Sophie and Jimmy’s wedding was destined to be nothing short of spectacular. With Sophie’s eye for detail as a wedding planner and Jimmy’s years behind the lens as a photographer, their celebration at Hotel Il Pellicano in Tuscany was an effortless fusion of romance, style, and personal touches. Set against the sparkling Mediterranean coastline, their wedding was an ode to timeless elegance, intimate moments, and a weekend of unforgettable celebrations.
Words by The Bridal Journey / Photography Samm Blake
18 FEBRUAry 2025
‘I’ t all began at a house party in Paddington. Sophie and Jimmy met on a night that neither of them expected to change their lives—but fate had other plans. “We were instantly drawn to each other, but neither of us was looking for a relationship at the time,” Sophie recalls. Yet, after months of stolen moments and undeniable chemistry, love became inevitable.
Fast forward to Tuscany, where the next chapter of their story unfolded in the most breathtaking way. Staying at the Monteverdi Hotel, Sophie and Jimmy found themselves surrounded by rolling hills and golden light. One quiet morning, after a refreshing walk, they made their way to the pool for an early swim. As Sophie dipped her feet into the water, Jimmy called her name. Turning around, she found him down on one knee, holding a custom-designed black diamond ring by Laher—a piece he had meticulously crafted alongside his close friend Ryan.
“It was intimate, unexpected, and completely us“ – Bride Sophie on her Engagement to Jimmy.
A Destination Steeped in History and Charm
For Sophie, who is Dutch, and Jimmy, an Australian, Italy felt like the perfect meeting point for their families and friends. The moment they stayed at Hotel Il Pellicano, they knew it was the one. Nestled on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the legendary retreat was more than just a venue—it was a dream brought to life. “We both have a deep love for the ocean and morning swims, and the hotel reflected so much of who we are as a couple,” Sophie explains. The venue’s rich history also held a special significance for Jimmy, who had long been inspired by Slim Aarons’ iconic photographs of the jet-set elite at Il Pellicano. Their vision was clear: a relaxed yet refined celebration, blending tradition with modernity, and above all, creating an atmosphere where their loved ones could truly be present and enjoy the moment.
A Wardrobe of Iconic Bridal Fashion
With Jimmy having photographed weddings for over a decade, Sophie knew she wanted something he hadn’t seen before. Her wedding wardrobe was a masterclass in elegance, featuring three stunning bridal looks, each with its own story.” The Rehearsal Dinner: For the welcome dinner, Sophie opted for a low-cut silk dress by Natalie Rolt, a piece chosen at the last minute but one that felt effortlessly chic. She styled it with a red Jacquemus bag, cream Alias Mae mesh heels, and heirloom pearl jewelry—a gift from her mother.
The Ceremony: For the main event, Sophie walked down the aisle in Leah da Gloria’s Antoinette gown, a modern-meets-romantic masterpiece. Paired with a custom veil, her great-grandmother’s pearl necklace, Prada slingbacks, and diamond hoops by Sarah & Sebastian, the look was a seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary elegance.
The Reception: As the sun set, Sophie changed into the Zuhair Murad Amelia gown—a delicate lace creation that brought old-world romance to the evening. Adding a custom lace necklace, she completed the look with an effortless touch of vintage charm.
The Dancefloor Look: For the final outfit change, Sophie slipped into the Lolita dress by Balykina—a playful yet sophisticated short dress, mirroring the structured elegance of her ceremony gown. She paired it with a chunky gold necklace and a diamond pendant gifted by Jimmy—a sparkling token of their new chapter.
The Ceremony
The Ceremony
The Reception
The Dance Floor
Meanwhile, Jimmy wore a custom oversized tuxedo by Mawson Óssa, paired with YSL loafers and a vintage Cartier watch gifted by Sophie. His look exuded relaxed elegance, a perfect match for the timeless setting.
A Ceremony on the Edge of the Sea
The wedding took place at Il Pellicano’s iconic beach club, a sun-drenched terrace suspended above the sea. Their florist, Maria of Mary Poppies, created cascading floral arrangements that looked as if they had risen straight from the ocean, blending seamlessly with the coastal landscape. As Sophie walked down the aisle, Duan & Only performed an acoustic rendition of “I’m With You” by Vance Joy—a moment that left not a single dry eye among their guests.
An Unforgettable Reception Under the Stars
From a custom-painted red champagne tower to a lively photobooth capturing every candid moment, the reception was a celebration of joy, spontaneity, and laughter. Guests dined al fresco on the hotel’s terrace, indulging in a family-style Italian feast, surrounded by flickering candlelight and lush florals. A surprise tenor performance just before dinner ended was one of the night’s most magical moments. Guests stood on chairs, singing and dancing around the tables—a tradition that felt utterly Italian and completely unforgettable.
DJ Richy Penny took over the night, curating an electric playlist that had everyone—from Sophie’s grandparents to their closest friends—on their feet. “He was so good, we had him back for the recovery party,” Sophie laughs.
The Morning After: A Seaside Recovery
As the sun rose over the Mediterranean, guests were greeted with a wedding newsletter at breakfast, filled with fun memories from the night before—including “best dance moves of the night” and a link to all the photobooth images. The final event? A beach party, where the couple danced under the moonlight with their closest friends. “It was one of the best days of our lives,” Sophie says.
Words of Wisdom for Future Couples After years in the wedding industry, Sophie and Jimmy know a thing or two about planning a memorable event. Their advice?
- Be honest with yourselves—only do what feels right for you.”
- “Try not to take it all too seriously—have fun with it!”
- “Invest in a wedding planner or at least a coordinator—it makes all the difference.”
Their wedding was more than a celebration; it was a story—one woven with love, heritage, spontaneity, and joy. And as they danced beneath the Italian sky, it was clear: this was just the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.
Vendors
Wedding Planner: Sophie Elizabeth Studio
Coordinator: Your Italian Wedding Planner
Florals: Mary Poppies
Photography: Samm Blake
Videography: Joyride Films
Officiant & Content Creator: Aniella Batten
Styling: Place of LB
Dresses: Natalie Rolt, Leah da Gloria, Zuhair Murad, Balykina
Suits: Mawson Óssa
Music: DJ Richy Penny, Duan & Only
Wedding Bands: Laher
