Destination wedding in Italy at Lake Garda – Caroline & Hugo
CONTENTS
Destination wedding in Italy at Lake Garda
Dolce Vita & Absolute Elegance: an exceptional marriage on the shores of Lake Garda
Some weddings tell a story… and others elevate it. On the enchanting shores of Lake Garda, this couple envisioned a celebration that reflected their personalities: sincere, radiant and infinitely elegantBetween breathtaking panoramas, delicately orchestrated details and raw emotions, every moment seems suspended in time.
From their unexpected meeting to a marriage proposal worthy of an Italian film, to this exceptional weekend surrounded by their loved ones, everything here breathes la dolce vitaA refined scenography, shades of blue in harmony with the landscape, a vibrant atmosphere driven by love and celebration… This wedding is an ode to beauty, to truth, to the intensity of shared moments.
Welcome to a report where luxury is discreet, emotion is omnipresent, and every detail tells a precious memory.
The initial meeting
We met one evening, after Covid, thanks to mutual friends who brought us together at a nightclub for a wild night. Initially just friends, we got to know each other and, little by little, our story began. At first, it was just a fling, but then we became inseparable. Love had struck us.
Carolina: I noticed right away that Hugo was taking He took care of everyone around him, friends or new acquaintances. He was very careful about this. He wanted everyone to feel comfortable and settled in. He was very attentive; it was obvious. eyes.
Hugo: Caro was radiant; she did nothing but smile and laugh. She exuded joy. to live. We felt that life by her side must be beautiful. So I too dreamed of that life.
The moment they knew they had found the right person
Carolina: Hugo has a very big heart, and that's what attracted me to him. I saw it from our very first meeting, and his values are deeply ingrained in him throughout his life. He cares for every human being; he loves taking care of people.
We were on vacation in St. Barts with friends, and after a night of heavy drinking, our best friend dragged us to a strip club. I was thrilled with the experience; I thought it was hilarious… Hugo, not at all. I was subjected to a lecture on human trafficking for two days. Of course, he had a point, but I'd taken the experience much more lightly, while he was genuinely concerned about the plight of those young women. That's when his finest human qualities shone through and deeply touched my heart.
That said… what woman wouldn't dream of a husband who hates strip clubs?
Hugo: We went away for a weekend together for the first time to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. We were still getting to know each other, as we were only at the beginning of our relationship, but that weekend sealed our love… and our love for Italy. I realized that life with her was simple, yet so beautiful. I loved her, and I had decided to spend the rest of my life with her. I even think it was that weekend that we decided we were going to get married… and in Italy.
The marriage proposal
How did the application process go?
It's quite funny, because we were in Italy visiting wedding venues, simply for pleasure, knowing that we wanted to get married in 2025 and that we couldn't wait too long to find available locations. But the proposal hadn't been made yet.
We were leaving for Hawaii a few weeks later, so I was convinced it would be at that time. One morning, when we were supposed to go to the gym, Hugo suddenly said to me: “Get changed for the day, pack your things, we're not going back to the hotel.”
Total panic. Just to be safe, I put on my prettiest white dress… and as I came out of the bathroom, Hugo stared at me, saying my dress looked like a nightgown. He absolutely didn't want me to suspect anything—you can imagine my face…
So I changed my clothes. We spent the day visiting the small villages nearby, as if nothing had happened. At the end of the day, a boat was waiting for us on Lake Como. Surprise!
I still sensed a very particular atmosphere. After several stops, we arrived in front of George Clooney's house. The captain offered to take a photo… and when I turned around, Hugo was there, trembling, on one knee. Time stood still.
I obviously said a big yes!
Was it a surprise?
Even though I was expecting a proposal that summer, given the preparations already underway, I wasn't expecting the timing. The moment was magical: nothing else mattered except the two of us.
What were your feelings at that moment?
An immense joy, of course. Love multiplies tenfold, everything is forgotten. We know that we will never relive this moment, that it is ours for eternity.
I felt lucky that he had chosen me to accompany him for the rest of his life, and especially that he had organized such a carefully planned proposal — the one I had dreamed of.
Any funny or touching anecdotes related to the request?
You can't hear it on the video (and thankfully!), but after saying yes and regaining my composure... I yelled at him for making me change my outfit, and because I hadn't had time to wash my hair!
The wedding venue in Italy
We had always dreamed of a wedding in Italy, on a lake—especially since the proposal had taken place on Lake Como and our first trip as a couple had been to the Amalfi Coast. We wanted to stay true to our love for Italy. And the photos speak for themselves: it was extraordinary. We could hardly believe we would actually get married there.
The day we visited Villa Bettoni: it was raining, the sky was grey… and yet, we fell completely in love with it. There was no doubt: It was THE place.
The architecture of the place amazed us: the view of the lake, the gardens, the terraces… We could offer our guests several different atmospheres within the same place. It was incredible.It was an amazing place. Our guests They still talk about it. I think they were just as captivated as we were.
Wedding planning
Wedding preparations Italy
Nine months before — a bit short, but with our amazing wedding planners, nothing was impossible.
Wedding proceedings
Our guests began with a welcome drink in the gardens, without immediately seeing the venue. Then they were invited to a terrace for the ceremony, with a direct view of the lake.
The evening took place outside the villa until midnight, then inside in the atrium for the after-party. Brunch was held in the gardens of the house we had rented for the week.
The challenges of this organization in Italy
There were many! Choosing the venue was complex: number of guests, schedules, logistics abroad, budget… Then, the venue imposed its own constraints, quite strict ones. We had to constantly adapt.
And then there was the stress of the weather: a plan B existed, but it would have completely changed the wedding setup.
The traditions
We opted for a secular ceremony, without a particular rite, but our masters of ceremonies organized the ribbon ritual: our wrists were tied with ribbons symbolizing values such as loyalty, respect or family.
Wedding Decor & Atmosphere
The wedding atmosphere
Incredible. We could see, through the eyes of our guests, all the love they had for us. They were going wild, and we partied until the early hours. How lucky we were to have experienced that!
Wedding colors
Shades of blue, our favorite color for both of us, perfectly in keeping with Italy.
Wedding decoration
We wanted every detail to be carefully considered, in keeping with the beauty of the place, without overdoing it. The landscape spoke for itself.
Wedding flowers
Mainly white and blue roses and hydrangeas, with a few touches of blue Liberty print.
DIY
No, except for the homemade limoncello my father made for the guest gifts — he was delighted!
The bride and groom's favorite décor
The head table, with its chandeliers: absolutely magnificent.
The choice of outfits
For the town hall ceremony, I had always dreamed of a Chanel suit with a hat. Hugo wore a white double-breasted suit with sunglasses, very understated.
For Italy, I had a custom-made dress created by an exceptional seamstress, Alma Real.
Inspiration
We had very specific ideas. Simple but chic. For the ceremony, I wanted a detailed, fitted dress with a beautiful low back. Hugo, on the other hand, wanted a “James Bond” style.
An anecdote
My dress was created from scratch, so every fitting was a new experience. My mother and bridesmaids were present at every appointment — a truly special moment of sharing.
And the designer transformed my mother's wedding dress into an after-party dress. Magical.
Bridal accessories
For the town hall: hat, gloves, pearls.
For Italy: very few accessories, just discreet earrings and my grandmother's ring.
Wedding providers
We have chosen talented and trustworthy service providers, often recommended or close to us.
Photographers/videographers, Italian caterer, chef for the town hall, band, local florists, makeup artist/hairdresser, stationery and decoration…
And of course, our wedding planner, who was our best choice.
The most moving memory
For Caroline: my father's look when he saw me ready.
For Hugo: his arrival by boat with his mother.
Together : my entrance, up to him.
Unforgettable moment
The end of the evening, facing our wild guests, singing and dancing without wanting to stop. We felt that we had achieved something magical.
Their best choice in wedding planning
Without hesitation : our wedding planner.
What if I had to do it again?
Exactly the same. We wouldn't change a thing.
The wedding playlist
- First dance: Ordinary Alex warren
- Entrance : Start me again Santa
- Ceremony I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston
- Evening : Pagan prayer Celine Dion
- Couple: Celebrate the World Womack & Womack
Advice from the newlyweds
• Before we begin:
It will be even better than you dreamed.
• For the preparations:
Choose the people who accompany you carefully.
• For the big day:
To be relaxed, to enjoy, to savor every moment… and to have a blast!
Destination wedding in Italy at Lake Garda
Destination budget
wedding in Italy
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Priorities: the venue, the caterer, and the band.
For the town hall: simplicity.
For Italy: an essential live band for an exceptional atmosphere. -
The professional from Madame Social Club
Destination wedding venues in Italy
Venue & Reception
Reception venue • Villa Bettoni
Caterer • Class eventi
Wedding Cake • Amandine Meloni Cake Paris
Bride's outfit
Wedding dress • Royal Soul and tailor Chanel
Shoes • Slingbacks Chanel et Jimmy Choo Sacora 85
Groom's Attire
Suit • Louis Purple
Groom's shoes • JM Weston
Groom's Accessories • Watch CARTIER
Mise en Beauté
Hair & Makeup • Sandra Naccache
Animation
Wedding DJ • Theo Charroy de Prest Event
Live Band • Prest Event
Photography & Content
Photographer • Beige Weddings
Content creator • Caroline Content Studio
Wedding flowers
Floral design • Alberto Menegrdi
Organization & coordination
To listen
See more...
Congratulations to the happy couple for this beautiful sharing. We wish them a lifetime of happiness!
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