Venetian theme, I know nothing!

Hello I don't know if you can help me and maybe I'm in the wrong place here. I am researching for a degree in design and floristry and my current assignment is to plan a wedding. I have to create a 'make believe' wedding. I have chosen to do a Venetian themed wedding and taken that a step further by making my pretend couple Italian. Should my couple be Jewish or Catholic? I am finding it quite difficult to find informative websites or books about religion and culture for Italian weddings. I know so very little about both the Italian culture and the two religions, which is why I think it's a good area for me to work on and broaden my knowledge. the varied cultured traditions and religous beliefs. I have to use a local venue in my assignment so that retricts me to England. I would greatly appreciate any ideas/opinions/advice regarding customs and traditions, books to read or contacts you may be able to give me. It's prodimanantly the flowers and flower trends I am interested in, however I also have to look at the culture, traditions, dress/cake designers, dresses, transport etc
Hope you can help!

u absolutely came to the right place! the only thing i can definely think of is to have a masquerade ball....with ventian masks & such! it make it super elegant & something really unique!! i'm sure u will get more responses - but i'd also try posting over on the Brides Helping Brides board and maybe the newlywed board too! good luck! wish i could plan 'make believe' weddings for fun!
(<~really big dork )

u could also have the wedding set in a yaght club type setting and have the bride & groom arrive by gondolier

Try looking at this website:

http://www.karnevalmasque.com

They have really great masks, I'm thinking of working them into my theme somehow as well.