Even on a rainy, stormy day, the views at Casa degli Spiriti at Costermano, near Bardolino, Lake Garda in Italy, are staggering and the panoramic position of this venue always makes for a wonderful setting for a civil wedding and reception. Sara, the wedding planner and manager at Casa degli Spiriti, is authorised to perform legally binding civil ceremonies at this superb restaurant and wedding venue. Also providing wedding planning services and interpreting the ceremony in English was Pam Barrack of Romantic Weddings on Lake Garda. In case of rain, the ceremony can take place indoors at it did on this day; although we were treated to some spectacular views as the sun started to go down. Of course we had to run out and get some lake view shots and a fun group shot with a Lake Garda backdrop.

The bride’s make-up was done by the wonderful Yasmin Sanchez, my favourite wedding make-up artist, and the live band provided by Renato Micaglio with singer Elodea were superb – great dancefloor classics that had everyone dancing from the first to the very last song. Wedding video was provided by The Lovely Day, a fabulous Italian couple who provide classic wedding films and with whom I work often. I’m happy to recommend everyone mentioned here; we make a great team!

Many congratulations to this incredibly sweet (and, it has to be said, very good-looking!) couple from the UK, and compliments on their excellent choice of where to get married in Italy – the incomparable Lake Garda.