Italian Lakes Wedding Planner

Side of Lake Maggiore and close to Milan and its Malpensa airport there is a wonderful villa: Villa Rocchetta!

These features make Villa Rocchetta a unique venue for your wedding on Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta areas. It is also close to one of most evocative Italian churches: Eremo (Hermitage) of St. Caterina del Sasso.

Villa Rocchetta is located between Ispra and Ranco on Lombardy side of Lake Maggiore. It is easily reachable from Milan and Varese (from Autostrada dei Laghi – Sesto Calende Exit) and just few minutes drive from Malpensa International Airport.

Villa Rocchetta is on Quassa Gulf and it is part of a country property along Lake Maggiore shores between Ranco and Ispra little towns.

Secular park of Villa Roccheeta is 30 hectares wide and it is part of Natural Park of Quassa Gulf, a real natural oasis with groves of reeds, erratic rocks, herons and rare Osmunda Regalis a special lake fern. The park has also is very important from the historical point of view. In 1276 the area was the setting of Guazzera Battle between Visconti and Torriani. This was one of the most heinous battle to dominate Milan and its territories at that time.

Villa Rocchetta has been built during 1930s to enhance the amazing natural contexts where its is located. It has been built between a big erratic rock and the lake. The villa was studied to bring out the view on the lake and Piemonte Alps behind it. Just in front of the villa you could admire Piemonte Lake coast with Lesa, Belgirate, further Pallanza, Intra and the mountain peaks of Zeda and Laurasca. On the right you will see Lombardy lake coast with its Santa Caterina del Sasso church rock. Continue Reading »

Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore are both located in Piemonte region. This is a wide region on North West of Italy. The region is well known also for wonderful cities of art: Turin above all first capital of Italy in 1861 but also for natural beauties.
On Southern part of Piemonte region there are Langhe and Monferrato areas.

Langhe and Monferrato lands are famous for wonderful landscapes, ancient villages above the hills and stunning medieval castles.
Wide vines hill produce great red wines such as Barolo, Nebbiolo and Barbaresco.

If you love a country style wedding, something different from Tuscany… Piemonte is the right place!
You maybe remember about this in the latest movie directed by Clint Eastwood: HEREAFTER.
Matt Damon, main character join a cooking class….

In latest post on our Italian Country Wedding site Red Valentino shoes and Tuxedos in Langhe we are telling about Tracy and Kelly’s wedding in Alba just in the heart of Langhe. Great wines, truffles, wonderful cuisine.

Tracy and Kelly knew already this wonderful place but decided to make it even more special planning here their wedding.
They both come from Texas and they really wanted to share beauty of Piemonte, wines and delicious cuisine with their guests planning a simple yet very elegant event on top of vines hills. Here different elements: elegance, simplicity, a touch of classic and a little more of modern to create a perfect mix.

Do not miss our post on Italian Country Wedding blog we are sure you will love it!:
Red Valentino shoes and Tuxedos in Langhe.

Today we are pleased to introduce you one of the most quaint restaurants on Lake Maggiore: Ristorante Verbano on Pescatori Island.

It faces the lake in the heart of Borromeo Gulf just few minutes boat ride from Stresa. Hotel Ristorante Verbano’s appeal fascinated artists and writers of the past who found in this special place inspiration and peace.
Today thanks to its magical position this little romantic hotel is one of the most evocative destination for weddings on Lake Maggiore.

If you are looking for an outdoor reception Ristorante Verbano has a wonderful terrace facing Isola Bella and its magnificent Borromeo Palace.
Your guests will love the charm o this place just romantic and spectacular!

Ristorante Verbano has also two wide rooms for your receptions, both facing the lake who can host up to 190 guests. Continue Reading »

Colors and emotions these two key words summarize perfectly Independent Pictures’ images.
This photography studio is one of the best choice among our couples.

Our readers noticed that many bride and groom chose them for their wedding pictures like Darren and Leanne – with their wonderful blessing overlooking the lake in Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno, Sally and Tom, Siobhan and Stuart, Soo and Jason – last year in Orta San Giulio and Teju and Craig – Villa Aminta in Stresa.

Siobhan and Stuart, San Rocco Hotel - Lake Orta

Leanne and Darren - Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno (Lake Maggiore)

Soo and Janson - San Rocco Hotel, Lake Orta

Sally and Tom - Church of Maria Assunta, Orta San Giulio (Lake Orta)

Color is the first important element that makes Independent Pictures photography beautiful. Rich and full colors enhanced by a precise and detailed post production. Continue Reading »

Last week Paola told you about wonderful wedding of Shauna and Marco on Lake Orta and their original choice to rent a vintage Fiat 500 for their movements during the wedding.

Shauna our Irish bride arrived up to the church of Assunta on this epic Italian car with funny green-white-orange and green-white-red ribbons on just to recall respectively Irish and Italian National flags.

After the ceremony bride and groom got on vintage Fiat 500 to reach famous Orta main square where was a motorboat waiting for them to lead them to St. Julius Island for wonderful wedding pictures.
Back to Orta pier, Shauna and Marco got back on Vintage 500 to reach a lovely Castle above Orta where their families and guests were waiting for them. Continue Reading »

As the administrator for Italian Lakes Wedding it is rare that I have the opportunity to meet our brides and grooms ‘to be’ in person. Face to face meetings are usually the perogative of the wedding planner, floral designers, photographers and other professionals involved with the wedding day itself. I was fortunate enough to have met Lina quite by chance during Melanie and David’s ceremony at Villa Rusconi. In my modest opinion Lina and Borja’s wedding at Lake Maggiore was indeed the event of the year, making July 17th 2010 a memorable date!

Lina is a young girl of Chinese origin but 100% Italian. Born and raised in Verbania, she has travelled extensively including Japan, China and The United States before choosing to live with Borja in Spain. What struck me most about Lina was her great enthusiasm and profound affection for her home town and the surrounding area of Lago Maggiore. This played a huge part in her decision to select Verbania as the destination of her wedding day, also because it was an opportuntity to share her love of the area with guests, in order that they too could experience the pleasure of discovering the extraordinary beauty of this area.
Her emotional attachment transformed Lina into a kind of honourary Ambassador for Lake Maggiore, at least for a day!

Lina and Borja’s wedding was indeed a fantastic blend of different cultures and traditions: more than 200 guests coming especially from all over the world attended, notably those from Spain, America, Japan, Italy and China (some of whom are also residents of Italy).

We felt extremely fortunate about how things turned out and had decided that it would be wonderful to marry in my home town, especially because we will spend most of our time in Madrid.
For me Verbania is the place in which I was born as well as a beautiful location. I feel so proud to have been able to share this wonderful place with others who have never visited and perhaps didn’t even know about its existence. All of our friends from elsewhere were very impressed by what they saw and by all the close attention to detail.
- Lina

Great attention to detail was definitely a main feature of Lina and Borja’s wedding. Nothing was left to chance… from the wedding decorations for the ceremony and dinner, the video set up complete with steady cam and crane, to the flower arrangements, music and above all… the bride’s especially designed wedding dress and groom’s unique apparel.

My wedding dress was designed by Rosario Diaz, a stylist from Madrid. Rosario Diaz is an expert in designing and creating individual wedding dresses. We chose Rosario because he exclusively designed a wedding dress for Borja’s sister.
The hunt for my own dress started with other ateliers but none of them convinced me completely. Rosario showed us various kinds of fabric that had just arrived and I completely fell in love with material with a floral motif and ‘shredded’ effect made by laser that became the base of the gown. Continue Reading »

June has arrived and long wedding season on Lake Orta officially begun.
I would like to go back for while speaking about Daniela and Giuseppe our Italian couple who opened wedding season on 6rd of March 2010.
It was the first wedding of 2010 for us as florist but also for Villa Bossi Orta town hall and St. Julius Restaurant the venue the couple chose for their wedding reception.

March is such a perfect day for a romantic wedding in Orta San Giulio. Village is not crowded by tourists yet and enchanted intimacy make it a different world.
Do not forget that March could also have wonderful sunny days!

At first sight it could seem curious but Giuseppe and Daniela live close to Como. But they actually chose Lake Orta.
We would like to let them speak about that:

We chose Lake Orta even if we live close to Como. This because it quiet, romantic and more intimate. Walking in the narrow roads of Orta Village seems to live again ancient times experiencing unique atmospheres. They are just perfect for a wedding. We were more than happy of our choice.

From Como to Orta for a romantic wedding: a simple choice. Continue Reading »

Today I have the pleasure to introduce you a lovely Italian couple: Marialisa and Matteo.
Their wedding was a real mid summer wedding arranged between Mountains and Lakes.
First the ceremony on Church of Madonna del Boden and then down to Stresa on Lake Maggiore shores.

Church of Madonna del Boden is located on the road leading to small village of Ornavasso (close to Verbania – Piemonte). It climbs on top of one of the most spectacular Alps mountain: Monte Massone. From Mt. Massone peak the view is gorgeous. You can see Mt. Rosa, Mt. Weissmiess, Mt. Adamello and Mt. Bernina. On South view runs over River Po Plain and on 5 lakes such as Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore. Just amazing!

Church of Madonna del Boden has been built on 500 mt of altitude right inside chestnuts woods. A fresh oasis that Marialisa and Matteo simply loved during the hot August day of their wedding. Continue Reading »

Italian Lakes Wedding Team is getting bigger!
Starting from now our offer will be wider. Flipping through our pages you will discover new lakes and wonderful destinations for your wedding. This our special gift for 2010 season!
Discover Southern italian Lakes and wonderful Lake Bracciano.

It is a stunning location few kilometers from eternal city of Rome where history and nature get together to create a perfect frame for your dream wedding.
Italian Lakes Wedding team is happy to introduce Stefania Zen, our wedding coordinator for Southern Lakes area that will include famous Lake Bracciano and rustic Lake Bolsena.

Stefania was born close to Italian Northern Lakes in Piemonte region so she perfectly know the charm and appeal of the lakes and often come back to visit these special place and work with us over here.

Before becoming a wedding planner in Rome some years ago, she worked as flight assistant on intercontinental flights. She travelled all over the world. Her interest for people customs and habits and language skills helps her to be a perfect planner.
When she settled in Rome, she decided to become a wedding planner in this wonderful charming and amazing city discovering also wonderful lakes close by.

She will be happy to guide you to find the best venues, charming solutions, lovely decorations for your unique wedding on Lake Bracciano. She will let you know the charm of this great spot of Italy helping and supporting throughout all your wedding planning!

Join us to welcome on board Stefania!

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 »

Among all past Autumn weddings Chiara and Stefano’s wedding was one of my favorites. Bride and Groom were very nice and they choose a wonderful location for their wedding… but most of all Chiara’s dress was simply amazing.

As floral designer I really appreciated bride’s approach towards me. Even if she gave me precise information on her color scheme, she totally trusted me giving me wide freedom on style and shapes for her floral arrangement. This gave me the opportunity to express myself without being to tight on fixed schemes. I believe that for a floral designer is could be the best way to create and express her skills.

Chiara and Stefano’s big day was arranged on Lake Maggiore. Photographers Manuele and Laurence of Studio Foto Benaglia followed the days with their pictures. The followed the group from the early hours of the day until very late at night. This great italian-french couple of photographer realized a lovely natural and spontaneous reportage service taking every single detail of the day. Have a look to the nice Photo Gallery on Chiara and Stefano’s wedding relized by Foto Benaglia.

From Veneto to Piemonte region: Chiara and Stefano reached Lake Maggiore from Treviso in Veneto region, just like at least half of their guests. Chiara was born in Arona and her heart was set here and Stefano fell in love with this lovely town too. So they opted for Lake Maggiore for their destination wedding. All guests loved this choice they did not know how beautiful could be our magic lake.

Chiara choose red for her wedding theme color. Deep red for flowers, invitations, and wedding shoes. Cherry red for a fantastic organza roses fall on her wedding dress. A very original dress for sure! Chiara designed it and she could realize it thanks to the help of Rosanna, the owner of a little atelier in Feltre on foot of Belluno Dolomites.
The shoulder cover, bustier and part of the skirt were mad of laces with plisse’ tulle. Main feature was roses fall in cherry red that started from waist point to create a little train.
Simply wonderful!

Groom opted for a tailor made suit, too. He was surely elegant and handsome.

Chaira and Stefano got married on October 10 on a wonderful warm day similar to summer time. Religious ceremony was held in Santi Martiri Church in Arona, also known as San Graziano church. Church is located in highest part of the town and has a baroque facade and Gothic nave inside. One of the most beautiful detail is the lovely staircase that from San Graziano square leads to church’s entrance.

Floral arrangement was really detailed. On side of aisle red carpet I placed a series of balloon shaped Buxus enriched with red roses and white Gerberas. I also added scattered rose petals on the floor and little bouquets on the pews.

On white marble balusters I created different height arrangements, just in the middle between ancient and modern style. On a white Gerberas and Monstera leaves base I placed Passion Roses on different levels and on side of them I added some Bear Grass. Continue Reading »

Dear readers,
we are happily proud to announce a new web site born from the experience of Italian Lakes Wedding Team, this is a real spin off and it is called Italian Country Wedding!
Italian Countryside seemed to us another lovely idea side of the lakes for the ones who are are looking for a different, romantic, relaxing and pleasant kind of wedding.

On Italian Country Wedding web site you will discover a multitude of choices for unique ceremony and reception, an intimate elopement, sites, small town hospitality, and a variety of activities for you and your guests in the Italian countryside
Surfing on Italian Country Wedding you will undiscovered and unspoiled places to create the perfect setting for a special and real country wedding: gardens, vineyards, country villas, traditional Italian restaurants, agriturismos or farm houses, or even in a wonderful castle!

Italian Country Wedding is specialized in weddings across Piedmont region and Langhe and Monferrato country side areas….just have a look at it we are sure you will be amazed by the charm of countryside!