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Mamma mia … che stupefacante!
What an incredible day Liz and Danny had on their wedding day! The 3+ years of planning and postponements were so worth it as everything they wished for came together for their dream wedding……perfectly.
The Grand Tour
We arrived late morning at La Zambonina, a totally stunning 17th century Palladian villa just outside of Verona, steeped in grandeur and decorated with the most gorgeous antiques and frescoes. Danny greeted us and, as the perfect host, started us off on a tour of the house and Italianate gardens, walking us through the timings and different locations of their day.
The Preparations
In the meantime, Liz was upstairs enjoying the pampering along with her bridesmaids and mum in one of the many suites with sweeping views across the grounds, including the very impressive maze and stunning rose gardens.
Danny eventually headed upstairs to get ready along with his Best Man – Liam – and Groomsmen to prepare for the day, helping each other with tricky items such as bow ties, cuff links and buttonholes.
The Arrival of the Guests
As the guests started to arrive at La Zambonina they were offered drinks and nibbles in the front courtyard which was covered by a single huge umbrella, sparing everyone from the heat. We were told by Ottavia, the venue organiser, that the temperature was unusually high for the time of year, reaching a scorching 33C+ that day.
Danny and Liz had set their hearts on an outdoors wedding in Italy for so long that they were just relieved that it didn’t rain – thankfully, there were plenty of cold drinks and shelter by the pool to keep the guests cool.
The First Look
Liz’s dad was totally overwhelmed when he saw his beautiful daughter for the first time in her dress…..she looked amazing! Mum was on hand with the tissues and as we looked round, there were Liz’s 3 bridesmaids, also in floods of happy tears too!
The Ceremony
Over at the far end of the gardens in the shade of the trees, the guests, registrar and Danny were waiting patiently, listening to the live music in the beautiful surroundings.
Liz and her bridal party walked from the house, past the Rose Gardens, past the pool and across the gardens to be greeted by smiles and more happy tears. Dad was especially emotional when ‘giving away’ his daughter but could see that she was in safe hands as Danny was just as emotional too. After the ceremony, the readings and exchange of vows, the happy couple led the way across to the poolside drinks reception.
The Drinks Reception
The reception boasted a wide range of really beautifully presented and very tasty canapés, especially made for the day by the very talented Italian cook. I have to say, the crispy coated Fiori di Zucca Fritti (Zucchini flowers) were incredible!!
As it was just a bit too warm to start formal photos, we left everyone chatting and relaxing in the stunning gardens. Then, as it started to cool slightly, we moved across to the exquisitely scented Rose Garden for some family and friends photos, followed by some beautiful portrait shots of Liz and Danny after everyone had headed back to the pool area.
The Wedding Breakfast
Starting with some rather revealing speeches, it was then time for the outstanding 5 course traditional Italian meal; featuring Risotto, Mushroom Ravioli, Branzino (fish) with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables, Italian wedding cake and a selection of local cheeses and fruit, it is fair to say that the Italians don’t like to leave anybody hungry!
Somehow it suddenly got to 11pm and it was time for Liz and Danny to cut the cake. Made by the amazing chef (who single handedly cooked all the food for the wedding party of 30 and the suppliers – including three of us, the band, the DJ and Ottavia the wedding organiser), it was a stunning, large, single-tier chocolate cake, complete with mini fireworks!
Getting The Party Started
Then, time for the First Dance – starting by the pool, which looked amazing with Liz & Danny’s reflections in the water, they were then joined by their friends and family under the canopy. The dancing was great, with top tunes being belted out by the guests along with all the moves that everyone was throwing round, what a great atmosphere!
Party in the Pool
Just as we thought it was probably time for us to start packing away, it happened….. Danny and Best Man Liam stripped off to their undies and ran straight into the pool! Soon afterwards, everyone followed them in; Bride’s mum, Groom’s dad, all 3 bridesmaids (… in their dresses!) and eventually, gracefully entering via the steps was Liz, the bride!!
What an amazing atmosphere and so so glad that we were able to capture this brilliant end to the most spectacular of wedding days…..perfetto!
If you’d like us to be your La Zambonina Wedding Photographer, please get in touch!
