Enchanting Destination Wedding Castello di Lonato Lake Garda, Italy
Castles in the Sky…A Lake Garda Wedding
Imagine a shimmering blue lake, the heat of a summer day and a view that is just utterly gorgeous. This is romance with a capital ‘R’, an ancient castle whose ramparts still rise high above Lake Garda and where I captured Maya & Gary’s stylish destination wedding .
August Heat….
Summers in Italy can be incredibly hot and rainy England seemed far away as the temperatures soared to 37 degrees as everyone started to arrive for an outdoor ceremony on the ramparts. I admired anyone being able to look serene and cool in that heat and was pretty impressed at my own ability to run around without expiring from heat exhaustion!
Arriving in Style….
Mindful of the heat, Maya arrived in a cool air conditioned Mercedes. Greeted by her bridesmaids, she looked lovely in an elegant strapless gown. It’s often at this point that emotion really starts to show; beaming smiles and a few tears appeared as Maya’s proud father prepared to escort her up the grassy aisle. Both her and her bridesmaids have my admiration for being able to walk with ease on the uneven ground in perilously high heels!
Exchanging Vows Under Blue Italian Skies
It was very special to watch Maya and Gary exchange vows under the brilliant blue afternoon sky, although I think there may have been a little difficulty for everyone with it being so bright. Those in the know had brought sunglasses, water and a hat. As with all things Italian, the ceremony was conducted with appropriate seriousness and a dash of glamour, with the local official waving the flag for Italy with his tricolour sash.
Prosecco, Canapés and more….
With the serious part of the day complete it was definitely time to celebrate. I love the relaxed images of Maya and Gary and their guests enjoying Valdobbiadene Prosecco in the shade of ancient olive trees and the laid back romance of their walk through the castle ground – one of my favourites is of them smiling and laughing whilst in the background a member of staff works tirelessly to ensure that their day runs effortlessly and beautifully. For me it helps to tell the story of the joy and the hard work that goes into any gorgeous wedding.
As the heat of the day faded away there was time to enjoy dancing under a sky filled with stars surrounded by guests and protected by the gently lit ramparts. Looking from above it is a scene of complete happiness bathed in the warm glow of a beautiful summers evening.
And finally…..
The Ultimate 4 point guide to enjoying your destination Lake Garda wedding
- Choose your date carefully. Whilst it may be beautifully warm in summer it can snow in the Lakes in winter and very early spring and not all venues offer year round availability
- If you are having an outdoor ceremony think about whether shade for during the ceremony may be needed. This might not mean you have to be under a parasol, it may just be about planning the location within the outdoor space. Work out where the sun will be at the time you get married – photographers can be very helpful with this as can local staff who know the venue.
- Make sure you have all the legalities for your day sorted out. A planner can be really helpful to enable you to do this and to organise your day in what might be unfamiliar territory!
- Choose a photographer that knows how to work in different lighting conditions that might present themselves at overseas destinations and choose a style that you love, that speaks to you from the heart and suits your budget.
Are you planning Lake Garda Wedding?
If you’re planning a Lake Garda wedding or elsewhere in Italy and like this style of relaxed wedding photography why not give me a call 0370 626 5200, drop me an email, or use the Contact Form to get in touch, I’d love to hear your wedding day.