Inside a Wedding Photographer’s Elegant Celebration on the Argentario Coast, Italy

Inside the magic of photographer Jimmy Raper’s breathtaking Italian seaside wedding

Luxury wedding photographer Jimmy Raper and wedding planner Sophie Elizabeth's celebration at Hotel Il Pellicano was a breathtaking blend of relaxed refinement, intimate romance, and modern charm. Set against the sun-kissed cliffs of the Argentario coast in Italy, their destination wedding was an ode to effortless elegance, where every detail felt natural yet impeccably curated. The couple's celebration unfolded in a way that felt organic yet sophisticated, honoring tradition while embracing contemporary touches. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests gathered under the stars along a curved table – a setting that radiated warmth, connection, and understated luxury. A wedding spilling with undeniable love and style, and the magic of an unforgettable Italian summer night.

Our Rehearsal Dinner

^{Décor & Ambience}

Our rehearsal dinner was a romantic blend of elegance and warmth, with a classic white palette accented by bold red details. Chrome vessels and candle holders added a modern touch. The backdrop was the star of the night.

^{Our Style}

For the rehearsal, Jimmy kept it relaxed and stylish with a custom suit by Mawson Óssa, paired with a black singlet and Prada mules. I wore, a low-cut silk design by Natalie Rolt. Paired with a red Jacquemus bag, cream mesh shoes by Alias Mae, and a pearl necklace that belonged to my grandmother—a meaningful gift from my mother for my wedding day. To tie it all together, I wore Magda Butrym pearl drop earrings and a pearl ear cuff.

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

Jimmy and I first met at a house party in Paddington. Neither of us were actively looking for a relationship, but there was an undeniable connection between us from the very beginning. Over the months that followed, that connection grew into something truly special.

^{The Proposal}

We were at the beautiful Monteverdi Hotel in Tuscany, surrounded by stunning Tuscan hills. After a peaceful morning walk, we decided to go for an early swim. As I was lowering myself into the water, Jimmy called out my name. I turned around, and there he was, holding the most beautiful ring. Minor detail - he forgot to actually ask me to marry him which we didn’t realise till later.

^{The Engagement Ring}

Jimmy worked with his close friend Ryan to design my dream ring—a black diamond in a way that felt both modern and timeless. It was completely unique and personal, which made it even more special to me.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We wanted our wedding to feel like an extension of who we are—relaxed yet refined, with an effortless elegance. It was important to us that our guests felt present in the moment and could enjoy the experience without too many formalities. We focused on creating a beautifully curated but intimate celebration that blended traditional romance with modern touches.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

We were incredibly lucky to have such an amazing team of vendors. Watching their talent come to life was such a joy. Some travel far to be a part of our day and we are so grateful for that.

^{The Location}

We wanted a venue that would feel like the perfect meeting point for our loved ones, with me being Dutch and Jimmy Australian. A destination wedding made sense to bring everyone together, and as soon as we stayed at Hotel Il Pellicano, we knew it was the one. The hotel was everything we could have dreamed of—the breathtaking coastal setting, the rich history, the beautiful interiors, and the relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

As a photographer, Jimmy has always been inspired by Slim Aarons, who captured some of his iconic images there, so it felt even more special. We both share a love for the ocean and early morning swims, and the venue reflected so much of who we are as a couple. Our goal was to create a wedding that felt unseen, unique, and completely “us”—a celebration that honored tradition but with a modern, personal twist.

^{The Ceremony}

Held at the hotel’s beach club, our ceremony was lighthearted and deeply personal. Our celebrant and friend, Aniella Batten, made it feel uniquely us. The florals, designed by Mary Poppies, seamlessly blended with the coastal setting. As I walked down the aisle to an acoustic version of “I’m With You” by Vance Joy, performed by Duan & Only, the moment felt surreal.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

Following the ceremony, we enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour by the pool, sipping Patsy Spritz & Tommy's Margaritas while taking in the sea view.

^{The Reception}

Dinner took place on the terrace under the stars on a long curved table. A family-style feast of fresh Italian dishes—grilled fish, handmade pastas, and locally sourced wines—served with the warmth and intimacy of lunch at a Nonna’s table. We had a surprise performance by a tenor singer, which our guests absolutely loved. After cutting the cake, the mood shifted to the dance floor. The party carried on al fresco, our amazing DJ Richy Penny kept everyone dancing under the stars. Dessert was served roaming, allowing our guests to enjoy wedding cake and affogato without leaving the celebration.

^{The Special Touches}

We really enjoyed weaving in some fun personal elements. My mum’s handmade silk cocktail tablecloths, Jimmy and I built our own champagne tower structure, a custom wedding newsletter which was handed out to our guests at breakfast the morning after, filled with funny moments from the night before. Our team of vendors were also so special! We feel so blessed with each and every one of them.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

For the ceremony and cocktail hour, I wore the Leah di Gloria Antoinette gown. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. The gown’s blend of femininity and modernity felt perfect. I paired it with a custom veil, my great-grandmother’s pearl necklace, and white Prada slingbacks. My earrings included four diamond hoops from Sarah & Sebastian, along with a special stud gifted by a close friend (designed by Laher) featuring five stones—one of which was light blue for my “something blue.”

I had always envisioned lace as part of my wedding look, so when I saw the all-lace Zuhair Murad Amelia dress at the same shop, I knew I had to try it on. It turned out to be the perfect choice for the reception. To complete the look, I had a custom lace necklace made, which added the finishing touch. For the dance floor, I made one final change into the Lolita dress by Balykina. The short dress featured elements that mirrored my ceremony gown, like the V cut waist and full skirt. I swapped the lace necklace for a chunky gold necklace with a diamond—a wedding gift from Jimmy.

^{The Groom Looks}

On the wedding day, Jimmy wore a custom oversized tuxedo by Mawson Óssa. They took a relaxed approach to tailoring with their full-cut house silhouette to soften the look while maintaining classic formal elegance.

The traditional black suit was balanced with a vintage-inspired aesthetic suited to the day's direction. He completed the look with YSL loafers and a vintage Cartier watch, a special wedding gift from me. His hair was styled by our good friend and hairstylist, Kristen Shaw.

^{Our Bridesmaid’s & Groomsmen's Looks}

The girls were given the freedom to choose whatever they liked, which allowed each of them to express their own style and feel comfortable. The boys wore tailored suits by Mawson Óssa, which tied their looks together with a timeless and polished finish.

Our Advice

^{For The Planning Process}

Be creative and trust your instincts. It’s your day so ignore traditions and opinions and do what your and your lover want!

^{For On The Day}

Take small moments to pause and Enjoy every moment. One of my bridesmaids made sure to ask me about every hour “if I was taking it all in” a cute reminder to pause and enjo the day.