With two exclusive Lake Como venues and three different styles for the event, our friends at Sugar Events had quite a task on their hand for Kelly and Ilan’s Jewish wedding.

It was a gorgeous occasion, with a traditional Jewish ceremony under a blossom-entwined Chuppah and a civil ceremony in the inner rooms, the three-day wedding event was filled with joy and love. It started with Shabbat dinner on a Friday evening, and celebrations continued for the whole weekend with beautiful food, music and dancing.

Beneath a shining sun, the couple wed surrounded by cherry blossom and friends, with piano music drifting across the wind. Guests looked out across the lake as Kelly and Ilan said their vows, which they later took a trip across in a boat, for a few moments of peace together.  A civil ceremony also took place, inside, with a traditional feel among the marble and columns.

Guests enjoyed dinner in both the glorious Villa Geno and Villa Erba.

Sugar Events set up the venues in very different styles, returning to Villa Erba to create a completely different look. We love all three styles, from the pure white, flickering pillar candles for one dinner, to the towering floral centrepieces and classical theme for a formal dinner under shimmering chandeliers, as well as the sweet balls of pink hydrangeas which adorned the tables as fairy lights twinkled from a pure white canopy. Then there was music, entertainment and, of course, plenty of dancing.

Suppliers

Wedding Planner – Sugar Events / Venues – Villa Erba in Cernobbio & Villa Geno in Como / Photographer – Cristiano Ostinelli

The WedAway Destination Wedding Show is the must-attend event for couples who want to marry overseas and we’re so excited for this year’s event!

Wedding planners and suppliers from all the most popular overseas wedding destinations are present at the event in London to offer face to face advice and inspiration for planning your big day. Visit the international pavilions to explore the different destinations and venues in more detail, and meet suppliers who will answer your questions and explain exactly what they can do for you.

Arranging a wedding from another country can be a logistical challenge, but WedAway gives you the chance to meet and choose the individuals who will arrange your big day.

In addition, the WedAway Stage will host a speaker schedule brought to you by the illuminati of the global wedding profession to advise and entertain.

Tickets for WedAway are complimentary when you register in advance online. Once registered you will receive your beautiful formal invitation in the post.

The team that produces the WedAway show has over 60 years combined experience in producing destination weddings and events. It is also proud to produce arguably the world’s finest luxury wedding show: The Quintessentially Weddings Atelier, and was also responsible for bringing the luxury wedding planning summit Engage! to Europe for the first time.

Dates & Times:

• Friday 10th March 5-9pm
• Saturday 11th March 10-5pm

Royal Horticultural Halls, Vincent Square, London. SW1P 2QW

5 Star Weddings: What makes Verdura Resort a perfect venue to get married?

Verdura Resort: Thanks to its position on the southern coast of Sicily, Verdura Resort is absolutely an outstanding location for a memorable day. Set against the backdrop of the crystalline blue Mediterranean Sea, the landscape of the 230 acres park is filled with almond trees and perfumed citrus groves, creating the ideal setting for the special day.

5 Star Weddings: What options are available for a wedding ceremony at  your venue ?

Verdura Resort: Whether looking to have a ceremony on the private beach of the Resort, within the enchanting amphitheatre surrounded by olive trees, on the private beach, on the sea-view terrace of the Liolà restaurant or on our striking green golf courses, Verdura Resort can create the dream ceremony on each location.

5 Star Weddings: Can couples marry at a local church and then have the reception at your venue?

Verdura Resort:  For a more traditional or religious celebration, our professional team at Verdura Resort will select the most romantic spots in the nearby town of Sciacca. Brides and grooms can select one of many picturesque churches located in the historic medieval centre, the Palace of the Jesuits dating back to 1613 or perhaps the Basilica of San Calogero on top of Mount Kronio, with breathtaking views.

5 Star Weddings: Do you offer accommodation for guests of the wedding party?

Verdura Resort:  Designed in harmony with the surrounding landscape, the elegant interior spaces of the Resort are perfect for both intimate or larger receptions. The spaces include the Ballroom, with stunning views over the Sicilian hills that accommodates up to 240 people, the Liolà restaurant, with colours and textures of the Sicilian territory and a terrace overlooking the cliffs, has space for up to 90 people and restaurant Buon Giorno, accommodating 120 people, overlooks the infinity pool and out to the brilliantly blue sea.

5 Star Weddings: Do you have outdoor spaces to host the venue?

Verdura Resort: In the spring and summer time, as well as in warm autumn evenings, the outdoor spaces of the Resort can be transformed to host welcome drinks or the full wedding breakfast, looking out to the sunset over the sea or by soft candle light under the olive trees and star filled sky.

5 Star Weddings: What makes it so authentic to celebrate a wedding ceremony at Verdura?

Verdura Resort: Once the location for the ceremony is set, a team of professionals will take care of every single detail to reflect the different needs and style of each bride and groom. Our master chefs will create a customized menu with recipes from the Italian as well as Sicilian tradition, enhanced by fresh local ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, citrus fruits, freshly caught fish and organic vegetables from the Resort’s garden. The best local and international wines, selected by the sommelier, will complete the experience.

5 Star Weddings: What does the service include?

Veruda Resort: Our service includes all the finishing touches for the special day: bridal pampering, with make-up and treatments for your hair, hands and nails. You may want some specific beauty treatments to brighten and prepare your complexion for make up. For good and effective results, it is wise to start in advance with a regime of face cleansing, exfoliation and nourishing masks so that you look and feel in tip-top condition. Our expert therapists are at your disposal to create a personalised wedding programme for the days leading up to the event, with relaxing massages, beauty treatments and facials; flowers, we will be pleased to recommend some of the best local flower designers, as well as photographers for your photo shoot and video.; Party notes, we can organise the music for your ceremony and reception, from classical performers to an entertaining Sicilian folk group, according to every wish. A dance floor can also be set up in the double-height Ballroom, on the private beach or even under olive trees for after-dinner dancing.

5 Star Weddings: Can you assist with other wedding suppliers for the wedding ?

Verdura Resort: Our Events team can suggest a wide range of solutions: fireworks specifically orchestrated for you on our spectacular bay and also set the extravaganza to music (upon request); stunning balloons, to create a special atmosphere; magicians, to enthral and charm your guests with his mysterious tricks; a traditional Sicilian feast, for a very special themed party filled with the colours, tastes, music and scents of this extraordinary island. From the painted carts to puppet shows and from folk music to Sicilian fare, this is an incredible feast!

5 Star Weddings: After the wedding what can the couples expect at your resort?

Verdura Resort: After the celebration, Verdura Resort will continue to pamper the newlyweds with a complimentary stay for their wedding night in one of the stunning suites overlooking the sea. They will also be treated to a relaxation experience at the Verdura Spa, a wellness temple of 4000 square meters where body and spirit can regenerate.

5 Star Weddings: After the wedding is it possible to stay longer and enjoy the island?

Verdura Resort: Exactly, Verdura is located on the south-west coast of Sicily, a perfect position for exploring the island. Sky diving or a wine tour, admire renaissance palaces or enjoy a journey by a private flight above rocky mountain ranges, olive groves and sandy beaches. Sicily presents a fascinating mix of activities. We’re here to help our guests access them with ease. Explore ancient sights and churches in nearby Sciacca, or the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital, Palermo, is just over an hour’s drive, and the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagian islands can be reached by helicopter.

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Sea weddings are  for those who prefer a mild climate, the azure of the sky and shimmer of water. If that’s what you  are looking for the southern Italy will appear just like paradise to you. Rock coastline, little bays hidden, so you will need use boat to reach them, lemon terraces and sun… just beautiful locations , composed into landscape.

Magic places like Amalfi with its Cathedral, which join Italian sacral art with Arabian influences – a  perfect place for your wedding, Ravello with villas, gardens and terraces overlooking sea. Ischia and Capri islands with all beauty and the splendour of the sea. Naples with her fast, chaotic but so charming life. Many artists, poets, and writers fell in love with. Poetry, ancient culture, music, food and vine met here to give you unforgettable sensations and experiences.

Mountain weddings are  for those who want a snowy wedding, with all majesty and greatness of  Italian mountains. Romantic Verona,  with famous Julia’s house and balcony, Torino with its theatres, Royal palace, gardens , squares, Lugano with breathtaking sceneries, Treviso with Buranelli canal, many churches and palaces, this land surrounded by Alps mountains offers you places to see and live.

While tasting by fireplace delicious , warming local food, snow covered landscapes will enchant you, creating amazing scenery for your wedding photos. This place is blessed with some most spectacular sceneries in the world, an opportunity for you to choose  a beautiful setting for your outdoor ceremony.

Lake shore weddings are  for those who prefer intimacy and charm of solitude. Beautiful castles, villas all by the shore of Como lake create romantic atmosphere far from everyday chaos. Lake Maggiore, surrounded with castles, and  its two islands-  Borromean, with gardens, villas and spectacular caves.

An Incredible place for a fairy tale style wedding, Lake Lugano in Switzerland- ancient churches and picturesque villas is memorable and wonderful area for your religious or symbolic ceremony. Magical would be the only word that can describe an Italian lake shore wedding. Amazing landscapes, beauty and greenery. If ever a tale has been told it was inspirited by these lands.

Solitude or full city centre, sea, mountains or lake- Italy is just the right place for your wedding. With so many different panoramas and nature it gives you thousands of possibilities and ideas  for the perfect wedding you dreamed of. With specialities of local cuisine wonderful locations and hospitality offers unforgettable dream that will come true. All you need is just to come and… get married!

If you don’t know what kind of wedding you want, the type of venue or the right location, we have a host of Italian wedding planning specialist who are ready to make your wedding and honeymoon very special.

5 Star Weddings: Why Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast?

Victoria Morris: I first visited Sorrento when I was a child on a family holiday and it really stuck, not just for me but for my whole family! It was unlike any place I had visited before and I was determined from that point on that I wanted to learn Italian and forever return! If you have ever visited the Amalfi Coast you will understand how incredibly beautiful it really is.

Every twist and turn bring you to another incredible destination. Positano, Sorrento, Ravello and Amalfi are glamorous resorts settled amongst lemon trees and olive groves, all offering breathtaking scenery with cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. This stretch of coast is steeped in history having been the inspiration for poets, painters and musicians alike. In my opinion, few places in the world can surpass the Amalfi Coast’s spectacular allure and I certainly couldn’t think of a more stunning or romantic place to get married.

5 Star Wedding Directory:  What services do you offer?

Victoria Morris: I work a little differently to some wedding planners as I like to offer a bespoke service enabling clients to plan and personalise every last detail of their wedding. Having experienced planning my own wedding in Sorrento I now recognise things that I would have done differently, as they say with age comes experience! My brides and grooms have choices, whereas I had limited choices! I have many contacts in all areas such as photography, hair and makeup, wedding cars so my clients are able to customise their wedding day to exactly what they want it to be!

Everyone is different! I take control of the whole process from the initial booking of the ceremony and reception venue right the way through coordinating the day itself! However, if clients prefer to take more control themselves this is fine too! My role fits around my client’s requirements!

 5 Star Weddings:  What do you most love about your job?

Victoria Morris: I love the excitement of setting the date and seeing the couple’s reaction as their dream starts to become a reality. I also love being able to show clients the incredible venues that I work with in person and watching their faces light up!

5 Star Weddings: What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Victoria Morris:  The Italians are notoriously laid back and this can be challenging sometimes especially when you want an answer to a quick question and it takes them a few days to respond, but I’m pretty used to that now! They just have a more relaxed work ethic!

5 Star Weddings: Do you have any favourite venues?

Victoria Morris:  Honestly speaking, all of the venues that I work with are incredible! It’s too hard to choose!

5 Star Weddings: What’s the best time of year to get married?

Victoria Morris:  Summer is the wedding season in the south of Italy and the majority of weddings take place between the months of May to September. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy long sunny days and warm evenings and the towns are buzzing with activity and life. July and August are usually exceptionally warm (reaching into the 30s) so I always advise clients to bear in mind the comfort of your guests during this period.

5 Star Weddings: What sort of budget do you need for a destination wedding in Italy?

Victoria Morris:  The million dollar question! Every wedding is individual and therefore so is the cost! Obviously the more guests the greater the budget required. Most reception venues work on a fixed per head menu cost. Other elements such as drinks packages, cars, flowers, transfers, exclusive hire fees (for certain venues) photography, videography need to be taken into consideration … the list can be long! Many aspects of the wedding can be customised to fit specific budgets and of course, I have knowledge of the local areas, vendors and suppliers in order to make suitable recommendations.

Victoria Morris:  How does the planning process work?

The hardest part of the planning process is the first stage which is where I coordinate the ceremony day/time availability with the chosen reception venue. I always recommend trying to book a year in advance to help make this part easier. Deposits are then transferred and the venue is secured. The second part of the planning process is once the date is booked and I then begin to discuss the finer details with the client: cars, photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, flowers etc. This is always the fun part! As the year progresses the client is informed at each stage as to what documentation is required and by when so there’s no panic!

5 Star Weddings: Do you recommend paying suppliers directly?

Victoria Morris:  Yes! It gives greater security when looking at various suppliers’ contracts and ensuring that the cost reflects the expected service levels!

5 Star Weddings: What advice would you give brides on choosing a destination wedding planner?

Victoria Morris:  I’d definitely recommend that brides and grooms have an informal chat with their proposed wedding planner before making a final decision because it’s vital that there is a good client/planner relationship throughout the process and that the client truly believes they are the right person to help achieve the dream wedding day. Brides (in particular) want to find someone who is not only organised and professional but also makes them feel at ease.

A good wedding planner will have plenty of questions for their clients too, to establish exactly what their vision is. Whoever you choose to go with, don’t hire someone who is not prompt at returning e-mails, is bossy, tries to convince you of what’s best for you and critiques your ideas. The planning process should be fun! I’d also recommend using a wedding planner who is a specialist in the chosen destination as this will ensure you really do have access to the best suppliers within that area.

For any further information on destination weddings in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast contact Victoria at Sophisticated Weddings via e-mail victoria@sophisticatedweddings.net