love among the lakes

With a reputation for beauty and charm on a par with the likes of Capri and Saint Tropez, it is the sheer size of the Italian Lakes that gives this area the sense of unparalleled majesty for which it is famous.

The Bride & Groom:

Emma Meanley to Nick Edwards

From:

Leigh-on-Sea, UK

Wedding Location:

Malcesine - Lake Garda, Italy

No. of Guests:

50

The largest of the lakes, Lake Garda, ascends northwards through a variety of landscapes. Starting with the gentle plains of the southern shores, the land rises towards hills of rich vegetation, which in turn give way to the sharp drama of the snow-capped mountains in the North. Which is where, set against the slopes of Monte Baldo, you can find the medieval town of Malcesine.

Medieval Majesty

"When we first went to Malcesine for a weekend break, we immediately fell in love with the place", said Emma. "We knew it would be the perfect location for the wedding and that it would have so much to offer our guests". Set on the north-eastern shore of the lake, the old, cobbled, port town of Malcesine clusters around the foot of ancient Malcesine Castle - a truly majestic setting for Emma and Nick's wedding, held on the hottest day of the year inside the Castle's white, stone marriage hall. Conducted in Italian, the ceremony was translated into English by the Groom's cousin.

"The castle just took our breath away", Emma told us. "I did shed a lot of tears before the ceremony, but during it I was fine, and I couldn't wait to see the reaction of the guests after the ceremony: as a surprise, we had booked a private boat to take us all across the lake to the reception venue".

A Reception in the Mountains

The boat was the perfect place for pre-dinner drinks as they crossed the Lakes towards their reception venue, "Franco's Osteria", a mountain village restaurant which had been booked for their exclusive use. "The restaurant was surrounded by mountains, and the food was wonderful", described Emma. "I made all the table decorations myself and had a butterfly theme, so as you can imagine there were butterflies everywhere." After the meal, in the light of the candles and against the stunning backdrop of the mountains, the party continued on until the early hours, with dancing to the accompaniment of a live duo band.

"The best decision we ever made"

"Getting married at Lake Garda was the best decision we ever made", Emma commented. "Our wedding co-ordinators were so helpful - they couldn't do enough for us, both during the planning and on the day itself. In fact the day ran so smoothly I didn't have to worry about a thing". And as for the guests: "well, they got to have a mini holiday, instead of coming to a one day celebration like you would have back home. And I know they appreciated it - they all said it was the best wedding they had ever been to!"

Story: Callie Copeman-Bryant

The Perfect Partners

Wedding Planner: Lake Garda Weddings
Ceremony Venue: Malcesine Castle 
Reception Venue: Franco's Osteria
Wedding Photographer: Gwen Courtman - Lake Garda Weddings
Bridal Accommodation: Hotel Capri
Guest Accommodation: Hotel Bencus