The initial enquiry came in October 2005. It was interesting as it was written by the groom; it was extremely brief and very direct. The couple were resident in Hong Kong, they needed someone to research and pull together all the arrangements, they simply did not have the time to devote to their plans, whoever undertook the co-ordination had to deliver as their guests were senior, professional people.
Their original wish to have a Catholic Wedding was denied to them due to the marital status of the groom (divorced, Catholic), with no guarantee of obtaining an annulment within time frame the remaining option was to have a civil ceremony and reception at an exclusive lakeside location.
The nationality of the bride required her to present herself to the appropriate consulate in Italy. For someone who was extremely busy and whose diary did not allow for additional travel the process of submitting documentation had to be managed carefully.
The villa was both venue and accommodation for the couple and close family. This was a major consideration for orchestrating events and needed thought to ensure what was being created for their special day would have a “fresh” feel yet would be familiar and comfortable.
The wedding day started with an informal, traditional Chinese tea ceremony, this was predominately an intimate event for the couple and the immediate families. The villa gardens provided a tranquil setting for the ceremony set-up which was almost conducted without any words.
The formal ceremony was held within the villa’s music room – the tenor and quartet from La Scala, Milan contributed to a magical moment. The powerful voice of the tenor was emphasised further by the acoustics of the room. The shutters to the 14ft tall windows remained open with the Lake always in view. Guests were then guided to an area of the villa gardens benefiting from a clear view of Lake Como where cocktails and canapés were served.
The wedding dinner was held under a large white marquee, as the evening sky darkened the candles were lit, the mellow tones of jazz played out over the cooling air giving way a moment of perfection.
