There’s a quiet confidence that comes from decades of experience—and in the world of destination weddings in Italy, few embody that as effortlessly as Jayne Seddon of Casa Collina Events. With over 30 years immersed in the Italian wedding landscape, Jayne brings a rare depth of understanding to her work, one that goes far beyond aesthetics and into the rhythm, emotion, and authenticity of each location. Her approach is intuitive rather than formulaic, crafting celebrations that feel deeply personal while remaining rooted in the essence of Italy itself.
In this interview, she shares her journey, her philosophy on timeless design, and what it truly takes to create a wedding experience that feels effortless, meaningful, and unforgettable. Thank you Jayne for sharing your time with us.
Can you tell us about your journey into wedding planning and what led you to focus on destination weddings in Italy?
I didn’t arrive in wedding planning by accident—I built my way here over 30 years of working closely with venues, suppliers, and couples across Italy. That long relationship with the industry means I don’t just “know of” places—I understand how they breathe, how they function behind the scenes, and how to unlock their full potential for each couple. Those hidden corners, the best light, the little logistical quirks that only show themselves on the day …. All the useful things.
Italy was always going to be the natural home for my work. It offers an emotional richness that’s hard to replicate anywhere else—the light, the food, the sense of history. Destination weddings here aren’t just about location, they’re about feeling. My role is to translate that feeling into something deeply personal for each couple.
Your Signature Style
I’ve never really believed in having a ‘fixed style’, because that usually means every wedding starts to look the same and that’s not why couples choose Italy.
My approach is much more instinctive. I listen carefully, get a feel for who the couple really are, and then build something around that—while keeping a strong sense of place. Italy isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the story.
If there’s a thread running through my work, it’s that everything feels considered, but never overworked. It should feel easy… even if there’s quite a lot happening behind the scenes.
Designing the Experience
For me, a wedding is never just a timeline of events—it’s a flow of moments. I think about how guests will feel from the second they arrive to the last glass of wine at the end of the evening.
It’s about creating a natural flow, so the day unfolds rather than feeling structured. And because I’ve built long-standing close relationships with suppliers over the years, there’s a level of trust there that makes everything run smoothly without needing to over-manage it.
Working with International Couples
The biggest challenge is usually distance combined with overwhelm - way too much inspiration. Couples are trying to make decisions in a different language, a different culture, often with an overload of ideas that don’t always translate well to Italy.
This is where experience matters. I guide them gently but honestly—sometimes that means refining ideas, sometimes redirecting them entirely so that what we create feels right for the setting. My role is part planner, part translator, part calm voice of reason.
Planner–Photographer Collaboration
The best collaborations are built on mutual respect and shared intention. When a planner and photographer are aligned, the day flows naturally—nothing feels staged or rushed.
I always consider light, timing, and space when planning the day, which allows the photographer to do their work beautifully without interrupting the experience for the couple. It becomes a partnership rather than a negotiation. The best collaborations feel easy and respectful with everyone quietly working towards the same thing
Creating a Seamless Wedding Day
What looks effortless is usually very carefully constructed. I focus heavily on pacing, logistics, and communication behind the scenes—ensuring every supplier knows not just what is happening, but why and when it matters.
Because I’ve worked with so many venues and teams over the years, I can anticipate most challenges before they arise. That allows the couple to stay fully present, which is ultimately the goal.
Attention to Detail
It’s often the smallest, quietest details that guests remember—the way a table feels when they sit down, the tone of the ceremony, the transition from day to evening.
For me, it’s not about adding more, but about choosing carefully. A well-placed detail has far more impact than an abundance of decoration.
Trends vs Timelessness
Trends can be fun, but they should never lead the design. I always anchor a wedding in something timeless—proportion, setting, atmosphere—and then, if it feels right, we can layer in a few contemporary touches.
The question I always ask is: will this still feel beautiful and meaningful in ten or twenty years? If the answer is yes, it stays.
Favourite Locations in Italy
Italy offers such diversity, and I’m still inspired by it after all these years. From the lakes to the countryside to the coastline, each region has its own rhythm.
I’m always drawn to places that feel authentic rather than overly polished—locations where the landscape, architecture, and local culture naturally do much of the work. Locations that don’t need too much added to them.
Advice for Couples
Start with how you want your wedding to feel, not how you think it should look.
Once that feeling is clear, every decision becomes easier and far more meaningful.
A Memorable Wedding
The weddings that stay with me are always the most personal—not just between the couple, but with the entire experience.
Often, it’s the more intimate weddings that leave the deepest impression. There’s a closeness, a warmth, and a sense that every moment truly matters.
Taormina Collaboration
I’m especially excited about our upcoming wedding in Taormina. The bride has been such a joy to work with—full of energy and ideas from the very beginning.
Planning together over the past 12–18 months, we’ve shaped those ideas into something that still feels true to her, but also deeply connected to Italy. Sometimes my role has been to gently guide and refine, making sure we keep that Italian essence rather than following every passing inspiration.
Taormina itself is extraordinary—the light, the views, the atmosphere. It creates a natural stage for something truly special, and I’m very much looking forward to bringing it all together.
Final Thoughts
A truly unforgettable wedding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
It’s when a couple feels completely at ease, surrounded by people they love, in a place that resonates with them. When everything flows so naturally that they can simply experience it, rather than think about it.
That’s always the aim.