As a wedding photographer in the UK, you get to meet a fair few wonderful parts of the country, if only for a fleeting few hours here and there… all part of the life of a nationwide professional. However, when the opportunity arises to jump on a plane and put on my International Wedding Photographer badge (self appointed job title), it's an opportunity I never miss. Throw in a trip to Varenna, Italy, a brief stop in Milan and the chance to photograph the wedding of a professional footballer… it became a trip that I will certainly never forget… what a week!
Now I must admit, that before I set off on my trans-Europe trip, I needed to get a few ducks in order. Many a sleepless night occurs when I consider how I am going to insure, double insure and triple insure the most important item in my possession… memory cards. Now the loss of a card containing the images of a wedding is a thought that could stop the heart beat of any wedding photographer, regardless of where they were in the world. So with my laptop in one hand, notes on my remote backup in the other, I took the plunge and boarded for Milan, before the trip to Varenna for the wedding of Chloe and Alex. And I thought remembering your passport being THE thing to worry about… who’d be an International Photographer (self appointed) hey?
Being able to capture some of the wonderful views Varenna had to offer, was a real treat, and then being able to photograph the beautiful Chloe and dapper Alex was a real honour and a throughly amazing experience from start to finish. Both Chloe and Alex had chosen a simply incredible venue for their big day, and with it, quite a story to get there. Veterinary surgeon Chloe and pro footballer Alex, like so many other couples across the last couple of years, found their plans in a slight state of disarray, but through it all, managed to get most things exactly as they wanted. The original plan for the Alex’s proposal was actually to be at their chosen wedding venue, the Hotel Villa Cipressi, Varenna, Lake Como. However with travel restrictions, that would have to be amended, and instead, our outdoorsy couple, along with their dog Alfie, made their way up the Mendip Hills, a favourite route of theirs, and Alex popped the all important question… which had the desired response, ‘Yes!’ Indeed, it wasn’t the only question that was disrupted either. Alex was keen to ask Chloe’s mum for her daughters hand in marriage, but restrictions again made that difficult to arrange. Whilst a classy affair may have been planned, needs must, and Alex’s best option was a wet and windy day, in Macclesfield Town football clubs carpark… with the team bus beeping and perhaps a few murmurings from teammates on said transport, permission was requested and Sue was delighted to be able to grant said request… just a wedding to plan now! Having visited the town a number of years before, neither had any doubt that their wedding day would take place in Varenna… all things Covid, work commitments and everything else that life has a habit of throwing at us, meant that the planning went on for a little long than at first anticipated… but goodness me, it was worth the wait!
And so on the 12th June 2022, the big day finally arrived. What a stunning day. Weddings can be such a stressful occasion, but with Alex enjoying a spot of cricket and a pre wedding swim in the lake, it certainly didn’t look like the pressure was getting to our groom! The locals looked a little bemused as they watched in the square, but an amazing atmosphere everywhere. In fact, everything was just so relaxed and exactly what you might imagine such an incredible experience to be like. Chloe, when I asked her about her best memory, simply said:
“The joy of being able to enjoy the amazing food, weather and scenery with all our closest family and friends.”
You can’t ask for more surely? Wonderful! I must also say just how incredibly helpful the staff were, as well as Chloe and Alex’s lovely friends and family. The team on the day were simply fabulous, and I must also mention Johnnie, the best man, and Fergus, the usher, who were such a big help. Likewise, I couldn’t finish writing this blog without highlighting bridesmaids Louisa and Lucy… thank you too, a huge help. I couldn’t forget Michelle the celebrant either, who was so, so lovely… many memories as the happy couple made their vows overlooking Lake Como… stunning!
Other memorable moments…
- Espresso martini’s instead of a cake… brilliant!
- Chloe's ring is her late grandmother’s wedding ring which she had re-sized. Alex’s ring was made by the uncle of one of Chloe’s best-friends (Andrew Chambers), in which he included a piece of Chloe’s ring which was removed during the resizing… a really lovely touch.
- Tom Seth Johnson... Oxford. Busking. Spotted. Chat. Booked! What a chance meeting. Although Tom is a professional musician, having performed many gigs in the past, he had never done a wedding before. He was fantastic and learnt over 10 new songs for us, including the aisle songs, first dance and last song of the night.
And so with a honeymoon set for Valle dell’Erica, Sardinia (lucky devils), I must say once again, congratulations to Chloe and Alex.
Wedding photography by Jon Thorne at Hotel Villa Cipressi, Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
