5 Star Review *****

Wow, wow, wow! What more can I say about Lake Garda Weddings and their lovely team who worked effortlessly to make sure we had 'our perfect day' and the perfect start to 'our happy ever after'!

From the very start, email communication with Annabel was super quick which meant we could get a date locked down for our wedding which needed to be in school holidays for us so that some of our key guests could make it, we wanted to be married in 2016 but in the end we decided on Easter weekend 2017 . Once we booked we arranged a visit in Easter 2016 and met Annabel and all the other lovely ladies who showed us around and as soon as I walked up the castle steps, I knew we had made the right decision!! Living in Switzerland, we are spoilt with stunning scenery and I was a bit dubious whether it would live up to our expectations, especially Rory's as I had booked the whole thing and paid a deposit without his knowledge!!! He is now a complete Malcesine convert and needless to say we will be visiting year on year from now on.

Anyone thinking about getting married in/around Easter in Malcesine -DO IT!! Easter on the lake feels really special, it's the start of the season so all the restaurants, bars and hotels are super friendly after the winter break. My biggest worry was the weather at that time of year but we had a lovely week of very warm weather. Unfortunately there was a thunderstorm timed perfectly for our 2pm ceremony which was set up beautifully on the terrace at the castle, we decided to go ahead and have it outside but Annabel was checking I was ok the whole time. After the exchanging of the rings I wanted to move everyone inside as it had started to rain and didn't want the guests getting wet. This gave my 'new husband' and I a moment together whilst they quickly moved everyone into the inside room whilst Gwen took some lovely photos of just the 2 of us. We got to walk down the aisle as technically 'Mr and Mrs' with everyone cheering and finished the ceremony. The inside room is beautiful and I got to really hear the music and then was able to relax and enjoy the signing of the register and the readings. Whilst the weather wasn't ideal, I don't regret a thing about the ceremony as we got to have the best of both worlds and don't think anyone will forget it!!

Now on to Gwen - simply amazing!!! The photos were one of my biggest worries but they needn't have been. Gwen is so friendly and makes you feel so at ease, she even had Rory, who hates having his photo taken, smiling by the end of it all! Everyone has commented on how quick we got our photos back but more importantly how lovely they are, so so so pleased with them. Thank you Gwen! Oh also, having moved the ceremony inside we were around 25 minutes behind schedule but Gwen made this time up by getting all the shots we needed done quickly and professionally! Super Star.

Lakeside Toast - This was undercover for us initially (but still outside) as it was raining when we arrived but the sun soon came out so people could mingle near the lake. There was so much food, I only tried the pizza but it was very good and was nice surprise for our guests as I don't think they were expecting so much. We had opted for the toast inside the castle initially but so glad we changed this to lakeside as it breaks the day up more for people and you are then nearer the harbour for boat ride. We only did 30 min boat ride which was plenty for us.

We had the 6 course meal at La Voglia which again was amazing, every course just got better and better! Christian was very accommodating at our welcome meeting with us. I am a bit of a control freak and so was nervous about handing over the reigns to someone else to set up the tables how I wanted them but he did a great job, better than I could have done it!

Hair & Makeup - Ladies are so lovely. My hair wasn't how I had imagined it but was really pleased with outcome. I had hair trial which I'm glad I did and would recommend doing. Both my sister and I have very thin hair and so she put hair extensions in for us which meant we could have bigger styles. For the makeup, I definitely recommend taking photos of exactly how you want it which is what I did and was pleased with the result and it didn't feel like I was wearing any makeup.

I just wish we could do it all over again and wouldn't think twice about trusting LGW with the biggest day of your life! They make you feel like you are the only person getting married that year even though they do hundreds and it's easy to see why now. Future Malcesine Bride and Grooms, you are in very safe hands!