Nate and Alyssa’s Villa Cortine Palace Hotel Wedding, Lake Garda – Italy
Nate and Alyssa’s wedding at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione, Lake Garda – Italy, was pure magic. Sirmione is one of those places that feels straight out of a postcard—cobbled streets lined with gelato shops, historic castles overlooking the water, and the most incredible panoramic views of Lake Garda. The peninsula itself stretches into the lake, surrounded by crystal-clear water that shimmers under the Italian sun. With its mix of old-world charm and breathtaking scenery, it’s the kind of place that makes a wedding feel even more special.
So, when Nate and Alyssa commissioned me to be their Lake Garda wedding videographer, I was over the moon! Capturing their day in such an iconic location was an absolute dream. From the dreamy lake backdrop to the golden-hour glow, every moment was unforgettable.
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel Wedding
Perched on a hill within Sirmione’s historic center, Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is a neoclassical gem surrounded by lush greenery and the shimmering blue of Lake Garda. Originally built in 1870 by an Italian noble, the villa exudes timeless elegance with its grand architecture and sprawling gardens. The property boasts beautifully manicured gardens, a private pier, and stunning views of the lake, offering a perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. Its classic refinement and sophisticated ambiance make it an ideal setting for a romantic and unforgettable wedding. Villa Cortine is also just a few minutes’ walk from the Scaligero Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, the main attractions in the area.
Italy is one of the most breathtaking and romantic places to get married, drawing couples from all over the world who dream of saying “I do” in a truly unforgettable setting. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Tuscany, the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, or the serene shores of Lake Garda, Italy offers a stunning variety of backdrops that make every wedding feel magical.
The country’s rich history and cultural heritage infuse every celebration with a timeless elegance, while the world-renowned cuisine, exceptional wines, and picturesque landscapes set the stage for a romantic and unforgettable day. From intimate ceremonies in ancient chapels to grand celebrations in historic villas, Italy’s diverse venues provide the perfect atmosphere for couples looking to create something truly special.
With its charming villages, cobbled streets, and beautiful architecture, Italy combines beauty and romance in a way that few other places can. Add in the warmth of the Italian people and the country’s relaxed, welcoming vibe, and it’s easy to see why so many couples choose to tie the knot in this stunning corner of the world.
Lake Garda Wedding
As is usual with my Destination Weddings, I arrived two days before the big day to make sure I was fully prepared and able to capture all the special moments of this beautiful Lake Garda wedding. The majority of destination weddings include a rehearsal dinner, which is always a fantastic occasion to get to know the couple and their families better. It’s a time where everyone can relax, share stories, and really start to enjoy the celebration. It also offers a great opportunity for the couple to get used to being in front of the camera, which always helps to make the wedding day itself feel much more relaxed.
On the wedding day itself, we woke up to a perfect blue sky—one of those picture-perfect days where everything just seems to shine. The temperature soared well over 35°C, but the stunning views of Lake Garda and the Villa Cortine Palace Hotel made it all feel worth it. I started the day by filming some establishing shots of the venue, capturing the villa’s grand architecture and its lush gardens in the soft morning light. Of course, the drone footage added an extra layer of magic, showcasing the breathtaking surroundings from above. It was the perfect way to kick off the day and set the stage for what was sure to be an unforgettable celebration.
The couple got ready at the villa in separate rooms, each with their own moments of anticipation and excitement. As is tradition in American weddings, Alyssa and Nate shared a beautiful first look on the villa’s terrace—a deeply emotional moment that I was thrilled to capture. The moment they saw each other for the first time was filled with raw emotion, and the joy on their faces was unforgettable.
After that, we took advantage of the villa’s shaded areas to capture some family group shots, with the stunning scenery as the perfect backdrop. The ceremony itself took place in the villa’s lush gardens, offering a romantic and serene setting that felt like it was straight out of a fairy tale. What made it even more special was that their best friends conducted the ceremony, adding a personal and emotional touch that made the entire moment even more meaningful. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as they exchanged their vows, surrounded by family, friends, and the natural beauty of Lake Garda.
As the ceremony wrapped up, it was time for the drinks reception, and the local Italian food completely exceeded everyone’s expectations. Guests mingled, enjoying delicious bites and refreshing drinks while soaking in the stunning surroundings. The sun began to slowly set, casting a warm golden light over the villa, and we knew it was the perfect moment to steal the couple away for some additional portraits.
Sirmione, with its picturesque streets and dramatic lake views, provided an absolutely breathtaking backdrop for wedding pictures and video. The beauty of the location truly came alive in the soft, golden-hour light, creating the perfect atmosphere for capturing more intimate moments between Alyssa and Nate. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect spot for a wedding.
Next, we headed to the front of the villa, where the amazing planner Jane had created something truly magical. The table setting was absolutely jaw-dropping, with every detail looking perfect. Guests then settled in for the wedding breakfast, enjoying delicious food and hearing some heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing and crying.
After the speeches, it was time for the cake—an absolute work of art! The couple had a blast assembling and then cutting it, making for a sweet moment to cap off the evening.
The day wrapped up with some serious dance floor mayhem, and it was amazing to see everyone letting loose and having the time of their lives. The energy was incredible, and it was clear that this was a celebration everyone would remember forever. The love, laughter, and joy were contagious, making the perfect ending to a perfect day.
I’ve had the pleasure of filming and photographing weddings in Italy and across Europe for the last 15 years, and as a Lake Garda wedding videographer, I would be absolutely over the moon to return to this stunning location for another wedding. The beauty, the energy, and the incredible memories made here are something truly special, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to capture more love stories in this magical part of the world. I love Italian weddings!
