Emma + Ryan by Urška & Domen - Together Journal

We were going for something timeless and romantic, but still relaxed and true to us.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re Emma and Ryan, and we got married in Lucca, Italy on 13th July 2024. Emma is a Lead Scientist at a biotech startup, and Ryan runs his own architecture company – both based in Belfast. When we’re not busy with work, we love going to music gigs, staying active (you’ll find us doing yoga, running, or training for Hyrox), and exploring new places together. We’re also big fans of hiking, catching a great film, and spending quality time with our friends and family.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met on a night out nearly 14 years ago in our hometown, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Over the years, we’ve shared so many highs and weathered a few lows, but through it all, we’ve been by each other’s side. We feel incredibly lucky to have grown together and supported each other every step of the way.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.)

We were going for something timeless and romantic, but still relaxed and true to us. Once we found the venue, with its rustic stone walls, cypress trees, and that gorgeous golden light, everything else just fell into place. We kept the colour palette soft and natural – lots of whites, blush tones, and greenery – with little touches of gold and candlelight to make it feel warm and inviting. To set the mood, an acoustic sextet played Italian and international jazz and swing during the aperitif, adding a touch of classic charm. During dinner, they roamed between tables, bringing a spontaneous, intimate energy to the evening. Our main goal was to create a space where people felt comfortable, happy, and totally swept up in the moment. When the sun started to set and the lights came on, it honestly felt like magic.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Villa Grabau was the perfect backdrop for the day. We had the ceremony just beside the main villa, which felt really special and intimate. After that, everyone moved to the lawn between the villa and the Lemon House for aperitifs – it had this great open feel where people could chat, relax, and enjoy the music. As the evening went on, we shifted over to the area around the Lemon House for dinner, speeches, and dancing. Each space flowed naturally into the next, and it all just felt easy, warm, and full of character.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

What we enjoyed most about the planning was watching everything slowly come together. Having Pia and Michele with us through it all honestly made such a difference – they were calm, creative, and just really great to work with. They kept everything running smoothly so we could actually enjoy the process instead of getting caught up in the stress. It ended up being way more fun than we expected!

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We were so lucky to have Urska and Domen as our photographers. They made us feel super comfortable from the start, and they have this amazing ability to catch all the real, in-between moments. Looking through the photos now, it feels like we’re right back in it, which is pretty special. Our biggest tip: Go with suppliers you click with and trust – it really makes the whole experience way smoother and more fun. And try not to get caught up in the little things!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

For our main outfits, we wanted something classic and elegant, but still relaxed and true to our style. Ryan and the groomsmen wore black tuxedos, which looked great against the villa and really suited the vibe of the day. Emma’s dress was by Vivienne Westwood, a designer she’s always loved. She found the perfect one at The White Gallery, which was the first shop she visited. That made the experience even more special, especially with her mum and sister there. She paired it with a Laure de Sagazan lace-trimmed veil for the ceremony, which added a romantic, Tuscan touch. After the ceremony, Emma removed the train to make it easier to move around and swapped the veil for a Vivienne Westwood pearl necklace to give the look a more party vibe. The bridesmaids wore green floral dresses, which gave a soft, summery feel that was perfect for the garden setting.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

For us, music was a big priority. As huge music fans, we knew that having the right musicians would set the tone for the day and bring our vision to life. The live music by Marco’s team added such a personal touch and really helped theme the day. Food and drink were also key for us – every bite and every glass was incredible. The food and drinks were a huge part of the experience for us, and Il Sorriso Catering absolutely nailed it. Our guests are still talking about the meal!

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Something we definitely laugh about now is how hot it was during the ceremony. We had it outside, and although we’d planned for sun, we didn’t quite expect that level of heat. Our guests were shaded under parasols and stayed pretty comfortable, but we were standing right in the full sun, absolutely roasting as we said our vows. At the time we were both trying to stay focused and not think about how much we were sweating, but looking back, it’s actually pretty funny – and very us.