Italy is a dream destination for many couples who want to tie the knot in a beautiful and romantic setting. While some of the most popular places for weddings are the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Florence, there is another place that offers a stunning backdrop for a memorable celebration: the Ligurian Riviera, a coastal region that encompasses the charming towns of Portofino and Cinque Terre. This is where I had the privilege of photographing the wedding of a lovely Canadian couple who flew over with their loved ones to say "I do".
The Venue: Villa Riviera Resort
Our couple fell in love with Villa Riviera Resort, a historic villa that dates back to the 19th century and that overlooks the Tigullio Gulf. The villa is situated in the town of Rapallo, between Portofino and Cinque Terre, and boasts a spectacular view of the sea. The villa is also surrounded by a verdant park with palm trees, roses, and hydrangeas, creating a wonderful atmosphere for an outdoor wedding. The villa has a private beach, a swimming pool, and a spa, where the couple and their guests could enjoy some relaxation and fun in the sun.
The Weddingplanner
To make their wedding day perfect, the couple hired a team of skilled and experienced vendors who took care of every aspect of the wedding. The wedding planner was Georgia Louise Weddings, a British-born planner who specializes in luxury weddings in Italy and Europe. She helped the couple plan their vision and coordinate all the details, from the legal formalities to the transportation. She did an amazing job organizing everything and making sure the day ran smoothly.
A Day Full of Love and Joy
The wedding day was a mix of elegance and fun, reflecting the taste and the personality of the couple. The ceremony took place in the garden of the villa, under a white arch adorned with roses and greenery. The bride walked down the aisle with her father, wearing a gorgeous lace gown and a long veil, designed by Monique Lhuillier . The groom waited for her with a smile. The officiant was a close friend of the couple, who made the ceremony personal and touching. The vows were exchanged in front of the sea, with the sound of the waves and the birds as the background music. The guests cheered and clapped as the couple kissed and walked back as husband and wife.
The reception followed in the same garden, where the tables were set with white tablecloths, gold cutlery, and pink napkins. The centerpieces were composed of white and pink roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, in glass vases of different shapes and sizes. The place cards were written in gold ink on pink paper, with a sprig of lavender as a finishing touch. The menu was a delicious selection of local dishes, such as pesto pasta, seafood risotto, and grilled fish. The cake was a three-tiered masterpiece, covered with white fondant and decorated with fresh flowers. The couple cut the cake with a sword, as a symbol of their strength and unity. The first dance was a romantic and graceful waltz, followed by a lively and energetic party. The guests danced the night away, enjoying the music, the drinks, and the company of their loved ones. The wedding was a fairy tale come true, a celebration of love and happiness in one of the most beautiful places in Italy.
As a wedding photographer, I was honored to be part of this special day, and to capture the memories that will last a lifetime. I loved working with this couple and their amazing vendors.
Wedding Planner: Georgia Louise Weddings
Wedding Venue: Villa Riviera Resort
Makeup & Hair: The Studio Como
Flowers: FlowersAndMe
Photography: Youri Claessens & Avieta Claessens
Videographer: Filmsdiary by Danilo Grassi
Bridal Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Calligrapher: Laura Merle
- the bride
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