I have just been to Venice to shoot the most amazing, awesome and exquisite event for Lillingston.  You really are not going to believe your eyes when you look through these images.  Lillingston’s client treated 50 friends to a weekend in Venice as a surprise wedding anniversary for his wife!  They  stayed at the exclusive 5 star Cipriani Hotel where on the first night there was a surprise drinks party in the Antique Garden for the unsuspecting wife.  After which friends were wined and dined at the fabulous, stylish restaurant, Linea d’Ombra, with its outstanding views of Venice.  The following morning various excursions took place and I was fortunate enough to join the rowing excursion. First we were given a guided tour of The Madonna dell”Orto Church before being rowed through the back canals of Venice where we stopped off to visit a workshop where gondolas are still made in the old traditional fashion.  For lunch we were taken to the most beautiful private villa set in the Venice Lagoon overlooking the island of Burano with its brightly painted coloured houses.  Guests enjoyed a delicious al fresco lunch in the garden with its own Roman ruins and swimming pool while sitting in the shade of cyprus trees as the children were entertained with a variety of fun, athletic games.  The festivities continued into the night at one of the oldest and most beautiful Palazzo Pisani Moretta where friends enjoyed a sumptious 8 course Michelin star dinner while being entertained by commedia dell’arte sketches and the Gypsy Queens between each course.  The grand finale on Sunday was the renewal of the couples vows and a Catholic wedding ceremony at San Samuele followed by a wedding reception in the rose garden of another stunning Palazzo Malipiero.  What an incredibly romantic and spoiley weekend.  It was a complete privilege and a treat to have been asked to take photographs for this event and its on occasions like this when I love my work.

The Cipriani Hotel

Restaurant Linea d’Ombra

The Madonna dell’Orto Church

Palazzo Pisani Moretta

San Samuele Church

Palazzo Malipiero