Erin and Adam tied the knot in East Lothian before hosting a stunning destination wedding at Villa Regina Teodolinda on the shores of Lake Como
After ten years together, Erin McNamara and Adam Frizzell – now Mr and Mrs Frizzell – chose to celebrate their marriage in two very different but equally meaningful ways: a private legal ceremony at Carberry Tower in East Lothian, followed by a destination wedding at Villa Regina Teodolinda, overlooking Lake Como.
They had a chapel ceremony with just ten guests followed by a lakeside Italy celebration complete with opera singers, sunset dining and a surprise boat party.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Scottish wedding venue | Carberry Tower, East Lothian
Italy wedding venue | Villa Regina Teodolinda, Lake Como
Date | 25th May 2025 (Scotland); 9th June 2025 (Italy)
Photography | Belle Lumiere Photography
Guests | 10 (Scotland); 70 (Italy)
Decor | Soft blue and white palette, lakeside florals, classic Italian styling
Ceremony | Interfaith ceremony in East Lothian; outdoor symbolic ceremony in Lake Como
Entertainment | String quartet, opera singer, DJ, late-night boat party
A legal ceremony at Carberry Tower
Erin and Adam, who first met on a night out in Edinburgh aged 17, began their wedding celebrations with a low-key legal ceremony in East Lothian. “We had just 10 guests, including both our grannies as witnesses, which was so emotional for them,” says Erin. The couple chose Carberry Tower’s chapel for its quiet, personal feel. “It was ideal for what we wanted – meaningful, relaxed and intimate.”
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Their dogs, Pep and Tino, were part of the day, while Fern and Ruscus created the bouquet and buttonhole. Erin’s nails even featured a hand-painted ‘I do’, adding a playful personal detail to the pared-back ceremony.
Why Lake Como was ‘the one’
Italy had always been on the cards. “We’ve always loved Italy and had talked for years about getting married there after previously visiting the Amalfi Coast,” Erin explains. After weighing up Tuscany and Lake Como, the decision became clear once they visited in person. “Once we saw Como, we knew it was the one.”
The couple travelled to Lake Como three times during planning, working closely with Boutique Weddings to navigate local regulations and logistics.
“There are quite a few rules and extra costs involved in Italy, so having a planner who knew the area made all the difference.”
A considered destination wedding experience
Aware that destination weddings can be expensive for guests, Erin and Adam planned a three-day itinerary to make the trip feel like a holiday. Celebrations began with a night-before dinner in Cernobbio, complete with live music by Garry Greig. “It was such a fun way to kick things off – one of my bridesmaids even gave a speech,” Erin says.
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On the wedding morning, preparations moved quickly. Erin and her bridesmaids got ready together in the villa, while Adam and his groomsmen enjoyed a relaxed boat trip on the lake.
Erin walked down the aisle to Lana Del Rey’s ‘Young and Beautiful’, played by a string quartet, with a ceremony led by her cousin.
“It was personal and emotional.”
Fashion, food and unforgettable moments
Erin wore a lace off-the-shoulder Berta gown from Opus Couture, paired with a Maggie Sottero veil. “As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one.” Adam opted for a bespoke suit from Forbes, finished with gold accents. Later, Erin changed into a strapless pearl gown by Rosie Etienne – a practical choice for the evening’s surprise.
Find out more about wedding dress shopping at Opus Couture
Guests enjoyed an Italian-style drinks reception with Hugo and Aperol spritz, followed by dinner on the villa’s terrace. “The opera singer during dinner had everyone in tears – it was so moving,” Erin says. With noise restrictions in place, the couple saved their biggest surprise for last: a late-night boat party with a DJ and dancing on the lake.
The celebrations ended the following day with a relaxed beach club gathering in Como. “Our budget might’ve been blown out of the water,” Erin admits, “but seeing all our guests enjoying themselves made it all worthwhile.”
Italy wedding suppliers
Venue Villa Regina Teodolinda, Lake Como, Italy
Wedding planner Boutique Weddings
Photography Belle Lumiere Photography
Wedding film KLS Wedding Films
Bride’s dress Berta from Opus Couture
Veil Maggie Sottero from Opus Couture
Evening dress Rosie Etienne
Bride’s shoes Jimmy Choo
Bride’s earrings Lily & Roo
Groom’s suit Forbes
Groomsmen’s suits Reiss
Bridesmaid dresses Club L London
Wedding rings Blair & Sheridan
Hair Shirley McCann Hair
Makeup Katya @themakeuplabb
Nails Nails by Alix
Catering Sunlake Catering
Flowers Alessia Serdino Floral Design
Music and entertainment (throughout day) Blunotte Eventi
Invites and save-the-dates Splendid Swan
On-the-day stationery Thelight Factory
Content creation LMG Marketing
Boat hire Bellagio Boat Tour
Scotland ceremony suppliers
Venue and meal Carberry Tower, East Lothian
Photography Belle Lumiere Photography
Celebrant Gaynor Hogg Ceremonies
Bride’s dress One Addington
Groom’s suit Forbes
Flowers Fern and Ruscus
