I would like to thank you for all the many arrangements you made for us in Venice, we had a very very beautiful day.
The day before the wedding we were supposed to meet Ornella to go through arrangements. Unfortunately our hotel boat broke down and so we were
very late to the meeting. Because Ornella had another appointment she instead, met my brother in law and ran through it all with him.
She then introduced us to Serge, a very friendly helpful man, at caffe Quadri and we arranged the details for the meal.
I was confident that everything was going to go to plan. Because of this I woke up on our wedding day feeling calm and relaxed about the day ahead,
very unusual for me as I am a control freak most of the time.
The boys got ready and out of the way. I had a leisurely breakfast and then my friends arrived to do my hair and make up as they are beauty therapists.
The flowers arrived in plenty of time and were absolutely gorgeous. My bouquet of Lillies was especially beautiful.
The photographer Vladi, was very good value. I expected his services to start at the Town hall but he came over to our hotel earlier than expected which was fantastic because he got some good shots of all the boys. We then wandered around the grounds of again, our very beautiful hotel, everything was beautiful as you can tell, and he took lots of photos of myself, bridesmaid and friends.
The Water Taxi arrived on time, a white one so it felt right for the wedding. Female guests travelled with me, I'm so glad we had this service as it felt really special travelling along the Grand Canal to our wedding.
Ornella was waiting to greet us, having already delivered the rest of the flowers to our guests.
We really enjoyed the ceremony, my only regret is that we did not have a video. I didn't really want one at the time of booking but would love to see it again now as the time just whizzed by.
Barbara the interpreter was very nice and friendly. It was a lovely touch as well at the end of the ceremony when we were presented with a glass bowl from the Town Hall, a lovely keepsake.
The photographer again took some brilliant photos.
We then walked from The Town Hall to St Marks Square, more photos along the way. Lots and lots of people wished us Good Luck as we walked and tourists were asking us to stop so that they could take photos. It was good to walk
through the streets with our friends and family and our decision not to have a Wedding Gondola was the right decision. Vladi took more photos in St Marks Square and around the Doges palace and by the Gondolas in the Lagoon. He
took about 320 shots when we only expected 100 and had the CD delivered to out hotel before we went back there in the afternoon. We have some gorgeous photos to look back on, well done Vladi!!
Caffe Quadri was absolutely excellent. The food was fabulous and by dessert everyone was fit to burst. The staff were very courteous, polite and efficient,
even when a couple of my guests asked for an alternative to what they were given. I think we all inadvertently drank too much because our glasses were constantly full.
My only regret here was that we didn't take the remainder of the Wedding cake with us because it was so delicious, the nicest wedding cake I've ever had. It was excellent value for money, especially being in the middle of St Mark's Square.
The sun shined and it was all more than perfect.
We would recommend getting married in Venice to anyone and everyone, only make sure you record it all!!!
We stayed at the San Clemente Palace Hotel which in itself was a fantastic experience. The bar prices are a bit scary, even by 5* standards but save up before you go, it's definitely worth it. I was a little apprehensive about taking our
4 children to Venice, worrying that there wouldn't be enough to hold their interest. I was wrong, the children have requested we all go back for our first wedding anniversary. Very romantic......... The hotel with it's pool, tennis courts,
enourmous grounds and pitch and putt was a change from the cultural aspects of the city. Venice in July is extremely busy!!
Thank you Amanda for all help and organisation. You always responded to my emails and phone calls within a short space of time and our day went very well which is mostly down to yourself. View pictures.
Julia and David
