Venetian dream destination wedding: A rich cultural affair

On a sunny day in June, Lucy and Mark from Toronto celebrated their love with an enchanting destination wedding in Venice, Italy, blending elegance and rich cultural heritage. Lucy had fallen in love with Venice a decade earlier, especially the Armenian Catholic Church on San Lazzaro Island, a sacred site gifted to Armenian monks centuries ago. It became the perfect setting for their vows.

On the morning of the wedding, Lucy and Mark prepared at the historic Palazzo Alighieri with their bridal party, exchanging heartfelt gifts and soaking in the anticipation. Lucy wore a custom veil embroidered with her and Mark’s names and their destination wedding date, adding a deeply personal touch to the day. Mark’s arrival at the church via a classic wooden water taxi added a timeless Venetian charm to the occasion.

The ceremony, rooted in traditional Armenian rituals like the crowning of the bride and groom and the sharing of wine, was set against the backdrop of sacred music. As they exited the church under a shower of flower petals, the couple’s new chapter began.

The reception was held at the 16th-century villa Ca’ Marcello, where guests were greeted with live lounge music, Italian canapés and cocktails. Lucy and Mark made a grand entrance in a vintage Porsche Boxster before sharing an intimate first dance to “Endless Love” in the villa’s frescoed ballroom. 

The night was filled with surprises, including a playful twist on the traditional Armenian bridal dance, a cake-cutting ceremony under the stars and a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the Venetian sky. Guests embraced the Venetian magic by donning masks, indulging in desserts like tiramisu and gelato and dancing the night away.

The celebration was one filled with personal touches and heartfelt moments. Lucy tossed her bouquet from the villa’s balcony, while Mark removed her garter to the sounds of Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack.” The music later transitioned into lively Armenian tunes, ensuring a joyful, unforgettable night that honoured love, family and cultural heritage, leaving everyone with memories as timeless as the city of Venice itself.

Vendor team:

Photography: Facibeni Fotografia 

Wedding Planner: Angel Lion Weddings Welcome Event 

Venue: Hotel Monaco Grand Canal

Church: San Lazzaro degli Armeni 

Reception Venue: Ca’Marcello Villa Veneta 

Florist: La Dogaressa Flowers

Caterer: La Crème Banqueting

Cake: Sugarcups Cake Design

Lighting: RAVA service

Bride’s gowns: Rasario Bridal (welcome); Nicole + Felicia, Estrelle Bridal (ceremony); Ines Di Santo (reception); Armenian dance dress and jewellery: Maral by Pregomesh; mini, Chosen by Kyha Custom Veil: Sash and Veil

Shoes: Mach and Mach; Sophia Webster 

Groom’s tuxedos: Brunello Cucinelli (welcome); King and Bay (ceremony); Garrison Bespoke (reception)

Hair and makeup: Regina Khanova

Rings: Design by Sevan

Porsche Rental: Rent4classics

Lesley Turner Editorial Content Writer

Lesley is a freelance writer and content strategist with a serious love for all things wedding. With a background in bridal fashion and over a decade of industry experience, she creates stylish, scroll-stopping content for Today's Bride and beyond.

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