Italians and Asians have a lot in common; a passion for good food, show stopping couture and a tendency to have huge family get-togethers. So if you’ve been dreaming of a destination wedding, Italy could be the perfect match for you.
More specifically, Lake Como. Close to Milan and nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Alps, the region is known for its mountains, pretty towns and wedding picture-perfect lakes.
Its charm has even convinced celebs such as George Clooney, Madonna, Donatella Versace and Sir Richard Branson to buy holiday homes in the area. So it has the celeb stamp of approval, but where can you host the wedding of the decade?
Built in 1573, Villa Pliniana is a magnificent Italian palazzo in Lake Como that’s the perfect place to say your ‘I do’s’ in style.
Over 443 years, the venue has hosted some magnificent soirees and events. The private waterfront estate, set amid 18 acres of scenic Italian countryside, is one of Italy’s premier wedding and special events venues.
Available for exclusive hire, the 16th century architectural gem is a grand setting for the wedding of a lifetime.
Once you take over the Villa, anything is possible. Want to light small ceremonial fires for your religious wedding? No problem. The terrace is the perfect spot for a mandap, and you can make your entrance all the more epic by arriving on a custom-made Riva boat to the Villa’s private jetty.
Hold a light strewn drinks and canapé reception at dusk after your civil ceremony in the fragrant gardens or the Loggia Vault, a light filled space with one or more open sides. At Villa Pliniana you can really let your imagination run free. The venue is ready for an Asian wedding of the grandest scale with space for 250 friends and family inside the buildings and 500 in the gardens.
The venue works closely with trusted wedding planners, coordinators and suppliers including florists, cake designers, production companies, caterers and photographers to ensure your day is the stuff of fairytales.
THE ROOMS
Villa Pliniana cuts out the headache of trying to find beds for guests who have flown in especially for your Big Day.
There are a total of 19 luxurious bedrooms split between four apartments in the main Villa and three standalone villas; in total you can sleep up to 40 guests at the venue, while more rooms and suites are available at sister hotel Il Sereno Lake Como, a short boat ride away.
THE DECOR
The Villa’s buildings have undergone recent refurbishment and are now of the highest 5-star standards, while still maintaining the charming historical features of the venue.
Romance whispers from every corner, from the exquisitely decorated villas that blend traditional frescoes, terrazzos and ornately painted ceilings with 21st century comforts to the palatial open terraces.
Every villa boasts a view of the stunning Lake, and there’s even a masterful Grand Piano in the Salon, ideal for post-reception lounging.
PRE-WED PREP
How many wedding venues come fitted out with their very own spa? The Villa boasts a sizeable facility that’s the perfect place to prepare before the nupitals or relax with friends and family afterwards.
The spa includes a swimming pool Jacuzzi, rain showers, sauna, steam bath, solarium and a lounge mezzazine with stunning views of the Lake.
www.villapliniana.com