Rome and Central Italy
They say when in Rome, do as the Romans and for a dream
destination wedding, you can do just that. Imagine a sumptuous wedding in one
of the majestic castles or villas that has graced the surrounding countryside
for centuries. You'll feel like a Roman empress in the luxury that surrounds
the Italian capital. Whether it be a medieval stronghold or an elegant
aristocratic hideaway, the treasures of Rome lie waiting to be discovered by
you and your lucky wedding party.
Imagine the enchantment of taking a guided tour of the
legendary Coliseum, standing where gladiators once stood, poised to defend
their honor. From there, a quiet stroll along the ebbing Tiber river will lead
you past ancient ruins and to the awe-inspiring Vatican, where you'll stand in
Saint Peter's square, marveling at the overwhelming architecture of this tiny
country within Rome. As the evening just barely begins to settle in, you and
your bridesmaids pause for a full bodied espresso in one of Rome's legendary
squares, perhaps the Piazza Navona, traced along the lines of the Roman stadium
of Domitian, or the Piazza della Rotunda, with a view of the ancient Pantheon.
Then before leaving the city to discover the
royal castle that hosts your reception, pause with your future husband in front
of the Trevi Fountain. Hold hands, and in the other, clasp tight three coins.
Close your eyes and with your back to the water, throw the coins in over your
left shoulder. One day, you and your husband will return to this eternal city to
once again celebrate your love.
Venice and North East
Tucked away between the Dolomite Alps and the Adriatic Sea,
the northeastern region of Italy attracts more visitors than any other region.
And for good reason. With its varied landscapes and sumptuous architecture,
this region also makes the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding in Italy.
Whether you've always wanted a winter wedding in the shadow of snow capped
mountains or in the orange glow of a sunset reflecting on the sea's surface,
northeastern Italy will give you the wedding you've always dreamed of.
For a quintessentially romantic affair, a gondola ride
through the canals of Venice and photos in front of the Romanesque facade of Saint Mark's
Cathedral will give you and your husband lasting memories of your marriage in
Venice. After a warm reception in a baroque-styled restaurant right on the
square, you and your guests may want to visit one of the artisans that have
made Venice synonymous with quality and elegance.
If you prefer something more removed from the
hustle of city life, this region also offers you remote castles charming
mountain resorts. What could be more romantic than a cable car ride up to a
splendid hilltop castle, the verdant countryside sprawling all around you? Or maybe
a soothing jacuzzi at the end of the big day, the snow falling outside while
you and your husband savor these first moments as a newly married couple.
Indeed, the northeastern region of Italy offers romance for every season.
Lakes and North West
Sheltered by the
Alps, the northwestern regions of Italy are the least Mediterranean, the least
typically 'Italian,' but still so charming with their French and German
influences. The pretty Alpine villages of Valle d'Aosta, the lakes of Lombardy,
the rich cuisine of Piedmont, and the coastal stretch of Liguria all provide
perfect settings for tranquil weddings to be remembered for a lifetime.
Aboard a boat,
you cross lake Como, renowned for its stunning beauty. As you arrive at your
private villa, your husband and your closest friends await your arrival at the
stone landing. Arriving at the panoramic terrace, just perfectly warmed by the
sun's rays, you realize that this natural setting is more beautiful than you
could have ever imagined. Perhaps it's the light reflecting on the gentle
ripples of the water, perhaps it is the emotions flooding in like waves
engulfing your heart. Probably a little of both. On the distant hillside, a
turreted castle gleams like a diamond, the white stone walls shining out against
the deep green forests. As you look down, you find that same fiery reflection
in the diamond of your engagement ring. You know that secretly, these moving
images will always be the glowing embers that warm your memory of this special
day.
Tuscany
Tuscany bathes in as much legend as it does warm sun.
Perhaps the gentle climate and pleasant evenings are why the Etruscans founded
their civilization in this blessed region. And perhaps it's why you may want to
choose Tuscany for your perfectly romantic wedding. Imagine a mid-May ceremony,
when the sun warms the silvery olive groves, the grape vines have not yet begun
to ripen, and a cooling breeze caresses your bare shoulders.
As you leave an ancient Tuscan village and make your way to
the medieval castle dominating the gracious landscape, your gaze meets the
horizon. You know that just past those stretches of vineyard lie the famous
cities of Florence and Pisa. Tomorrow with your brand new husband, you'll climb
the steps to the top of the Duomo, together you'll look out over the city of
the De Medicis. But that's tomorrow. Tonight is the event that you've waited
your whole life for.
In the heart of the Tuscan countryside, tonight
you'll be saying 'I do' to the man you love. You'll be toasting each other with
a ripe Chianti, perhaps with a bottle of ruby colored Ornellaia from the
vineyards of a neighboring family owned villa and vineyard. The ancient stones
will bear witness to this grand ceremony and tomorrow, you will have had the
joy of celebrating your own Tuscan wedding.
Italian Alps
Passion, nature, tradition. These words embody the Italian
Alps and their powerful silhouettes that reach to the sky. These impressive
mountains stretch from the Aosta Valley in the west all the way to the Veneto
and Friuli regions in the east. Passing through the Piedmont, Lombardy,
Trentino, and Alto Adige regions, the Alps are Italy's backbone. A symbol of
strength, of steadfastness, of eternity. Words that perfectly embody the love
you share with your soon to be husband.
No matter the season, the Italian Alps offer a stunning
backdrop for a romantic and natural wedding. In the winter, the gleaming white
landscapes seem to express the purity of a blushing bride. In spring and
summer, the blossoming green valleys come alive with daisies, edelweiss, and
violets that will grace every step you take on you way to your cozy mountain
hideaway.
A number of quaint chalets, medieval castles, and ancient
fortresses shy away in the magnificent mountain setting, where, come winter, an
immaculate blanket of nostalgic snow carpets the countryside. In the silent
night, snowflakes drift from the sky, settling on your eyelashes and in the
wisps of your perfectly styled hair. Your husband lovingly remarks their
similarity to a thousand diamonds accentuating you beauty. And in the falling
snow, you share one more kiss before going inside to snuggle together in front
of a warm fireplace.
Amalfi Coast and Italian Islands
On the southern side of the the Sorrentine Peninsula, gentle
waves lap at the Amalfi coast, perhaps the most picturesque coastline along the
Gulf of Salerno, if not in all of Italy. The rugged landscapes, jutting cliffs,
and clinging pines contrast with the pastel facades of authentic villages like
Positano, Ravello, and Scala. The sea and the sloping hills seem to play with
each other, land and water defining the characteristic colors of Amalfi. Just
off the Italian coast, paradisaical islands like Capri Island, Sicily, and
Sardinia are the jewels in Italy's sea blue crown and offer stunning settings
for beautiful island weddings.
Many islands and coastal regions were once
strategic defense points, which means history has left us with a rich
playground of castles, towers, and cliff-clinging terraces, all ready to host
your perfect seaside ceremony. From a candle lit terrace overlooking the
Mediterranean, you look out on the same view that ancient nobles once enjoyed.
Or perhaps you prefer an intimate gathering on a private beach, the smooth
white sand warming your bare feet. For brides wishing to play princess for just
one day, medieval and Renaissance castles dot the coast, often with panoramic
views of the natural luxuries surrounding Italy's coastal treasures.
