Little Winter Bride where have you been?

Well, hello dear little winter bride readers.........it's been a little while but now that LWB has settled into a new city, there's plenty to share with you all.  In addition to the new city, I've been busy as a bee working on a newish project, (I say "newish" cause it's been an under the radar project for some time now but finally coming into a new phase that I'm excited to share with you all) hence why posts have come to a halt here on LWB.  It's almost ready to share, so stay tuned. Also, I've been spending more time over at the lifestyle blog, House of Violetta, so be sure to pop on over there for your frequent daily\weekly updates of life as an expat in Italy. In the meantime,  I stumbled upon this elegant, fancy pants wedding dress (see above pic) in a shop window here in Bologna, isn't the back, stunning? Feast your eyes on some of the other lovely wedding gowns from this shop over here.

(Image: dress from Tosca Spose shop, Poesie collection, "Alda Merini" style)

VENUE: Villa San Carlo Borromeo

Let's face it, weddings that take place here in Italy, don't need much, "decor" especially if your lucky enough to host it in a mega historical like Villa San Carlo Borromeo. Aside from a glowing bride and groom that ooze lurve, delish food and vino being served, one doesn't have to get all crazy with extra details to make this spot special, I mean it's pretty spectacular on its own. The grounds, architecture and chandeliers are enough to mesmerize your guests the minute they arrive. And how enchanting would it be to have it in winter? I know that it's not the most popular season for Italians, they seem to stick close to tradition, choosing spring or early summer for their big day but come on, just look at Villa San Carlo Borromeo covered in a blanket of fresh snow, how magic is that? And you don't have to run off to the trendo hills of Tuscany for an Italian villa scene (cause I know most destination brides do, let's branch out, okay?) this pretty locale is just 30 minutes outside Milano city center and looks magnificent any time of the year......

Although Milano is pretty wonderful and festive during the winter holiday season, just sayin....

What winter location is your favorite? would love to hear

 (images via villa san carlo borromeo)

Flowers at Sofia Coppola's Wedding

 Stumbled across some pics of Sofia Coppola's very important guests arriving, the flowers! 

Looks like it was a flowers galore kinda of event!

Wouldn't you love to know how it all unfolded? I bet it was pure magic.

Maybe it will be printed somewhere, someday but for now we can settle for the Italian media video peek of the couple and tiny keyhole (literally video footage through a keyhole) peek of the event

(1st image, 2nd image, 3-5 images)

WEDDING VENUE: Stealing Beauty Villa

What if you could get married in a beautiful Italian villa, like the one in Bernardo Bertolucci's film, Stealing Beauty? Well you can, how amazing is that? The Villa di Geggiano, which was one of the locations for the film, (remember the fabo party scene, ya that's the place) is located in the hills of Chianti Classico, three miles northeast of Siena. This magical venue is available for private parties and ceremonies. How dreamy is that?

And how did I not know about this when I was planning our wedding? It was my other dream wedding style....

The party scene in the film was my most favorite and along with the dancers, I loved the candle lit path in the garden that led guests to the entrance of the grand villa. Oh and Liv's stunning bohemian dress.....like this bride's style.,

Um... brides to be out there, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream Italian villa wedding at this venue.

And yes, I would love to know if you decide to get hitched at this magical spot. srsly.

Not planning a destination wedding? Don't fret, it's also great location for honeymooners, as the villa has a winery and two exclusive luxury suites.
A perfect hideaway for lovebirds. 

I'm already planning in my head a weekend get away with A.  this autumn.

LITTLE HONEYMOONS: Arcipelago Toscano, Italy

  Looking for a Mediterranean seaside honeymoon spot in Italy? How about traveling off the beaten path and head for the little chain of islands off the coast of Toscana known as, Arcipelago Toscano?

There are seven islands:  the Isle of Elba is the largest, Isola del Giglio, Gorgona, Capraia, Giannutri, Pianosa and Montecristo, the last made famous by Alexandre Dumas in his novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. These beautiful jewels in the middle of the sea look heavenly with their wild nature, miles of sand or pebble beaches and cliffs. Also its uncontaminated landscape forms part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and its sea is part of the biggest marine park in Europe.  Sign me up. Sigh. I would love to rent here or maybe stay here or here.  I haven't been there yet but have plenty of friends here that rave about it.  More helpful links about travel in the islands small island in an island, sailing, spa , b&b, camping, insider tips and tourism

                                            

If you could go on an island vacation\honeymoon, where would you go? 

I would love to hear about your travel itinerary.

REAL WEDDING: PART III Italian Vineyard

Today is PART III of the Italian Vineyard wedding. 

If you missed PART I and II be sure to check them out.

One of my favorite parts of this wedding, (and there were many) was the enchanting, candle lit 18th century cantina that guests had to walk through to reach the aperitivo hour. pure magic I tell ya.

If there are any brides to be out there looking for a destination spot in Italy for a wedding, this location is the place.

    Photography: Didi Weddings

REAL WEDDING: PART II: Italian Vineyard

Today, I'm sharing Part II of the Italian Vineyard wedding that I photographed along with my rock star second shooter, Andrea Bakacs. The light here in Italy, it just, well, oozes dreamy magic. Right?
If ya missed Part I, be sure to check it out.

Stop by LWB tomorrow for Part III

Photography: Didi Weddings

(please note starting from top down that image: 2, 3, 10 & 14 by Andrea Backacs)

REAL WEDDING: PART I Italian Vineyard

This past May, I had the pleasure of being hired by a wonderful couple, Julie and Deneb, to photograph their lovely intimate wedding in Gavi, Italy, located in the Piemonte region. (probably my most favorite region in Italy thus far....it's absolutely heaven like in Autumn during truffle season). The wedding took place at, L' Ostelliere, a hotel, restaurant and winery all in one, tucked up on Monterotondo hill with spectacular views of the vineyard and countryside.  It was ridiculously breathtaking, not to mention, one of the most heartfelt weddings I've ever seen. Family and friends all had a hand in creating this beautiful day, from the brides dress, which was handmade by her mother, to the ceremony, which her father officiated to the musician friends that played through out the festivities.

It was splendid.

I will let you feast your eyes on these beauties for now but be sure to stop by LWB tomorrow for

PART II and III

Photography: Didi Weddings

(please note starting from the top down, image 2 is by second shooter: Andrea Bakacs)