Italian Lakes Wedding Planner

Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori: they are Borromeo Islands.
Three precious jewels rich in charm and history now among the most know touristy destination of Italian Lakes.
Someone said that gossip of possible wedding between George Clooney and Italian showgirl Elisabetta Canalis here increased the appeal of these places making them “exclusive”.
We do not have to forget about another fairy tale wedding that took place on Borromeo Islands: John Elkann – ceo of Fiat – and princess Donna Lavinia Borromeo.

If Isola Madre and Isola Bella are known for their great palaces and gardens and could be the perfect frame for your wedding pictures, Pescatori Island could be the best location for a perfect reception on the lake shores. This thanks to its wonderful position and rich gastronomic tradition.

Pescatori Island is the only one that is not part of Borromeo Family properties.
It is a liggle village with no more than 50 inhabitants. Fishing was the main occupation in the past some members of local families are still fishers.
You can see this heritage all over here starting from the little port where you will see many fishing boats.

It is such a peaceful place so you will meet many cats and frogs especially in July. Little nice frogs jump all over the narrow roads of the islands.
In this idyllic place there is a quite corner: a little garden with a terrace on the lake. You will read a big white sign with the name Belvedere on it.

Hotel Ristorante Belvedere is located on North East part of Pescatori Island far from busy port.
It has been managed from the same family for 4 generations. In 1921 restaurant hosted Charles De Gaulle who had lunch there during his honeymoon.

Today Belvedere Restaurant can host up to 200 guests inside the charming rooms and on its two gardens on the lake. Your reception to Hotel Ristorante Belvedere can be arranged on the open air by the lake shores, in the wide garden under the porch of booming flowers or inside the charming and bright veranda. You could also choose the lovely dining room once called La Grotta (the cave) because walls were all in stones.
The venue has been just refurbished but still preserves the charm of the ancient appeal. From all corners, including the dining room you could see Isola Madre and its great botanic park.

Belvedere Restaurant mainly serves fish dishes hand made prepared combining precious ingredients of Lake Maggiore and close valleys. Cheese lovers will taste Toma of Ossola valley and natural Gorgonzola. While wine lovers could choose among great Piemonte wines such as Barolo, Dolcetto, Barbaresco or pick great local wines of Novara valley. Continue Reading »

After Suzanne and Christopher, Loretta and Scott, Nicky and Chris we are on Lake Maggiore again to tell you about another magic wedding: Simone and Stephans’ wedding. They were such a lovely couple coming from Zurich, Switzerland.

First of all a big thank you to Andrea and Marcus a great couple of Swiss photographers that kindly put on disposal their great images of Simone and Stephan’s wedding. A vintage and really unconventional service that we found really unique. The yellow shade gives to images a sense of warm and cosy brightness.

Simone and Stephan wanted a unique and unforgettable wedding. They looked for a real elegant and Italian style event to give their day a touch of glamour. After visiting many venue they choose Lake Maggiore and little town of Pallanza.

Bride and groom opted for a religious ceremony to Sacro Monte church in Ghiffa and a wonderful reception to Villa Rusconi Clerici in Pallanza just few minutes far from the church.

For all guests Simone and Stephan wanted a week end long event.
They started with a lovely dinner on friday night in a traditional pizzeria facing the lake.
Saturday the day of the wedding they decided for a big party to Villa Rusconi sipping champagne, delicious Italian cuisine and fun dances up to early hours of Sunday.

The big day of Saturday begun early in the morning to Grand Hotel Majestic where the group stayed for all the wedding week end.
Dividing herself among make up and hair trial Simone spend some hours with her mother and maid of honor Rachel.
On late morning they all reached Ghiffa where all guests and Stephan were waiting for them.

Simone and Stephan got married in the tiny romantic 1600 church of Sacro Monte of Ghiffa.
Floral decorations were arranged by Manuela the floral designers who works in partnership with La Piccola Selva.
Roses were main flowers. Arrangement at the church included external columns, pews, balusters, and aisle to the altar totally covered with rose petals. Continue Reading »

I’ve already told you some months ago about the wonderful hotels on Lake Maggiore. These are ideal venues for an elegant wedding on these magic shores.
Chris and Suzanne choose Grand Hotel Majestic for they big day.

They came here with relatives and friends from United Kingdom to celebrate a wonderful event that was studied in every single detail.

Suzanne choose a theme inspired on lilac and café au lait enriched by many little crystals.

Suzanne designed personally Bridesmaids and flower girl dresses just thinking about these details.

Flower arrangement Suzanne wanted was very detailed.
All arrangements were created by Manuela one of the floral designer who work in close collaboration with La Piccola Selva. Basing on the theme Suzanne wanted, Manuela created a rich vintage arrangement.
She used Freesias blooms and Aqua Girl roses for lilac, and Cofee Break rose for cafe au lait shades. Purple was made with wide Trachelium and classic Vendela roses and Stephanotis made the white accent.
Little fabric Stephanotis were on all wedding stationery Suzanne and Chris had on their tables: invitations, names card, table chart and trivia boxes.

Crystals were on the tables to match Kartell chairs rented for the occasion and crystal vases supporting flowers decorations.

Some other little crystal were inside the Stephanotis flowers in centerpieces and bridal bouquet, just a little compact and rounded jewel.

Suzanne matched crystals on her dress too. There were crystals on the veil, on the dress and the wonderful vintage pin she had on her waist. Bridal dress was italian by Spose di Gio. Continue Reading »

Here I am again to talk about Villa Rusconi Clerici, this time I will describe the gorgeous symbolic ceremony of Nicky & Chris. As flower designer, I have had the great pleasure and honour of handling the decoration of this special event, which took place in September in Verbania Pallanza on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

I would like to start by thanking the photographer Carlo Conti, who has kindly provided these fabulous images of the day. After many years of experience as a fashion, still life and architecture photographer, Carlo Conti has founded RPS Studio – Reportage Per gli Sposi – choosing to continue his career as a specialist wedding photographer. His style is characterised by a great ability to capture the most natural and spontaneous moments of any event in order to compose a fresh, modern and lively album…the pictures of Nicky and Chris’ big day are a very good example of his creativity.

Nicky & Chris are both born and bread in London. Nicky is pursuing a successful career in human resource, while Chris owns a recruitment agency focusing on the sports sector.
Being two very busy young professionals, they did not have a lot of free time to dedicate to the organisation of their wedding and decided to rely on the expertise and professionalism of Chic Weddings, a leading wedding design agency that works with the team of Italian Lakes Wedding.

Nicky and Chris were dreaming of a wedding by the water, informal and elegant at the same time. An event that matched their personality, not too flashy but very fun. After evaluating various options, they opted for Villa Rusconi Clerici for its wonderful position right on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

The colour theme chosen by Nicky & Chris focused on ivory and lilac, with a hint of purple. This successful combination is very much on trend recently and is often requested by my clients.

The ceremony at Villa Rusconi Clerici started with the arrival of the bride, Nicky, by speedboat. She was accompanied by her father and her lovely bridesmaids. The location benefits from a private jetty which offers the possibility of organising an extremely scenic entry as well as lake tours for the guests during the cocktail reception.

Nicky chose a sleek and modern bouquet, in perfect harmony with her dress: to design it I mixed mini white Calla Lilies, purple Lysianthus and Rose Tibet, enhancing the long shape of the bouquet with a few leaves of Beucarnea. Continue Reading »

It’s the most voluptuous place in the world that I’ve ever seen. The surrounding nature enchants with thousands of hidden seductions which give the sensation of being immersed in the rarest sensuality and refinement.
This is how Gustave Flaubert described this part of the Piedmont coast where the Lake Maggiore opens up into the Borromean Gulf, a green bay between the centers of Stresa and Pallanza, the two most brilliant gems of the Verbano.

The Grand Hotel Majestic is located in Pallanza, which faces the Island of St. Giovanni, the thirty-year summer residence of Arturo Toscanini. It is a fascinatingly beautiful Belle Epoque hotel distinguished by its incomparable architectural dignity, grand frescoed rooms and extensive lakeside English garden. Its construction became the impetus for the city’s booming tourism in 1870.

The optimal motivating attraction for nobles and the elite to choose to construct their luxurious villas in this region was primarily the agreeable situation amongst the exceptional panoramic peacefulness of the cape complete with surrounding mountains and mild climate.

From many of the hotel’s 99 rooms and 4 suites the dreamlike view of the lake’s serenity, surrounded by the mountains and the captivating beauty of the Borromean Island’s architectural and botanic artistry, can be marveled at. On the Isola Madre and the Isola Bella, just a few minutes away from the hotel by boat, the Borromeo Dynasty buit two luxurious domiciles in the 600’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens of the Lake Maggiore. Of all the gardens in the world, these gardens are surpassed in the beauty only by the magnificent botanical gardens of Villa Taranto housing 20.000 plants species, 1.000 of which had never been cultivated in Italy before. The garden is within walking distance from the Grand Hotel.

Enchanted by the aquamarine panorama of the lake, as seen from the terrace of Majestic, Eleonora Duse had her tailor fashion a dress “…in the same color as the lake”. Among an array of illustrious artists who have been accommodated in the ambience of the Grand Hotel are Grazia Deledda and the composer Claude Debussy. To name a few, the boats of the Stuarts, the Queen of Romania, the monarchs of Italy, the noble families of Germany, Indian Princes and Maharaja were docked here…In short, the personalities symbolizing “bon vivre” of the 800’s have enjoyed the splendor of the hotel.

After some decades of decline, the Grand Hotel Majestic underwent a long restoration period and was returned the dignity of its past. Its rejuvenation brings the true value of its classical style to life and gives the impression of being immersed in an atmosphere of times gone by, all the while offering its guests adequate services with attention focused on today’s comforts. Continue Reading »

We’ve told you many times about wonderful medieval Orta village and how cosy and intimate it is.
Now let’s imagine a more intimate, cozier and more romantic place just mystic and legendary:
here you are San Giulio Island.

St. Julius reached this land for first around 1600 sailing on his mantel. He arrived here and found it haunted by dragoons and snakes.
He sent them all away and built a little church that after become the nowadays cathedral.
This is what the legend tells….

After that a castle, Bishop Palance and villas for priests.
About half of 1800 a convent was built and it cancelled the last symbol of a powerful past let the island becoming more religious.
Today a small group of nuns live in the convent. They are Benedectines and they are totally dedicated to manual works and spiritual hospitality.

St. Julius Island is a silent an mystic place rich in history and traditions.
If you take a look to the island from the hills high tower bell, gardens and ancient roads look like a fairly tale castle born from ancient ruins of a castle.

On this very Italian corner of paradise we would like to suggest a unique opportunity to arrange your wedding reception: a little cosy restaurant with terrace on the lake inside one of the most ancient villas of the island.

We love to imagine a romantic civil ceremony to Villa Bossi or a lovely religious ceremony in one of Orta churches (Maria Assunta or Sacro Monte) with a pleasant trip on the boat to follow.

You and your guests will have the opportunity to completely know and savor the beauty of the lake.
Cruise from Orta to St. Julius Island is a show you can not miss.
From the waters could admire ancient villas on the shores and their aristocratic and alter appeal.

After this lovely trip you will arrive directly on the pier of a little restaurant just on San Giulio Island or you could get there from the little road that goes across the Island.

Ristorante San Giulio (St. Julius Restaurant) is located inside Villa Tallone date back to 1700.
It is well know to host a rich summer concert season in which you could listen to great concerts in such a wonderful frame. Continue Reading »

It’s sometimes hard to find time to dedicate to our dears. A wedding day is often the occasion to bond our families and closest friends.
The idea of spending together not only one single day but one whole week it’s absolutely lovely.

Lake Como offers the opportunity of fabulous weekly rentals.
This means combining an incredible escape with a romantic wedding or party.

Directly on Bellagio lakeshore, there’s a fantastic private Villa which seems created to realize this combination.

This liberty style Villa stands majestically on the water and it’s surrounded by a beautiful park overlooked by centuries old trees complete with swimming pool.
The accommodations and living areas are located on the ground and first floor of the villa.

The property is very elegant, with marble fireplace and frescoed ceilings.
First floor study has an elegant terrace overlooking the lake and Grigna Mountain ranges.
The furnishings are a clever combination of family heirlooms with the finest antiques, all carefully restored to ensure the visitor a most comfortable stay.
The seven bedrooms, each with their own bathroom and air conditioned as the rest of the property can be reached by elevator or stairway.

The other guests can easily find an accommodation in Bellagio center or surroundings and reaching the Villa by a private boat transfer.

Laura decided to celebrate here her 40’s Birthday and what a party!

The lake view park and terrace are the perfect setting for a romantic symbolic ceremony.
If you prefer a civil ceremony instead, this can be celebrated at Bellagio Town Hall.

After the celebration the private boat will lead you to the Villa while sipping a glass of Italian Prosecco!

A private pier will let you drop off the boat and the party goes on! Continue Reading »

It has been now some time that we told you about Grand Hotel Majestic on our Lake Maggiore Grand Hotels post. We are glad to announce that Grand Hotel Majestic decided to join Italian Lakes Wedding web site.
Grand Hotel Majestic is one of the most beautiful hotels on Lake Maggiore. A lot of important people spent their vacations in its wonderful belle epoque styled rooms, such as Italian Royal Family, writer Grazia Deledda, music writer Claude Debussy, Imperial German Family, and many Arabian prices and maharajahs.

Grand Hotel Majestic is located in Verbania Pallanza just in front of Borromeo Gulf and Isolino San Giovanni. The hotel is one of the few hotels on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
It is very close to Pallanza town center, lovely church of San Leonardo and wonderful Villa San Remigio that can be rented for amazing civil ceremonies with stunning view on the lake.

We will come back soon telling some more about Grand Hotel Majestic.
All Italian Lakes Wedding Team would like to welcome management and staff of Grand Hotel Majestic and thank you for join our group.

There are many ways to treasure Italy. And many ways to enter into one of the best characteristics of this country: the Style. Whether it be architecture or cuisine, Italian style always leaves its mark; its uniqueness always makes an event incredible, especially an event as emotional and touching as a wedding, Italian style fills it with a special energy.
Getting married in Italy means not having limits when fulfilling ones desires for an elegant setting with beautiful scenery and receiving only the best kind of treatment. It’s much more than that. It’s the search for the harmony. It’s the desire to have an infusion of all these amazing elements. To coordinate and plan a wedding is becoming increasingly in important and more an activity for professional, who make it their work to plan weddings and celebrations to remember, rendering it a creation that reflects the needs and personalities of the couple.

Getting married on Lake Como is a unique experience; the scenery makes it the perfect place for the ideal wedding, the one that you’ve always dreamed of, a divine reality but an occasion that can’t be wasted. Choosing the right suppliers is crucial. This is why it’s important to be assisted by the right wedding designers and professionals, people who have made planning and coordinating weddings their lives. Because nothing can be overlooked or neglected.

Starting from the selection of the setting, which will be the framework of the colorful happiness that surrounds the couple on their most beautiful day, there are many prestige locations like Villa Pizzo or Villa del Balbianello, Villa Erba or Villa Regina Teodolinda, wonderfully set like jewels on the shore of Lake Como. The unique atmosphere of these ancient residents doesn’t have any equals: you breathe in history, the sensation of having been taken back in time while at the same time being embraced by the magic of the lake.

These breath-taking settings, which give you an incredible emotions, united with the best professionals of Italian cuisine, a level of catering of undisputed high quality, infused with the astounding beauty of country sides complemented by heavenly flowers arrangement, render the day at you chose to say I do, a fairy-tale. Continue Reading »

As a flower designer, we have to admit that the wedding of Loretta and Scott were one of the most stimulating ones. It was months of work, 3 meetings with the bride and groom, lots of emails with decisions and re-decisions before arriving at the final go.

Loretta and Scott are a very nice couple from England who decided to get married at Lake Maggiore. Both have origins in Italy, both are born in London but the bride’s parents are from Parma and Piacenza and the groom’s father is British but his mother is from Salerno.

Both have Italian origins, that’s why they met for the first time in St Peter’s Italian church in London. After 9 years finally they wished to become husband and wife. Their decision to come to Italy for the wedding was crystal clear, but where? They wanted somewhere which is neither near his or her family backgrounds, so it was the beautiful setting of Villa Rusconi Clerici and the fantastic landscape around Lake Maggiore.

Their choice of photographer was also made with the highest attention, he had to be professional, very special and with a photo-reportage style. Indeed, it is very important to select a good photographer, because what he is producing will last forever.

So it was Luca Rajna, one of the most appreciated and best photographers in the lakes area.
Have a look yourself www.ajn.it.

The church for the wedding was San Leonardo’s at Pallanza, built in 1537, it overlooks the Piazza San Leonardo and the lakeshore.
For the flowers Loretta wanted a focus on the main altar with 2 large compositions of ivory Rose Vendela on some high basements of metal.

Then some smaller compositions combined with tulle and organza in white, emerald green and ivory on the ends of each row of pews. This was the colour theme throughout all the decoration, sometimes added by a touch of lilac.

The bridal bouquet of Loretta was round and very compact and resembled the colours used in church, from the white and ivory of the roses into the emerald green of the ribbons that hold it all together, decorated with some pearls here and there.

A fantastic advantage of this church was the small walking distance to Villa Rusconi Clerici, just 300m.
For Loretta and Scott it was easy to decide for the Villa Rusconi Clerici, they were in love with the location from the beginning. It is really a wonderful place as the villa is situated directly on the shore of the lake, has splendid views and a huge garden. As the wedding day was very warm, the welcome drinks were prepared outside on the lakeshore. Accompanied with some wonderful music from a string quartet.

The dinner itself was inside the white gazebo, this is an elegant structure of tents finished with metal that was normally used at the beginning of the 19th hundred century. Continue Reading »