Sometimes it’s about the story, sometimes it’s about the photographs, and sometime’s, it’s about the dress – whatever it is, that magic ‘something’ that leads me to connect with a set of images that have been submitted was definitely in place when I received these images from photographer Jules Bower, featuring Mr and Mrs Willingham on their Italian wedding day.
The couple chose to marry on New Years Eve 2014 at The Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, Italy – there are no bridesmaids, no bridal party at all in fact, because they eloped. It was just the two of them and yet their wedding simply oozes chic and elegant appeal. I knew I had to share it with you. You have to admit, the newlywed bride looks pretty fabulous in her Victoria Beckham dress.
“We dated for three years, got engaged in October 2014 and married in December! We didn’t tell anyone we were eloping – everyone was surprised and very happy for us, and on the day, the people in Florence were congratulating us as we took photos throughout the city. We loved all the well wishes.”
Photography Copyright (c) 2015, Jules Bower
“When we were looking to elope we found that Italy is one of the countries that will allow non-citizens to marry without living there beforehand. Additionally to this appealing part, Italy is a very romantic country full of history, monuments and in particular Florence to us had the magical effect of being lost in time, fascinating in all seasons even winter! Perfect for our elopement.”
“I choose a Victoria Beckham ivory dress, because I love the simplicity of the cut, the classical but yet contemporary feel to it and I thought it complemented well my shape.”
“I had my Hair & makeup done at the Four Seasons salon and I am happy with the results.”
“Our Flower designer was the very talented Vincenzo Dascanio, who is also responsible for all the beautiful floral decorations and installations at the Four Seasons Florence that you see as a backdrop in our amazing pictures. He also works with many luxury hotels around the world. With his incredible talent he made our ceremony look so romantic. My bouquet was very simple but elegant to complement the dress and the incredible Christmas decorations he created around the property made us feel Part of a fairy-tale.”
“We chose The Four Seasons Hotel because of it’s luxury interior and location right in the heart of Florence, and because it offers beautiful romantic buildings, an amazing décor and unique Italian gardens. All this combined was for us the perfect location for our wedding ceremony and pictures. Elisa Peroli was our wedding coordinator at the Four Seasons, she made the whole process very easy and relaxing for us, looking after all the aspects of our intimate wedding.”
“We actually exchanged our vows the night before our wedding, just the two of us.”
“The Four Seasons provided a fabulous backdrop for our wedding ceremony – a wealth of colors in all shades and nuances. There were candles, chandeliers, lovely patterns and cushions decorated in gold and silver, stones and mirrors – it is a spectacular setting. The night we say goodbye to the old and enthusiastically greet the arrival of the new year with all its promise, hope and excitement was for us, the best way to celebrate our marriage.
The Conventino was transformed into a Bollywood-style ballroom and at midnight we had a toast with a glass of Dom Pérignon Champagne followed by a live music concert.”
“We chose Jules Bower as our photographer because there is no one who photographs like him, he is based in London but travels everywhere. His style is unique, his images are timeless, elegant and gimmick free. He captures his subjects in a way that is so intimate and refreshing whilst also blending you into the beautiful surroundings. No one captures the light the way he does.”
“We cannot thank you Jules enough for these amazing pictures! We couldn’t have dreamed they would turn out as beautiful as they did. He captured the day perfectly and were a pleasure to work with. We will treasure these forever!! I think I’ve looked through these photos about a thousand times already! I am totally in love with them!! I would definitely recommend any bride to invest more on the photographer than anything else, those are the memories you will cherish forever and you want to be able to watch them over and over again and always get that special emotion out of them.”
Words of Wedded Wisdom
“Do it the way YOU want, and keep it authentic.
Also, as it was just the two of us, Elisa, our co-ordinator at the Four Seasons Hotel, organised a romantic dinner for two at the Golden View Restaurant, a very famous restaurant that provides the best vantage point for appreciating Florence’s Renaissance heritage and we could enjoy the views of Ponte Vecchio and the Arno river.”
You can safely say in this case that ‘less is definitely more’. So chic, so absolutely perfect. Huge congratulations to you both, Mr and Mrs Willingham – and many thanks also to photographer Jules Bower for sharing her work.
Love Annabel x
Photographer – Jules Bower
Venue + flowers – The Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, Italy
Wedding Dress – Victoria Beckham
Bride’s Shoes – J. Crew
Grooms Suit – Nordstrom
Rings – Gordon James, Bellevue W.A. (her) + Robbins Brother (him)