Inside: A Scenic Wedding In The Italian Riviera

Our Story

Before our Wedding in The Italian Riviera, we’re going back to 2016 when we both worked for Network Rail. We happened to sit at desks next to each other as a one off. After we kept seeing each other around the office, Josh at last plucked up the courage to send an email around Valentines Day. After a short exchange and numbers swapped, we started to talk regularly.

As for our engagement, it was just as government guidelines had been updated to allow for staycations. We booked an Airbnb on a beautiful farm in the Cotswolds called “The Old Piggery”. I remember the day as though it was yesterday. We had dinner plans and were getting ready just as the sun was starting to set. Josh was ready 45 minutes before we had to leave, meaning I was starting to panic as I thought we were running late. Just as we were taking some photos before heading out, Josh dropped down to one knee and asked me to marry him. And after what felt like 10mins of me being in shock I broke out in exclamation, of course saying yes.

Photographer: @michele_maffei_photography

Venue

Our wedding took place at Villa Porticciolo in the picturesque region of Liguria, overlooking the Ligurian sea. A few months into planning we flew out to Italy to meet our wedding planner. She showed us a few venues in the area but we simply fell in love with the character and history of the Villa.

We always said we’d have a destination wedding in a warm country with wonderful food, so what better cuisine is there than Italian? We definitely consider ourselves a couple of foodies (Josh more than Lumbe!), so Italy was perfect for us.

Fashion

My Stella York wedding dress was from Serendipity Brides. I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on. The grooms’ 3 piece forest green suit was sourced from Cavani in Milton Keynes. Being a half Zambian and half English wedding, the bridal party and ourselves had our second outfits made from traditional African material called ‘chiteng’” by my best friends fashion brand House Of Zamanie.

I then wore pearl earrings and a necklace that were my “something new” from mum.

Bridal Party

The bridesmaids dresses from David’s Bridal and the bridesmaids had free rein to chose a style they liked. They unknowingly picked the style that was on my wedding board on Pinterest (great minds). The light grey groomsmen suits were from ASOS.

Transportation

The bridal party and families were treated to a traditional Italian boat from the local harbour to the venue. We definitely arrived in style!

Tablescape

Our wonderful wedding planner sourced the majority for each table, using local Italian businesses for the flowers, runners and candles.

Food & Drink

Drinks during the aperitif were Aperol spritz, Hugo spritz and Viola spritz. We wanted traditional Italian food at our wedding and all three food courses were incredible. But the standout had to be the Pansotti, stuffed with local herbs and spinach, and topped with a walnut sauce. The mouth waters at the thought of that course.

One of the most memorable moments during dinner though, was when the guests broke out in to song to Champagne Supernova. Every guest was off their seat, some standing on tables belting out the lyrics, it was exhilarating and will remain a core memory for us.

Entertainment

The ceremony included a violin rendition of Can’t Help Falling In Love by Daniel Jang during the precession, and Dupe by Asake afterwards. Being lovers of live music we also had a local musician play a number of songs during the aperitif who was fantastic!

For each entrance to dinner, both the bridal party and the newlyweds had songs and dances to really set the scene for a party/

Groomsmen – Rock n Roll Star by Oasis

Bridesmaids – Mutima Wanga by Yo Meps

Bride and Groom – Sungba by Asake ft Burna Boy

Beauty & Wellness

My hair and makeup didn’t go to plan as originally intended but it worked out for the best anyway. We found out the original hair and makeup artist couldn’t make it just two weeks before the big day (a brides worst nightmare). Luckily, one of my really good friends also happens to be a makeup artist so she stepped in to do my makeup. My sister ended up doing my hair which ended up being one of my favourite and most cherished moments of our wedding.

Honeymoon Plans

After our dream wedding in The Italian Riviera, we are planning on a honeymoon for early 2024. Although not yet decided, we’re looking at Australia/New Zealand, The Maldives or South East Asia.