“A Thunderstorm, a Dance Party & a Dream Wedding: Daisy and Gary’s Epic Lake Maggiore Celebration!”
A Thunderstorm, an Epic Party, and a Wedding to Remember: Daisy and Gary’s Lake Maggiore Celebration at Relais Villa Porta
Hello everyone! Olly here from OWP Weddings, your friendly and experienced UK wedding videographer. I’ve been fortunate enough to film some absolutely incredible weddings across the UK and beyond, but there are a few that stick with you. One such wedding took place at the stunning Relais Villa Porta on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Italy, where I had the pleasure of filming Daisy and Gary’s beautiful day. Not only was it an unforgettable wedding, but the day came with some seriously unexpected drama – a thunderstorm that turned into an epic party!
I worked alongside the talented photographer Joab Smith on this wedding, and let me tell you, we had a blast capturing every moment. From the insanely picturesque ceremony to the epic party that followed, this wedding had everything. Even including a brilliant band, with Daisy’s dad absolutely rocking the keyboard! Let me take you through the story of this incredible wedding, from stunning Lake Maggiore views to an unmissable storm that rocked us all.
The Dreamy Location: Relais Villa Porta on Lake Maggiore
Before we dive into the wild weather and unforgettable party, let’s take a moment to talk about the setting. Relais Villa Porta is the kind of place you imagine when you think of a destination wedding in Italy. Nestled above Lake Maggiore, it offers breathtaking views, an air of tranquility, and a mix of classic Italian charm with modern elegance. The venue itself is a historic villa surrounded by lush gardens and vineyards, providing the perfect atmosphere for an intimate yet grand celebration.
For Daisy and Gary, this place was ideal. Daisy spent much of her childhood not far from here, so it was the perfect choice for their big day. With its scenic beauty, gorgeous architecture, and the calming sound of the lake just a stone’s throw away, it was the perfect backdrop for their wedding. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking spot for wedding photos or simply want a peaceful place to exchange vows, Relais Villa Porta is an absolute gem.
The Ceremony: A Romantic Start with Unexpected Drama
Daisy and Gary’s ceremony took place outside, and the weather was perfect when the day began. The sun was shining over the lake, the guests were all smiles, and everything seemed to be falling into place just as it should. Daisy looked awesome in her wedding dress (one of four choices she had with her on the day), and Gary and his groomsmen all looked top notch in their tuxes (and matching Vans shoes). It was a beautiful ceremony, with the sun beaming down whilst the couple exchanged lovely vows with stunning views across the lake as a backdrop. After the ceremony there was an epic amount of confetti thrown, making for some fantastic footage and everyone settled in to the drinks reception. A live band played, canapés were eaten and many Aperol Spritz were consumed.
But then… the weather took a dramatic turn, the sky darkened, the winds picked up, and before we knew it, a full-on thunderstorm hit! Now, as a wedding videographer, you learn to roll with the punches, but this storm was like nothing I’ve ever experienced on a wedding day. Lightning flashed across the sky, thunder rumbled in the distance, we were all in awe at the power of nature.
In most situations, this would be the kind of thing that sends everyone scrambling for cover. But what made this wedding so special was the couple’s attitude. Daisy and Gary weren’t fazed one bit. In fact, they took it all in stride and made the most of this unexpected twist in the day’s events, using it perfectly to capture some unforgettable shots, featuring some insane lightning. There was no panic or stress—just a lot of smiles, plenty of laughter, and an atmosphere of pure joy.
We quickly moved the celebrations indoors, and despite the dramatic weather outside, the energy inside the villa was absolutely electric. The thunderstorm ended up becoming a unique and memorable part of the wedding story, and as a videographer, I couldn’t have been happier to be there to capture it all.
The Reception: An Epic Party Led by Daisy’s Dad on the Keyboard
After some extremely well put together speeches, top tier Italian food and wine, and a few more drinks or two, it was time for the reception, and that’s where things got really exciting. The atmosphere at Relais Villa Porta was buzzing with excitement, and everyone was ready to get the party started. The venue’s beautiful indoor reception area was perfect for hosting the guests while the storm cleared, and everyone was more than ready to celebrate Daisy and Gary’s big day.
One of the highlights of the reception was the live band. But this wasn’t just any band—this was a family affair! Daisy’s dad absolutely rocked the keyboard, and he was joined by an incredibly talented group of musicians. The vibe was high-energy, and it didn’t take long for everyone to hit the dance floor.
It’s not often that you get to see a wedding band with such a personal connection to the couple. It added so much to the atmosphere, and the guests were absolutely loving it. I could tell right away that this was going to be a night to remember.
As the night went on, the storm that had started the day seemed like a distant memory. The dance floor was packed, drinks were flowing, and laughter filled the air. The band kept the energy up, and I couldn’t stop filming the epic moments as people sang, danced, and celebrated the couple’s big day. The entire crowd was absolutely up for it, and the joy was infectious.
The Perfect Team: Capturing Every Moment with Joab Smith
One of the best parts of working on destination weddings like this one is collaborating with other talented vendors, and for this wedding, I had the pleasure of working alongside the amazing Joab Smith as the photographer. Joab is incredibly skilled at capturing the candid moments, the emotions, and the intimate details that make every wedding unique. Together, we were able to perfectly capture the energy of the day—from the intimate moments during the ceremony to the pure joy on the dance floor.
When you’re filming a wedding, especially one with such a dynamic atmosphere, it’s important to be in sync with your photographer. That’s one of the reasons I love working with Joab—he’s a pro and knows exactly how to get the best shots, while also keeping the vibe fun and relaxed. Whether it’s working together to capture the candid moments or having a laugh about the storm that rolled in, working alongside Joab made the entire day even more memorable.
The Magic of a Destination Wedding in Italy
As a wedding videographer, I always feel lucky when I get the opportunity to film weddings in stunning locations like Lake Maggiore in Italy. It’s one thing to shoot in a beautiful spot in the UK, but filming a wedding surrounded by the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains is something else entirely. Italy really does offer some of the most picturesque backdrops for a wedding, and Relais Villa Porta was the perfect choice for this destination wedding.
It was one of those weddings where everyone was genuinely excited to be there, and the couple’s personalities shone through in every moment—from the heartfelt vows to the amazing party. Despite the storm, nothing could bring the mood down, and that’s a testament to the amazing people involved in this wedding.
Why I Love Filming Weddings Like Daisy and Gary’s
As a wedding videographer, I get to experience some truly unique moments, and I’ve learned that it’s not always about the picture-perfect moments or flawless weather—it’s about the people and the emotions. This wedding was a perfect example of how a wedding isn’t just about what goes according to plan—it’s about how the couple and their guests roll with the punches and make the day their own.
Daisy and Gary’s wedding was a celebration of love, spontaneity, and joy. From the emotional vows by the lake to the unforgettable dance party led by Daisy’s dad, it was a day that no one will forget. The thunderstorm may have been unexpected, but it only added to the story and the memories that will last a lifetime. As a wedding videographer, there’s nothing better than capturing those real, raw moments that make each wedding unique.
Looking for a Wedding Videographer to Capture Your Big Day?
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, or anywhere else in the UK or beyond, I’d love to help bring your story to life. At OWP Weddings, I specialise in creating wedding films that aren’t just beautiful—they’re a true reflection of the couple and their day. Whether it’s capturing stunning scenery, spontaneous moments, or all the little details that make your day unique, I’m here to make sure your memories are beautifully preserved.
Feel free to check out my portfolio at OWP Weddings, and let’s chat about how we can create something amazing for your wedding day!
Until next time!
— Olly, Your Wedding Videographer
