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.

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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.

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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

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

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

Our blog is under progress so come back whenever you want to see our news !

Sincerely,

Chateau and Villa Weddings Team