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!

What could be more emblematic of a wedding in France than having the ceremony and/or wedding reception on a yacht, with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop?  Offer your guests breathtaking views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Palais, the Orsay Museum and the Louvre as you glide down the River Seine.

Imagine your intimate wedding ceremony being celebrated on the open air wooden deck with a white awning overhead. This yacht is ideal for small groups of up to 8 guests or why not just the bride and groom?

Enjoy a glass of champagne with canapés after the emotion of the ceremony or snuggle up in the captain’s cozy cabin during the cold winter months if you are only 2 or 4 people. Dinner can be served on the open air deck or below deck. Suitable for 8 people plus musicians. For groups of more than 8, we would recommend you disembarking after the cocktail reception and moving on to a restaurant, private mansion or reception hall for dinner and dancing.

For elopements (ceremonies involving just the bride and groom), you can extend the pleasure of your wedding day by settling back, enjoying a sumptuous dinner for two on board before retiring to the pretty sleeping cabin below deck where you can spend your first night of nuptial bliss together, floating off to sleep to the sound of the rippling water of the River Seine around you.
Under a luminescent sky, no interruptions, no traffic, just the two of you surrounded by the historical sites and splendor of an authentic Parisian evening.

What could be more enchanting than a private river boat cruise on the romantic River Seine as your destination wedding venue in France?

Whether you got married on a beach somewhere hot, in your hometown or in a medieval castle in the heart of the European countryside, here is an ideal way to celebrate your wedding anniversary.

Imagine spending a weekend in Paris, the most romantic city in the world. During the weekend, surprise your sweetheart with a 2-hour boat cruise on your very own private luxury motor yacht on the River Seine. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you sit under the elegant white awning on the open air wooden deck or for winter anniversaries, snuggled up in the captain’s cabin.

Discover the delights the City of Light has to offer: the Grand Palais, the Louvre, the Invalides, the Orsay Museum, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. When you feel the moment is right, gesture to the skipper to slow the boat and cut the engine. With the romantic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame Cathedral, you can again declare your love to your beloved before being served another glass of champagne to seal this exceptional moment. We can even arrange for a special dove release with 40 doves as a symbol of your love for each other!

Should you wish to extend the pleasure, settle back and enjoy a sumptuous dinner for two before retiring to the pretty sleeping cabin below deck and float off to sleep to the sound of the rippling water of the River Seine around you.

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.

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!

It was with great pleasure that we attended a sneak preview of the new reception rooms available for private hire at the famous Rodin Museum in the heart of Paris last night.

Our visit began with a tour of their new exhibition MATISSE & RODIN which can be visited until 28 February 2010. The former chapel, a newly renovated building with a now contemporary, pure and refined decor, stages this unique exhibition. Through a wide-ranging selection of sketches and sculptures, we discovered the affinities, similarities and differences between these two outstanding, creative artists. The story of the encounters and relations between these two major artists is one that has remained unexplored until now. By selecting certain specific works and using a thematic approach, MATISSE & RODIN successfully captures the points of convergence and divergence in the sculptural and graphic work of the two masters. A truly artistic discovery!

Our visit concluded with a cocktail reception held in the hall of the Biron Mansion. Situated in the heart of the museum’s main building, this beautiful hall with its magnificent columns, checkered black and white tiled flooring and sweeping staircase provide a truly historical backdrop and would be the dream setting for an impressive wedding banquet!

After having organized several weddings at this venue, we can assure you that a symbolic wedding ceremony held in the finely manicured gardens with the museum in the background is truly a magical experience. Outdoor cocktails follow the ceremony and photos can be taken around the gardens and among the sculptures. It is only after the cocktail reception that your guests will discover the Biron Mansion hall where dinner and dancing can now take place.

Exclusivity can only be granted on a Monday (all day) or after 7pm in the evening on other evenings when the museum is closed.

Here are a few photos to help you visualize how special this venue is:

Photo credits: Champar; Musée Rodin, Paris, photographer Jean de Calan

We thank the Rodin Museum for inviting us to discover these exciting new reception areas.

 A bientôt with more lucky brides and grooms!

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.

Whether you are an avid sailor or just love the water, beautiful boats or grand old ships, then a nautical wedding is just for you! Weddings on boats are very popular with good reason. They have a festive setting, the views are beautiful, and they are unique compared to a reception hall.

But, what we are suggesting is not just a boat, but a grand YACHT on the River Seine!!! We all agree that if Paris is the most beautiful city in the world, then the River Seine is its most beautiful avenue and a Parisian yacht its best emissary. The most luxurious yachts in Paris are available to transport you and your wedding party guests on an unforgettable journey of discovery throughout the City of Lights. Under a luminous sky, no interruptions, no traffic, just you and your guests surrounded by the historical sites and splendor of an authentic Parisian evening. Enjoy your cocktail reception outdoors before moving inside for dinner and dancing. What could be more enchanting than a private river boat cruise on the romantic River Seine as your destination wedding venue in France?

Chose from the “Intimate Private Parisian Yacht”; imagine your intimate wedding ceremony being celebrated on the upper deck of a beautiful yacht as you glide past Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, what a treat for you and your guests! This is indeed the most luxurious yacht in Paris and was inaugurated in 2007 by its Godfather, John Travolta. It can accommodate between 2 and 12 guests and is 22 meters long and equipped with its own fireplace. The upholstery and china are truly French and the crystal ware made by Baccarat.

The cocktail reception can take place outdoors on the deck or by the fireplace in the winter. As you take your seats for dinner, on a warm balmy evening, you can even open the roof and catch a glimpse of the wonders of Paris with its shimmering lights floating among the stars.

The “Luxurious Parisian Yacht” is the essence of luxury and decadence. This exclusive yacht was designed by the famous shipyard Benetti and has preserved the legendary spirit of yachts on the Riviera in the after-war period: purity of lines, refinement of the stem, rich paneling, and smart design. Built on 2 levels, this 30 meter-long shining example of Italian elegance has traveled a great deal over the years but preserves all its beauty. After having sailed the Mediterranean seas, this magnificent yacht has found its home in the port of Paris. Ideal for intimate cruises for 10 to 30, this Luxurious Parisian Yacht is the perfect venue for your very special and unforgettable yacht wedding…

The “Exclusive Parisian Yacht” is both classic and elegant with its warm and comfortable décor making it ideal for weddings for up to 65 guests for a sit-down dinner or 100 guests for a buffet. The wedding ceremony can be celebrated on the deck then move indoors for dinner and dancing. With its sophisticated color palette of reds and chocolate browns, this 40 meter-yacht travels to all stops within Paris, and then sails to the Stade de France football stadium or to Giverny, home of Claude Monet in Normandy. Your guests are sure to remember your unique wedding on this Exclusive Parisian Yacht.

Hence, these are a few choices of spectacular yachts for your Nautical Paris Wedding; each of these exclusive yachts will certainly accommodate a small, intimate or large wedding depending on the number of wedding guests. Please do not hesitate to contact us at www.chateauandvillaweddings.com for further information such as availability, prices and catering choices.

Resources: www.wikipedia.com, www.worldweddingcustoms.com, www.bellaonline.com, www.njsweddingshop.com www.chateauandvillaweddings.com

We thank you for reading, as always should you need further information on the subject please do not hesitate to let us know.

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