, the venue was beautiful inside and out! The heavy rain, thunderstorm and lightning during the ceremony gave a dramatic feeling to that special moment. For a moment, it felt [like] we were caught in a tropical storm, reminding us of when we first got together in Singapore. Overall, we embraced the rain and made the most out of it!”
Every image that came out of this day is a work of art and the couple say their photographer Jimena from Volvoreta was “simply incredible”. “Besides taking the most beautiful and natural pictures, she brought a lot of fun to the wedding preparation and magic to the wedding weekend itself.”
If you too are dreaming of a nature-led, immersive overseas wedding, start your scroll, then explore more waterfront wedding venues and destination wedding hotspots.
A romantic Italian-inspired island wedding on Lake Maggiore
“Initially we wanted to get married in Italy but we couldn’t find a suitable venue. We then started looking in Switzerland (where we live) and were happily surprised to come across Villa Emden, nested on Isole di Brissago on Lago Maggiore. We were seduced by the Italian feel and the uniqueness of being on an island. We also wanted our dog to be part of the wedding so we liked the idea of being on an island as there were no risks he could run away! It was the second venue we visited. We love nature so we wanted a natural, outdoor wedding, taking advantage of the wonderful views and the botanical garden.”
Embracing dramatic weather and unforgettable moments
“The special feeling of taking a boat (in the middle of a storm) to reach an island you couldn’t even see from the shore due to the heavy clouds surrounding the lake. The dramatic rain shower during the wedding ceremony. The incredible party with the combination of a DJ and electric violin. The feeling of being altogether, yet alone, on an island.”
Personal wedding details and meaningful touches
“Invites: our dog Romeo was featured prominently on the Save the Date and the formal invite through a beautiful aquarelle portrait. Cake: we love Italian food and berries so the Millefoglie was an obvious choice. Flowers: for the centrepieces, we wanted to incorporate branches and leaves, together with colourful flowers to remind guests of the island’s botanical garden.”
Honest moments, emotional highlights and first dances
(Flora) “Taking a pause during dinner and looking around to see all our family and friends having a great time, mingling, laughing, cheering. Just happiness everywhere. Also, the relief when we finished our first dance. We were really badly prepared and the pressure of the day just lifted, giving an extra boost of energy for the party ahead.” (Thijs) “Seeing Flora walk down the aisle. We didn’t do a first look so it was the first time I saw her in her wedding dress. It was emotional to realise that after 13 years, the moment had finally come.”
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Volvoreta Florist Fior da Lisa Stationery Heather Lucy J Venue Villa Emden Cake Maker Panetteria Pasticceria Peri Photo Booth PhotoboothMe Entertainment Sofia Landgren, Per Kristjansen, Venus String Quartet THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Designer Victoire Vermeulen Shoes Flordeasoka Hair & Makeup Josephine Cottet THE GROOM Suit & Tie Hackett London
