Vardioli Wedding Review

Hi Lisa

Firstly, Thank You for organising such a fantastic Wedding Day for us.
As far as the wedding goes…..where do I start??

I suppose the beginning is the best! I wanted to write quite a detailed account of our experience because, during the planning stage of our wedding I struggled to find any really relevant reviews of our chosen location. Hopefully this will help any couples embarking on a Destination Wedding in Zante, particularly when considering Vardioli in Kypseli as the venue.

When we booked our holiday to Zante, we tried to book our wedding through the travel company. After several hours on the phone to call centres I absolutely knew I could not put such an important day of our lives in the hands of staff who had never even heard of our hotel, let alone the wedding facilities.

Then we found you!! Immediately we relaxed as you gave us guidance on the legal requirements, dates to complete documents and the choices of venue, ceremony and reception. I can honestly say that from your first e-mail the whole experience has been fantastic. Most importantly you gave us a confirmed wedding date which our travel company was unable to do.

We arrived in Zante on Sunday afternoon and had a meeting booked with Frances for 11am the following day. Being a bit of a control freak myself, we attended the meeting armed with questions, uncertainties and more questions! We spent almost 2 hours with Frances and I cannot believe the detail that had been communicated. Some of guests had babies and she had the correct number of high chairs plus the vegetarian meal we had requested. We left the meeting (having asked no questions whatsoever!) and called in a local bar for a drink. Stephen and I let out a massive sigh of relief and knew then that we could not be in better hands. We had absolutely nothing to do except relax, get a suntan and be ready on the day.

The following Monday our Wedding Day arrived and we had a really relaxed morning around the pool. The hairdresser, Kate, arrived at 1pm and I had a lovely afternoon getting ready with the bridesmaids. Meanwhile, Stephen was greeting our 40 guests who had no idea where they were going (we decided secret location was best!). Their only instruction was to be ready for collection by coach at 5pm.

Frances collected me, my Dad, Stephen’s Mum and the bridesmaids and drove us to the Vardioli. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we arrived! Lukas (photographer), Michelle (videographer) and the Greek Serenaders (fantastic!) were all waiting at the car. Then I saw the decorated chairs, the arch and the beautiful flowers set against a magnificent backdrop of a small beach and clear blue sea. It really was like a dream; Stephen was waiting, ready for the ceremony and the guests were totally blown away by the setting.

The ceremony was short but perfect and photographs followed whilst our guests enjoyed a relaxed drink at the private beach bar. We then cut the cake and everyone sat down to dinner. The Meze meal we chose was fantastic and so much more in quality and quantity than we had expected. The Greek live band started to play and the Greek dancers appeared! Next, it was time for our first dance which was lovely and as the song ended the lights and music stopped. In perfect timing the fireworks started – our last surprise for the many guests that had travelled to spend the day with us. Even my Grandad who is 84 and has been all over the world was completely speechless!

The disco (Andy was great!!) started at about 9pm and the whole party was dancing well into the night. We were collected by coach at about 12.30am when sadly, the day was over.

Your attention to detail in the UK was fantastic and Frances never took her eye off the ball for one second during our lovely day. We just cannot thank you all enough.

With best wishes

Andrea & Stephen Brearley
Married 23 August 2010

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Rainy Day Wedding

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New York City Testimonial

Just Received this from Charlie and Leyton who married on the 19th of October!


Dear Lisa,

I just wanted to write to say a huge THANK YOU for organising the most amazing wedding for us. When Leyton and I got engaged in February, we knew we wanted to do something different but we weren't sure what. After much searching and discussion we decided upon the Ladies Pavilion - Central Park - New York. Our wedding last Tuesday was amazing, more that we could have ever wished for. We want to thank you for everything you did back in England - for all the emails we initially sent (I felt very high maintenance!!) - for all you reassuring replies and for organising everything for us. The flowers were perfect, exactly as the photo I sent. Catarina was great as the co-ordinator in New York, she made everything run so smoothly, we didn't need to worry about a thing. She helped to keep the public as bay during the ceremony and helped to hold all our belongings during the photos. Wendy the photographer was great and we can't wait to get our photos sent through. Susanna made the ceremony so beautiful, the words she read touched everyone's hearts and she has kindly said that she will mail us a copy to keep. She was also very helpful before the wedding whilst sorting out our personal vows . We can't thank you enough for helping us experience this most amazing wedding day. It's a day we'll never forget.

Thanks again, Charlie and Leyton xx

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Want to be swept off your feet on your wedding day?

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Wedding Dress Travel Boxes

Wedding Dress Travel Boxes! - After many requests we've set up an online shop and teamed up with the countries best travel box supplier to bring to you Wedding Dress Travel Boxes! Your wedding dress no longer has to leave your side, these boxes can go with you as hand luggage! We're offering a 10% introductory discount for anyone who purchases a box before the end of November!

http://www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk/wedding-dress-box.htm

Visit to Florence, Italy

This weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to Florence in Italy, I was a guest at the JoySposi wedding show, an amazing collection of top end wedding suppliers all gathered in Stazione Leopolda a beautiful building in the heart of Florence. Dark and imposing it lends itself to a magical setting for creative wedding specialists to display their fantastic and varied collection of work.

One wedding planner went as far as recreating the tea party scene from Alice in wonderland, an eclectic mix of bright coloured tea sets, vintage cups and random ornaments, even a grass covered floor to stand on with creative lighting to add atmosphere. The wedding planner admitted that she had never been lucky enough to find a client adventurous enough to want such a set up but she felt like being very creative and this was one of her favourite books.

An area was set aside where you could learn to make pasta from a very theatrical and amusing chef. You even got to take home your pasta as a reward... if you were brave enough that is.

What impressed me most is the set up. I'm not a fan of wedding fayres in general I tend to find them a bit mechanical, almost corporate. The atmosphere of the wedding is lost in an overwhelming attempt to make a sale. Weddings are about emotion and excitement. Most people only do this once and they will remember the experience good or bad for the rest of their lives.

JoySposi went to great lengths to create an atmospheric wedding experience mixed with a classy stylish evening lounge bar to relax in. Serving beautiful dishes and a great selection of wines and cocktails all at very reasonable prices, there wasn't a cheese toasty in sight.

The fashion shows were a work of art, beautiful models in white Afro wigs presented the collection of Marina Mansanta very elegantly to James Bond theme tunes.

The show also offered classes by industry leaders to both wedding professionals and brides that needed extra help with their wedding plans.

During my two days at the show I met with over 50 suppliers eager to tell us about their service and how they love to work with foreign couples. Although I didn't get to see much of Florence I did get to sample some of the delights; like the food, the Italian charm and I did manage a bit of shopping at a local craft market. I'll soon be heading back to Florence too see and sample some of the local venues and food of course. I can't wait! a new destination to discover.

I do want to add that I dragged along (kicking and screaming) my husband and 16 month old daughter Olympia. It was our first time travelling abroad together and as my clients with children will know that can be quite daunting (toddlers and planes don't go well together) However she was an absolute star, never moaned once and kept the passengers on the hot and stuffy transfer bus from Pisa to Florence entertained with her dazzling smile, even though she was hot tired and rather fed up. Matt my husband will be writing up his experience of Florence with a toddler for anyone thinking of travelling there soon.

Lisa and Terry's beautiful Church Wedding

Hi Lisa

I know, the new name is taking some getting used to!!

Everything went fantastically well! We loved every bit of it. Will send some pics across to you. Thanks for your help liaising with Lakis on our behalf.

Lisa Rankin (nee Terry)

April and Glenn's private beach wedding

Congratulations to April and Glenn who married on the 29th of September on beautiful Cameo Island

Hi Lisa,

At last I can get back to you!! It has just been manic for us since we got back early Friday morning. I have been working and we have had to fit in several family visits too. We had the first week at the Aresti Villas & then the second week at Alykanas Village.

Anyway, so the news you want to know, how did the wedding go? I don't know how much to tell you really so just a brief run down and if you need to know anything else then please just ask!

It was so perfect just the 6 of us, so relaxed and friendly and we all had a lovely time. It was very simple and uncomplicated just as we wanted. We had a super day, the weather was great, not too hot & no rain! After the ceremony & long session of photos we went onto the Aresti Piano Bar and they had set up a pretty table with flowers, decorations & a bottle of bubby even though we didn't arrange anything so that was really lovely. The restaurant was empty too so we had it all to ourselves which was an unexpected surprise.

So to sum it up it was all exactly as we had hoped and imagined and was the perfect day! Thank you so much for helping to arrange it all!

I have attached a few photos for you and a few more in another email and can send more should you need them, hope you like them.

Thanks again & I will be recommending you to anyone who might consider marrying abroad!

April

Weddings in the Czech Republic - day five

Prague trip 2010

10th of September 2010


Our last day in Prague started early with a tour of the old town and its famous square. This is home to two of the most popular wedding venues in Prague. The old town hall and St Nicolas Church.

The old town hall is situated next to the Astronomical clock that has a procession of the apostles every hour on the hour from 9am to 9pm and attracts visitors from around the world. I suggest you get her early before the square gets very busy.

The old town halls exterior is handsome with a beautiful glass window as its main feature. The interior is bright and modern and comfortable and can host civil weddings with seating for about 30 guests and further standing room.

The historic old town square has a vibrant atmosphere and is surrounded by designer shops, street entertainers and pretty cafes and restaurants.

Next we headed to the church of St Nicholas church on the side of the old town square, an excellent position. We were introduced to the very friendly pastor…… who told us about the building its history and about the weddings hosted at the church which can be for couples of any faith.

The church is home to a grand chandelier, beautiful stain glass windows and impressive sculptures. The church hosts concerts each afternoon so wedding ceremonies are generally held between the hours of 9am and 1pm Monday to Saturday. Each service lasts about 30 minutes and can be conducted in English, you can have a live organist and you can choose the music you wish to be played from a play list the pastor will give you during the pre-wedding meeting a day before the wedding. In some destinations the churches can be formal and quite restrictive however here at St Nicholas the emphasis is on the ceremony and the commitment that goes with is, Pastor ….. is very friendly and welcoming.

After our visit of the church we headed into old town hall, a charming collection of winding cobbled streets with quirky traditional shops selling everything from puppets to crystal next to designer shops like Gucci and Cartier. A shoppers paradise. Everywhere you look there is something new to discover, you need a few days to really explore old town and absorb the atmosphere.

While in old town we visited the new Kings Court Hotel about 18 months old. The former office block now is a luxury hotel with first class facilities an enviable position great for those wanting a city centre location during their stay in Prague.

Budda Bar Hotel
We had lunch at the Budda Bar hotel in the old town. An themed hotel with a colour scheme of deep purple and teal blue with accents of green, yellows and pinks, which in theory doesn’t work but here its quite magnificent.

In the main restaurant there is an impressive chandelier adorned with decadent crystals adding an air of luxury. The hotel was full so unfortunately we couldn’t visit any of the rooms, but we did get to visit the ….. restaurant. Once an old dancing hall it is now elaborately decorated and is home to a huge budda statue, it feels incredibly romantic and serves Pan Asian cuisine. When set up in the evening you have soft music and low lighting, perfect for a honeymoon (or proposal) dinner. I would happily stay here for a romantic weekend away!

Our final stop of the visit was Patchu Palace another member of the Mamaison group.
The hotel has a sheltered cobbled courtyard surrounded by the handsome old palace walls covered in ivy.

The courtyard can be used for ceremonies and receptions and an impressive staircase leads to an indoor area which is classically decorated and can be used for the reception dinner or drinks. A beautiful hotel for those couples wanting a luxury and stylish venue

My week in Prague was over, what a wonderful experience, I can understand why this is such a popular choice for destination weddings. In fact whilst there I saw 3 proposals.

What out soon for our new Weddings in Prague section on our website.

http://www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk/prague-weddings/prague-weddings.htm

Weddings in Prague

Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, Prague is a fairytale wedding destination at any time of the year, from the beautiful Old Town Hall to Romantic Chateaux for more details please contact enquiries@thebirdalconsultant.co.uk

We're in the Press

http://theweddinggirl.co.uk/wordpress/?p=8171

people are loving our Jet Set Weddings!

Weddings in the Czech Republic - day four

9th of September 2010

Our 3rd day in Prague started with a 2 hour transfer to Zbiroh and a visit of the Chateau and hotel.

The approach is through a small country town and some beautiful countryside.
Chateau Zbiroh’s impressive facade is beautiful and is positioned in the middle of the town overlooking the village.
Medieval in style the main courtyard inside the chateau offers wonderful views of the countryside below and would be a beautiful outdoor venue for summer weddings where a traditional BBQ meal can be served to your guests. I can imagine simple decoration of twinkling candlelight would be perfect here.





The chateau is home to a magnificent ballroom with huge chandeliers, you immediately want to don a ball gown and twirl around the room. This is a dream like room, perfect for all those princess brides out there.

We were treated to a traditional medieval dinner served by waiters dressed in period costume. Our dinner was a BBQ served on an imitation sword, something that would really delight and surprise your guests. (as long as they wouldn’t fight after eating) the portions are plentiful so much so that a sleep following the meal would have been nice!

This venue I highly recommend for a magical chateau wedding anytime of the year, and only 30 minutes from Prague

Your can also stay in the chateau a range of rooms from standard to luxury suites can be hired if you wish to stay on the evening of the wedding or for your honeymoon.

It was then on to Karlstein and the hotel Myln a venue with a chalet feel, situated beside a lake it offers a magical countryside wedding, the ceremony and reception can be held outside on the riverbank, a beautiful setting for summer weddings.
I can also imagine a nice cosy winter wedding here as the restaurant is warmly decorated and has a cosy feel and views of the water. The hotel has 40 rooms available if you wish to stay before and after the wedding, with a chalet style interior.

The staff are very welcoming and friendly. The venue is also next to Karlstein castle which we unfortunately didn’t get to visit, but is apparently very popular for wedding ceremonies. The hotel and castle are only 30 minutes from Prague so ideal if you only want to visit for the day.

Next it was onto our hotel for the night. The Mamaison Riverside Hotel, a member of the small luxury hotels of the world.

The Riverside has a quirky modern art nouveau style interior and sits in an enviable position at the side of the Vltava River, the town is a 20 minute walk from the hotel and so the nights are lovely and quite yet your only a short distance from the lively town centre.

My rooms was 215 a spacious luxury room with a bright fresh interior and a large modern bathroom, it had all the comforts you expect from a good hotel room, tea and coffee facilities, large wardrobe, in room safe, sitting area and a large bath and shower. The staff here are very helpful and friendly.

We dressed for dinner in our formal attire as we had been I invited to the Zofin Palace for dinner.

Zofin palace is a magnificent building on the old town side of the Vltava River. An outside terrace overlooks the river and is a beautiful location for a drinks reception.

The venue has a range of rooms available for hire including a lovely garden conservatory which can accommodate receptions and is next to a large Gazebo which can be used for dancing or for a wedding ceremony, so lots of options here. This venue also had a great kids area set up for the younger guests with soft toys, perfect for keeping them entertained.

The palace has a beautiful foyer, with grand staircase including 2 red carpets. the venue is used to host balls and concerts throughout the year, up to 40 per season.

There are two grand ballrooms which can be hired for wedding receptions
The rooms feel grand yet romantic with large chandeliers wonderful fresco’s and picture framed walls.

The venues recommended caterers served a dinner for us so we could sample their cuisine. This is fine dining at its best, with brilliant attentive and friendly waiting staff.

With so many amazing venues seen over the last few days it’s hard to choose a favourite, but the Zofin palace is most definitely one of mine.

Come back to read about day five our last day in Prague.

Carmol and Chris, 29th of September 2010

Congratulations to Carmol and Chris Goodall who married at the Balcony in Zakynthos on the 29th of September - see some of their beautiful photos here http://www.story-studios.com/proofer/galView.php?id=0de3aea0be8d13566e5bf34d0b07fac0

this wedding was organised by our wedding partner www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk

Congratulations Mandy and Sean

Mandy and Sean Brown married at Vardioli Beach on the 10th of September 2010

Their wedding was planned by our wedding partner www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk