I always LOVE heading to Lake Garda for weddings! Over the past five years, I’ve documented over a dozen weddings throughout the lake, including the two towns that Sarah and Oliver decided to use for their celebrations; Malcesine and Riva del Garda. Sarah and Oliver’s wedding provided the first opportunity for me to shoot within the Captains Palace in Malcesine for their legal vows, and also the first time documenting a wedding reception at the Grand Hotel Liberty in Riva del Garda, but they weren’t the only unique factors, oh no! Sarah and Oliver also arranged a marching band in Riva del Garda and a beautiful private boat tour between Malcesine and Riva del Garda.
Enough from me though; here are some words from Sarah…
“Italy was the perfect choice for Oliver and I. Having lived in Lake Garda after university, I grew hugely fond of the area… and Oliver had been sailing on the Lake yearly since he was young! When we met, it was an area we visited yearly as it’s such a beautiful place – the locals are friendly, the food is delicious and the Hugos (cocktail) are amazing!
Riva Del Garda is an area of the lake Oli introduced me to when we started dating… the views are incredible… it doesn’t look real to look at! We went to view about 10 venues on the Lake and fell in love with the Grand Hotel Liberty – a typical Italian family run hotel… Allesandro made us feel welcome from the first moment we met him. It felt special to us and he has since become more like a friend to us.
The views are insane on the Lake and made such a perfect backdrop to Barney’s perfectly captured moments.
Our three top priories for the day were food, music and capturing the day… we had a seven-course banquet of what only can be described as the most insanely delicious food I’ve ever had… I want to do it all again just to eat all of those courses again! Thomas De Gobbi, our saxophonist was just out of this world… he was on ‘Italia’s Got Talent’ funnily enough… he absolutely rocked the house and got everyone dancing through the meal! I love a rowdy wedding and we certainly had one.
I love photos, and capturing moments… after finding Barney on social media – I fell in love with his work and the way he captures the day in a story. The story shows a wonderful collection of natural photos showing the happiness of all of our guests and us!
The best surprise is just how amazing everyone is – I never expected to feel so much love from suppliers, friends and family!”
Full supplier list in the footer and more Malcesine Wedding Photographer here.
“The one thing I wouldn’t change is the location, an abroad wedding extends the celebrations… we had an inflatable Lake party the day prior to the wedding and 50 of our friends went paddle boarding the day after the wedding…followed by sparklers, prosecco and cake into the evening. Everyone is in high spirits on holiday mode and you can talk to everyone for more than just a few minutes.
I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding, I have no regrets… or wishes to change a thing – I had the most amazing day with all of our closest friends and family! Looking around at moments such as our friend’s happy faces, the pretend skipping ropes from my sister in laws dads, the amazing supplier’s enjoyment, my Nanna throwing confetti into my face, my parents joining in on our first dance and seeing all of our wonderful friends dancing and having the best time! Nothing else matters the small details do not even cross your mind… it’s the pleasure and enjoyment of the best day of your life!” – Sarah (bride)
Full Supplier List:
Wedding Photography by Barney
Ceremony Venue: Captains Palace, Malcesine
Reception Venue: Grand Hotel Liberty, Riva Del Garda
Planner: My Italian Wedding
Videographer: Friend – Ashley Moran
MUA and Hair: Yasmin Sanchez
Band: Enola Grey
Sax/DJ: Thomas De Gobbi
Other Entertainment: (surprise – Riva Wind Band)
Florist: Maid of Honour, Ella Carter
Cake: Captain Cake, Verona
Dress Designer: Michelle Ann May, Devon – now closed
Shoe Designer: Charlotte Mills
Bracelet – Marie Canning
Necklace – Molly and Pearl
Boat – Garda Excursions
More from Malcesine Wedding Photographer here.
Even though I wasn’t able to attend my sisters wedding these photos have made up for my sadness of missing her special day! They truly capture how amazing she is and what a special day she organised! Such amazing photos! ❤️
Wow! Appreciate your word, Stephen. :) I hope you caught my wave on the FaceTime call. Congratulations to your family too!
I just can’t stop looking at these photos! Totally stunning- what a wonderful day and the photos are all so natural which is the beauty of it! Smiles, love and happiness all round : )
Much appreciated Callie! :) Have a fabulous weekend.
Thank you so much Barney for capturing our wedding day in such a beautiful, natural and lovely way! We love all of our photos and they will be treasured.
I couldn’t ask for any more, it’s been my pleasure, Sarah!
What a wonderful wedding and a perfect pair! Captured perfectly in these photos! Fantastic photography! Xx
Samantha, I truly appreciated your comment.
These photos capture the day so perfectly! You did a fantastic job Barney – the images show just how happy everyone was to celebrate with Sarah and Oli, and how how much those two love one another! Just beautiful!
Rock Star Ella!
Great photos Barney! Lake Garda wedding goals.
Ha! :) Oh I do love Italy.
Hi Barney
Wonderful photos – cannot wait to put one on display!
Sarah’s Nanna
You captured the day perfectly!
Amazing photos capturing the day! Take me back!
Stunning photos, of an absolutely perfect wedding! Was so glad to be apart of it! Xx
Amazing photos of such an incredible day! Go Barney!
Such an amazing day! ❤️
Best wedding…. you’ve done an incredible job at capturing these two love birds and their incredible day Barney!
Thanks so much, Carly, that’s very lovely. :)
This is amazing! Love how the day has been captured – can we do it all again?
Beautiful set of photos, captured the essence of the day wonderfully .
These photos are so beautiful. They perfectly capture what was an amazing and unique day. You did a fantastic job Barney – especially considering the temperature you were working with!
Ha! Thanks, Hannah. Yep, the heat is something often not thought about on reflection. It certainly was a little on the warm side. :)
Hi Sarah and Oliver ! Thanks again for your choice and wish you all the best !
Thanks for hosting and the lovely food!!