The marriage ceremony can be held anywhere (beach, public place, private property, castle, historical site…) as long as there is a surface of approximately 500 m² that can be secured. There is no limit to your imagination! Imagine a wedding over the Grand Canyon or in the Venice sky. Or a marriage in the middle of the Jaipur stars. All these dreams are now possible with this unique concept.

The decoration and colours can be customised by every couple according to their wishes. Couples can even choose to perform a bungee jump from the platform after getting married!

Marriage in the Sky is hosted on a platform, where 20 guests are strapped into aircraft seats and suspended at a height of 50 metres by a team of professionals. You can order a second crane with a platform (or more if required) at the same height as the marriage platform, for entertainment such as music or dinner. For more information or a price quote contact Events in the Sky directly.

Exclusivity and Safety are guaranteed with this original concept. Events in the Sky is now operated in more than 15 countries and received the official authorizations from the most stringent countries such as Germany, USA, Canada, Australia, South-Africa…

The sky is no limit for this heavenly experience!

Situated on a hilltop, surrounded by the Italian Alps, in the heart of South Tyrol, in northern Italy, this magnificent venue, built in the 13^th century, will wow you by its authenticity and by its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The regional capital of Bozen and the renowned spa town of Merano are only 10 miles away.

This venue has everything you need to create a cozy, winter haven of love for your destination wedding. Starting at the entrance, your guests will be welcomed by an alleyway of flame torches, lighting the way over the stone bridge to the castle entrance. Once inside, the wide halls and salons are warmed by majestic wood-burning stoves. Period chandeliers and drapes, original curtains and carpets, antique furniture and paintings, all embellish the ambiance and maintain that unequalled touch of elegance, transporting your guests from the present to the past. Exclusively lit by candlelight, wedding banquets take on a delicate intimacy and romance.

The majestic park and surrounding vineyard are ideal settings for amazing wedding pictures, thus blending the rural touch of the countryside with the peculiar and age-old elegance of the castle.

Wedding parties of up to 200 can be catered in the castle. It is not really suitable for weddings with less than 50 guests. You will be spoilt for choice among the 14 reception rooms, some of which boast wood paneling and are exquisitely equipped with period furniture and weapons on the walls. The impressive vaulted dungeons can provide a dramatic backdrop for a wedding ceremony or full wedding banquet. The original period wine cellar stores the castle vineyard’s prized treasures: 600 to 700 bottles of limited number, certified white wine.

Church weddings can be celebrated in the beautiful church located within walking distance of the castle, on the other side of the bridge. No overnight accommodation is available at the castle. Accommodation for you and your guests can be found within the town at walking distance or if some of your guests would rather stay in a larger town, Bozen or Merano are only 10 miles away.

Click here to view more photos of this ideal, Italian, winter wonderland destination wedding venue or contact us for more information.

1. It’s the best way to get a feel for your photographer. Don’t forget that one of the only physical memories of your wedding day will be your photos. It is therefore paramount to get a feel for your photographer’s work and style before the big day.
   
2. A great way to get comfortable with being in front of the camera. Most couples are not used to being photographed constantly, this is a great way to get comfortable and prepare for the big day.
   
3. Some brides use the engagement pics for their Save the dates (STDs) or wedding invitations. This is a cool way to announce the wedding destination, especially if you have the engagement photos taken in your destination country.
   
4. Provides you with a nice picture to send with your engagement announcement to your local newspaper.
   
5. Test your make-up. Take advantage of the photo shoot to try out your wedding day make-up, this is especially useful if you plan to do your own make-up. The photos may also highlight other things you wish to change about your appearance before the big day.
   
6. Use the best engagement pictures as table numbers or display them on a table at the reception. Always a good conversation sparker.
   

Some photographers include engagement photos in their package. For those who don’t, it can be expensive, but just think of all the advantages listed above!

Here is a selection of engagement photos from some of our couples who got married this summer in the French Loire Valley. If these romantic photo reportages are not enough to convince you or your H2B to have engagement photos done then we don’t know what will!

Photo credits: Studio Cabrelli and Champar

In a new series of candid interviews with a variety of wedding vendors, we have chosen to kick-off with an up close and personal interview with a professional wedding photographer. Through this interview, you will discover what you should consider when selecting a wedding photographer for your own wedding.

Today’s interview is with Austrian wedding photographer Nina Hintringer. Nina has been a professional photographer for the past 4 years and has developed a genuine passion for documenting the most wonderful day in the lives of her clients. She covers about 15 weddings a year, throughout Europe. Her photographs are emotional, touching and a little different from the rest.

CVW Blog: How did you develop your passion for wedding photography?

Nina Hintringer: After starting out in commercial photography, one day I was asked if I would cover the wedding of an old friend of mine. I agreed, not imagining what I was getting myself into. It was a tough and exhausting day for me as I accompanied the bridal couple during the entire day. That night I literally fell into bed vowing never to do it again. But a few days later, as I started sorting through the photos, the emotional memories of the day came flooding back to me and I realised I had just experienced a magical day in the couple’s lives and captured important memories that they would treasure for the rest of their lives. It was at that moment that I knew I was hooked. Such a special day deserves to be documented in a touching and attentive manner.

CVW Blog: What makes your work and your images special?

Nina Hintringer: I believe rapport is what makes the difference. Getting to know the bridal couple before the wedding, building up trust and reducing inhibitions through conversation, even if you are only able to do this over the phone. This prior contact means that on the day I can make myself almost invisible, and that the couple can relax and be themselves without feeling self-conscious. In this way, we create outstanding and emotional pictures, a true reportage of the wedding from an observers perspective. I go where the bridal couple goes and document everything.

When you consider how much time and effort is invested in planning a wedding – from the big items down to choosing the right bouquet, shoes and jewelry – I believe capturing these details and the reactions and emotions of everyone is a part of creating a complete record of a wedding.

Since my beginnings several years ago, I now photograph every wedding as a two-person team. Two cameras see more than one and with one telephoto lens we are able to take evocative shots from some distance away, completely unnoticed. We also capture every image in RAW format, back home in our studio we squeeze the best out of every image, create black and white and sepia versions and condense the top 400 to 500 images of the wedding for the bridal couple.

CVW Blog: Do you see any new trends developing in wedding photography?

Nina Hintringer: When you look at most European wedding photographer’s portfolios, you will see a big difference compared to those from the United States, Australia, New Zealand and even
Singapore. Covering a wedding is no longer about just taking pictures of two well-dressed people. Its about capturing the moment and the emotions. A movement driven from photographers from the above-mentioned countries, this new wedding photography style is often referred to as wedding reportage. This approach requires a photographer to be more flexible and able to handle his/her equipment in every situation. Different light from bright sunlight to dark rooms and the necessity to capture the emotions of the bridal couple as well as the guests, make this type of photography very challenging. You need to commit yourself to the event and to the couple and get really involved.

CVW Blog: What should couples consider when selecting a wedding photographer?

Nina Hintringer: You know, we have covered so many weddings and, I am proud to say, made a lot of new friends along the way. In my opinion, the two most important things are the photography style and rapport. The style comes down to whether or not you like the type of pictures the photographer takes. Ask to see their portfolio and you will soon find out if this is the case. In terms of rapport, it is vital to ensure that you respect and understand each other and that you feel comfortable with each other. A wedding involves lots of very emotional and private moments so you need to feel at ease sharing these moments with the person behind the camera. If you feel this connection, you will be able to almost fade out the photographer during your private moments, allowing you to live the moment fully and without restraint.

You should also consider how you will be getting the images. Do you prefer to get them on a CD or would you prefer to receive an album or coffee-table book designed for you? Consider that apart from your new husband/wife and your wedding rings, your photographs will be the only physical souvenir of your wedding. That is why it is important not just to go for the cheapest option. Think quality, and as we all know, quality has its price, but also consider that only quality prints will ensure photographs and colors that will last for generations.

CVW Blog: What special requirements are involved for a destination wedding?

Nina Hintringer: That depends on how much time a couple has and how flexible they are. If you would like to meet your photographer in person before your wedding but cannot do so during one of your on-site trips, then it would be a good idea to find a photographer close to your home and fly him/her to your wedding destination. Of course, this is also a matter of budget, but it might make some of the logistical considerations easier before and after the wedding.

If, on the other hand, you feel comfortable getting in contact using phone, email or skype to discuss your wishes, it would be more appropriate to select a photographer from the country where you are planning your destination wedding. In our case, we create a password protected online gallery for all of our couples, so that they can view their pictures and select some for their coffee-table book, thank-you cards and whatever else they have chosen, using their computer at home or even on their honeymoon! This is why its a good idea to discuss how you will receive the images and how you will be able to select your album photos.

Finally, don’t be fooled into thinking that for a wedding reportage it is important for the photographer to know the location beforehand as this is not the case. A qualified reportage photographer will know how to get the best out of any location. The most important thing is to select a photographer who is willing to do exactly that – make the most of any venue and situation – as we all know that every wedding has its share of surprises!

For more information or to view  more of Nina’s beautiful photos, visit her website at:  Nina Hintringer Photography

In any case, this was the challenge presented to Elena, CVW’s Italian wedding coordinator, and which she courageously took on…and succeeded as you will see from this article.

Bride and Groom: Adebusola & Babatunde – better known as Busola & Tunde Nationalities: Naturalized British (both originally from Nigeria)
Resident country: London, UK
Wedding date: Sunday, August 1, 2010
Wedding venue: Majestic Villa in Old Celtic Village. Located in the Italian town of Friuli, north-east of Venice…just 10 minutes drive from Elena – the wedding coordinator’s – home!
Number of guests: 38
Number of weeks of preparation: 6

Busola & Tunde wanted a dream wedding in a beautiful Italian villa, surrounded by their closest family and friends. So far so good. The only hitch (no pun intended) is that they wanted to make it happen in only 6 weeks…including a civil ceremony! Yikes!

With no time to waste, they got to work with Elena and 6 weeks later were happily married. Read on to discover their choice of venue, catering, music, color theme, ceremony and celebrant, wedding attire and other details…

Venue and catering

The 17^th century Majestic Villa in Old Celtic Village, built on the gentle hills of Friuli near Venice, is a splendid wedding venue. The grandeur of its park and the discreet elegance of its interiors have made it one of the most suited sites for Italian destination weddings and receptions.

Not only was it chosen for its majesty but also for the practicality of it being able to accommodate the entire wedding party overnight. Another major advantage of this venue is that it comes with a beautiful private horse and carriage with 2 white horses to transport the bride and groom through the park and down a beautiful wooded passageway to and from the church. A romantic detail that clinched the deal for our bride and groom!

Moreover, the Villa offers many alternatives for an elegant, exclusive, old fashioned, yet modern wedding. The setting of the wedding reception is extremely flexible and at the same Villa your reception can be held in many different styles such as in the “Loggia” outside for al fresco weddings, the cellars (rustic), the Main salon (very elegant) or by the swimming pool (young and fresh).

The catering at the Villa is also first class! Our bride and groom chose to have a long, 2-hour, welcome cocktail outside with a lively Brazilian trio on hand to entertain guests. The entrance of the wedding party for dinner lasted almost 1 hour as each couple danced their way to their table! The ensuing seated dinner consisted of 3 courses with a beautiful wedding cake to finish.

Music

Busola & Tunde wanted to create a fun and festive atmosphere at their wedding, they succeeded in doing so by choosing a Brazilian Trio followed by Nigerian music and finally an Italian DJ with a vast selection of music for dancing at the end of the evening. Fun was certainly had by all!

Color theme

Our couple chose deep purple for their wedding color theme. Simple, elegant and pretty are adjectives we would use to describe the flower decorations. To create this effect, purple and white hydrangeas, orchids and champagne roses were used. The center pieces consisted of floral decorations with one central candle in the middle of each table.

 Ceremony and celebrant

A legally binding, catholic church ceremony was performed by the local priest. At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom and guests sung thank you hymns to the Lord for over 30 minutes!

The bride arrived at the ceremony riding the beautiful horse and carriage pulled by 2 white horses with two drivers. Guests were already seated in the church awaiting her arrival.
During the ceremony a harpist and violinist played background music.

At the exit of the church at the end of the ceremony, the bride & groom were greeted by a shower of rose petals and a glass of sparkling wine with the local specialty “frico” (fried cheese) served just outside the church. The bride and groom were then transported back to the Villa on the horse and carriage.

Wedding attire

The bride and groom’s closest family members wore traditional Nigerian gowns brought over from Nigeria. The gowns were a beautiful purple color, re-calling the wedding theme. The bride and groom opted to wear traditional European wedding attire for the civil, catholic ceremony then got changed halfway through dinner to more typical Nigerian outfits. This made for a very colorful and elegant wedding.

Tips on how to organize your destination wedding in just 6 weeks

To be able to accomplish the organization of a wedding in this super short time span, the bride and groom must have a very clear idea of what they would like and both families must be in agreement. It is, of course, easier to choose an off-season date but as you can see from above, its also possible to choose a high season date, so long as you are flexible on the day of the week. In this instance, the couple chose a Sunday, a typically quiet day for Italian wedding vendors who are used to weddings taking place from Thursday through Saturday.

The most important criteria for a wedding planner when considering whether to accept such a short planning phase is the reactivity of the couple. They must be able to make quick decisions as soon as information is presented to them as any options set with providers in Italy can ony be kept for 3 days maximum before a decision must be made. 

An added complication is of course the choice to have a civilly binding marriage ceremony. The main concern for this civil destination wedding was indeed the short time span concerning the documents that had to be provided. As soon as the decision has been made to have a civil wedding in Italy, your first consideration should be the preparation of the legal documents! This can make or break the whole event! Good luck with your planning!

Our warmest regards and best wishes go to Busola & Tunde for a long, healthy, happy and loving married life together!

This is why creative design companies never cease to invent new ways to seduce the eco-conscious client. But would you dare go to these lengths to make your wedding eco-friendly?

Yes! is the answer…if you are an open-minded couple looking to surprise your guests! So, are you ready to consider purchasing recyclable cardboard tables and chairs for your wedding banquet? This may sound completely wacky but a company called Orika proposes a whole range of furniture made out of recyclable cardboard (which is 100% recyclable) for use in your home or for events such as weddings. No glue is used, only ingenious folding techniques and environmentally-friendly paint. Not only is the furniture extremely strong and solid but also esthetically pleasing. You don’t believe us? Check out some of their designs…

Why not choose this as an economic and eco-responsible alternative to the traditional tables and chairs one sees at all weddings? They can be painted to match any wedding theme!

This should only be considered, of course, at venues where furniture hire is necessary. Needless to say that it’s an idea guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of each and every one of your guests and provide a real talking point long beyond the wedding day!

For more information and to request a price quote, visit their website at Orika!

In the second installment of Stephanie Meyer’s phenomenally successful TWILIGHT series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural.

For those fans who have already seen the second film, New Moon, it will not have escaped your attention that several scenes were shot in Italy. While the book refers to the town of Volterra, the movie scenes were actually filmed in a city called Montepulciano.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Montepulciano is a beautiful, quaint medieval town perched on a hillside about 1 hours drive south of Sienna. Surrounded by its world famous vineyards, this picture postcard town is an ideal wedding location. Here are a few photos of the city and the main square where the movie scenes were filmed.

We are able to organize civil wedding ceremonies in the Town Hall of Montepulciano, pictured below, however, there are no reception venues, except for a few restaurants, located within walking distance of the Town Hall.

The best solution would be to hire transport and drive about 15 minutes from Montepulciano where you will find some authentic Tuscan villas where wedding receptions can be held. Further afield, between 45 minutes and 1 hours drive, you will find some beautiful castles. Here is a small selection of photos to help you envisage where your dream wedding could take place!

So, if you are a fan of the TWILIGHT series and would like to follow in their footsteps, just give us a call and we’ll bring the adventure to life for you!

In our experience, one of the major considerations associated with having a destination wedding is not the cost of the wedding itself, this has usually already been put aside either by the parents or by the bride and groom themselves. No, the main barrier is the cost for your guests of attending your destination wedding. This is especially true during difficult economic times as we are currently experiencing all over the world.

But you still dream of having a fairytale wedding in Europe and don’t wish to abandon this idea? Here are our top 10 tips on how to make your destination wedding in Europe affordable for your guests and thus transform your dream into reality:

1. Choose a location where major airlines run regular charter flights or where cheaper, low-cost airlines travel to. In the latter case, you will likely need to consider smaller, regional airports and not the main airports. These will not necessarily be further away from your wedding venue, they may even prove more practical and less intimidating for those of your guests who are not accustomed to international travel.

2. Do your homework before confirming a venue. Either choose a venue that can accommodate all of your guests on-site or request a list of local hotel accommodation. In the latter case, make sure there is sufficient accommodation close by (preferably within walking distance) and that the selection includes a number of reasonably priced alternatives. Consider proposing small bed and breakfast establishments rather than large chain hotels to make your guest’s stay more intimate and why not include a camp site option for those of your guests travelling with small children or who like backpacking.

3. Create a wedding website as early as possible and communicate this address to all of your guests. You can even have your guests RSVP via the website to ensure they consult it. List everything of interest and importance TO YOUR GUESTS on this website. This includes the following: local accommodation options with links to B&B/hotel/campsite websites and a price-fork for each one; links to airline websites that fly to your chosen destination with current pricing; links to car rental firms that provide rental cars from the airport; confirm that you will be providing transportation on the wedding day (and day before/day after if applicable), etc.

4. Consider organizing airport transfers for your guests if you are all able to stay at your wedding venue or within close proximity (20 km radius). The price for a minibus for two days (for arrivals and departures) is not going to blow your budget and may be one of the determining factors in your guests’ decision to attend your wedding or not.

5. In our experience, it is imperative to organize transportation on the wedding day to and from your wedding venue. Book a coach to pick everyone up at their various hotels/B&Bs, etc. (unless everyone can be accommodated on-site or within walking distance) and provide 3 return trips from midnight onwards. Why not add a fun twist and book a double-decker London bus or an old American yellow school bus instead of a normal coach?

6. Make it as simple and inexpensive for your guests once on-site as possible: consider contributing a certain amount per room to make room prices affordable for guests (if you have the possibility of lodging people at the venue itself); organize a welcome buffet the day before the wedding, lunch or picnic baskets on the day of the wedding and an informal BBQ or brunch the day after to limit the additional expenses for your guests. Should you choose a venue such as an ancient castle that does not have any on-site bar or restaurant available, consider organizing an on-site brasserie service at lunchtimes and during the afternoon to provide snacks and drinks. You do not have to cover the costs for the food, your guests can pay themselves, but they will appreciate the convenience and practicality. Make sure you communicate about all of these things on your wedding website.

7. Pitch your chosen destination as a holiday venue for your guests. Talk about the weather, local tourist attractions, local beaches (if applicable) and encourage them to extend their stay to make it a vacation as well as attending your wedding. This will also favorably impact the price of the accommodation (weekly rental prices are more attractive than single night accommodation at villas or self-catering establishments.

8. Why not give your guests the chance to win something while at your wedding? Make sure you communicate how fun your wedding will be. Why not, for example, ask each of your guests to contribute 2 euros to a sweep stake. The money will be collected during the cocktail reception. Each guest should guess how long the speeches will last and the winning person will win all of the money. Or, why not put together a quiz containing questions about the bride and groom. Distribute this in your guests’ rooms and the person who gets the highest score will receive one night’s accommodation paid for by you or a free lunch or dinner in a local restaurant.

9. Distribute a welcome letter and gift basket to each of your guests in their rooms. The basket could contain a selection of local goodies but also some more practical items such as a metro map and book of 10 metro tickets if you are getting married in Paris or beach towel or flip flops for a beach wedding, etc.

10. Finally, think about choosing a date during the off-season when flights are cheaper and when hotel prices can be negotiated.

You are not, of course, obliged to propose all of the above, you can pick and choose those that are most relevant to your wedding and chosen venue, those that you think your guests will be most receptive to and those that correspond to your budget.

Don’t forget that organizing a destination wedding will automatically reduce the number of guests attending the wedding, thus allowing you to allocate the additional budget to spoiling your guests and making their stay more affordable, comfortable and unforgettable.

Good luck!

Photo credits : shopflipflops.com; Studio Cabrelli

Wherever we go, whatever we read, either online or in the press, and whatever we watch on the television at the moment, we are constantly being reminded that we are in a recession, that these are difficult economic times and that we need to be careful with our money. Indeed, the expression “credit crunch” seems to be on everyone’s lips…

But you are still dreaming of having a destination wedding in Europe and don’t wish to abandon this idea, right? Well here is a solution. Why not opt for a Weddingmoon? What is a Weddingmoon we hear you ask? It’s a destination where you go to not only get married but also celebrate your honeymoon, therefore saving on two separate trips!

Many fabulous choices abound. Here are just a few examples of the Weddingmoons we have already organized in Italy and France (but you are by no means limited to these!):

Italy

Amalfi Coast: Sorrento, Positano, Capri and More (10 days)

Florence and Tuscany (14 days)

Tuscany Amalfi Coast and Rome (14 days)

Venice (7 days)

Amalfi Coast and Sicily (14 days)

France

Paris (+/- 7 days)

Paris and Burgundy (9 days)

Paris and Geneva (Switzerland) (10 days)

Paris and the French Riviera (10 days)

Paris, Normandy, Loire Valley and Burgundy (12 days)

Dordogne, Provence, Riviera (+/- 7 days)

Drop us a line if you would like to hear more about these or other ideas and for a list of wedding venues in each of those regions/cities.

Also, stay tuned for a special article that will be posted next week entitled “How to make attending your desination wedding affordable for guests”. It will include lots of tips and ways to reduce the bill for your wedding guests.

In the meantime, here is a small selection of photos of Italian and French landscapes where your dream Weddingmoon could take place! Get packing!

We think this is a great idea for those brides who don’t have their hearts set on a traditional fresh flower bouquet. Button bouquets are colorful and mix several different textures and materials together such as felt, buttons, feathers, pearls, beads, diamonds and tulle. They help to create a fresh, contemporary feel to your wedding.

Why not take the idea one step further and have button bouquets made for the bridesmaids and groomsmen’s buttonholes in matching styles? This is an original way to display your creativity and flair for the less conventional. An added advantage for destination brides is that they are easy to transport and blend into most any surroundings. You can also keep them after the wedding as a souvenir of your special day. If you don’t know where to start, the following Button bouquet website showcases numerous designers who have created ready-made kits for you to buy “off the peg”. Here is a selection of our favorites:

Jilliann’s white satin tulle and button bouquet 

Daisy Path button bouquet and boutonniere

Puttin’ on the Ritz button bouquet

The Sophia Loren Wedding button bouquet

The Serendipity Wedding button bouquet

Princess and Drama Queen button bouquet

Bride and bridesmaids bouquet

Tobasco Red Orange Brown button felt flower bouquet

This is a breathtaking view of the castles which will make any wedding reception unique and beautiful. Imagine arriving at this incredible site by helicopter where you will become Prince and Princess for the day!

These ancient castles overlook the Gulf of Trieste and rise up on an extremely fascinating point of the Adriatic coastline and are surrounded by magnificent flower gardens.

The ancient castle, which is now in ruins dates back to the 11th Century and was used both as living quarters and as a lookout tower. From its high thick walls overhanging the sea, small traces of decorative frescos can still be seen and are most likely parts of the pre-existing private chapel. Under the overhanging cliff a large stone emerges, known to locals as the “White Lady” who according to legend represents a lady of the castle who committed suicide for love.

A little further along is the newer Panoramic Ancient Castle With Rose Garden which dates back to the 14th Century. It was controlled over the years by the Austrians and the Venetians, the rooms of the small fort have significant works of art and historic heirlooms.

The newer Panoramic Ancient Castle is privately owned and has been magnificently restored with period furnishing in each room. You will not be able to resist the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills, the gardens are exquisite and perfect for that unique wedding shoot.

Location:

The castle is located in a small popular village about 20 kms from the town of Trieste. This region is located between Venice and the Istrian Peninsula, at the north end of the Adriatic Sea.

Décor:

The interior is a refined combination of rare and unique furnishings, paintings, priceless books and manuscripts as well as mementos collected and preserved over the centuries which all contribute to the elegant yet warm atmosphere.

The Gardens:

Today the Castles appear as a complex of buildings from different ages, with the foundation being an arcaded courtyard, closed by two massive rampart walls. An added bonus are the surrounding gardens, created in the second half of the 19th century but re-organized a number of times over the years; the walkway unravels towards a series of avenues and romantic pathways guiding you to magnificent period statues, century-old trees, a Mediterranean garden with large flower beds, leading you to the panoramic patios overlooking the sea and a private beach.

Accommodations:

For truly romantic, sophisticated and unforgettable wedding nuptials, the owners of the castle have opened the doors to two splendid bedrooms with a view of the sea, furnished with period pieces.

Also within walking distance are several three star hotels for your wedding guests and many more in the nearby city of Trieste.

Ceremony:

For your Catholic Wedding Ceremony, you will find a charming small chapel set right on the premises outside the castle walls, it can accommodate close to 50 guests. There is a rental fee for the chapel as well as a priest donation for the service. Civil ceremonies can be held at the Civil Wedding Hall and Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies can be held in the outdoor gardens as well as in a number of different settings depending on the number of guests.

Reception:

The Castle can accommodate wedding receptions for up to 130 guests. The reception must be catered, for your convenience our wedding consultants work with several of the top catering companies in the region who will provide superb décor and food. For menu options please do not hesitate to contact our wedding planners.

Leisure Activities:

Aside from the breathtaking views of the castle and a small fishing village this is a very serene setting where brides and grooms to be can relax before the wedding. Prior and after the ceremony your guests will enjoy the rich array of tourists events offered by the area with its many scenic, historical , artistic and gastronomical attractions matched only by the vast offerings of fine and elegant restaurants and small taverns where the cuisine is based on delicious local specialties.

More on this Perfect Wedding Venue:

For additional sight seeing and travel, please keep in mind that this area is located between Venice and a few kilometers from Trieste, it is close to Italy’s international borders but at the same time at the centre of a strategic area that embraces many European capitals and major cities, the Balkans and part of the Middle East. Truly and oasis of calm, undisturbed by traffic but close to the convenience and services of a major city, not far from Ronchi international airport and less than an hour’s drive from Venice airport.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to contact us via this site for more details of this beautiful ancient castle, our wedding planners will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.fodors.com, www.eurofish.dk, www.tangoitalia.com,www.peaceinspire.com, www.davenizia.it, chamber of commerce italy.

We have all heard of Destination Weddings, but how about Destination Wedding Cakes? …

Once in awhile brides deciding on a destination wedding to France or Italy will ask us for a traditional American wedding cake as they are accustomed to seeing in the U.S.A. So we say, “ when in Rome, do as the Romans”… what we mean by that is simply that to duplicate a three-tier traditional American wedding cake with fondant icing is not impossible, it’s just very seldom done in France or Italy. The few caterers who will do this for you are generally located in major cities and far away from most destination wedding venues; and they will charge you a fortune compared to the U.S.!

So instead of spending all that money on a three-tier wedding cake with icing, why not go all the way with your French destination wedding and have a French Wedding cake instead…

A croquembouche is the traditional wedding cake of France. It is a pièce montée, formed in a pyramid shape consisting of a mass of tiny cakes, profiteroles to be exact (choux filled with pastry cream) bound with caramel, and usually decorated with threads of caramel, sugared almonds, chocolate, flowers, or ribbons. The name comes from the French words “Croque en bouche” meaning “’crunch in the mouth”. The choux buns can also be made with savory fillings and the cake can be designed to your wishes in all kinds of different shapes.

Below are three different croquembouches which the bride decided on instead of the one large pyramid, the theme was a Chateau Wedding in the Loire Valley. The pastry chef duplicated the castle below the cakes and added sparklers for a more dramatic effect.

Just before the cutting of the cake, the bride and groom filled a Champagne glass pyramid, toasted to each others health and happiness and lit up the cake; sparkles ignited and were perfectly coordinated with the start of a dazzling firework show alongside the Loire River which lasted a whole ten minutes. Truly French and truly spectacular!

As for Italy, the custom is to serve a “ Mille-Foglia”, which is an Italian cake made from many layers of light filo pastry, chocolate and vanilla creams, topped with fresh strawberries.

Depending on where you are in Italy, wedding traditions can defer from one region to the other, for instance in Sicily, the wedding dessert course is often presented as a Venetian Table. This is a dazzling array of pastries, fruit, scrumptious coffee and cakes, presented in great quantities. This is called the Venetian Hour.

To sum all of this up, when in France, do as the French! When in Italy, do as the Italians!!! When Catherine-Zeta-Jones married Michael Douglas her wedding cake rose 12 tiers high, a mix of dense chocolate cake layered with creamy ganache, yellow butter cake with a taste of blood oranges and Key Lime, bitter sweet expresso tiers made of hazelnut filling, all enrobed with white sugar flowers, tulips, lilies, lilly of the valley and baby’s breath, wow!!! Can you imagine eating that cake after a 4 star wedding reception in France or Italy, no way! But of course this was in Hollywood… Stick with what your host country knows best, a croquembouche or a Mille-Foglia…

Till another time…

References: www.wikipedia.org, googleimages.org, Instyleweddings.com, marthastewart.com

In my last piece we learned about the whimsical wedding traditions and customs of France… In this second piece we will explore the various customs and traditions of ITALY. Soon to follow, will be the ones of England and the U.S.A. We hope you have fun reading these, and perhaps even incorporate them into your own wedding celebration…

Italian Wedding Customs

Whenever I think of Italy I think of the magnificent Italian Opera! … Here is a crash course …Opera was born in Italy around the year 1600 and has continued to play a dominant role in everyday life until the present day. The Italian opera had three stages namely the baroque, the romantic and the modern. Although many famous operas were written by foreign composers, such as Mozart, Handel and Gluck, the 19^th and 20^th centuries brought us Bellini, Rossini, Verdi and Puccini. Today we enjoy the brilliant and crystal clear voices of the “famous three”, Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras and of course the late Luciano Pavarotti. Opera is still very much alive in Italy today and is enjoyed at some Italian weddings. In fact, the evidence of the very first opera performed in Italy was at the wedding of Marie de Medici to Henry IV of France. Here are some customs you will enjoy:

Contact: In Italy the bride and the groom do not see or speak to each before the wedding ceremony, no contact is allowed.

Serenade: In some parts of Italy, a party, known as a Serenade, is thrown outside of the bride’s home by the groom the night before the wedding. His family and friends come and wait for the bride until she appears. The groom then sings to his bride to further seduce her. Once his song is sung, the party is invited by the parents of the bride for a buffet offered by the parents of the bride.

Dote: In France it is called “Trousseau” but in Italy this is referred to as “Dote”. This bundle is the trousseau which is assembled by the bride-to-be. In it she would include not only household items for everyday use in her new home but also her personal wardrobe.

Ambasciata: In the past, Italian weddings were organized by a family member, in some cases a matchmaker would carry a message or “ambasciata” to the bride-to-be’s family in the hope to be accepted. If the bride’s family found the fiancé’s proposal acceptable, there would be wedding bells.

Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata: This literally translate to “Wet Bride, Lucky Bride”, traditionally if it rains on your wedding day, you will have a very fortunate marriage! The rain symbolizes abundance and good luck which will spill over onto the new family.

Di Venere e di Marte ne’si Sposa ne’si Parte: Old saying meaning “On Friday and Tuesdays one does not marry and one does not depart” – Why Tuesday and Friday? Tuesday is the day of the God of war “Mars”, while Friday, according to the Cabala is the day in which the evil spirits had been created. In some other countries Friday is the most romantic day because it is under the protection of Venus, the God of love and harmony, … you be the judge… perhaps there is some good and bad in each of those days !!!

The Mirror: The groom should never see the bride’s dress and the bride should never look at herself in the mirror on her wedding day. Brides caught doing so must have removed a shoe or a glove before attempting this.

The Wedding Procession: In some small villages of Italy, it is still customary for the groom to walk the bride and the wedding party to the church. Sometimes they encounter several obstacles on the way, such as a broom which the bride picks up to symbolize that she will keep a clean home, or a crying baby whom if she comforts, means she will be a good mother.

Cutting of the Tie: This is a very old custom which consist of the groom’s tie which is cut into multiple pieces by the best man. The latter will sell off the pieces to wedding guests raising money for tips or other costs associated with the wedding extravaganza…

Borsa: The bride carries a satin pouch, called Borsa to receive gifts or money at the reception. Sometimes the pouch is guarded by the bride’s grand-mother during the festivities, and believe me no one gets by Grandmama!

The Wedding Bouquet: It is the groom who buys the bouquet for the bride. This was of “Orange blossoms symbolizing “purity and virginity”.

The Venetian Table: In Sicilian customs, the dessert course is often presented as a Venetian Table, a dazzling array of pastries, fruits, coffees, cakes, presented in great quantity with much celebration. This is often called Venetian Hour.

Per Cen’tanni: This is a traditional wedding toast signifying “for a hundred years”; drinks are then passed around by the best-man.

Bomboniera: This refers to both paper confetti as well as white sugar coated almonds for purity. As the bride and groom make their way to their wedding car, they are showered with rice (sign of abundance and prosperity). A pair of white doves is sometimes released to signify the joy and bond of the new couple (doves remain a couple for their entire life). In ancient Roman times guests would throw grains and nuts, money and rice, this custom is still alive today in some parts of Italy.

Shattered Plate: At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom traditionally smash a plate together. Depending on the number of broken pieces, it is meant to signify the number of years of happy marriage they will enjoy as husband and wife.

After dessert, dancing commences, gifts are given, and the guests eventually begin to leave. In Southern Italy, as the guests leave, they hand envelopes of money to the bride and groom, who return the gift with a wedding favor, a small token of appreciation.

More Italian Traditions: The bed is prepared the night before the wedding by two unmarried young women, sign of purity! The throwing of the bouquet at the end of the ceremony means that the girl who catches it will soon receive a marriage proposal. In ancient times the bouquet was made of orange blossoms representing abundance, happiness and prosperity. The tradition of holding the bride in your arms while you pass by the new house dates back to the Roman times; this was to avoid the bride from tripping which would be bad luck meaning the Divine spirits did not want to welcome her to the new home.

Resources: www.wikipedia.com, www.worldweddingcustoms.com, www.weddingstyle.suite101.com, www.betterhotseach.com,

We thank you for reading and hope you have enjoyed these fun Italian wedding traditions… As always should you need further information on the subject please do not hesitate to let us know. Please stay tuned for our next article on American wedding traditions.

Imagine a wedding ceremony in the heart of sun-bathed Tuscany with ancient grape vines swaying through the breeze under a perfect turquoise sun! Somewhere in the distance, you catch the faint sound of church bells echoing from a nearby church’s campanile…The Tuscan Villa of the Medici Splendor is a magnificent and truly perfect setting for a wedding. Each year, hundreds of couples from Italy and around the world marry in this glorious villa. When you arrive at this beautiful site it is hard to believe that you are only a few miles from Florence; the countryside is so peaceful with not a modern building in sight – only the magnificent Tuscan Villa facing the village across the olive groves. The panoramic view from the steps of the villa is truly splendid, a photographers delight! The Tuscan Villa of the Medici Splendor was built in the 16^th century as a private hunting lodge because of its proximity to the vast private hunting reserve. The apartments have been created from historic medieval houses and retain many of its original features. Within walking distance from the Villa, you will discover a beautiful medieval church for your religious ceremony. In fact, this is one of the few locations in Tuscany where you can actually have a religious or civil ceremony thus avoiding the stress of the town hall or local registry office.

Location:

Only 24 Kms (15 miles) west of Florence and surrounded by the magic landscape one only finds in Tuscany, the resort is set next to an ancient Etruscan village. The airport of Florence is 20 Kms (12 miles) away and very accessible from everywhere. This unique location offers peace and tranquility in a Renaissance setting full of history and art so when you come to Tuscany, leave your I-Pod and Blackberry at home! This region inspires meditation, exploration, and lingering picnics featuring some of Europe’s best food and wine.

Décor:

This is a magnificent 16^th Century Villa built by the Medici family and probably the most breathtaking villa of all of Tuscany. You’re in the heart of the Medici country here: a world dotted with grandiose mansions commissioned by the all-mighty and powerful Florentine family! Each room possesses its own and unique personality expressed through its décor… rustic, whimsical, or classic and contemporary.

Accommodations:

The 4 star hotel has 37 rooms, all fitted with bathrooms and all the modern necessities. The fire-places as well as the ancient stone wash-basins, wooden beam ceilings and terra-cotta floorings have all been restored. The hotel’s rooms are all in peaceful locations, with a stupendous view of the surrounding hills.

Connected to the main hotel are 46 apartments which are bordered by cypress trees. A new pool has been designed to fit into the landscape and architecture of the Tuscan style apartments. Most rooms have a breathtaking view of the valley below.

Finally 6 new executive apartments have recently been added and are exquisitely designed. Please check with our wedding planners who will give you all the details…

Ceremony:

As mentioned earlier, set right on the premises is a magnificent medieval church for your religious ceremony. Civil ceremonies can be held inside the villa and symbolic ceremonies in the magnificent gardens.

Reception:

The villa is the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding reception and provides splendid halls with vaulted ceilings, as well as beautiful grounds with an exceptional park. The magnificent staircase overlooks the village combed with olive and cypress trees; a perfect setting for your wedding pictures. The villa can accommodate wedding receptions from 80 to 500 attendees.

For a more rustic and intimate setting for smaller receptions you might want to choose the resorts restaurant which is located in the village and connected to the resort within walking distance. The restaurant boast a cellar room with historic brick arches housed underneath the cantina in the outer walls of the village. The large terrace provides splendid views of the valley.

Whichever rooms you decide on, you are sure to be pleased as the staff is impeccably trained for small or larger wedding parties; they are passionate and very professional. This is not only an exquisite site but also very reasonable for all the services it offers. We love it!

Leisure Activities:

On the premises enjoy a dip in one the two beautiful pools, re-energize yourself in a game of tennis, go hunting at the magnificent hunting reserve, or take a leisurely walk through town. Visit the Villa’s splendid vineyards as well as more than 150 hectares of olive groves. Take advantage of local specialties: olive oil, mushrooms such as porcini and truffles, roasted meats and salami, sheep’s milk cheeses such as pecorino and ricotta, and wine (don’t miss the wine estates and castles of the Chianti Classico region in central Tuscany).The villa grows its own wine and produces its own cold-pressed olive oil.

For the more adventurous wedding party guests, the villa is centrally located. Local attractions include Vinci, with its castle and museum of Leonardo inventions; Florence – only 40 minutes drive or 20 minutes by local train from Signa; Montelupo – lovely traditional pottery & ceramic museum and San Gimignano & the glorious Chianti countryside. Pisa, Livorno and Sienna are less than an hour away. Any of these cities would make excellent day trips.

More on this Perfect Wedding Venue:

In such a romantic setting, what would make your wedding party unique? Well, how about a Renaissance show where you will truly feel like the powerful Catherine de Medici? Or how about an aria by Verdi or Puccini?

And to entertain your guests, a magician and flag throwers will amuse you in the true tradition of Florentine folklore. To top the evening, a brilliant fire-work display! All this is possible at the Tuscan Villa of de Medici Splendor.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to contact us via this site for more details of this beautiful and unique Tuscan Villa, our wedding planners will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.fodors.com, The Knopf Guide

This is a relatively new cutting-edge concept and one that a lot of brides have adopted.… Trash your Dress! What we mean by that is not to literally trash it but rather have fun with it after your big day!

You’ve spent countless months looking for that drop-dead gorgeous wedding gown, you’ve spent weeks of agonizing visits to the wedding salon for fittings and alterations, you’ve gone down the aisle with it, you and your adorned wedding dress have paraded around like a peacock throughout the entire wedding reception … So what’s next? Have it cleaned and stored in moth balls for the next 20 to 30 years…? – Let’s face it chances that your daughter or grand-daughter re-awaken that dress are pretty slim…

So, now is the time to think up new ideas to have fun with that beloved treasure of yours…, whether you have been married for 3 days, 3 months, 3 years or 30 years you can still trash your dress… What we propose is a new cutting edge bridal photography session abroad in the city of your choice. Come to Paris, or Cape D’Antibes, Monaco or St.Tropez, the coasts of Brittany or Normandy, the Loire Valley and its châteaux, Venice, Rome or Florence…. The possibilities are endless…

If you are planning a honeymoon to France or Italy, don’t forget to pack your wedding dress as well as your new hubby’s wedding attire. If your honeymoon is already over then try coming for a holiday. There are sensational plane fair opportunities before and after the heavy travel season ….

The idea is to bring along that special wedding dress and spend the day with one of CVW‘s photographers who will take amazing pictures of you abroad during your honeymoon or holiday. You will both dress-up in your beautiful wedding digs, get your hair and make-up done and even have a brand new wedding bouquet made up for the occasion. We’re talking beautiful wedding pictures worthy of Vogue or Bride Magazine. They can be traditional and posed, or fun, whimsy and unexpected…

Here are some fun ideas:

Paris: This is of course the most romantic city in the world also known as the City of Lights. Have a photo shoot around the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe.or at the foot of Notre Dame Cathedral located on Ile Saint Louis where cobble stone streets await you. You can also chose the many museums such as the Louvre and the Rodin museums, the Musée D’Orsay and many more. Paris is filled with all kinds of sites for magnificent pictures!

Giverny, the Claude Monet Gardens: Giverny is located just 80 kms west of Paris in Normandy. Claude Monet’s glorious gardens are extremely beautiful and well tended, just as Monet designed them. In the early spring there are daffodils and tulips, irises and wisteria as well as rhododendrons which appear as summer approaches. With it come roses and sweet peas. In September an awesome array of dahlias, hollyhocks and sunflowers adorn the walkways and trellises. An awesome site for wedding pictures!

The Loire Valley: The most famous region for castle weddings is the Loire Valley. If you always wanted a castle wedding in France but couldn’t this is the place to come. With its multitude of grand and romantic châteaux this is truly a magnificent site for your photo shoot. Imagine photos of you in a horse drawn carriage like Cinderella or Queen Marie-Antoinette. Or, for the more whimsical and playful side of you, how about photos in the wine cellars of the many vineyards of the Loire Valley sitting against giant wine barrels…

The French Alps:  Need I say more??

The French Alps are home to snowy mountain peaks, alpine lakes and lush green valleys and are most known for their outdoor activities of skiing, paragliding, mountain climbing and rafting. A photo shoot here is a winner! Just imagine yourself and your husband riding in a horse drawn sleigh complete with a fur throw to keep you warm. Or perhaps you may decide to play the part of Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music and yodel your way up to the top! Or have fun and clown around in the snow and throw snow-balls…

French Riviera: Villefranche is situated between Monaco (Monte Carlo) and Nice. This is considered the best part of the French Riviera and is regarded as one of the world’s greatest locations.  Jagged mountains along the Mediterranean coast make for breathtaking views – the perfect backdrop for your wedding shoot.

Well, these are just a few suggestions from our vast array of ideas for a Trash The Dress (TDD) wedding shoot. Whether you decide on lavender and poppy fields in Provence, cow farms in Brittany, apple orchards in Normandy, an enchanted forest, the beautiful beaches of St. Tropez or Cape D’Antibes, one thing is for certain, you will never regret it! Liberate yourself, have fun with it …depending on how far you want to take it, you can still preserve it…

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us at our blog and we will provide you with more ideas for a fun Trash your Dress photo shoot. Our wedding planners will also coordinate all the necessary steps from the photographer to transportation, to make-up artist, florist and hairstylist.

Resources: www.us.franceguide.com, www.indigoguide.com, www.giverny.com, www.wikipedia.com, www.googleimages.com,www.theknot.com, www.projectwedding.com

Tuscany’s beauty is matched by only a few places on Earth. The region is a natural marvel of ever-changing scenery from golden meadows of sunflowers with cypress trees on the horizon, green rolling hills, dusty grey olive groves and the glistening waters of the seas under an azure sky. But Tuscany is more than sweeping countryside, as its villages and spectacular hilltop towns also contribute to its distinctive character.

Film-makers have long been enchanted by Tuscany. We all remember James Ivory’s “A room with a View”; this was a huge success which launched the region to stardom. There are many other movies featuring locations in Tuscany or Italy. The most obvious is “Under the Tuscan Sun” or the interior Florence scenes in “Tea and Mussolini” and the award winning “Life is Beautiful” with Roberto Benigni who has become the most beloved comic-actor in the world. And let’s not forget the region’s foremost and gifted Tenor, Andrea Bocelli whose voice has been praised as the most beautiful in the world.

Florence or Firenze is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, this city is also considered the birthplace and “cradle of Renaissance” (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches and buildings. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family who were also bankers to the Pope which contributed to their rise.

SITES OF FLORENCE

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Florence’s most famous square is Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues including a copy of Michelangelo’s David. The piazza has been Florence’s political center since the middle ages and Florence’s town hall, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, sits on the piazza. The palazzo contains elaborately decorated public rooms and private apartments.

Il Duomo – Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence’s most popular site is its Duomo (cathedral), la Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The huge Gothic cathedral holds 20,000 people. Its exterior is made of green, pink, and white marble, and has several elaborate doors and statues. Inside, Brunelleschi’s Dome is a masterpiece of construction.

The Baptistery

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. Its exterior is made of green and white marble and has three sets of amazing bronze doors. Inside, you can see beautiful mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac.

Campanile – Bell Tower

The Campinile, bell tower, is in Piazza del Duomo. The first story was designed by Giotto and it is commonly called Giotto’s Campanile.

Ponte Vecchio

Hanging off either side of this ancient bridge over the Arno are strings of tiny shops selling gold and jewelry, some of them dating back to the Renaissance.

Galleria degli Uffizi

This is one of Europe’s oldest galleries displaying priceless paintings and sculptures from the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art. Artists whose works you’ll see include Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, and Raphael.

Galleria dell’ Academia

The gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, need I say more?

Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace

Florence’s largest and most opulent palace was once the main seat of the Medici family. It now contains the Galleria Palatina with Florence’s most important picture collection after the Uffizi. Behind the Pitti Palace you will find beautiful gardens and fountains and a great view of Florence from the Forte Belvedere.

Santa Croce

The largest Franciscan church in Italy, reputedly founded by St. Francis himself, incorporates one of Brunelleschi’s most important works, the Cappella dei Pazzi.

Accommodations

Who among us has not dreamt of owning a Villa in Tuscany!!! Okay we may not be able to own one but we can surely stay at one….While in Tuscany you can choose from world-class hotels in historic buildings , ultra chic boutique hotels or family-run pensioni that haven’t changed much in 30 years or rent a villa, stay on a farm or track down a village room for rent. On the whole, accommodation is more expensive in Tuscany than in many other parts of Italy, and is in high demand from May till late September. In our next article we will explore a destination wedding at a famous villa, stay tuned…

Gastronomy

Eating is definitely one of life’s pleasures in Tuscany as it is all over Italy. Tuscan food is fresh, seasonal and, above all, local. There is no such thing as Italian cooking but rather regional cuisine, and generally you will eat the best of Tuscan produce cooked from Tuscan recipes. Expect to find magnificent meat, beans and hearty bread and fruity olive oil. Antipasti include crostini toscani, sliced bread rounds topped with a chicken liver-based pâté, and sliced meats (mainly prosciutto and salami, often served with melon when in season). The typically saltless Tuscan bread, obtained with natural levain frequently features in Florentine courses, especially in its famous soups, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, or in the salad of bread and fresh vegetables called panzanella that is served in the warm summer. Of course let’s not forget the luscious frothy capuccino as well as sinful Ice creams so popular throughout Italy. Buon appetito!

Wines

Florence is one of the great wine-growing regions in the world. The Chianti region is just south of the city, and its Sangiovese grapes figure prominently not only in its Chianti Classico wines but also in many of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends. To the west is the Carmignano area, also home to flavorful sangiovese-based red wines. The celebrated Chianti Ruffino district is also a few miles east of Florence.

Climate

Although usually said to have a Mediterranean climate, Florence is sometimes classified as having a humid subtropical climate. It has hot, humid summers with little rainfall and cool, damp winters.

Weather averages for Florence
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high °C (°F)	10 (50)	12 (54)	15 (59)	18 (64)	23 (73)	27 (81)	31 (88)	31 (88)	26 (79)	21 (70)	14 (57)	10 (50)
Average low °C (°F)	1 (34)	3 (37)	4 (39)	7 (45)	11 (52)	14 (57)	17 (63)	17 (63)	14 (57)	10 (50)	5 (41)	2 (36

Transportation

By Plane
If you arrive in Florence by airplane, you are going to land at Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Although this is not in the center of town, there are several services (public and private) that connect the Florence city center with the airport of Florence (Amerigo Vespucci airport). There are also several services (public and private) that connect the Pisa International Airport with the Florence city center and with the Airport of Florence.

By Train
The train station Santa Maria Novella is in the center of the city, Trenitalia runs trains between the railway stations within the city, and to other destinations around Italy and Europe. Long distance buses are run by the SITA, Copit, CAP and Lazzi companies. The transit companies also accommodate travelers from the Amerigo Vespucci Airport which has scheduled services run by major European carriers such as Air France and Lufthansa.

Other Notes of Interest

Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. In Florence you’ll find leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, and antiques. The most famous is around Piazza San Lorenzo where you’ll also find leather goods.

Some of the most famous clothes designers in Italy now located in Milan were founded in Florence. Gucci, Prada, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel have large offices and stores in Florence and its outskirts. The legendary Salvatore Ferragamo, shoe designer to the stars also started in Florence. So ladies, pretend you are playing the role of “Carrie” Bradshaw,( the fictional narrator and lead character of the HBO sitcom/drama Sex and the City, played by actress Sarah Jessica Parker) and hit the shoe stores!!

A Wedding Destination in Florence

Our next article will focus on a superb Restaurant and Villa outside of Florence along with its adjoining Church for your Destination Wedding Ceremony. Stay tuned, its magnificent!

References: www.wikipedia.org, The Knopf Guides, www.fodors.com, The Official Guide to Italy

In today’s stormy economic times brides and grooms to-be are tightening their belts and wondering how they can still pull off that perfect wedding; relax and enjoy the company of their loved ones, have fun and frolic with their closest friends as well as honeymoon all at the same time without the fear of breaking their purse strings!

Isn’t that the definition of a perfect wedding?

Well, I have good news in that despite these turbulent times it is still possible for you to achieve all your dreams of a magical and memorable destination wedding in Europe.

France for example is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world. It offers every conceivable and imaginable attraction, from world-class art museums, sophisticated cuisine, picturesque villages and châteaux as well as breathtaking beaches. You’ll find unsurpassed shopping and enough history to drain your brain! From the Atlantic to the Riviera, the coast lines of Brittany and Normandy, from Paris to the Pyrénées, France is packed with tons of breathtaking sceneries as well as a whole lot of activities for your friends and family.

“But how can I afford this” you may ask? Well let’s explore this shall we…

Fewer Guests, More Savings

There’s no question that a wedding destination in Europe will have fewer guests than the one back home. A destination wedding in France is a great way to control costs. The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. for 2009 is projected to be around $ 29,000. On average, European weddings cost about a third of the price, excluding the cost of travel. The size of the party will be limited as only a certain number of guests will fly over for the event. Some guests will not be able to attend, cannot take the time off from work and a majority of those “must-invite” relatives and colleagues will graciously excuse themselves from the invitation. With fewer people, this means the cost of your wedding will be less and you can spend more time with the ones that do make the trip. Also you can safely send out hundreds of invitations to everyone you think should be invited and be reasonably sure that those who really want to be there (and those are after all the people that matter) will come.

Cost effectiveness

Even though you have to pay for transportation and shipping must-have items ahead of time, chances are your destination wedding will still cost less than the $29,000 an average American couple spends on their nuptials.
With a smaller guest list and favorable exchange rates in many overseas locations, (the Euro has dropped) couples are able to spend less on food and reception locations, while receiving equal or better quality. Often, the couple is able to splurge on things they would not be able to afford “back home”, such as an open bar, unique and personalized favors or even extra opportunities, like a private tour of the area for all of the guests, a hot air balloon ride, a fire work display after the reception or a morning-after brunch at the Eiffel-Tower for instance.

Vacation opportunities

Many Americans choose a destination wedding on tropical islands like Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Caribbean or the Virgin islands. Europe on the other hand offers so much more than just the sun and sea. Apart from the sandy beaches of the Riviera, there is also luscious food, first class wines and Champagne at affordable prices ; cultural visits and endless leisure activities, art and architecture as well as easy travel from one country to the next.

Having a wedding in France means easy access to more than 20 European countries. This means that you can combine your wedding with your honeymoon, cultural visits with beach time, fine cuisine and endless shopping… the combinations are endless.

With such high costs for a wedding – not including the honeymoon – couples can see the advantage of combining a wedding with a honeymoon destination. Instead of taking a week off of work prior to the wedding to organize and then rushing through a shortened honeymoon at an exotic location soon thereafter, couples can spend two weeks at the country of their choice.
This doesn’t mean you have to honeymoon at the location where you were married, many people choose to fly off to another country or take a leisurely train ride. Because guests also view destination weddings as vacation opportunities, they will often extend their trip into a full week, allowing the busy bride and groom to see their loved ones more than just on the day of the ceremony. Additionally, a destination wedding provides an excellent opportunity for a family reunion. Because there is so much to do and see outside of the wedding itself, there are plenty of options for family-bonding activities!

Attractions

Have you always pictured a barefoot wedding with ocean waves crashing up against the beach…? Wished for an opportunity to be married in a castle with lush green hills…? Just imagine your wedding in France, you might choose Paris – the romantic City of Love – for its elegance and sophistication. Or perhaps you will choose the Loire Valley for its majestic fairytale-like châteaux, or the Bordeaux wine region for its incomparable vineyards. Or perhaps you will opt for a traditional wedding on the magnificent Riviera or in Provence alongside the beautiful poppy and lavender fields.

Must have attractions that are not available in your home area are other reasons for a destination wedding.

Other cost saving items

• Wedding services in the U.S. have become a giant industry where as in France or Italy, weddings are much smaller and intimate, a huge saving to your budget.
• A cake will not cost several thousands of dollars like in the States but just about 10 Euros or about $ 12.75 per person at today’s exchange rate.
• Your average quality photographer and videographer will cost you on approximately $ 2500; the cost in Europe is equivalent for the voted best wwedding photographers and videographers of the continent.
• Flowers are kept to a minimum in France or Italy as the setting itself does not require the usual overwhelming flower arrangements at each table. Just picture a wonderful villa in the south if France or Italy… full of luscious greens and blooms. This will save plenty of money.
• No need for wedding-favors, instead treat your guests to a private tour of a castle, a guided tour of an enchanted forest, a wine and cheese tasting; no matter where your wedding will be held you are sure to find the perfect activities which your wedding planner will have already researched for you.
• The quality of the wines and Champagnes are incomparable not to mention the prices! You can splurge on a local wine or local Champagne and still have plenty of money left over. This would be impossible at home.
• Transportation to and from the ceremony in Europe is easy, fast and cheaper than in the U.S. Chances are that your wedding ceremony will be held in a small chapel in the same village as where your reception will take place , no need to travel far. Or choose a castle for both the ceremony and the reception, many castles have their own chapel.

From success to perfection

It is one thing to have a successful event but it’s quite another to have a perfect wedding. Here we recommend that you hire a wedding planner who is specialized in destination weddings, local wedding planners who focus on French couples are not accustomed to your expectations such as fast turnaround or quality of service. A destination planner will maintain constant contact with you via phone and email and will have excellent command of the English language. They will know how to navigate through the paperwork requirements and red tape.

And lastly let’s talk about your dear controlling mother or mother in law who wants to be in on every detail of your wedding!!! Well guess what… a destination wedding will solve all of that since only you and your wedding planner will be 100 % in charge, it’s too far for “her” to make any important decisions. No more bickering, problem solved!

We hope that you have enjoyed this article, for further information on wedding destinations to France or Italy please do not hesitate to contact us via this site and we will answer all your questions.

References:www.wikipedia.org, www.weddingreport.com, www.theknot.com,

We all know what a wedding planner is but, ever wondered just what on earth a wedding planner does? … Or – what will she or he do for me that I can’t accomplish on my own? … Are they expensive and why should I hire one? … Well, let’s chat about that and see if we can steer you in the right direction …

Typically in the U.S. a wedding planner, also known as a wedding coordinator, assists brides in all aspects of planning their weddings. They will provide you with advice and assistance with acquiring your wedding attire, invitations, decorations, music, food and any other aspects of the wedding. Once the ceremony and the reception are over, you’re on you own…

In the case of a Destination Wedding in France or Italy, Chateau and Villa Weddings or CVW wedding planners will provide you with many personalized and incomparable services. They will become your eyes, nose, ears and taste of France or Italy until you arrive on the wedding day. They will seek out the perfect venue for your reception, whether it’s a castle in France or an exquisite villa in Italy, a private cruise on the banks of the river Seine or a stunning wedding at the palaces of the Côte D’Azur on the Riviera. They will plan and organize your religious or civil ceremony. They will book all accommodations for you and your guests, carefully planning all transportation to and from the airport. Your guests have come to your wedding in France or Italy to celebrate your love for one another but they also have come to be entertained by the local culture. Your wedding planner will provide your guests and family with expert planning of all activities while you get ready for the big day.

Here are just a few tidbits of how a wedding planner at Chateau and Villa Weddings can assist you:

Site Inspections: After carefully reviewing all the pictures and press releases with your wedding planner, you’ve finally picked out the perfect accommodations but a little voice in you says that before you commit to that beautiful chateau in France or that exquisite villa in Italy, you really need to see it first hand. Not to worry, your personal wedding planner will assist you in visiting each of these locations ahead of time.

Religious, Civil or Symbolic Ceremony: Civil and religious ceremonies, in particular Catholic ceremonies in France and Italy require quite a bit of paperwork and translation, as well as frequent meetings with your Consulate and/or Church. All steps of this process are taken under the close supervision of your on-site wedding coordinator who will also provide you with an English speaking priest or minister. For symbolic weddings which are less complicated, they will guide you in finding the perfect ceremony.

Flowers: An essential part of any wedding checklist is for elegant, beautiful and romantic flowers. Chateau and Villa Weddings boasts first class florists who will make customized, handmade bouquets and arrangements for the wedding party, the chapel and the reception venues.

Stylists: Your wedding day cannot be complete without the proper accessories, make-up, and the perfect hairstyle for your walk down the aisle. France and Italy are well known for their exquisite fashion and style; here you will be pampered by pros allowing you time to relax. You can also treat your attendants to these services – including the youngsters. These stylists come armed with all the necessary tools and tips to make you look your best.

Photographer: A professional photographer will be available for your personal use during the ceremony and throughout your wedding day to capture those special moments of you and your guests. Your wedding planner will sit down with you and a top-rated photographer to discuss any specific shots you may want taken.

Wedding Cakes: Chateau and Villa Weddings have researched the best caterers, bakers and pastry chefs in France and Italy. They know who makes the best sponge cake in Paris and whose butter cream frosting is to die for.  They also know who makes the best traditional French wedding cake or “croquembouches” an intricate pyramid of hundreds of individual macaroons, meringues or cream puffs.

Menus: In conjunction with each of their top catering professionals, a unique menu can be designed as a keep-sake for your guests.  It can be customized with elegant calligraphy or match your wedding invitations to complement your magnificent reception.

Music: Solo violinists, quartets, symphonies, DJ’s … Music is an essential part of your wedding ceremony and reception.  Choose from a variety of themes and talents, and their professional musicians. Caroline Berthe of CVW is herself an accomplished classical flutist and grew up in a musical family; she will be able to give you tips on how to strike a happy balance between fun and romance that meets your budget and entertains your guests.

Wedding Favors: To make your guests feel welcome and have something to remember your special day, what could be better than customized wedding favors?  Your coordinator will work with you to develop personalized gift baskets for your guests containing perhaps a map of the area indicating ancient sites or tips on local activities and étiquette, a bottle of regional wine and a sample of the areas regional specialties. These can be delivered to your guests’ hotel rooms or distributed at various times during the ceremony.

Chauffeurs: A private chauffeur to and from any of your wedding and honeymoon events, is a perfect opportunity for you to relax and enjoy one another’s company, worry free.

Vintage Cars: Vintage cars have added an elegant ambiance to many weddings in France and Italy.  Used during official ceremonies, vintage cars can transport you and your fiancé in style through the gates of a magnificent castle, drive you down to the beach or whisk you off to your Paris honeymoon.  Vintage cars may be rented from private collectors or rental agencies throughout Europe.  A personal wedding planner will assist you in finding the perfect car.

Cooking Classes: I don’t know about you, but I can’t boil an egg…! Let your private instructor guide you through local dishes and table étiquette so that you can better understand what goes into catering your reception, not to mention how to cook for your new hubby once you’re back home! That alone is a plus…

Dance Classes: Whether you dance frequently or have never danced before, enjoy a little relaxation and entertainment with a professional dance instructor who can empower you and your fiancé with the confidence, experience and knowledge you need to enjoy the romance of your first dance as a married couple!

Balloon Rides: Balloon rides are perfect after tying the knot; soar over the landscape and terrain of Tuscany’s hills, get a bird’s eye view of the various beautiful chateaus of the Loire Valley, or glide over the Italian lakes.

Fireworks: Amid a pyramid of Champagne glasses, you and your new husband raise your glasses just before the traditional cutting of the cake. Sparklers light up your wedding cake and are perfectly coordinated with the start of a dazzling firework. Imagine what a spectacle this would be at your wedding, your guests are sure to remember it!

Guest Activities: Often include full day Excursions with a personal guide, or perhaps a customized event at a resort or hotel.  Horseback Riding, Private Guides, Skiing, Spa Treatments, Wine Tasting, Shopping Trips and many more.

We hope that you have learned more about “You’re Wedding Planner”, for further information please do not hesitate to contact us via this site and we will answer all your questions. Also please see our upcoming article on” The Financial Benefits of a Destination Wedding in France or Italy”.

References:www.theknot.com,www.wikipedia.com, www.topweddingsites.com

Your big day can have a huge impact on the environment; an Eco-Friendly Green Wedding can reduce that damaging carbon footprint on the earth. Going “Green” for your wedding is a great way to showcase your creative side and show your family and friends what your true values are.

From everything I have read so far, there is no right or wrong way to a Green Wedding and you don’t have to be obsessive about it either. Naturally green, recycled retro or vintage glamour which is very hot this year—take your pick; the possibilities are endless.

Here’s how to start planning the kind of wedding the nuptial gurus at TheKnot.com and many others have praised as the “hot new thing!”

The Ring… A green wedding begins with the engagement and of course the ring. Don’t start off on the wrong foot… If anyone reading this remembers the movie” Blood Diamonds” with Leonardo DiCaprio, you know exactly what the term means. These are diamonds that are minded in war zones and fund conflicts. There are many alternatives to these blood diamonds: Vintage rings, whether a family heirloom or an antique find or lab-created diamonds, diamonds mined in peaceful Canada or Australia, one of kind wooden or ivory bands, colored gemstones such as Aquamarines and Citrines and my favorite, the green Peridot.

The Location … Consider choosing a setting that’s convenient to most guests to minimize travel impacts, having the ceremony and the reception at the same place, or providing eco-friendly transportation between them, picking a unique local spot like an art gallery, non-profit space, organic restaurant or farm, a green hotel, or a botanical garden, an outdoor setting perhaps a beautiful castle with exquisite gardens which will require less decorating, arriving at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh, a rickshaw, or a hybrid car.

The Invitations… this is the first impression guest’s will get of your Green Wedding. Make sure everyone is on board with your Green Theme. Look for recycled, handmade, tree-free paper made out of hemp, banana stalks, bamboo, kenaf, (a plant related to the okra and cotton family) or organic cotton. Look for a printing company that will use paper with a high percentage of consumer recycled content. Papers that are not plastic-coated or metallic, (makes them hard to recycle). Opportunities to reduce paper-use, like sending a postcard instead of multi-enveloped notes, for your save-the-date, and probably the most important—use Cyberspace to send online invitations and start a wedding blog to let people know about the upcoming events, (the venue, the rehearsal dinner etc.)

The Wedding Gown… Eco-Friendly brides have lots of alternatives when choosing their gown and accessories. You can purchase a gown made of organic materials such as silk or cotton. Wear a vintage gown, either from a family member or purchased at a vintage store. Go for vintage jewelry or borrow pieces from friends. Go barefoot for a beach wedding! Wear all natural beauty products; donate your wedding dress to a charitable organization after the event.

The Decorations… Add beauty and style to your wedding décor, naturally and organically. Opt for organic flowers, find a florist who is diligent about recycling packaging and will source locally raised flowers. Decorate with branches, dried grasses, grains, greens, berries or live plants, dried or potted arrangements. Choose beeswax or soy based candles for the ceremony and reception, arrange to have the flowers moved from the ceremony to the reception if you have separate sites. Throw biodegradable confetti or organic rose petals or lavender instead of releasing doves or butterflies. Donate the flowers to a hospital or rest home. Use small stones or river rocks instead of place cards; you can paint the rocks and write on them with gold calligraphy pens then put the rocks in a small wooden box painted in the same color as the stones, guests will be delighted to take this home as a keep-sake.

Food and Drinks… Spoil your guests by basing your menu around local, organic, and seasonal foods. Ask the venue’s preferred caterers and bakers if they can cater your wedding organically. Consider vegetarian selections and seek out cruelty-free meats and wild, rather than farmed fish. Make sure the venue offers comprehensive recycling facilities, and ideally composting too. Have your cake decorated with organically grown flowers or other natural materials, no plastic toppers! Rent real glassware, dishware, and linens instead of using disposables. For your china mix and match thrift-store plates and dishes, donate them when you’re done. Use biodegradable utensils and dishes made out of cornstarch, potatoes, wheat, or sugar cane. Make arrangements to donate leftover food to a local food bank or homeless shelter. And please don’t forget the organic wine, beer, and Champagne or spirits, and the free-trade, shade grown coffee and tea! There are many excellent organic Champagnes out there coming out of France and other European countries.

Photos… For lasting memories, whether you prefer film or digital photographs, look for a photographer who offers digital proofs to save paper and chemicals. Avoid single-use cameras, but ask friends with digital cameras to share their photos with all the guests online.

Gift Registry… How about asking for gifts to charity instead of material goods? Register with a site that gives a percentage of gift purchases to your chosen cause, registering with stores that offer local, fair-trade, handmade, organic, or other eco-friendly products , registering for outdoor gear or contributions to an eco-friendly honeymoon, creating a custom wish list of eco-friendly items like a fresh-produce subscription from a local farm, organic gardening supplies, organic linens, park and museum passes, gift certificates to organic restaurants, and subscriptions to green publications or memberships in green causes.

Wedding Favors: For your favors, give something your guests will really use and enjoy not disposable plastic souvenirs. Gourmet organic chocolates or another organic or local food item, attractive bags of fresh or dried organic herbs or seeds in a commemorative container, reusable cloth tote bags and natural soaps, soy or beeswax candles, a downloadable play list of your favorite songs, a small charitable donation in each guest’s name.For your helpful, loyal attendants, you’ll want to splurge a little, perhaps with: gift baskets of organic skin-care products , recycled jewelry, wallets, handbags, or drinking glasses, selections of organic coffees, teas, and chocolates, recycled paper journals and stationery, great bottles of organic wines, beer or Champagne.

The Honeymoon … Begin your new life together with a honeymoon that’s light on the Earth. Consider going somewhere local or engaging in eco-tourism, which can be as rugged or luxurious as you want it to be. Take a trip that benefits an environmental group; perhaps walking the Italian Alps. Skipping the cruise and taking a relaxing, romantic train trip, getting around at your destination by renting bikes or taking public transportation, staying in a family-run B&B or inn, a luxury teepee , or a green hotel that’s working to save resources and reduce waste.

As I said before the possibilities are endless… Just go out there and look for nature to guide you ! If you’re not sure how to pull this off then I strongly recommend hiring a wedding planner who is well versed with the eco-friendly theme wedding. He or she will have many creative ideas and will already be in touch with green vendors you can trust. I read in a survey taken by SuperWeddings.com that 72 percent of recently married couples who did not use a wedding planner wished they had and if they had to do it all over again, they would hire one.

On a personal note, I would like to thank one of my dearest friends Allan who is an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) expert and member.The FSC is an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. He has taught me a lot about the environment and I am very grateful to him for sharing his knowledge with me. I am also grateful to Vice-President Al Gore who has opened our eyes to global warming with his book” The Inconvenient Truth”…. Gore was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

We hope that you have enjoyed this “crash-course” in Green Weddings, for further information please do not hesitate to contact us via this site and we will answer all your questions.

References:www.superweddings.com,www.theknot.com, www.mywedding.com,www.sierraclub.typepad.com, www.panda.org, www.wikipedia.org

Your guests will likely never remember the wedding favors you contemplated for months. They may not even remember your centerpieces; what they will remember however, is how beautiful you looked, what they ate and the entertainment. The following trends have been compiled from hundreds of sources in both North America and Europe in order to guide you through the vast array of options available.

The Wedding Dress: Vintage is in. Whether you wear your grandmother’s dress or mother’s dress, or visit a vintage shop for your dress, you will be in style. Think of the glamour days in Hollywood’s golden years; cap sleeves, halter necklines, strapless gowns, plunging necklines, antique lace, satin ribbons for straps, ruffles and tea-length dresses. Romantic dresses in floor length styles remain popular for 2009. Most silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal embellished bodices are very popular at the moment. Also look for one-shoulder dresses for brides who want a delicate and goddess feel to their look. Continuing on with the Grecian-inspired looks of Fall 2008, Spring 2009 takes on its inspiration from muses of days gone by with a long, loose-fitting and flowing gown. This style is ideal for tall and slender women who want to accentuate the shoulders, collar bone and neck area. Have you been working on your legs all throughout the fall and winter? Well then this look is for you; its time to show off those legs with a miniskirt wedding gown! Very popular for 2009 but if you prefer a more modest look, the knee length dress is very appropriate for Spring 2009…

For those brides who would rather not wear a dress, how about a beautiful, classic, timeless, little white suit like the ones showing at the Chanel Spring 2009 Couture runway. I’m thinking these will be perfect for that small intimate ceremony at a destination wedding in Paris, very chic!

From the super-short wedding dress of the 60’s, to the timeless looks of the Grecian goddess, Spring 2009 wedding trends offer plenty of options to celebrate your upcoming wedding day – in style.

Wedding Dress Colors: In the US as well as Europe we continue to see color in wedding dresses which have been popular for some time; Champagne, Pink and Platinum are the most preferred. Milan Fashion Week featured several awe-inspiring gowns with flower embroidery in contrasting thread colors on the classic white gown including burgundy, black, navy and dark green. Look for elegant Victorian looks that give this trend a fresh new romantic twist. Navy is the new “something blue”. Although there is nothing wrong with light blue, the new sophisticated version of “something blue” is navy. Buy a pair of navy shoes for the reception, wear a navy necklace and earrings, or wrap your flowers in navy lace.

Wedding Hair Styles: The word on the street is that brides are going to be wearing the soft, romantic look, with hair down, plenty of ringlets and curls, with a minimum of accessories. The emphasis is going to be on a more natural look, with most updos having some hair loose at the sides or the back for that softer look. The ornate and beautiful tiaras made with rhinestones, crystals and pearls have somewhat disappeared due to the more crystal embellished wedding gowns that take center stage.

Jewelry: Look for lots of colors, Spring 2009 has brides hinting to and grooms buying emerald, topaz, pink sapphire, aquamarine, citrine and peridot. (Please see our previous article for more in dept engagement ring details).

Wedding Bouquets: Roses continue to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids are the trendier choices. The newest wedding bouquet has a just-picked and looser, casual look as opposed to the tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. The mother of the bride corsage has given way to carrying small posies.

Color Palette: Instead of pale pastels, focus on rich gem colors like navy, plum and amber; these colors are going to be hot. Also instead of chocolate brown, look for a soft crème brûlee shade, bronzes, coppers, and black! Yes ladies, Noir (black) is back…For winter, black, plum and navy will take center stage. For spring it will be latte, corals and lavenders. For summer, mauve, sage and turquoise and for the fall the top hints for colors will be emerald, burgundy and chocolate.

2009 Wedding Theme: The year calls for bright and bold color palettes and exotic themes but also dabbles on the side of classic romance with designs from the Victorian era. From globally-inspired tasting stations at the buffet line to Caribbean-inspired décor at the altar, below are some of the top wedding themes and trends for 2009.

The Victorian Theme: For couples interested in a classic, simple and elegant affair, consider a traditional Victorian wedding, complete with horse and carriage rides for guests and intricately-detailed wedding cakes. While vintage wedding gowns continue to reign in 2009, we’ll also see a shift towards royalty-inspired décor and themes. Look for antique accessories and simple, Victorian designs on party favors and centerpieces.

The Wilderness: More couples are looking for very unique ideas for that memorable wedding, and some of the new themes for summer wedding include botanical garden setting, rainforests and wilderness-inspired décor. Imagine a cabin in the woods, or decorating with a tropical rainforest theme or bringing the outdoors in with centerpieces and decorations taken from nature.

Lots of Stripes: From the wedding cake to the invitations, stripes are the design of the year, replacing the once-popular polka dots and brocade-style prints of seasons past. Black and white stripes provide an orderly and refined look for the event, while multicolored stripes can coordinate easily with any major theme color palette.

Pink, Pink, Pink: From pink Chinese lanterns to oversized pink bows on the wedding dress, this is the year to experiment with a super-romantic palette and warm up to all shades of pink, fuchsia and magenta. Pink will continue to be a top trend for bridesmaid dresses as well, so it can complement an otherwise neutral-themed palette to add a splash of color.

And finally my very favorite, the Winter Wonderland theme: This is for the Russian Princess or Tsarina in you. Arrive at the ceremony in a horse drawn sleigh and wear a white, hooded cloak with white fur trim and carry a white fur muff rather than a bouquet. Bring in the icy outdoors with ice-carved vases on your reception tables. A classical pianist playing during dinner is a sure way to create an elegant ambiance or consider hiring a capella quartet to sing background music at the reception. Play up the season with a white vintage-style cake, dusted with edible silver powder. A winter wedding in the French Alps can easily transform itself into a perfect honeymoon; join the jet-setters at a luxurious hotel or castle, ski the Alps and wine and dine till your heart’s content…

Please stand by for a future article where we will explore the Winter Wedding Theme, how to achieve the right look and find the perfect venue.

References: www. theknot.com,www.bridemagazine.com,http://directory.branica.com,www.yourweddingcompany.come, www.associatedcontent, http://weddings.about.com, .com.www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com