Featured in MunaLuchi’s latest print Magazine, Issue 30, Lake Como was the perfect sun-filled setting for Shayna and James’ formal outdoor wedding in Italy.
It’s rare for people to experience love at first sight but when Shayna walked down the hall of her new law firm and saw James, she pretty much knew it was a done deal. These two lovebird lawyers decided that the next time they filed legal documents it would be to become husband and wife!
After a surprise proposal during their vacation to Sint Maarten, the couple invited 66 of their closest loved ones to the iconic city of Lake Como in Italy for the wedding of their dreams.
The spectacular multi-day celebration began with a welcome dinner at the century-old lakeside restaurant, Silvio, where guests dined on fine Italian cuisine. The bride-to-be and her bridal party started off on the right foot (literally) by wearing pink outfits that coordinated with Shayna’s own perfectly pink Jimmy Choo’s.
With the arrival of their wedding day, two venues were the backdrop of what would be a wedding event to remember. After a pair of Lemoncello shots from a personalized shotski’s concluded their vows, it was time for the newlyweds and their guests to head to a show-stopping reception where they were treated to made-to-order fresh mozzarella (hand-pulled in insta-worthy fashion by a professional chef), among other culinary delights, and the bride being serenaded by James’ rendition of Beyonce’s, “Brown skinned girl”.
Guests enjoyed their final day of toasting the new bride and groom, along with their very own globetrotting giant duck pool float (lovingly named Harold), at an extravagant brunch which was every food lover’s dream. A wood-fired pizza truck, gelato cart, and a customized Vespa bar ushered in the poolside finale of what was the perfect three-day wedding experience!
Keep scrolling for more wedding day details from their Lake Como nuptials!
*Click here to purchase a copy of Issue 30.
- Couple: Shayna & James
- Date of Wedding: July 13, 2022
- Wedding events: July 12-14, 2022
- Location: Lake Como, Italy
Welcome to our wedding…
Quick Facts:
- Ceremony entrance song (Bride): “All My Life” by K-Ci and Jojo
- Ceremony entrance song (Groom): “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors
- Ceremony Recessional song: “Love on Top”
- First dance song: “I’ve Had the Time of My Life”
Bridesmaids gifts:
I created my own bridesmaid proposal boxes, which consisted of a Mark & Graham travel jewelry case monogrammed with their initials, containing a personalized gold bracelet inside, a Bottle of limoncello with a photo memory of me and the bridesmaid, a Leather passport holder personalized with their name and Italian writing on the inside asking, “Will you go to Lake Como with me?”, and an Italian candle from Etsy. I also gifted them their bridesmaid dresses from Jenny Yoo and Fame & Partners.
Finally, on the day of the wedding, I surprised each of my bridesmaids with a silk nightgown to get ready in, matching pink Quay sunglasses, and pearl earrings for the ceremony. Feeling especially grateful for my Maid of Honor Extraordinaire and wonderful mother, I gave them each a white hoodie, personalized with their initials and titles ‘Maid of Honor’ and ‘Mother of the Bride.’
Groomsmen gifts:
James gifted his groomsmen bespoke tuxedos from Michael Andrews Bespoke with matching shoes (monogrammed with their initials on the heels), and cufflinks.
Gifts for one another:
On the day of the wedding, I surprised James with engraved cufflinks: one had the line “I’ve had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you” from our first dance song; the other said, “Ditto Dude” (code for I love you). A risqué yet tasteful boudoir album(!).
James knew I would have a long morning getting ready with the girls, so he cleverly arranged to have several gifts delivered to me throughout the morning.
It began with the most thoughtful handwritten letter, followed by teeth wipes (so I could drink and eat without worrying about photos), a “Mrs. Bryton” beach hat for our honeymoon, and a gorgeous diamond tennis bracelet.
How we met…
James and I worked as attorneys at the same law firm. During my first week, I saw this cute blonde attorney walking down the hall in a slim-fit suit, and I was smitten. After excitedly texting my friend, she told me in no uncertain terms that I could not date my coworker. So I tried to avoid him at all costs. But guess who gave me my first assignment? Not off to a strong start avoiding my work crush, but I continued to try to avoid him, especially after stalking his Facebook and realizing he was super country and we were completely different.
Little did I know, he had stalked my Facebook as well. Not long after, he came into my office to ask me my thoughts on the Black Panther movie. Honestly, I’m not sure what surprised me more: that this country boy from Southwest Kansas was hyped about Black Panther or that he actually came to talk to me. We decided to continue our conversation over lunch, which lasted 3 hours, yet somehow did not seem long enough.
One three-hour lunch turned into daily three-hour lunch breaks, where we became really great friends. One thing led to another and the next thing you know, we had moved in together, gotten a dog, and now we’re married! Needless to say, Best. Lunch. Ever.
Popping the question…
James proposed to me during a vacation to Sint Maarten. Aware of my unapologetic obsession for capturing content ‘for the gram,’ he suggested I pick out my best swimsuit (which he complemented with matching trunks), in order to do a little photoshoot before the vacation pounds hit.
After taking a few photos, James looked at me and said, “I think you need some more jewelry.” He reached over to grab something, and as he bent to one knee, I immediately blacked out from excitement. My brother, who had begrudgingly agreed to be our photographer because his unable-to-keep-a-secret self had no idea about the proposal, cried but managed to capture it all on video.
As if getting proposed to in paradise with my brother as a witness was not enough, James played Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl” in the background, which was my anthem at the time. (James later performed his own personalized version of the song during our wedding reception, and it was amazing.)
Wedding style…
My wedding dress was custom-made by Pnina Tornai at Kleinfeld, and it was the dress of my dreams. I had visited several dress stores, but I could not find “the one.” On my 2nd visit to Kleinfeld, I discovered a beautiful ball gown with an eye-catching crystal appliqué bodice and sparkle-lined tulle skirt. Unfortunately, it was strapless, and I had my heart set on a high neckline or halter.
My Maid of Honor extraordinaire (as I liked to call her because she is also my stylist) suggested adding straps to make this gorgeous dress perfect for me. My Kleinfeld stylist, Krissy, helped me find an absolutely stunning Pnina Tornai belt, and Pnina herself graciously agreed to create the wedding dress of my dreams. It was absolutely perfect. My experience at Kleinfeld was nothing short of incredible!
James wore a royal blue bespoke tuxedo with a black satin shawl collar by Michael Andrews Bespoke.
James personally designed his custom black velvet smoking loafers, making the ultimate statement with his accessories. But the highlight was his surprise custom jacket lining, which was a subtle homage to his alma mater University of Kansas’ men’s basketball national championships, and indeed the pièce de résistance for his fully custom ensemble…Go Jayhawks!
Our memories…
There were too many incredible moments to pick only one, so I will share two. First, reading our own vows in front of our closest friends and family was a surreal moment that I could literally rewatch every day. I would also choose our first dance when we performed the final dance scene from Dirty Dancing to the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”
This was particularly entertaining because, despite my Jamaican background, I am known for having two left feet. Fortunately, James used to be a professional dancer — trained in ballet, modern, and ballroom dance— and he taught me the choreography in less than a week. Did I forget some of the steps halfway through and have to improvise? Sure did. But did we have the time of our lives smiling and laughing from the beginning til the end? Absolutely!
Something to think about…
James: A wedding is only as much fun as the bride and groom are having. Have fun, not only because it’s your wedding, but because guests feed off your energy!
Shayna: Enjoy every minute of the day because it will 100% be one of the best days of your life, and it will be over in the blink of an eye. Not to mention, you are the only one who will notice the small things that will inevitably go wrong, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Oh, and hire a videographer. I know it’s a common debate, but trust me!
Vendors:
- Bride’s Hair: Daryce Tolliver
- Bride’s Makeup: Brides By Melanie B.
- Photographer: Katie Harmsworth
- Videographer: Humdrum Films
- Floral Designer: Barbara Botta Fiori
- Bridesmaid Hair: Daryce Tolliver & The Studio Como
- Bridesmaid Makeup: The Studio Como
- Bride’s Ceremony Dress: Pnina Tornai (Custom)
- Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld
- Bride’s Reception Dress: Sau Lee
- Bride’s Welcome Dinner Dress: Solace London
- Bride’s Pool Party Brunch Dress: PatBo
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Fame & Partners |Jenny Yoo
- Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Tuxedos & Shoes: Michael Andrews Bespoke
- Bride’s hairpiece: Wona Bridal
- Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo (Welcome Dinner)| Cult Gaia (Wedding Day)
- DJ: Dynamic Roadshow
- Band | Lights & Sound: Blunotte Eventi
- Caterer (Wedding Day): Sunlake Catering
- Catering (Pool party brunch): Class Eventi
- Bar Catering: Mercury Events
- Wedding Planner: Shayna Bryton
- Day-of Coordinator: Barbara Botta @lakecomowedding.bestdayever
- Furniture Rentals & Tableware: Latini Design
Looking for more dreamy inspiration like this wedding in Lake Como Italy?
Click or tap here!
Leave a Reply