Wedding couple kissing among ceremony arch and flowers

Lavender Wedding Dreams at Lake Garda’s Villa Cortine

CATEGORIES 

February 1, 2024
Words by Jessie Allen
Photos courtesy of MaMa Photo

On the storied Italian peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda, a lavender lover’s dream wedding inspiration unfolded at the opulent Villa Cortine Palace Hotel.

purple and blue stationery and floral bouquet and overview of Sirmione peninsula

Jane Handel of Jane Handles Weddings, the creative force behind the event, explains the reasoning behind the location choice. “With sweeping views in all directions, the hotel gardens enjoy sunrises over Lake Garda to the east, and glowy, golden sunsets to the west over the water.”

Ma Plume Design‘s stationery suite, with its soft shades of blue-green and pops of purple, set the tone for the rest of the shoot. The delicate leaf pattern from the envelope liner added a whimsical touch to the overall aesthetic. 

bride in a Casa della Sposa Verona dress, groom leading bride to altar

Our bride Bianca’s first look, a Casa della Sposa Verona original, featured a flowing skirt and an organza off-the-shoulder wrap. This choice perfectly complemented the elegance and stateliness of Villa Cortine.

reception at Villa Cortine

Set against the iconic teal backdrop of Lake Garda, the ceremony featured an organic and soft floral arrangement by Amie Ziedi.

purple, pink and blue floral arrangements by Amie Ziedi

Fragrant garden roses and greenery adorned the columns, creating a climbing arch that seamlessly blended with the surroundings.

couple exchanging vows and walking back down aisle

The simplicity and whimsical touch in the ceremony design mirrored a fairytale, allowing the couple, Bianca and Francesco, to shine.

couple walk through city to take boat ride on Lake Garda

Bianca’s second look, the Femme Fatale by Ida Torez, offered a glamorous and flirty outfit accessorized with earrings and bracelets from EDEN LUXE Bridal, perfect for a romantic boat ride on Lake Garda before an intimate dinner.

sunset over the lake with Villa Cortine in the background

As the day transitioned into the reception, the monochrome elegance continued to unfold. Soft shades of purple adorned the tables, creating an ethereal ambiance. The repurposed aisle florals framed the sweetheart table, adding a touch of continuity to the design. Luxe textures, including silky tablecloths and silver dinnerware, brought variety to the scene. 

couple enjoy their intimate reception at Villa Cortine

Jane Handel expressed her gratitude for the seamless collaboration among the vendors, saying, “It was such an honor to get to work with this incredible team of talented vendors…now friends! Despite hours in the hot sun, the whole team stayed calm, cool, and organized.” 

As the day concluded, the team gathered for a feast in the historic city center of Sirmione, capping off the unforgettable experience with local dishes, fabulous wine, and cherished camaraderie. 

Vendors: Photography & Videography: MaMa Photo; Planning & Event Design: Jane Handles Weddings; Table detail photos: Felicy Daze; Floral: Amie Ziedi; Venue: Villa Cortine Palace Hotel; Beauty: Malino Beauty; Stationery: Ma Plume Design; Bride’s First Look: Casa della Sposa Verona; Bride’s Second Look: Ida Torez via Designer Loft Bridal; Groom’s Attire: LARDINI & Santoni; Bridal Accessories: EDEN LUXE Bridal; Rings: London Victorian Ring Co; Groom’s Accessories: LABEL

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