The finest summer wedding venues encompass five essential elements: favourable weather, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, a genuinely memorable guest experience reflective of the local culture, privacy, and picturesque scenery. Currently, there is an increasing popularity for destinations such as Mallorca, Lisbon, the Amalfi Coast, and the southern regions of France, while Tuscany and Lake Como continue to remain enduring favourites…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions
JoAnn Gregoli is the expert in the realm of destination weddings, renowned for her ability to curate unforgettable summer celebrations in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. Over the years, JoAnn has planned events for world-renowned clients, including George Clooney, Rupert Murdoch, Robin Roberts, Jon Bon Jovi, and former US President, Bill Clinton, and has been named as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Wedding Planners in the World. With an inherent understanding of her clients’ desires, JoAnn transforms idyllic backdrops into enchanting settings for stories of family, friendship and love to unfold. JoAnn’s involvement as a speaker, educator, and valued attendee at various high profile industry events such as RSVP Club and Engage Summits held around the globe not only enhances her expertise but also fosters invaluable connections with top-tier vendors and local professionals, enabling her to execute seamless and memorable occasions. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence, JoAnn continues to set the standard for extraordinary destination weddings that celebrate both the joy of love and the beauty of the surroundings…
C&B: “JoAnn, you travel regularly speaking on the subject of destination events, while also co-ordinating your own retreats. What type of venues do you recommend for European summer events to be planned in the next couple of years, and why?”
JG: “I love a variety of locations for a variety of reasons—Provence offers chic European garden weddings and understated luxury that showcases refined elegance. On the Amalfi Coast, I find Villa Cimbrone and Palazzo Avino to be especially iconic; early summer and September are often preferred to avoid heavy crowds. Villa Balbiano (below, before and after images, featuring floral decor by the legendary Roni Flowers) on Lake Como is an elegant venue. Mallorca offers a seaside village vibe with great nightlife, and in Tuscany, I appreciate the rustic elegance and organic feel of the region; my favourite venue is Monteverdi Tuscany, where you can rent an entire village for your celebration….”
A summer floral installation that embodies luxury is typically abundant, sculptural, refined, and effortlessly seasonal. It conveys an air of opulence without appearing overcrowded, striking a balance between lavishness and elegance. For smaller table arrangements, I love white roses and white peonies with cascading orchids and fresh green vine, which reflects a clean, timeless design…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions
C&B: “What unique ideas do you suggest for creating a specifically summer-themed ambiance where the guests overheating may potentially be an issue?”
JG: “I do love to provide unique arrival drink ideas, from a Spritz station to coconut water hydration station. Guest comfort is paramount to me, so I love to provide any of the following items – parasols, hand fans, cold towels, sunscreen baskets and water and ice-pops. When we’re at a higher altitude, I have hydration and oxygen bars installed to help guests acclimatise to the change in altitude…”
I love to surprise guests with various interactive elements throughout the evening. I suggest a roaming saxophonist or strolling electric violinist, a gospel choir to start the event, and live sketch artists capturing the guests’ attire. In the past, we’ve hired flash mobs to perform during dinner, and we’ve also engaged singing waiters who performed while the guests were dining…”
JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions
C&B: “Industry clubs and events are generally a great source of inspiration – what has impressed you most about these occasions?”
JG: “At the very recent Engage Summits week staged at The Maybourne Riviera above Monaco, I loved how intentionally they combined luxury, substance, relationships, and energy into one memorable experience. Each event was a journey that defined the area we were in, providing us with memorable guest experiences. The most enjoyable event of the week was the luncheon with a market atmosphere (below, right), set in a town located just above Nice—it felt so authentic that you walked away inspired to return…”
CONTACT: http://www.elegantoccasionsbyjoanngregoli.com
