REAL WEDDING Roses Are Red 11696 views
Philippa & David
24 May 2008
They Met Philippa and David met while both working at The Society of London Theatre where they formed a strong friendship. This gradually turned to romance, which was kept under wraps despite them working in the same office! David finally proposed to Philippa on her birthday in December, after a day out of skating at Somerset House and a romantic evening meal. 
Wedding Venue Philippa and David soon agreed that they should get married in David’s home country, Italy. They chose the beautiful Lake Como as their setting, close to where David had grown up, with their hearts set on the Villa Olmo as the perfect location. They decided to wed with a civil ceremony in Como Town Hall and then celebrate with a reception to remember at the restaurant at Villa Olmo. 
The Theme The couple chose a romantic theme of deep red roses. Rose designs were featured in all the stationery, which was bilingual with both Italian and English. The red roses were also used in the decorations, flowers and and even the colour schemes for some of the guests’ outfits. The tables were decorated with red roses as well as centrepieces and the tables were named after the winning Italian World Cup Football squad, giving it an Italian feel. The couple decided not to have wedding favours, wanting it to be an informal wedding, but splashed out on the highlight of the evening, a decadent sixteen course meal instead! 
What They Wore The bride wore a stunning, strapless champagne-coloured gown with flower embroidery from Berketex. She accessorized with elegant shoes from Benjamin Adams and diamante pins in her hair with little silk red roses, tying in with their theme, as well as antique pearl earrings.
The groom wore a traditional morning suit with an ivory waistcoat and red tie and handkerchief, hired from Moss Bros. The groom also wore shoes from Paul Smith and a buttonhole of a single deep red rose with green foliage.
The bride had two young flower girls who wore ivory cotton dresses from Gap, personalised with a deep red ribbon sash to compliment their theme, as well as David having two best men, who wore the same outfit as David with ivory ties.
The Cake The couple had a multi-tiered typical Italian style cake with traditional light sponge and confectioner’s cream. The restaurant where they held the reception luckily made the cake for them so it was truly authentic Italian in style.
The Flowers The bride held a beautiful bouquet of deep red roses in a round posy style with a simple ivory ribbon as well as green foliage. David’s grandmother and aunt also held small posies of red roses whilst the reception and town hall were decorated with red roses too. Philippa also arranged for silk red rose petals to be scattered at the town hall and around the wedding cake, adding to the rose-themed atmosphere. 
First Dance The newly-married couple danced to an Italian song with romantic significance for the couple La Donna Cannone by Francesco DeGregori, performed by their Italian band. The evening continued with music from the Italian jazz band followed by a DJ who played previously requested songs from the guests for the rest of the evening.
A Moment To Remember Philippa thought that the most special moment was when David looked into her eyes when her father gave her away at the altar, describing it as, ‘such a beautiful look’. The couple also loved it when everyone cheered after they were pronounced man and wife as well as afterwards, having rice thrown at them as they came out of the town hall.
Honeymoon After spending their first night together in The Grand Hotel Di Como in Como, they went to a beautiful all-inclusive resort for their honeymoon. They spent an amazing honeymoon on the Mayan Peninsular in Mexico for two glorious weeks.
Any Advice Philippa suggests: ‘Think about what is important to you rather than what tradition dictates and spend your budget accordingly', pointing out that they spent more on entertainment with a band and 
DJ and less on transport and wedding favours. Philippa also mentions that she couldn’t have lived without, ‘Our wedding website on WeddingPath of course. It was vital, with so many guests travelling from the UK to Italy, that they were able to co-ordinate flights and lifts to the airport, and share tips on good hotel deals.’ With David commenting, ‘It’s not only the bride who can get pampered and spoil herself. I made sure I bought a really gorgeous pair of Paul Smith shoes for the day as the rest of the outfit was hired. I wanted something that I could keep.’
Philippa & David’s Contact Book:
Venue: Villa Olmo, Como
Wedding Planner: Best Italian Weddings
Photographer: R&D Photography
Dress: Berketex Bride
Groomswear: Moss Bros
Flowers: Flower Power, Como
Posted in category: Real Weddings
