Italian Lakes Wedding Planner

Today I would like to tell you about a lovely couple coming from England: Joss and Nick.
They got married on July 9th, a bright and warm summer day that they will not forget for the rest of their lives!

They surely had a certain taste for lovely and good things and places so they opted for a wonderful wedding on Lake Como.

Everything was planned to be perfect!
We start from bride’s getting ready at Villa d’Este, the wonderful hotel famous all over the world with stunning view on the lake shores.
And we will end with the party in an amazing private villa near Cernobbio.
But let’s go step by step.

Nick and Joss decided to celebrate their special ceremony in lovely church in Cadenabbia just on the Como Lake’s shores. Here they soaked in a magical and romantic atmosphere created by wonderful floral decorations, white candles and the bright and warm colours of walls, together with a stunning red lacunar ceiling. Continue Reading »

We recently introduced a lovely venue just on the shores of Lake Orta. This is located just 15 minutes boat from Orta village and it is just on the waters.
It could be a wonderful set for your reception overlooking St.Julius Island and the wonderful bay.
We are talking about L’Ustaria Cà dal Rat.

We had several weddings this 2011 season here but we would love to mention two in particular because they stayed in our hearts.
I picked two events because they are two wonderful examples of how you can plan a wonderful day in Orta with reception to L’Ustaria.
Wonderful pictures taken by Photo27 for both events will explain you better!

First couple is Edel and Kieran.
They are two lovely guys coming from Ireland who wanted a romantic religious ceremony in the church of Sacro Monte of Orta.
Guests were all staying in Orta and to reach the church they opted for the lovely touristy train leaving from Orta main square!

They had a great fun a great ride overlooking the lake and its island!
Bride arrived with a lovely car afterwards.
The ceremony was very touching inside the wonderful church of Sacro Monte and the pictures after the ceremony just stunning with a breathtaking panorama. Continue Reading »

Who follows us, already knews Villa Pestalozza in Miasino, one of the most glamorous constructions enriching the Orta lake wedding locations offer.

In addition to the wide park, to the d’Antan times spell, to the wonderful view and to the cosy and elegant atmosphere, at the beginning of this summer enterprising Donna Giulia, the owner of Villa Pestalozza, inaugurated a new and smart panoramic pergola hosting 130 people.

Keep following us, because very soon we will tell again about Villa Pestalozza, with many photos and all the details on the new panoramic pergola. Continue Reading »

Those who follow the blog of Italian Lakes Wedding will have noticed that the Hotel San Rocco is often cited in our post: in fact many weddings held on Lake Orta have as their final destination this beautiful hotel in Orta San Giulio.

Recently, the structure has been completely renovated: here is the perfect opportunity to introduce you to the novelties and the top of the services offered by the Hotel San Rocco to the married couple, certainly the best you could have for an exclusive and romantic wedding on Italian Lakes.

THE ANCIENT WALLS

The history of Hotel San Rocco starts over 400 years ago. Looking over from the shores of the magical Piedmontese Lake Orta, in the pedestrian village of Orta San Giulio and bounded by the ancient walls of a monastery, this building, that for nearly 150 years was an enclosed convent, in 1960 officially became a hotel. Villa Gippini was added to the original structure afterwards which made Hotel San Rocco the most prestigious reception complex in the Lake Orta area. Now, four stars hotel with 80 rooms.

RESTAURANT

Famous for organizing special events and for moments and pleasures of the table, the Hotel San Rocco has a wonderful panoramic restaurant: an exceptional example of refinement and details care, as well as of the culinary art.
The Restaurant, at the first floor of the Hotel, with its big arched windows, enjoys a charming and romantic view: the Island of San Giulio, set like a jewel between the brilliant lake waters and the neighbouring hills that are mirrored in it, with their green mantles. Its cooking is managed by Paolo Viviani, Executive Chef of Novara, winner of the Olympic of the Rice.

TERRACE

Other great features of the hotel are the garden terrace which leads right to the water’s edge and the panoramic outdoor swimming pool. During the summer, Guests can delight, in the open air, light launches or dreamy dinners under the stars with candle lights.

LOUNGE BAR

The Hotel also offers a refined and cosy lounge bar lake view towards San Giulio Island, that becomes more romantic in the evening, where Guests can spend their time sipping aperitifs or enjoy their favourite drink. Seated in total relaxation in a leather armchair where once was the old boathouse, the guest may choose whether to be bewitched by the island of St.Giulio wreathed in its enchanting mists or be comforted and warmed by the flames flickering in the fireplace.

ROOMS

In the romantic background of Lake Orta, the charm of the past creates a modern and unique hospitality. Continue Reading »

Today we are glad to come back to Lake Bracciano and its Odescalchi castle to tell you a little about the stunning wedding of this very nice couple: Jan and Olga.

Jan and Olga’s style is elegant and refined but they also added a a touch of humor that gave the castle a brand new interpretation.
Have a look to some of the pictures here and you will surely have a better idea.

Even if the sky was a little cloudy they could enjoy the lake and its amazing view..
The wedding frame was more than scenografic.

We would love to thank Alessandro Zingone Studio. Very good and professional photographer Alessandro Zingone working on Lazio region, Lake Bracciano and Rome gave us the possibility to have a first glance on this wedding.

We will come back to you in the next days to tell you every single detail of this great event.
Stay tuned!

Today, surrounded by the magic landscape of lake Bracciano and the gorgeous Odescalchi castle, got married Natasha and Glenn.

Natasha and Glenn choosed to celebrate their romantic ceremony on the granary garden facing the lake.
…and the aperitif on the secret garden, where they enjoyed the lansdcape till sunset… just stunning.
Everything was designed to be very simple but really chic.

We will come back to you telling all details about this lovely couple but for now just enjoy this first preview on their wedding.

The part of the coast from Verbania that comes along until the swiss border is certainly one of the most spectacular places of the Lake Maggiore. Some years ago there were forests and terraces with cultivated plants, so at the end of the 18th century this area was attractive for lots of rich families coming from all over Europe. Therefore most wonderful villas were constructed with luxury gardens surrounding them. The mild climate did its part to let all flowers grow easily like Gardenia, Lemon-trees and Bougainvillas. They find an ideal start and do mix with the plants so special for this area which are the Camelies and Rhododendrons. Nowhere else is this special mix of flowers to be found around lake Maggiore.

So in this surrounding we find the Villa Margherita. Its special view on the lake, its beauty and its calmness with its huge garden and a refreshening swimming pool do create the special atmosphere of Villa Margherita.

The villa is situated in the hills above Oggebbio, near Verbania, just some k´s from Ascona and Locarno and only 90 k´s from the international airport Milan Malpensa.

Villa Margherita is a location dated back to the 19th century, freshly restored, an ideal location for any kind of reception. The interior is well thought, modern and charming with particular attention to all details, so this makes your moments so fascinating. Continue Reading »

Balbianello Villa – Official Rental Fees 2011

Many of you write us to ask further information on Villa del Balbianello rental.
For this reason we would love to give you more information on our blog that we hope could be useful.
As mentioned Villa del Balbianello is a very exclusive and unique venue, for this reason rental fee is related to the luxury and exclusivity of the location itself.
Click here to find official rental fee that Villa del Balbianello property gave us for 2011

Nadia and Michel: the Big Day has arrived!
First of all let us introduce you our bride and groom: Nadia and Michel both come from Germany. The groom has Italian heritage. His relatives came from Puglia Region in Southern Italy which is famous for its splendid sea.
Nadia and Michel always loved Lake Como. They visited it many times and they chose it as their wedding destination.
In order make their love dream come true they chosed a special romantic and exclusive venue. Choosing Villa del Balbianello has been more than natural, considering also how famous it is!

At their arrival Nadia and Micheal had a beautiful sunny day and they enjoyed a relaxing boat trip on Lake Como.
The day of their wedding started with a cloudy and rainy sky. Luckily, clouds left the space to the sun, creating a landscape even more evocative and unreal.
Micheal and guests’ arrival by motorboat to Villa del Balbianello, stood out in all its splendor, with the 2 gracious bell towers of the ancient Saint John Convent which stretched skywards in a myriad of clouds and shades.

Isn’t it stunning? Just look to images of the Villa seen from the Lake! The authors are again Estella & Diego of Photo27 who followed the 3 days event: boat trip on the Lake the first day, wedding to Villa del Balbianello and last but not least a beach party in Lenno on the third day, right after the wedding.

And here arrives Nadia, on board of a luxurious white motorboat. The clouds went away in the meanwhile, leaving the space to a clear sunny day…
It almost seemed that the planners arranged the sun coming too!

During the weddings, access to Villa del Balbianello, is exclusively allowed from the Lake. You are welcome by the motto “Fay ce que voudras” (do what you want) which the Cardinal Durini wanted to be engraved on the small pier. Continue Reading »

Today we are pleased to introduce you one of the most important news of the early 2010, a fantastic period residence which is going to enrich the offerings of location for wedding on Lake Orta: Villa Decio.

Villa Decio is in Lortallo, an ancient village situated between Miasino and Ameno, near the Monastery of Monte Mesma.

Lortallo is a little hidden gem of Lake Orta, outside the traditional tourist routes: Lortallo was once a place of some importance, that it had a representative in the General Council of the Riviera di San Giulio and staying separate city until the early nineteenth century.

Here, more than any other place, time seems to stand still: in a walk in the quiet cobbled streets you can meets the Tower of Baldizzone (XIII century) and a group of medieval houses in the shadow of a massive block of villas arranged bunk and facing a precipice on Lake Orta.

In this exclusive environment Villa Decio is, a nineteenth century residence adorned with 3 terraced gardens, fully exposed towards the lake.

Inside the Villa Decio there are 3 rooms furnished with antiques, with a total capacity of 90 people. If you prefer to arrange your wedding party in the garden, the terrace at the top level is equipped with a fixed wrought iron framework which can accommodate up to 120 people.

The second level, embellished with an Italian garden, is particularly suitable for a cocktail buffet. Continue Reading »

A wedding on the Lake Orta can be romantic, like Rachel and Mark’s wedding, celebrated at sunset, on the lake shore…
Or it can be intimate like Silvia and Giorgio’s wedding for 3 celebrated in the garden at Villa Bossi…
But a wedding on the Lake Orta can also be fun and festive…. Just like the one celebrated by Mariana and Matteo, the fantastic couple I will tell you about today.

Matteo and Mariana are an Italian-Armenian couple who live and work in London. Matteo is originally from Torino and he is just like every good boy coming from Piemonte, he is in love with his own homeland. Over time, Mariana was infected with this love as well, and thus their decision to choose one of the most charming places in Piedmont for their wedding: the Lake Orta.

Fun and joy are two words which perfectly describe Mariana and Matteo’s wedding. You will certainly see that in the photos accompanying this post: pictures that tell of their friend’s feast and fun, the first pranks of marriage, the couple’s happiness after the ceremony… emotions and feelings captured by Maren Ollmann’s lens from the Photography Studio Ollmann/Ottaviano in Torino. In the PHOTO GALLERY you will find 27 exceptional shots filled with the passion and magic which bring together the most wonderful emotions of Mariana and Matteo’s Big Day.

Mariana and Matteo’s wedding on the Lake Orta took place in 3 venues: Hotel Villa Crespi, where the bride and groom and their relatives stayed, the Church, Sacro Monte di Orta, where the religious ceremony took place, and finally Villa Ortea, where the wedding reception continued till the early lights of dawn.

For their stay in Orta and their first wedding night, Mariana e Matteo chose the Executive Suite in Hotel Villa Crespi. It was a fantastic room overlooking the lake with XVIII century furniture, a refined marble bathroom with a hydromassage and a magnificent four poster bed.
Continue Reading »

Varenna is very popular on Lake Como for Catholic Weddings.
And its fame it’s easily understandable: San Giorgio Church it’s absolutely fascinating and, above all, this is one of the few churches of Lake Como which allow to marry the non – residents.
Ancient, charming and impressive at the same time, this masterpiece lies in the heart of the village and represents the focus of the place itself.

Varenna it’s reachable by private boat or ferry from most of the other towns of the Lake.
This means that although Varenna is lovely you can decide to spend your wedding holidays not necessary based in Varenna itself.

Helen and Steve, our elegant Asian couple for example, chose to stay in Bellagio with their guests at the well renowned Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.
After their ‘getting ready’ and some beautiful shoots, they reached Varenna by boat: a unique occasion to enjoy the lake!

Once arrived in the main Varenna square, a long stair leads you in front of the main entrance.
This is a perfect setting for the wedding decorations: white and long aisle, flowers and candles create a special and evocative atmosphere.
How can you forget the moment when you step inside the church accompanied by the wedding march notes?
I think this is one of the most touching and unforgettable moments in our life….
Crossing the aisle, hearing the people you love murmuring excited, somebody’s crying and…finally you reach the altar for your forever promise of respect and love.
The sound of the Ave Maria, the exchange of the rings, every moment will remain in your mind for the rest of your life.

At the end of the ceremony you cannot miss the petals through as good luck from all of your friends and relatives.
Now that you’re married, the party moment should begin.

Helen and Steve, decided to go back to Bellagio by private boat and have their wedding reception, welcoming their guests at Villa Serbelloni. Continue Reading »

I must admit that the above title does not fully do justice to the location of which I’m going to talk you about today: a wedding at the Villa L’Antica Colonia is not only a “wedding with lake view”, but it’s definitely a lot more. Villa L’Antica Colonia is a perfect mix of history, nature, relaxation and romance, all emphasized by a breathtaking view of the Lake Orta. If you are looking for an intimate and exclusive, but at the same time spectacular location for your wedding, then Villa L’Antica Colonia can be the right location for you!

Villa L’Antica Colonia is located in Crabbia, a small village on the hills of the Lake Orta, a few minutes from Pettenasco. The structure is surrounded by a large green area and is an excellent starting point for interesting trips into nature and culture.
But the strongest point of the Villa L’Antica Colonia is the magnificent panorama that sweeps over much of the lake and the surrounding green mountains, reaching up to Orta and the Island of San Giulio, a real spectacular scenary!

Try to imagine your wedding party on the large terrace of the villa with fantastic view on the lake: an unforgettable event for you and your guests!

Built in the eighteenth century, the villa was for long time a church property. The large ground around the building, that in the beginning extended until the lake, was planted with vineyards and fruit trees and cultivated by the women of the village that were working for the clergyman. At the beginning of ’900 the villa was sold to a textile industry, which changed the property into a summer residence for the children of its employees, using part of the house for the breeding of the silk-worm in the winter season. It was later purchased by its actual owners, the family Manini-Maulini, who started the renovation of the property turning it into the beautiful villa we know today.

Villa L’Antica Colonia offers a unique and exclusive setting for your wedding: its prestigious balconies and arcades, between rustic and old, will give your wedding a scenario of the ancient times and a real magical atmosphere. Continue Reading »