Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Aurelia, perched atop Janiculum Hill, Lucy and Sam's wedding was a masterclass in elegance, romance, and unfiltered fun. From the fashion-forward bridal look to the unforgettable candlelit reception, the entire day reflected the couple’s love story—an effortless blend of spontaneity and soul. Join us as we relive Lucy & Sam’s unforgettable Italian wedding—a story of love and destiny. With the visionary expertise of wedding planner Isla & Smith, our talented member, every detail of their celebration was flawlessly brought to life.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We first met when we were fifteen at a friend’s party. Sam was a friend of a friend, and the moment we met, we were completely drawn to each other. We shared a kiss that night, and from that moment on, we both had a bit of what you might call—a crush. We were too young to pursue anything serious back then, but we always joked that one day we’d get married.
Life took us in different directions—other sides of the globe, in fact—but no matter where we were, we always held a place for each other in our hearts. There was always this pull between us, an attraction that never faded. Looking back, I truly believe we were always meant to find our way back to each other. And now, it really feels like we are exactly where we were always meant to be.
The Proposal
Well, funnily enough, Sam actually asked me to marry him for the first time back in 2011. We found some old messages where he jokingly proposed and asked me to move to Australia with him. At the time, I was still playing hard to get, and it was all just a bit of fun, but looking back on those messages now, it’s so sweet to see how our story has come full circle. The real proposal came in Fiji, and to be honest, I didn’t believe him at first! He was so nervous that he had to ask me three or four times before it finally sank in. I kept thinking he was joking, but once I realized he was serious, it was the easiest “yes” of my life.
The Engagement Ring
The engagement ring is a beautiful testament to Sam’s thoughtful spontaneity. Without any discussion about what I might prefer, he took it upon himself to choose the perfect ring—a gold band delicately encrusted with diamonds and centered by a striking, big round diamond. I was completely unaware of his plans, so the moment he presented the ring was filled with surprise and overwhelming emotion.
Our Wedding
The Vision
We wanted our wedding to be a heartfelt celebration of our journey—a vision of elegance and romance with an unstructured, fun atmosphere. We chose Rome, the Eternal City of Love, not only for its timeless beauty but also because it holds a special place in our hearts. It was in this city that we reconnected in 2022, beginning our long-awaited love story. Every detail of the day reflected the spirit of our love. Rome’s enchanting streets and historic charm provided the perfect backdrop for us to celebrate, marking a new chapter in a story that had been written over many years.
Our Team of Vendors
We were incredibly lucky to have an amazing team of vendors who helped bring our wedding vision to life. Our event planner, Isla & Smith, made the entire process seamless—especially since we already knew Lisa, the owner, personally. She was an absolute godsend, curating a dream team of talented individuals who each played a vital role in making our day unforgettable.
From the catering staff, who delivered an incredible dining experience, to the band, who kept the atmosphere lively and full of energy, every single detail was perfectly “us.” We couldn’t have asked for a better team; they exceeded every expectation, and our guests were completely blown away by the whole day. The dream team that Lisa brought together ensured that our wedding in Rome was everything we had envisioned and more.
The Location
We chose the breathtaking Villa Aurelia as the setting for our wedding—a location that perfectly encapsulated the elegance and romance we envisioned for our special day. Perched atop Janiculum Hill, the villa offered the most stunning panoramic views of Rome, a city so deeply intertwined with our love story.
With its grand yet intimate feel, Villa Aurelia provided the perfect balance of history, charm, and sophistication. The lush gardens, candlelit terraces, and beautifully restored interiors created a magical atmosphere, setting the stage for a wedding that felt timeless yet effortlessly fun. As the sun set over the Eternal City, the villa transformed into a dreamlike setting where we celebrated, laughed, and danced the night away with our closest family and friends.
The Ceremony
Set outdoors in a secret garden overlooking the city of Rome, every detail was carefully woven into the magic of the day. The garden was decorated with metallic-sprayed lilies and deep wine-hued hydrangeas, adding warmth to the setting. Majestic pillars framed the ceremony space, creating a timeless, intimate atmosphere. We kept the ceremony short and wrote our own personal vows, exchanging them with meaning, a few tears, a touch of humor, and heartfelt promises.
The Reception
The reception was pure magic from the very start. The dinner set the perfect tone for the night—filled with laughter, incredible food, and an atmosphere of pure joy. The speeches were nothing short of amazing, made even more special by the personal touch of introducing each speaker with their own song. It wasn’t just a cue—it was a moment that got everyone on their feet, turning the traditional dinner into the start of an unforgettable party.
Our first dance was to Turn Me On by Norah Jones, a beautiful prelude to the high-energy celebration that followed. Then, something I didn’t see coming—after a request during the speeches at dinner, an impromptu performance from my former girl group (many, many moons ago) actually set the party into full swing! From that point on, it felt like we completely took over the wedding band, with different guests jumping up to sing throughout the night. The entire evening was filled with spontaneous, joyous moments—proof that when the right people come together, the party takes on a life of its own.
The Special Touches
Our wedding was filled with special touches that made the day uniquely ours. While we chose not to have a traditional wedding party with bridesmaids and groomsmen, we made sure to include some of our closest people in meaningful ways. Sam’s three brothers each played an important role—one delivered the rings, another took on the role of MC, and the third gave a heartfelt speech that had everyone laughing and tearing up in equal measure. Sam’s mum added a beautiful touch to our ceremony with a lovely reading.
One of the most touching parts of the day was seeing our daughter, Robbie, being carried down the aisle by my mum before my dad walked me down. It was a moment that truly symbolized the blending of our love, family, and the journey that brought us to this day.
Our Favorite Moment
Choosing just one favorite moment from our wedding weekend is almost impossible because every second felt magical. Seeing our family and friends come together so effortlessly, blending as if they had always known each other, was something truly beautiful to witness. It wasn’t just the best few days of our lives—our guests felt it too, making the celebration even more special.
But if we had to choose one moment, it would be the first time we saw each other at the aisle. That instant was filled with overwhelming emotion—something in the air just felt different, almost otherworldly, and it’s a memory we will hold in our hearts forever.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I wanted my bridal look to be a blend of romance, nostalgia, and modern elegance. Opting for a butter-toned dress instead of bright white, the bespoke gown by London-based designer Paula Nadal was a true labor of love. Over six months, it evolved into something structured yet soft, vintage yet minimal and modern. The asymmetric, multi-layered veil was a late addition, adding just the right amount of theatrical flair to elevate the entire look. Instead of a traditional floral bouquet, the silk hydrangeas—handcrafted from the same fabric as my dress—were both timeless and incredibly innovative, a stunning touch from Paula.
The gold platform Aquazzura shoes injected a modern, fun edge, balancing romance with boldness. Paula and I also designed a three-look transformation around the same dress rather than opting for a second outfit. The initial entrance featured the theatrical veil for the ceremony, followed by a chic draped silk scarf for dinner, and finally, playful hidden ties that unveiled a side slit for the evening—each transition seamlessly matching the mood of the moment without missing a second of the celebration.
The Groom Looks
Sam opted for a clean-cut, custom Hugo Boss dinner suit. What made the look even more special was the subtle yet personal detail of the boutonnière—crafted from the same silk as my dress. This small but meaningful touch, once again designed by Paula, tied our looks together beautifully, symbolizing unity in the most stylish way.
Our Advice
For The Planning Process
Our biggest piece of advice? Find a great planner! Having a wedding planner you trust—not just with logistics but also with aesthetics, taste, and the best industry contacts—makes all the difference. Thanks to ours, the entire process was seamless. We didn’t have to worry about the little details or stress over last-minute hiccups because we knew everything was in the best hands. Honestly, we both got to enjoy the experience rather than feel overwhelmed by it. I didn’t stress once (okay, maybe once), but overall, it was nothing but fun, and I actually miss the whole process. So if you’re planning your wedding, our best advice is to surround yourself with people who truly get you and your vision.
For On The Day
Just enjoy every second of it. You’ve spent so much time planning every detail, but when the day finally arrives, the best thing you can do is let go of expectations. Not everything will go perfectly to plan, and that’s okay. Just soak up every moment. The day flies by unbelievably fast, so forget about how everything looks and just be completely present. This is the best day of your lives—embrace it fully.
For Post-Wedding
Keep the party going! We hosted a recovery pool party the next day, and it was one of the best decisions we made. Picture this: the most delicious Italian pizzas, endless beer and Aperol Spritz, all by the pool with a live sax and DJ setting the vibe. Everyone was in the best spirits, reminiscing about the night before—it was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible few days. Honestly, the longer you can stretch out the celebrations, the better. We also kicked things off with a welcome drink on our balcony at the Hassler Hotel’s 7th floor. It was the perfect way to bring everyone together before the big day, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend. If you can, make a whole experience out of it—you’ll never regret more time celebrating with your favorite people!
Vendors
Photography: Jack Henry
Videography: Plus Two Films
Wedding Planner, Stylist & Coordinator: Isla & Smith
Venue: Villa Aurelia
Florist: Fluida Design
Stationery: Stamp Design Co
Cake & Catering: Sciamannini Ricevimenti
Celebrant: Celebrant In Sardinia
Music: Smoma Music & More
Makeup: Frankie Falkingham
Style
Bridal Dress: Paulanadal
Bridal Shoes: Aquazzura
Bridal Jewelry & Wedding Ring: Boodles
Engagement Ring: Affinity Diamonds
Groom: Hugo Boss
