Meet the Team

Shannon

Sales & Venue Manager

Shannon brings over 12 years of experience in weddings and events, having first discovered her passion while working for a family friend’s catering business. She went on to study Events Management at Bournemouth University, where she completed a placement year at The Italian Villa. There, she quickly progressed from Events Supervisor to Events Manager, delivering a wide range of weddings and events across Dorset.

After graduating, Shannon worked at one of the UK’s most eco-friendly hotels, developing her understanding of sustainable event planning. She returned to The Italian Villa three years ago and is now our Sales and Venue Manager. She has a deep appreciation for the venue and the gardens of Compton Acres, and loves working closely with couples and clients to bring their vision to life.

Currently planning her own wedding for October 2027, Shannon has a genuine understanding of what’s involved in the process. This personal experience allows her to support her couples with empathy, insight and practical guidance, ensuring they feel confident and excited every step of the way.

Bianca

Operations Manager

Bianca is the Operations Manager at The Italian Villa, where she has been an integral part of the team for the past four years, successfully delivering over 450 events. With a career in events that began in 2008 at a vineyard and large-scale events venue, she has extensive experience managing everything from intimate celebrations to events of up to 2,000 guests, including external catering.

Known for her exceptional attention to detail, Bianca goes above and beyond to ensure every event runs seamlessly. Her passion and dedication are often highlighted in client reviews, where she is frequently mentioned for her outstanding work and support.

Creativity plays a big role in Bianca’s life. She enjoys designing her own clothing, making her the go-to person for any last-minute wardrobe mishaps on the day. 

Lauren

Marketing Manager  &  Senior Wedding Coordinator

Lauren began her career in events as a Senior Coordinator for National Citizen Service, before following her passion for weddings by moving into a role as an Events Coordinator within a large hotel chain. There, she gained valuable experience planning weddings, conferences and private dining events.

In June 2024, Lauren joined The Italian Villa, where she enjoys bringing each couple’s vision to life and helping them truly picture their special day at the venue. She is passionate about showcasing what’s possible and encourages couples to explore the venue further through social media for inspiration. Recently promoted to Marketing Manager, Lauren is the driving force behind our online presence. 

Having been a bride herself in September 2024, Lauren has first-hand experience of the wedding planning journey. She and her wife chose a blank canvas venue, sourcing all their own suppliers, catering, styling, floristry and entertainment. This personal experience, combined with her industry knowledge, allows her to guide couples with genuine understanding, helping them navigate the excitement and decisions that come with planning their wedding.

Tom

Head Chef

Chef Tom has been part of the Italian Villa since day one, helping to shape its kitchen and culinary identity from the very beginning. With an extensive background in large-scale catering across London, Tom brings a wealth of experience delivering exceptional food at events of all sizes, always maintaining outstanding quality, creativity, and attention to detail.

Now based in Dorset with his family, Tom has developed a strong passion for seasonal produce and a close working relationship with trusted local suppliers. This commitment ensures every dish showcases the freshest ingredients at their very best.

Highly adaptable, Tom is experienced in designing menus that cater to all dietary requirements without compromising on flavour or presentation. He takes pride in turning each client’s brief into a memorable dining experience, bringing ideas to life through thoughtful, well-executed food.
Outside the kitchen, Tom enjoys playing golf and spending time outdoors, balancing his busy role with time to recharge and reset.

Louie

Bar Supervisor

Louie is the Bar Supervisor at The Italian Villa, known for his hands-on, practical approach and unwavering support for the team. Always willing to go above and beyond, he plays a key role in ensuring every event runs smoothly behind the bar.

With a genuine passion for bartending, Louie enjoys exploring new recipes and creating personalised cocktails that add a special touch to each couple’s day. His friendly nature and welcoming presence make him a familiar and happy face for guests, helping to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout every celebration.

Daisy

Wedding & Events Coordinator

Daisy is the Wedding and Events Coordinator at The Italian Villa. She joined the team in November 2023 as an Events Supervisor, where she supported the Operations Manager in delivering seamless events and ensuring every detail was executed to perfection.

With an extensive background in hospitality, including roles across bars, events and restaurants, Daisy brings a well-rounded and hands-on approach to her role. Recently promoted to Wedding and Events Coordinator, she combines her experience with a genuine passion for events.
Known for her creativity, organisation and strong attention to detail, Daisy is dedicated to helping bring each couple’s vision to life and ensuring every celebration runs smoothly from start to finish.