Real Wedding: Emma & James – Photography by Nisha Ravji

James proposed in Rome, where we’d gone for a few days for my birthday (we live in the UK). I sort of knew it was coming but wasn’t sure. We spent a day in Vatican City and I had no idea James was wanting to propose that day, I was too hot and sweaty so it wasn’t the right moment… Later that day when unpacking his bag the ring box fell out and rolled across the floor! I threw a top over it and ran into the shower, he had no idea I saw it. Then I knew it was real! He waited until my birthday day, and asked me when out at dinner, in the most amazing restaurant, outside, with pretty fairy lights. It was very romantic.

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For our wedding we had a week in Lake Como with our friends and family. We got married on day five. Unlike most couples we weren’t traditional, and spent the evening together at the Grand Hotel, ordered room service and got some sleep. We were together in the morning and it was nice to share that excitement, which normally you don’t get to as you’re apart!

After the ceremony we walked through Bellagio village greeted by all the locals, and James and I got a private boat back over to the Grand Hotel. Our guests followed in a ferry. We met them on the terrace of the hotel, greeted by a live pianist, and had prosecco, cocktails and canapes – and celebrated! Dinner was served in our own special room, we had a six-course meal all picked by us, which lasted more than three hours – a lot of food!

We didn’t have a planned theme or style… I guess a bit of a European twist. We wanted classy, elegant but natural. Our favourite details were the boat, the flowers, the cocktails and canapes, the pianist and the food!

There were so many memorable moments but some that stand out were seeing my dad for the first time in the hotel, James seeing me in my dress and crying, seeing his mum walk down the aisle after battling cancer, James crying (again!) at the altar saying his vows and everyone laughing as he tried to get them out, walking through Bellagio and people saying we looked like movie stars, the view from the hotel (nothing like it!) and having all our closest friends and family there.

Photography by: Nisha Ravji / Location: Lake Como
See more of this wedding inside issue three available to purchase here: issue two

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Brides Outfit, Pronovius | Brides Shoes, L K Bennett | Groom, Suit Supply | Wedding Planner, Augustina Doonan | Reception, The Grand Hotel Tremezzo