FROM ITALY with love

Bruna and Dylan’s wedding day was filled with personal touches and had a gorgeous autumn colour palette

Images courtesy of Jessica Grace Photography

Bruna and Dylan met on dating app Hinge, after the usual cheesy chat up lines and a few weeks of conversation they decided to meet up at Four Thieves in Clapham. “After that night, we have spent every day together,” shares Bruna. “After six months of dating the dreaded Covid lockdown started and we made the decision to move in together, which was a leap of faith! Luckily, we survived the trial very early in the relationship and have been going strong since then.” Bruna was attracted to Dylan’s kindness and how easy it was to talk to him. “From the moment I met him it was like we had known each other our whole lives. I know its cheesy when they say when you meet the one you know, but that is it, I just knew after a few hours of meeting him.” Dylan adds, “I was attracted to Bruna’s Latina flair and personality that made me both excited and nervous – a good combination on a first date! She was very easy to talk to – the wine definitely helped – and we just connected instantly, it felt like we had known each other our whole lives too.”

Dylan has been visiting the Lake District every year with his family since he was a child, so it was the perfect proposal setting with meaning to them both. “After a long day of hiking, Dylan asked me to go have a look at the sunset, as we know the Lakes are known for being rainy and cold,” shares Bruna. “However, that evening was beautiful and warm. After much arguing about whether we should go or not, his family persuaded me. Little did I know they were all in on the secret. We walked to a lovely bench with a fantastic view. I turned around and Dylan was on one knee, telling me all the lovely things about our relationship. He then popped the question, and although it is all a bit of a blur to me, I managed to say yes!”

The big date was set, 24th October 2022, with The Barn at Bury Court setting the scene and a forest green and Italy theme running throughout the day…

Setting The Scene

“The venue felt like the one from the moment we stepped in. The staff at Bury Court made us feel very welcome and answered all our questions with enthusiasm. It had both the barn feel we were looking for as well as a sophisticated touch,” explains Bruna.

When thinking about big-day colour palettes the couple opted for a forest green scheme as it suited their Autumn wedding. “The Italian table themes come from my background,” says Bruna. “I grew up in Northern Italy and it felt important to me to include it. We travelled around Italy in the summer before our wedding and were able to collect ‘memories’ which we added to our table decorations.”

Looking The Part

Bruna wore a Grace Loves Lace gown, “I fell in love with it as soon as I tried it on,” Bruna shares. “A little bit like my husband I knew it was the one as soon as I saw it. I wanted something simple yet elegant and memorable, and this gown fit the brief perfectly, it was exactly what I was looking for.”

The groom and groomsmen looked dapper in matching Moss Bros suits, while the bridesmaids complemented the autumnal theme with identical forest green-coloured dresses with a neckline that matched Bruna’s bridal dress.

Memorable Moments

“On the day we felt amazing, everything went perfectly,” recalls Bruna. “We felt comfortable and the happiest we have ever felt.” The groom’s speech was one of the most special moments for Bruna. “Dylan is a very shy person, but he absolutely blew me away with his speech; he even went to the lengths of adding a few sentences in Portuguese for my grandparents that had made the journey all the way here to attend the wedding. Because they do not speak any English, Dylan still wanted to make them feel included.”

There is always a funny story, or two, when families get together for a wedding day, for Bruna and Dylan it was the bride’s step-father having such a good time he had to be carried to bed after one too many! “Luckily, our lovely venue included charming accommodation for guests staying the night,” adds Bruna.

Above And Beyond

A wedding day wouldn’t be possible without lots of lovely suppliers helping along the way; the staff at Bury Court made the couple’s day run smoothly. “We are very thankful,” adds Bruna. “Bark ‘n’ Render were the best caterers we could have asked for too; not only was the food fantastic, they ensured everyone was catered for even a last-minute allergy request!”

When it comes to working with your photographer, it’s essential a couple are made to feel at ease which is exactly what Bruna and Dylan found in Jesse, of Jessica Grace Photography, “Jesse made us feel so comfortable, she was so subtle with her photography style we didn’t even notice pictures being taken, which is what we wanted!

“Finally, having my grandparents travel all the way from Brazil at 87 and 77 made our wedding so special. I’m forever grateful they were able to be part of such a special day.”

AND RELAX…

Bruna and Dylan enjoyed a much-need minimoon in Paris after their nuptials. “We stayed in the lovely Kimpton Hotel which was wonderful and filled with amazing food throughout our break.” This Easter though, the couple are enjoying a honeymoon to Japan and South Korea. “We planned the honeymoon together and are really looking forward to it.”

A FINAL THOUGHT…

When it comes to wedding planning, Bruna says, “Enjoy the process, don’t stress too much as everything will fall in to place. Trust the people around you to help, include the people you love in the preparation.

“During the day take a moment with just your partner to take it all in just the two of you. But most importantly, have fun. If something hasn’t gone according to plan no one will notice but you. So let it go, take a deep breath and enjoy your special day.”

ROLL CREDITS

Venue, The Barn at Bury Court, https://bury-court.com | Photographer, Jessica Grace Photography, https://jessicagracephotography.co.uk |

Dress, Grace Loves Lace, https://graceloveslace.co.uk | Hair stylist, Hairstylist Nidia, www.instagram.com/hairstylistnidia | Suits, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk/store/266-moss-bros-guildford | Cake, Drika’s Cakes, www.instagram.com/drikascakesandsweets | Flowers, Clare Marie Jones Flowers, www.claremariejones.com | Stationery, Caligrafia, www.caligrafia.co.uk | Catering, Bark n’ Render, www.barknrender.co.uk | Props, Vintage Prop Hire, www.instagram.com/vintageprophire.co