Like you, our love story is unique, and we’re happy to share our journey and vision so you can see for yourself how passionate we are about making your Dream Italian Wedding a reality!
The Story of Richard and Rie
Rie, a native Japanese and graduate of the finest private Japanese schools, was a Market Researcher quickly climbing the corporate ladder. From Japan, to Australia, to New York, and all the way to Los Angeles, Rie was an eager world-traveler with an infectious zeal for life. Richard, a charismatic native of the United Kingdom, was an award-winning TV and film actor. He spent his time teaching seminars to other actors and helping hundreds of international actors relocate to the United States.
They met in LA and quickly learned that they had much in common. They spent the next five years traveling the world together, exploring and loving life. When Rie’s company asked her to head to London to open a new office, she jumped at the chance. Richard would be closer to his family, and Europe offered more amazing experiences they could share together.
It was clear by the time they arrived in London that they both truly loved to travel, were dedicated to their careers, and were passionate about dreaming big, setting goals, and making success happen, no matter the situation. It was this love of shared goals, experiences, and world travel that helped solidify their love for one another and ignited their passion for helping other people achieve their own dreams.
Richard and Rie’s
Dream Italian Wedding
In 2017, Richard and Rie experienced their own Dream Italian Wedding. While the day was beautiful and all of their guests gushed about how wonderful the experience was, it wasn’t a simple process getting to that day. While their love for one another was effortless, planning the wedding experience was a lot of work!
Since Rie’s family was in Japan, and Richard’s was in the UK, and their mutual friends were in Japan, the UK, and Australia, the couple decided on Europe as a neutral wedding location that everyone would enjoy visiting. But finding the perfect spot would take many trips, lots of exploring, and a lot of time. One of Richard’s friends, an accomplished wedding photographer, suggested the Italian Lakes. It was perfect!
With a location chosen, it was time to go over the hundreds of small decisions: colors, cuisine, entertainment, flowers, decorations, music, and so much more. While Rie and Richard enjoyed the challenges, there was no mistaking the fact this was hard work. Because of Richard’s experience in films and television, and Rie’s experience in business and market research, they were perfectly suited to handle each situation, make every decision, and end up with an incredible wedding experience in Italy that they’ll never forget.
Testimonials
I have known Rie since we were in international school together. Even though Rie left Japan to work and live in the US, we still keep in contact and remain best of friends. I was honoured to be asked to be one of her Bridesmaids at her wedding. My background is that I work in the Film and Tv entertainment industry doing Hair and makeup.
So as part of my wedding gift to Rie I was able to do her hair and make up for her wedding day! It was such a special day as we are all friends from school and seeing Rie being the first of the group of girls to get married was emotional.
This was my first time to Italy and there was a group of us who flew together from Tokyo. We had the most amazing time and after attending a lot of other friends weddings. Ries and Richards was the most Spectacular and memorable!
This wedding would be any Bride's Dream come true, and is something extraordinary from the ‘Norm`
If you decide to get married and let Rie and Richard plan your big day then you will have the most amazing weddings ever!
Masako Takahashi
I am Rie`s best friend and I was thrilled to be asked to be her Bridesmaid at her wedding in Italy. Rie is such a beautiful person, loving, honest and has integrity in all she does in life and in relationships. If Ries says she will do something she is the type of person that will honor her word and deliver. When she was at school she ran at a competitive level and that drive to succeed shows in all areas of her life and work.
When Rie asked me to write a testimonial in regards to her planning and organizing weddings, all i can say is after experiencing her own wedding day which she planned, and knowing her character and personality; There is no one else I would trust other than her to deliver your Dream Italian Wedding!
Naoka Kubo
I have worked as cabin crew for British Airways for over 30 years, so I have have seen many places. The italian lakes are my Number 1 Favorite destinations in the world to visit, I have been many times on holiday.
Honestly there is no where else in the world that could be more Romantic for the Perfect Dream wedding. The views are Spectacular! The Wedding Itself was unique, it was Intimate and full of surprises!
The food and drinks … Well we are in Italy.. we ate and Drank Italians Finest.
If you are reading this, then your lucky to have found what you are looking for!
To describe this day in 2 words “Hollywood Wedding”.. It was like we were watching a film, but we were actually experiencing it, not knowing what was going to happen next and then Boom another surprise!. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I must say it has been the best wedding I have ever been too. Certainly, Richard and Rie knew how to entertain and enthrall their audience. See for yourself and watch the wedding video!
James and Christopher Lakin
I am Rie's friend as we work in the same business sector of market research, I live in LA with my husband who is Argentinian. I work for a traditional Global Japanese company and I love and adore the Japanese culture.
We were both excited to attend Richards and Ries Wedding in Italy. This was the first wedding we have attended where the itinerary was kept a secret, so no one had a clue what to expect and that just added to the mystic and excitement and anticipation of the day.
The backdrop over the lakes and islands was breathtaking and the adventure of the surprise boat cruise just made it even more romantic. I would say this was the most well put together events I have attended. Everything was perfect
This wedding would be any brides Dream wedding. If your considering getting married abroad, I would suggest only working with someone you would trust to put together a perfect day. Both Richard and Rie are not only lovely, kind and trustworthy. They are professional and when it comes to attention to detail and making you feel special. They know how to throw a wedding party for sure!
Natalie Robuck and Ariel Gelsumino
I've been working closely with the bride Rie for over 5 years as part of the executive team and we were constantly traveling for business due to the nature of the global business we were involved in.
Richard used to tag along with Rie for some of these trips and I had the opportunity to spend time with the couple in New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Tokyo. They make such a great couple, and when I heard about their engagement along with the excitement came my curiosity of wondering where they are going to have their wedding. The answer was, Italy.
Before their wedding, I've never been to Italy but always had a deep love towards Italian food and wine. There was no better opportunity for me to visit and I was very much looking forward to the trip to attend their wedding party.
After a direct flight from Tokyo to Milan, I got on the car Richard and Rie arranged for us and traveled up north to arrive at the beautiful lakeside town. The actual wedding party was for a day and a pre-party the night before, but I was so glad I took a longer time off to spend more time in the area.
Their wedding was full of surprises and it felt like the whole town was the stage of their wedding. All guests were dressed up to impress which matched the setting perfectly and added to the excitement of the whole day.
Needless to say how beautiful the location and set up was of the wedding ceremony, but for me personally the most memorable part of the day was the reception party. The view, hospitality, meal, and wine. Everything was absolutely perfect. While so many guests traveled from afar, we could really feel the whole party was thought through by the couple and the day just flew by, I really can't remember how much wine I had that day - the wine was that fabulous - I had such an amazing time socializing with the couple's family and friends. Especially coming from Japan, it's rare to experience a wedding party where you can enjoy for the whole entire day. I would love to attend their wedding party again, if there ever is one!
Even the day after the wedding, the couple organized us a wine tasting event and was able to have dinner together with the guests which gave us the time to spend together and bask in the warm exciting feel. I can't say enough thank you's to Richard and Rie for inviting me to such a fantastic party.
Masahiro Takanohashi Tokyo
I was Richards Best Man at his wedding, and we have been friends for over 20 years. Richard brings with him a wealth of personal and professional experience, working in Film and TV Entertainment industry.
Needless to say, his own wedding was like a Hollywood production. Right from the start, there was Hair and Makeup Artists, Personal assistants, photographers, camera crew, even a drone to capture Aerial panoramic views.
You get a good idea from their wedding video of what a special day it was.
The Venues for both the ceremony and the wedding breakfast was without exaggeration 'Jaw-dropping'. Then add the ambiance of live trio Jazz band, fine Italian wines, authentic Italian food, then to top it off surprise fireworks and a disco. It was an AMAZING day to remember and I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of it.
If you want the dream wedding abroad then do it right, do Richard and Ries Dream Italian wedding!
Simon and Charlotte Morgan
We were lucky enough to be invited to their wedding in Italy in the summer of 2017 and can honestly say it was the most extraordinarily magical, enjoyable and well run event. Richard and Rie’s thought, care, imagination and smooth organizational skills resulted in a seamless series of really amazing surprise events and experiences.
Their choices of stunning locations and views, their relations and arrangements with local restaurateurs and other service providers added to the enjoyment.
The wedding weekend was like a Hollywood movie, with professional photographers taking high quality shots and video, (including aerial drone footage) and all working in a low key, unobtrusive but highly professional manner, to provide a memorable record of a wonderful event.
If you are wondering how to make your special event unique, memorable, you should look no further than Richard and Rie Burke.
John Mawson and Angela Gardener Los Angeles
If you’re getting married soon and want a want a one-of-a kind wedding experience that everyone will remember for years to come- l wholeheartedly recommend Richard & Rie to help you plan your wedding experience.
Let me explain why!
An American currently living and working in Tokyo, I’ve lived Japan abroad for more than 8 years. In addition to the 5+ years I’ve spent in Japan, other countries that I’ve lived in include Germany and China. I’ve traveled to more than 40+ countries and really consider myself a “global citizen”.
When I was married to my Japanese wife- we did things the hard way: having two ceremonies for both of our families: one in Japan and one in the United States. Also, I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to many weddings, each quite wonderful in its own way- but each of these were fraught with logistical, cultural, and other challenges.
When I recently traveled to Italy for the wedding of Richard and Rie, I experienced the very best of what a “global wedding experience” could be! Every detail, no matter how small- was taken care of for us. From the “save the date” announcement, to the pre-wedding activities, and, of course, the wedding day itself- every single detail was perfect.
The amazingly beautiful setting- The Italian Lakes and its surrounding countryside will leave you breathless. Honestly, Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. This, combined with the friendly Italian people, unbelievable food and wine (of course!), and the fantastic weather- make it perfect destination wedding, especially for families and friends coming from multiple locations in Asia and the West.
If you’re a busy professional with not enough time or experience in planning weddings… If you want your family and guests to experience a truly unique and memorable event… If you want to be able to relax and actually ENJOY your big day- then I wholeheartedly recommend Richard and Rie as your wedding planners. Let them take of each detail- so you can focus on the things that really matter.
HAPPY WEDDING!
John G. Crum Tokyo, Japan
We were guests at a recent wedding you organised in Italy and were most impressed by the overall occasion. The event itself was beautiful, exciting, surprising, and some of the attention to detail and organisation was nothing short of superb. After the tremendous boat ride, the scene of the wedding ceremony balcony overlooking the shore of the lake was probably the most beautiful and romantic wedding location we have ever seen. We are getting married ourselves this year, and only wish we had seen this place first. We know how important the search for perfection is to young couples and we can only say ‘Look no more! You’ll find your perfection with Richard & Rie on Lake Maggiore!’
James and Karen Fraser