Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons - Winter 2009

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WEDDINGS
dreamitalian
W I N T E R • I S S U E 8 • £2 . 9 9 • w w w . i t a l y m a g . c o . u k
&
HONEYMOONS Your essential guide to getting married in italy
A Passion for
PORTOFINO…
Unique designer Julia and
WEDDING Angus’magical
DRESSES Riviera wedding
Understanding
CIVIL CEREMONIES
IN ITALY
Philippa & David

IRRESIS TIBLE ITALY:
tie the knot

…on the beautiful shores of Lake Como
honeymoons planning style venues bespoke

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4 dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s

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WEDDINGS
dreamitalian Editor’s page
&
HONEYMOONS ‘...benvenuti’, welcome!
W
Your essential guide to getting married in italy
Welcome to my first issue of Dream Italian Weddings Another great feature this month is ‘One man and his wedding’,
& Honeymoons as editor. When Peter Shaw, our publisher, where groom Angelo Sangiorgio gives us a man’s eye view
first approached me about my taking over from Melissa, of the build-up to his big day. His account is both affectionate
I admit I was rather torn. I was delighted to be offered and amusing and we all really enjoyed hearing the other side
the job, but disappointed it meant I would no longer be of the story! Julia Petropoulos, on the other hand, tells of her
working with Melissa. Over the five years that we worked intimate wedding in Portofino with husband Angus and a
together, I found Melissa to be fair, open-minded and handful of guests. Their wedding, organised to perfection by
fun, and in a perfect world, we’d have continued to work Love&Lord, was a simple but decadent affair, and included a
together for years. So I’d like to thank her for being such sail along the Riviera to Genova on the 1950s yacht The Viola:
a great editor and wish her every success in her new role G e r m a i n e S t a f fo rd a truly stylish end to the perfect weekend. Lastly, we follow
at Brand Events as Director of the La Dolce Vita Show. E D I TO R Tanya Smith on her trip to Italy to start planning her wedding
and tick things off her seemingly never-ending to-do list!
During the handover, Melissa told me that the part of the job she loved
most was talking to so many happy people, but even then, I had no idea Other features include Bonnie Bates’ fascinating explanation of the history
how infectious newlyweds’ enthusiasm could actually be. Over the past few behind laws governing modern civil marriage ceremonies in Italy, then
months, however, I’ve had the pleasure of chatting to brides and grooms Raffaella Aflatt from Weddinginrome explains why the Eternal City is still
from all over the world who decided to tie the knot in Italy, and have to say a favourite wedding destination and Lorna Egan from Design Go gives
that their joy is indeed contagious! I was also delighted to discover that useful advice for packing in general, and packing ‘the dress’ in particular.
many are great story tellers and the tongue in cheek comments that often
Also, congratulations to the winners of Love&Lord’s wedding guide
accompany the stories of their big day often had me laughing out loud.
competition in the Summer Issue of Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons:
This issue is packed with fabulous couples who have chosen Italy as their Kate Armstrong, Jacqui Bradwell, Sara Muir, Sue Blackford and Alex Kettle
wedding destination. We start with Philippa Smart and her husband David all received the guide of their choice, and we hope these great books provide
whose wedding on the beautiful shores of Lake Como was made welcome inspiration for planning their big day. Meanwhile, please keep your
unforgettable by the warmth and enthusiasm of the people of Como, letters and emails coming, as nothing could make us happier than reading
convincing Philippa that choosing Italy was the best decision she could the warm, quirky, romantic, surprising weddding stories you send us.
have made. Then Clair and Paul Dunlop share the story of their big day,
organised by expert planners Dream Academy, who carried out all their
strange requests without even blinking an eye, in a unique celebration
that will no doubt be the talk of Villa Giona for quite some time.
www.italymag.co.uk
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dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s 5

p06-07 Contents : *ContentsWedd 31/10/08 15:16 Page 2
in this issue…
WEDDINGS
dreamitalian
contents
&
HONEYMOONS Your essential guide to getting married in italy
dress designer
8 the magic of Marina
Clair Quigley takes a look at the work of a gifted
fashion designer whose gorgeous creations
have one foot in the past and one in the future
weddings
10 irresistible Italy
Philippa Smart tells us how her wedding to
husband David on the beautiful shores of
Lake Como was made special by the generosity
of strangers
20 one man and his wedding

Sicilian groom Angelo Sangiorgio entertains us
with his description of the run up to his
wedding to fiancée Stefania in the beautiful
Baroque town of Modica in Sicily
32 a passion for Portofino

Germaine Stafford meets Julia and Angus
Coupland and discovers how their trip to
Portofino led to the question that changed
their lives forever
destinations
24 Italian honeymoons in style
In conjunction with Luxury Backpackers, we
take a look at some gorgeous hotels in Italy
for honeymooning in style
38 a city of surprises
Raffaella Alflatt of Weddinginrome explains
why Rome is still one of the hotspots for
couples eager to tie the knot in Italy
wedding planners
14 Marion Hunter and
Paolo Saletti: beyond
our dreams
Read about Claire and Paul Dunlop’s fabulous
wedding extravaganza at Villa Giona, where
wedding planners Dream Academy made their
every wish come true
28 a ver y civil ceremony
10
Bonnie Bates offers insight into the fascinating
history of modern-day laws that govern
civil wedding ceremonies in Italy
fi ti
p06-07 Contents : *ContentsWedd 31/10/08 15:16 Page 3
Winter 2008/Issue 8
Subscriptions
For subscription details
see pages 5 and 55.
38
culture
42 renaissance weddings
Gem Cameron visits London’s National Gallery
to see what role Renaissance portraiture
played in the conventions of marriage
14 2 0 advice
46 ask the experts…
Our regular feature in which an expert
answers your wedding answers. In this issue
Lorna Egan of Design Go helps readers
with travel and packing problems
diary
53 wedding countdown
We discover what bride-to-be Tanya Smith
got up to on her trip to Italy to plan her
wedding next year to fiancé Emanuale
wedding gifts
56 Italian elegance…
We take a look at a range of fabulously
stylish wedding gifts that will make the
couple’s big day even better
photocall
50 a sense of place
A group of magnificently kilted gentlemen
cut a dash on the shores of Lake Garda
photocall
58 a sense of place
24 32 It’s been a long day, and one beautiful bride
decides to take the weight off her feet
dream italian weddings & honeymoons 7

_MMansanta:*Fashion 31/10/08 15:19 Page 2
magic
gowns & dresses
WORDS : CLAIR QUIGLEY / I M AG E S : M A R I N A M A N S A N TA
Marina
the
of
F
Designer Marina Mansanta explains why she thinks the
shape of fashion’s future can be found in the past
OR MARINA MANSANTA, success. ‘Our achievements are

fashion is art, and art is based on team work: without
a huge part of who she is. them I couldn’t provide my
Marina discovered her talent for clients with the quality pieces they
depicting what she saw in her love. They are the professionals
mind’s eye when she was still very who give shape to my thoughts.
young, and while she is adamant Every day they stimulate my
that cultivating and refining talent creativity and bring my creations
is imperative for success, she is to life with their incredible skills
also convinced that, ‘no one can and attention to detail.’
be taught to have an artistic soul. So how do her creations start?
Sensitivity, imagination, creativity, Marina explains: ‘As I said, fashion
harmony and inventiveness are is art and creativity – but in
all part of who you are, not what evolution. There’s nothing new
you learn.’ under the sun, but I believe you
Her childhood dream of can perfect and personalise what
becoming a designer was swiftly has come before you. And that’s
realised and she was still a young woman why we talk about ‘style’. If a fashion
when she opened her first atelier in the designer is recognised in the pieces he
early 1990s. It wasn’t the simplest of roads creates, that means he’s been able to put his
to choose, but she knew that to give free signature on the creation, just as great artists
rein to her creativity she could never work do with their paintings.’
for anyone else. And looking back, it was
certainly the right choice. IDEAS ABOUND
Marina finds inspiration all around her: life
FASHIONABLE ROOTS itself with its infinite facets, nature and her
‘I wanted to push ahead with my own colours, different populations and their
philosophy of getting back to fashion’s cultures, humanity and its history. And her
roots,’ she says, ‘and to create exclusive, collections offer a fascinating insight into
hand tailored pieces for exacting clients. Marina’s creative psyche. The sleek,
I have never made large numbers of any of nostalgically modern models in her Coloniale
my creations, and all pieces are handmade, collection recall the elegance of the 1930s
hand-finished and hand embroidered by and 40s and yet have a contemporary feel
the highly skilled people in my team.’ that fits with the needs of modern brides.
Marina has no doubts as to the importance Her Esotica and Etnico creations are stylish
her collaborators play in her maison’s expressions of diverse forms of nature and
8 dream italian weddings & honeymoons

_MMansanta:*Fashion 31/10/08 15:19 Page 3
We d d i n g Fa s h i o n
… h e r col l e c t ion s of f e r a
FA S C I N AT I N G I N S IG H T I N TO M A R I N A’S
C R E AT I V E P S YC H E
SELLING POINT
world cultures, while her irresistible Muse In 2004, just a few kilometres from Florence,
collection features a series of sensual designs Marina opened her distinctive ‘Open House
reflecting styles from different periods Marina Mansanta’ as her only sales point in
of history. Italy, where clients visit to avail themselves
‘First of all, I see the design in my head,’ of the maison’s various services. And thanks
she says, ‘almost like a photograph that I to her status with well known Personal
then have to commit to paper in a sketch. Shoppers and Wedding Planners, there is never
Then I actually have to create the piece, a shortage of visitors. Moreover, the increasing
make it real. And lastly comes my favourite popularity of the Marina Mansanta brand abroad
part, seeing my model worn by a woman on has led the house to offer hospitality in nearby
her big day.’ And who exactly wears her elegant guesthouses for clients who come from
pieces? ‘My clients vary,’ she says, ‘from VIPs, from further afield, proving that the Mansanta
and well known personalities to career women, special touch doesn’t stop at her fashion… diw&h
brides and women who want an exclusive Marina Monsanta
piece made just for them. I’ve been lucky Uscita Valdarno Autostrada A1
enough to work with great artists in the Seconda Strada Poggilupi 95
worlds of theatre, musicals and in TV so I’ve 52028 Terranova Bracciolini (AR)
seen my creations worn by some really great Tel: (+39) 055 9737752
people, some truly stunning women.’ Web: www.marinamansanta.com

_DA_Philippa redo:edit 31/10/08 15:21 Page 2
our dream wedding
We take a look a the importance of tasting your Italian banquet
‘D
WO R D S : G E R M A I N E S TA F F O R D
before your guests do and visit a beautiful 16th-century villa that

IMAGES : NANCY REEVE of
R&D PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED
offers a very special wedding dish

AVID PROPOSED to me in
December of 2006, following
a gorgeous day of skating at
Somerset House in London,’ says happy
newlywed Philippa Smart. ‘He had planned
to propose in the restaurant but a group of
loud tourists made him wait until we got
home to our flat where he presented me with
a ring: a beautiful solitaire set in white gold.’
Philippa, English, from Surrey, and
David, half Italian and half English, were
married this summer on Lake Como. Soon
after the engagement, they agreed they’d get
married Italy, partly because David’s father
would be unable to travel to the UK, but
most importantly, because David grew up
near Lake Como which was the perfect
setting for a wedding.
‘I am very organised,’ says Philippa, ‘some
might say a control freak! And I like to have
irresistible
things well planned. With 87 guests arriving
from various locations, we decided to set up
a website via weddingpath.co.uk, and gave
Italy
WO R D S : C L A I R a n d PAU L D U N L O P
IMAGES : DREAM ACADEMY/VILLA GIONA
When Philippa Smart

fell in love with her
Italian fiancé David
Catolfi Salvoni, she
had no idea she was
also about to fall in
love with his country
and its people…
our dream wedding
the address to all our guests via the invitations. background. I was trying to hold it together
The website gave lots of travel advice, a list of but could almost feel my bottom lip start to
local hotels at various costs and information tremble. David saw the look on my face
on how to get from the airports etc. It also and said, ‘Just leave it to me.’ He went off to
had a forum where our guests could co-ordinate talk to the gentleman from the comune who
shared lifts, travel together and so on.’ listened carefully to him. He disappeared,
Philippa and David both agreed they didn’t then returned a few minutes later with a
want a religious, church wedding so they key, and let us view another room full of
immediately knew it was going to be a civil light and beautiful chandeliers and frescoes.
ceremony. Originally they had set their hearts And when he saw how much we liked it,
on doing everything in one venue (i.e. cere- his face lit up and he said, ‘Just leave it
mony and reception), but this wasn’t possible
for the date they wanted. However, after
some research, they came up with a good J U S T L E AV E IT TO ME…
alternative. Now all they had to do was Philippa and David wanted to visit the town
finalise the details. hall in Como where they were going to be
But even the most organised souls have married. ‘It was a gorgeous, rich red room,’
pre-wedding nerves. Philippa remembers: ‘I says Philippa, ‘but it was set up like a huge
think my big panic moment was about two meeting room. When we asked if they’d be
months before the day, when there still reorganising the hall before our wedding,
seemed like a lot to do, but after our trip they said no, and that the room would stay
to Italy three weeks before the wedding, I as it was. I had sudden visions of my wedding
managed to calm down. Though even then photographs with people crouching behind
there were some iffy moments. microphones and with a fax machine in the
to me’. The gentleman’s name was Signor

Paladino and he must have taken a shine
to us, as he was as good as his word.
‘I had decided early on that I didn’t
want a strapless dress,’ says Philippa, ‘but
at Berketex Brides, the assistant said she’d
like to suggest a few dresses to me that she
thought would suit me. One that she
picked out was the Angelique model, but as
it was strapless, I didn’t think it was going
to be right. It was the first dress I tried and
as soon as I put it on, I felt absolutely
amazing in it! It had a Hollywood glamour
feel to it that suited my personality and
style and both my mum and I just loved it.
As it was too early to make a decision, I
decided to look around, but 18 months
and plenty of dress shopping later, I went
back and bought the very first dress I had
ever tried on. And it was so amazing to
wear it on the day. It really was The One!
‘The days running up to my wedding
‘THE DAYS RUNNING UP TO THE WEDDING were part of what I enjoyed most,’ says
Philippa. ‘My mother, my sister-in-law and
WERE PART OF WHAT I ENJOYED MOST…’ I got to do lots of girly things, and pampered
f ( )
p012 30/10/08 15:55 Page 1

our dream wedding
‘…WE HAD FORGOTTEN THAT AN ITALIAN LUNCH

WOULD EAT UP A GOOD FOUR AND A HALF HOURS…’
ourselves in Como while my husband ran and lunch and the evening entertain-
around ticking things off his husband to- ment. But they needn’t have worried.
do list, like chasing up the best man, and ‘Apart from the fact everyone was very
rounding up errant DJs. And in the relaxed and easy-going,’ says Philippa,
evenings we had lots of family dinners ‘we had forgotten that an Italian lunch
with David’s uncles and aunts who live would eat up a good four and a half
near Como, and I was happy and relaxed hours… One of our friends had a baby
and not the least bit nervous.’ with her and had to feed him twice
during the meal! But the fact that the
ROSES ARE RED setting was so laid back and easy meant
Philippa decided on a theme of deep red hotels and drop them off at the town hall that between courses, guests felt free to float
roses for her wedding, so she used the red and the villa, and basically it shuttled people between tables (we had named all the tables
detail for the bouquet, the flower-girl dresses, to and fro all day long. It worked really well. after Italy’s World Cup players: Cannavaro, Toni,
her hair accessories, the flower decorations ‘About half way through our wedding Buffon…), or even take the children down to
at the Town Hall and the reception. She also day, our photographer said to us that if we the Lake for a break. The restaurant, Ristorante
had silk red rose petals scattered at the Town didn’t get away for an hour or so we wouldn’t Villa Olmo, was in the Villa grounds, and their
Hall and around the wedding cake. see each other at all. He was right. So we took food was astounding: the English contingent
‘Our wedding in our beautiful hall at the off for a walk through Como. I slipped on a simply couldn’t believe how good it was or
comune was perfect,’ she says, ‘and, much to pair of flip flops under my wedding dress and how much there was of it! And the staff bent
our pleasure, our friend Mr. Peligrini was David carried my shoes in one hand and our over backwards to make us happy.
present. And in a gesture of incredible white wedding umbrella in the other! We ‘You know, if I hadn’t come to Italy to get
generosity, he brought a bottle of chilled stopped off for a coffee in a bar and every- married, I would probably have had a really
champagne from his own house to serve one cheered. Then we went into the piazza nice wedding day somewhere in England,
David and I and our two witnesses after the where everyone clapped and shouted but this way it really changed my whole
ceremony, and gave us special ornamental ‘Auguri!’ We just felt like superstars.’ experience. Looking back, I couldn’t have
silver boats that used to be given to all couples had a better day, and most of what made it
that got married in Como as a memento. And LAZING OVER LUNCH so special was Italy, its wonderful generous
at that point we invited him to our wedding One of the couple’s concerns was what to do people, and its unique heart.’ diw&h
reception and dinner and were delighted with their guests between the morning ceremony www.rndphotos.com
when he turned up later with his wife!’
Philippa and David’s reception was held
in the gardens of Villa Olmo on the shore
of Lake Como, a place they’d had their eye
on for some time. ‘To be honest,’ says Philippa,
‘David and I had visited the villa various
times and had really set our heart on getting
married there, but it was booked solidly and
it was impossible to find a date that suited
us. We had really wanted to get married and
have the reception all in one place, but even
with the help of our wedding planner we
couldn’t swing it.. However, in the end we
hired a coach to pick people up from their

_DA_Clare+Paul:edit 31/10/08 15:24 Page 2
our dream wedding
For a special bride and groom you need special

Wewedding planners
take a look a the and luckily for
importance Claire and
of tasting your Italian banquet
before your guests
Paul Dunlop, theydo and Dream
found visit a beautiful
Academy16th-century villa that
beyond
WO R D S : C L A I R a n d PAU L D U N L O P
IMAGES : DREAM ACADEMY/VILLA GIONA
14
dreams OUR
dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s

our dream wedding
In comparison to other potential venues, the very best wedding planners – a real
Villa Giona definitely stood apart from recipe for a fairytale wedding.
all the rest. Paolo Saletti, the owner of
Villa Giona, was there to greet us at the A REMARKABLE RECEPTION
door and we were welcomed with open Our guests were blown away on arrival at
arms and very large glasses of the Villa’s Villa Giona and were speechless by the time
own Valpolicella. The location was ideal as they had a chance to explore the extraordinary
it boasts lovely grounds which offer privacy villa and surrounding grounds. Many
and seclusion, yet it is on the doorstep of commented how welcome they felt when
the enchanting city of Verona and Lake greeted by Marion, Franco and Paolo. Others
Garda. It was the ideal size to accommodate remarked on the well kept gardens and how
the numbers we wished to invite and the spacious their rooms were. As to be expected,
rooms were spacious, each offering fantastic the bridal suite was elegant and beautiful,
O
views of the lush gardens and of course with plenty of room for all the bits and
the vineyards. pieces a bride needs with her when getting
We were so thrilled after seeing Villa married! Her groom… and his money!
Giona, that we more or less confirmed our With Marion’s professional guidance, our
N OUR FIRST VISIT to Villa dates for the wedding on our first visit. We ‘pink themed’ wedding became a reality and
Giona, we knew immediately decided that we would book for four nights we devised a plan of events, with something
that it was the perfect venue and when we shared information and different for each day of our stay. On the
for the wedding we dreamed of. After view- pictures of the villa with our guests, they first evening, we had a fantastic Italian
ing prospective venues in Tuscany and were equally excited. We only travelled to barbeque whilst being entertained by the
Umbria, we travelled to Verona to view Villa Italy once after our initial visit, as we had musical talents of local musician Ivan on
Giona with Marion and Franco from Dream complete confidence in Marion and Franco’s the saxophone and clarinet. Marion and
Academy. Not only were they both very organisational abilities and attention to Franco joined in with the singing and dancing
approachable, but they were a friendly, pro- detail. We were in no doubt that, along and the relaxed atmosphere allowed all
fessional couple with experience up their with Paolo at Villa Giona, we had found our guests to get to know each other.
sleeve and a good working relationship
with local suppliers. Justifiably Verona’s WE WERE IN NO DOUBT… we had FOUND
Leading Wedding Planners for quality on
the UK /Irish Market. the very best wedding planners…
The afternoon of the second day was spent

exploring the streets of Verona. While many
of the Romeos searched in vain for their
Juliets, it became apparent that the majority
of the Juliets had found the many designer
boutiques that Verona has to offer! The second
evening will hold very dear memories for a
very long time. On the advice of Marion and
Franco, we booked the nearby Byblos Art
Hotel for dinner. Rarely in life do you get to
dine in such a fabulous hotel while enjoying
the finest of Italian cuisine and wine.
T H E B I G D AY
Day three was the main event! On the
morning of the wedding, Marion, Franco
and Paolo sent up some beautiful roses
with a lovely Venetian mask wishing us all
the best on our wedding day. These personal
touches made everything so special. We chose
the town hall in Bardolino on the shores of
Lake Garda, to have our wedding ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the second
f ( )
our dream wedding
T O A D D A S P E C I A L T O U C H T O T H E C E R E MO N Y, o u r
G R A N N I E S h a d b e e n c h o s e n as o u r wi t n e s s e s …
floor of this handsome building and just to sample the Amarone as well as other fine
outside the ceremony room there was a balcony wines from the region. The wedding banquet
which offered spectacular views over the was exquisite and every course was enjoyed
lake and small port. To add a special touch by all our guests. In the evening we enjoyed
to the ceremony, our Grannies had been entertainment in the form of top Italian DJ
chosen as our witnesses. And at the age of Marco, whilst enjoying the acrobatic skills
79 and 74 they did us proud – another of our very own cocktail bartenders. We
tender moment to cherish. danced into the small hours in the grand
The locals welcomed us with open arms, hall in the centre of the villa.
whilst keeping a safe distance from the 46 On the final day, most of our guests
pink clad people who had just descended enjoyed exploring the small towns around
on their town. Our guests were able to Lake Garda, before returning to Villa Giona
enjoy drinks on the lake front promenade for its first ever Pizza, Pasta and Pyjama party.
amidst the relaxed atmosphere that
Bardolino offers, whilst we were off having
photographs taken. Our photographer,
Tullio from Verona, was excellent and
encouraged us to be ourselves, relax and
introduce an element of fun into our
photographs. Many crazy moments were
captured on camera and the photographs
taken certainly reflected our personalities
and the personalities of our guests.
The reception was held back at Villa Giona.
On our arrival, we were entertained by local
10-piece jazz band. The band was not only
visually stunning, but they sounded fantastic
and kept our guests entertained as we had
photographs taken amongst the vines.
WINING AND DINING

We decided to go with a Venetian theme,
THE B AND… ke pt ou r g u e st s
decorating the tables with feather masks. In
keeping with the setting, we named our tables entertaine d as we had photog raphs
after fine Italian wines. Wine connoisseur
Franco, ensured that everyone had a chance
take n among st the vine s

our dream wedding
… wh at we e x p e r i e n c e d at vi l l a g i o n a was
s o me t h i n g t h at we n t b e y o n d o u r e x p e ctat i o n s
Having been dreamt up over an after lunch the evening. Roberto, possibly the most
grappa with Marion and Franco on our handsome villa manager in the whole of
second visit, this was definitely one of the Italy, serenaded the ladies with Italian love
highlights of our four days at Villa Giona. songs and all the villa staff embraced the
It was such an enjoyable evening and our evening and dressed up in their pjs as well.
photographer, Tullio, even returned to capture It was really quite something and when we
the madness of us in our pjs! We decided to thought it could not get any better, an old
keep the wedding cake until the evening of fashioned style ice cream cart arrived, much
the pyjama party and it was an exceptionally to all the children’s amusement. This, along
large heart shaped cake, every inch of which with everything else, has been a talking point
was covered in strawberries. As a surprise, amongst all our guests ever since.
Marion and Franco had organised for Ivan
to return to entertain and keep us warm for YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND!
Prior to our arrival in Italy, we both had a
vision of what our wedding day would be like,
but what we experienced at Villa Giona was
something that went beyond our expectations.
Every request throughout our stay was granted by the calm and unflappable
Marion, from the obscure request to source a big screen and install Sky
just for the day to watch the final of the Ryder Cup, to the strangely
predictable ‘just one more bottle of wine!’, Paolo and all the staff could
not have been more attentive or accommodating, and like Paolo
explained to us when we arrived, it really was our home away from home.
Franco even seemed to have control of the weather. When a storm
loomed on the afternoon of our wedding, Franco reminded us that it
never rained at Villa Giona, and he was right, as the dark clouds soon
disappeared and the sun re-emerged! It was truly fantastic how
smoothly the four days unfolded and this was only due to the control
and capable manner Marion and Franco had over the whole event.
It was better than we ever envisaged it would be and the efforts
of Marion, Franco, Paolo and all the Villa Giona staff greatly surpassed
anything we expected. It was truly out of this world and we would
like to extend a heartfelt and sincere Irish thank-you to all of them
for making our time at Villa Giona so special and unforgettable. diw&h
Weddings at Villa Giona by in-house Wedding & Event Designers
Web: www.dreamacademy.it Email: info@villagionaweddings.com

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_Real Life_Angelo:edit 31/10/08 15:25 Page 2
our dream wedding
wedding
One man and his
Newly married Angelo Sangiorgio gives us a man’s
‘S
view of the build-up to his super Sicilian wedding
WORDS : GEM CAMERON / IMAGES : RONALD ASHRI
TEFANIA AND I have known we decided to come back to our native Sicily
each other since we were at school where our families are. I suppose it came
together,’ says 26-year-old Sicilian down to deciding whether we wanted to
Angelo Sangiorgio. ‘We didn’t look at each have big careers in one of Italy’s cities or have
other until about four months before we a quieter, and probably a simpler life in proposal was a bit different. One evening
were about to leave secondary school, and Sicily. But now we’re back we’re really happy.’ at the beginning of last year while we were
since then we haven’t looked at anyone else!’ talking, Stefania turned to face me and
Angelo and his beautiful fiancée Stefania THE BIG QUESTION asked: ‘What do you want to do?’ It took me
were married in June of this year in the Both fresh graduates, the first thing on their a moment, but then I understood what she
handsome Baroque town of Modica in Sicily. mind back in Sicily was beginning their meant and I said, ‘Would you like me to ask
‘We started dating eight years ago,’ he says, respective careers. But before long they were you to marry me?’ She said yes, so I did,
‘and stayed together all through university. talking about their future. So how did he and she said yes again. I suppose the whole
We both studied in Pisa, but after graduating pop the question? ‘Well,’ says Angelo, ‘the thing took me a bit by surprise but it was

our dream wedding
…we chose the town’s second

church, L a Chiesa di San Pietro
both of us working, we did most just agreed to compromise. Actually, I
of the planning at the weekends, became very good at compromising.’ He
running about having invitations laughs again. ‘No, really, everything went
printed and booking the restaurant well. Though I do remember one particularly
and the church. We had originally long weekend looking for bomboniere (favours)
thought of getting married in with Stefania, and both our mothers. I had
Modica’s fabulous Baroque duomo, no idea that picking the perfect wedding
but it’s booked so far in advance favour could be quite such a dramatic affair.’
that they tell you when you can Angelo continues: ‘Another slight difference
get married, and as Stefania had of opinion arose over my suit. Stefania was
dreamed that our big day had to much more worried that it be of the right
absolutely the right decision. And once it be on the 8th June, that didn’t work in with cut, from the right tailor and matched with
sank in, it was really exciting. Our parents our schedule… So we chose the town’s second the right pair of shoes, whereas I really just
were delighted for us, though I remember church, La Chiesa di San Pietro, which is wanted to be comfortable. And I know she
the look on my mother’s face when she realised also very beautiful.’ was worried about her dress. She kept saying
I wasn’t going to stay at home for the rest of to me ‘I hope you like it! I hope you like it!’ In
my life. But Italian mothers are like that.’ GIVE A L I T T L E , TA K E A LITTLE… the event, I was so preoccupied on the day that
So now they’d decided to get married, It’s during this planning stage that many it was only about a couple of hours after we’d
who took care of all the organisation? ‘We couples begin to feel the stress. Was it the been married that I actually noticed the dress!
did everything together,’ Angelo says. ‘With same for them? ‘No,’ he says laughing, ‘we Although I have to say it was very beautiful.’
f ( )
p022 30/10/08 13:39 Page 1
our dream wedding
But there was also lots of fun. Angelo So now that the big day is over,
remembers: ‘One thing Stefania really what’s the verdict? Angelo has no
enjoyed on the run-up to the wedding doubts: ‘From my point of view – and
was the wedding list – choosing lots and I hope Stefania agrees! – married life
lots of beautiful items and not having to has improved what was already a great
pay for them. I was a bit worried that she’d relationship. Just knowing that when
pick up bad habits that would be difficult you get home after a hard day’s work
to break later on, but I needn’t have worried. there’s someone to share your day
The purse strings are safe with her!’ with, talk to and plan your future
with, is one of the best feelings in the
ALL’S WELL T H AT ENDS WELL once), and afterwards had the most fabulous world. I think what Stefania likes best is
And the actual wedding? ‘The day itself was party with our 240 guests. (We compromised getting to organise things: our weekends; our
fabulous,’ says Angelo warmly. ‘The church on the number: 160 guests from her side, budget; the way I should dress.’ But it’s clear
was beautiful, we got through the ceremony 80 from mine.) It was just the most incredible from his laughter that nothing could please
without any problems (I only lost my glasses way to end a perfect day. him more… diw&h
I hope s t e fa n i a a g r e e s ! - m a r r i e d l i f e h a s i m p r ov e d
w h at wa s a l r e a d y a g r e at r e l at io n s h i p

p24-25 Honeymoon Htls:edit 31/10/08 15:13 Page 2
honeymoon hideaways
hideaways
HO N E Y M O O N
In conjunction with newly published guidebook ‘Luxury Backpackers: Honeymoons
in Style, we highlight our top ten Italian hideaways for a stylish honeymoon
O D
WORDS : DR. JILL NASH
E X E D R A (Main Image) HOTEL SU GOLOGONE

ROME OLIENA, SARDINIA
VERLOOKING the magnificent Piazza ECORATED with colourful cushions, antiques and
della Repubblica and owned by the charm, with staircases and hallways leading to gardens,
exclusive Italian hotel group ‘Boscolo’, Exedra terraces, quiet corners and secret hideaways – prefect for couples
epitomises everything Italian – style and wanting some privacy. They also hold weddings here too, so if
glamour. The rooms are decorated in calming you haven’t planned yours already, then book ahead! For couples
subtle colours, with fluffy bathrobes and plasma who care about all things organic, the large swimming pool is
screen TVs in the bathroom. The breakfast on allegedly filled with spring water, and the restaurant serves local
the top floor serves every type of pastry, meat, produce, such as ‘hog’ roast meats cooked in the huge open fire.
cheese and coffee imaginable. The highlight of Tel: (+39) 0784 287512 Web: www.hotelsugologone.com
…quiet hideaway
this place are the magnificent views from the Price: Double rooms from €105 per person half-board
rooftop pool, and the top floor garden terrace
and bar which is lively at weekends.
…lavish style
Tel: (+39) 06 421111 Web: www.boscolohotels.com
Price: From €250 per room per night.

honeymoon hideaways
A A
ROSA ALPINA HOTEL & SPA NOVE CENTO
SAN CASSIANO, DOLOMITES. VENICE
CHIC FAMILY run hotel set in the craggy contours of NINE-ROOM charming boutique gem tucked away
the Dolomite Alps with mountain lodge-style rooms down an alley within walking distance from Piazza San
filled with bees-waxed wood furniture, marble and antique wood Marco, the Grand Canal and the Gritti Palace. Each room has its
floors. The area is filled with action activities such as skiing, hiking own unique character, with beautifully decorated antiques from
excursions with mountain guides, snow shoeing and ice climbing the owners’ own travels. It offers fabulous value for money and
or sledging. The St. Hubertus restaurant serves dinner in a candlelit, has very personal service, which make this place popular for hon-
wood-panelled room with a blazing log fire. To warm things up eymooners on a stricter budget, but book early as this place is
further, have a lavender- or rosemary-infused sauna followed by small. The extremely friendly staff, the exquisite courtyard and the
a milk or rose-petal bath for two. library are the main highlights.
Tel: (+39) 0471 849500 Tel: (+39) 041 2413765
Web: www.rosalpina.it Web: www.novecento.biz
…eclectic charm
Price: From €200 per room per night on B&B basis Price: From €150 per room per night.
…chic mountain lodge

A T
PAL AZZO SASSO UNA HOTEL VITTORIA
RAVELLO, AMALFI COAST FLORENCE
PINK AND ROMANTIC palace with stunning views HE UNA VITTORIA HOTEL is centrally located near the
over the jagged, lemon-lined coast. this former Lungarno and set in a stylish, modern courtyard and offers
12th-century palace has everything for those wanting discreet luxury, the latest in design and technology. Vibrant colours and rare
seclusion and tranquillity set in the charming town of Ravello. materials such as mosaics, leather and printed fabrics have been
It’s within walking distance of the square, which hosts outdoor used in all rooms, which are also fitted with plasma screens
music concerts in the summer and a is great location from which mounted on pink sparkly LED walls. The bathrooms have clear
to explore the mountainous terrain and picturesque villages or glass screens, you can see both in and out (!) and there is even
Maiori and Amalfi close by. The hotel has 32 rooms and 11 suites a ‘pillow’ menu for those who need a good nights sleep!
(the best one being the ‘infinito suite’), and all are decorated Tel: (+39) 055 22771
with hand made antiques and furniture from the 18th and Web: www.unahotels.it
19th centuries. The hotel has an unbelievable Michelin two-star Price: From €150 per room per night including breakfast.
restaurant, and a gorgeous new spa for pampering.
Tel: (+39) 089 818181 Web: www.palazzosasso.com
Price: Rooms from €198 per room per night including breakfast …modern and arty
…deluxe romance
f ( )
p026 31/10/08 09:53 Page 1
honeymoon hideaways
A L
BULGARI HOTEL REL AIS L A SUVERA
MILAN TUSCANY
TRIBUTE from the Italian Jeweller to the world of OCATED in the small hamlet of Pievescole, Relais la
luxury, situated in Milan’s most stylish area – Suvera is a real rural retreat. It enjoys a tranquil setting
Via Montenapoleone. The hotel has Bulgari branded products with an aviary, private chapel and great views of the Tuscan
everywhere from bathroom accessories to dining cutlery. It’s countryside, and is only an hour away from Florence’s centre.
also renowned for being a cool nightspot (a place to be seen), Every room is filled with unique pieces of art from the family’s
and really comes alive with locals after work hours and weekends. extensive collection of antiques, married with modern marble
The luscious spa has a glass mosaic swimming pool and Turkish bathrooms and butler service. The wonderful homemade
steam room with treatments to relax tired feet. It’s a perfect place breakfasts with freshly made breads are delicious. Opt for the
for couples wanting an oasis within the city, yet it is central romantic ‘Napoleon room’ with views over the countryside.
enough to serve as a base for exploring. Tel: (+39) 0577 960300
Tel: (+39) 02 8058051 Web: www.lasuvera.it
Web: www.bulgarihotels.com Price: From €300 per room per night including a buffet breakfast
Price: From €400 per room per night including breakfast.
…bold and branded …rural retreat

A
SCHLOSS RUBEIN MASSERIA TORRE COCC ARO
A …historic country haven

DOLOMITES. BRINDISI.
12TH-CENTURY romantic castle, located near the

Eastern edge of Meran, known to have been a secluded FABULOUS OASIS of tranquillity set in beautiful nature
getaway for renowned singers Pavarotti and Dalla. It is surrounded with ancient olive groves, vegetable and herb gardens.
by 5-hectare landscape (with swimming pool) and has spacious, The rustic charm of this fortified 500-year old building is
decorative suites overlooking a lovely romantic courtyard. The captivating, with its cosy rooms and antique furniture. Food lovers
castle also has a chapel and is ideal for weddings too! will love this place; they serve organic Puglian cuisine and host
Tel: (+39) 0473 231894 cooking classes (in the room next to the old chapel). Spa lovers
Web: www.rubein.com can also enjoy the Aveda spa with treatments ranging from
Price: Doubles from €82 per person per night, room-only reflexology to ayurvedic massage. You can also take bikes (free
of charge), and cycle to the small harbour of Savelletri and the
natural harbour of Egnazia.
Tel: (+39) 080 48293 Email:
info@masseriatorrecoccaro.com
Price: €262–€1,272 per room per
night, breakfast and taxes included
Extracts taken from

‘Luxury Backpackers: Honeymoons
in Style’ book priced £16.00 available
from www.luxurybackpackers.com
and most good bookshops;
for more information
…chapel charm
email: info@luxurybackpackers.com
*Prices are correct at time of research and are subject to change.

_CivilCeremony:edit 31/10/08 15:28 Page 2
civil ceremony
Discover some
thoroughly
modern aspects
of the ancient
Roman Laws that
ceremony
govern Italian
Civil Ceremonies
even today…
a very
CIVIL
MWO R D S : B O N N I E BAT E S
EDIEVAL CASTLES, ancient villages and candlelit

courtyards set the atmosphere for romance in a
fairy-tale journey into the past for an unforgettable
Italian Wedding. And while hundreds of years have passed since
knights in shining armour roamed the Circus Maximus, the echo of
A VERY OLD RITUAL
The definition of matrimonium or marriage evolved during the Roman
Empire (lasting from about 300 BC to 600 AD), and the end result
is very different from some of the widely held stereotypes about
Italians and matrimony. Here’s a look at some of the clichés
through truth and myth ....
Myth:
ancient Roman Law (see info) governing citizens in the middle ages
still rings strong today, and it comes as quite a surprise to couples Italians have ‘arranged’ marriages…
T R U T H : Although mutual consent was ignored for a long time
IMAGES, THIS PAGE, LEFT by KATHIE ALCORN, www.thepixlady.com and TOP by STEFANO NANNUCCI.
who choose a Civil Ceremony in Italy that those same articles of
Roman Law still define the institution of marriage in a truly modern in Roman Law, it later became a necessary element of a valid marriage,
doctrine for fairness and equal rights and obligations of both spouses. just as it is today. It is reflected both in the text of the marriage
promise which is signed two to three days before the wedding and
Above; Jessica and Luis receive a parchment copy in the act of matrimony itself which is filed at the town hall registry.
of their wedding certificate in Siena
This image; Confetti is tossed outside
the Civil Wedding Hall
Myth: Italians marry their relatives…
T R U T H : The current articles of no impediment to marriage date
back to the Roman Emperor Justinian ( circa 550 AD), and they include
marriage forbidden on account of relationship between ascendants
and descendants, siblings, relationships by marriage (step-relatives)
and adopted persons even after the dissolution of the adoption.
Myth: The ‘year of mourning’ requirement to re-marry

applies only to women and so is unfair…
T R U T H : Under Roman Law, both the man and the woman were
branded with infamia if marriage was contracted before the period
of mourning ended. The modern day application of the 300 day
waiting period for women following death of or divorce from a
husband is to protect paternity rights of the unborn child in case
the woman is pregnant when she divorces or loses her spouse.

_CivilCeremony:edit 31/10/08 15:28 Page 3
civil ceremony
articles – numbers 143, 144, and 147 of the Italian Civil Code –
that reflect the essence of Roman Law and the Italian Constitution
which affirms ‘all citizens have equal social status and are equal
before the law, without regard to their sex, race, language, religion,
political opinions, and personal or social conditions’. By the way,
Happy Birthday to a democratic Italy, celebrating its 60th year as
a Republic in 2008!
F E AT U R E S OF A CIVIL CEREMONY IN I TA LY
Legal Civil Ceremonies are held only in authorized areas or Wedding
Halls which are usually the headquarters for local government. The
halls symbolize prestige and are decorated with period works of art
and furniture, and walls are often frescoed or lined with priceless
paintings and tapestries.
Each town establishes a fee schedule for marrying in the Wedding
Hall and these are subject to change in January of each year, when
the wedding office begins booking dates.
Co u p l e d g e t t i n g Paperwork requirements include no-impediment documents from
the homeland and/or sworn statements/affidavits attesting freedom
l e g a l ly m a r r i e d i n i ta ly a r e to marry. All paperwork is submitted to the town hall wedding office
a m a z e d at t h e s tat e l i n e s s upon signing the wedding promise two or three days before the
wedding date. Although the paperwork is simple, it is always best
of t h e c i v i l c e r e m o n y to hire a local person to make sure the process goes smoothly. This
person may also act as translator for the wedding promise and the
Myth:
wedding ceremony, as required by law. Two witnesses are also required
The husband is the boss… for the wedding ceremony and they sign the official register alongside
T R U T H : In Roman Law, the term patria potestas gave the the bride, the groom and the translator.
husband power over the family with respect to property and Some wedding halls provide music during the ceremony, such
protective care of his wife and children. It was later changed to as the Red Hall in Florence (below). Photographers are welcome with
read ‘head of household’ and further updated in 1975 with the a reminder not to point flashbulbs directly at any artwork. Rice and
new Family Law Reform giving equal rights and responsibilities confetti is usually allowed outside the town hall building.
(‘potesta’ or ‘power’) to both spouses and establishing joint Most Wedding Halls provide a parchment copy of the Marriage
IMAGES, THIS PAGE, TOP by KATHIE ALCORN, www.thepixlady.com and RIGHT by STEFANO NANNUCCI.
ownership by default unless otherwise decided by the couple Certificate for framing, along with a commemorative gift. Some
through a pre-nuptial agreement. towns go so far as to offer a toast to the entire wedding party
Myth:
with snacks and great Italian prosecco. diw&h
Women must take their husband’s surname…
T R U T H : Women keep their maiden name in Italy.
(Yes ladies, you will sign the Wedding Hall Register with your
own last name!)
A VERY CIVIL CEREMONY

Couples getting legally married in Italy are amazed at the
stateliness of the civil ceremony:
Bonnie Bates is a Wedding Planner

‘I didn’t hear a single obey!’
for My Weddings & More and she
‘I’m surprised that the laws are so fair’ has lived in Italy for over 20 years.
‘Much nicer than our government offices back home!’ Email:info@myweddingsandmore.com
Tel : (US) (+1) 916 273 9523
UK: (+44) 020 3239 8691
These comments were overheard after a recent wedding in Colle
Skype: myweddingsandmore
Val d’Elsa, a 10th-century medieval village between Florence and
Some information taken from: Burdick, William L.
Siena (above). The Celebrant wears the red, white and green sash The Principles of Roman Law and Their Relation to
Modern Law. Rochester: The Lawyers Co-operative
representing government and recites the articles of law governing Publishing Co., [1938]. xxi, 748 pp.
the rights and responsibilities of married couples. It is these three Reprinted 2004 by The Lawbook Exchange.
f ( )
p030 30/10/08 15:01 Page 1

p031 31/10/08 13:48 Page 1
*Real Life_L&L_reflow:edit 31/10/08 15:50 Page 2
our dream wedding
We take a look a the importance of tasting your Italian banquet

before your guests do and visit a beautiful 16th-century villa that
a passion for
Portofino
WORDS : JULIA PETROPOULOS and ANGUS COUPLAND /
Meet one couple whose trip to the Italian

IMAGES : MALOU BURGER for LOVE & LORD
Riviera inspired them to come back for more…

our dream wedding
Lord was invaluable,’ confesses Julia. ‘Without

her help in ploughing through all the multi-
cultural bureaucracy, goodness knows how
we would have managed it. She took care
of all the legal paperwork, organised and
negotiated on our behalf in Italy, telling us
when we had to turn up to sign something
or when we had to visit our embassies in
Italy. And when she’d finished all that, she
began arranging for my hair and makeup,
the flowers, the villa where we had the
ceremony, the yacht we were on the next
day, and she managed the whole process
with the Hotel Splendido, including minute
details of the wedding menu and table setting.’
Deciding on the dates also presented
a potential problem as both Julia’s sister
we were there, Angus proposed to me. and Angus’ sister-in-law were pregnant, and
And looking around, we couldn’t imagine after taking everyone’s different needs into
anywhere more beautiful, so we thought consideration, there was just one window
– why don’t we come back here to get of opportunity for everyone getting together.
married? Right away we knew we wanted And they grabbed it: the weekend of the
a small, intimate wedding with few guests: 26th-29th September.
something simple, elegant but relaxed, and
this seemed the right place.’ RIVIERA REUNION
‘Everyone arrived on the Friday night,’
P R E C I O U S A S S I S TA N C E remembers Julia, ‘and we had dinner at a
However, organising a wedding in Italy restaurant on the coast called Capo Nord.
between and American and an Australian The food was lovely and the view was
I
was never going to be simple. ‘That’s where exquisite. We had canapés followed by a
Joelle our wedding planner from Love and five course meal with the Riviera right at
our feet and stretching out as far as we
could see. We were absolutely enchanted.
N THE MONTH of August of 2004, ‘On Saturday, I went to have my hair and
Julia Petropoulos and Angus makeup done in a little place in Santa
Coupland met at a beautiful wedding Margherita (I’d already done
on the tiny island of Uto in Sweden. It was
to prove an auspicious meeting, as almost
immediately the two hit it off and felt the
spark of attraction. ‘At that time,’ says Julia,
‘Angus was on his way from Hong Kong to
begin working in London. Although I’m
from Boston, I’ve lived in London since
1999, and soon after Angus arrived, we
started dating seriously.’ And in September
2008, almost exactly four years after they’d
met, Julia and Angus became husband and
wife in the gorgeous town of Portofino on
the Italian Riviera.
‘The way it happened was a real surprise,’
says Julia. ‘My birthday is on 4th July, and …something simple,
this year Angus surprised me with a trip to elegant but rel axed… this seemed
Portofino, which was just amazing.
Portofino is such a beautiful place. We the right pl ace…
stayed in the Hotel Splendido, and while
f ( )
p034 29/10/08 15:29 Page 1
our dream wedding
… w e wa n t e d t h e t h e m e of o u r s pe c i a l day to b e
t h e b e a u t y of p ortof i n o a n d of i ta ly
a practice run!), and got dressed. I’d chosen from Turtle Dove Weddings came along – ‘You know, that’s really all we wished for.
a dress by the Australian designer Collette she was fantastic – and we have some of the Angus and I come from completely opposite
Dinnigan, and my flowers matched the most incredible shots of the coast. She really parts of the world, our guests also arrived
wreath carried by our flower girl, Angus’ captured the fun we had and got some great from various different places, and we wanted
niece of 18 months, and also the flowers shots of the Riviera. the theme of our special day to be the beauty
of my matron of honour, my sister Angela. of Portofino and of Italy. We wanted
We were actually married in Villa San our celebration to be seasonal, local
Giacomo in Santa Margherita in the late and intimate and that’s exactly the way
afternoon. It was a beautiful ceremony it was. Next summer we’re planning to
made even more moving by the fact that, throw a wedding celebration party in
as a surprise, Joelle from Love and Lord Newport Rhode Island for friends and
had arranged for a flautist to be playing family who are spread all over the
as I entered. It was very emotional.’ After world – a black tie wedding ball to
the ceremony, Julia, Angus and their celebrate our marriage, which will
guests had drinks in the villa’s magnificent be all the more unique as there will
gardens before returning to Portofino be another very special little
for dinner in the Hotel Splendido. ‘We person present…’ diw&h
ate out on the terrace to enjoy the views
until it became too chilly, then we moved
indoors to a private dining room. However,
the hotel insisted that Angus and I had
the first dance in the hall after dinner,
then the whole hall joined in! What a
wonderful moment...’
T H E D AY A F T E R
Now that the wedding day was over did that
mean that there was no more fun? ‘Not at
all,’ says Julia. ‘One of the best things we did
was hire a wonderful 1950s yacht called The
Viola for the next day. On the Sunday, we
sailed up the coast to Genova, lounging on
board and chatting about the night before,
and swam and played around in the water.
Our wedding photographer Malou Burger

p036 30/10/08 15:00 Page 1
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_Rome Weddings:edit 31/10/08 15:10 Page 2
w ew
d de di nd gi n igns Ri no mReo m e
From marriages in simple country chapels to

brides accompanied down the aisle by
Hollywood stars, WeddinginRome has arranged
some truly memorable ceremonies
WORDS : WEDDINGINROME
I M AG E S : M A S S I M I L I A N O M AG L I AC C A o f S T U D I O N A B I S A Z E TA
citysurprises A
OF
CITY OF ROMANCE
Rome has proven to be the perfect location
for many a couple’s dream wedding:
combining Italian sunshine, magnificent
art, hospitality, superb venues, fine food
and gorgeous wine, the Eternal City has
been chosen in recent years by couples from
S
all over the world. Since the launch of the
new website last spring, Raffaella and her
team have been really busy and in the past
season alone, they organised 20 weddings
INCE SHE MOVED to London after city and its surroundings to couples looking both in the city centre and the countryside.
her own Roman Wedding to her for something exclusive and distinctive for Wedding celebrations have been of various
English husband, Raffaella Alflatt their special day. Co-ordinating a team of types: from traditional Catholic weddings,
has set up a bespoke planning service for three people based in London, Dublin and to intimate symbolic ceremonies and simple
couples wanting to marry in her beloved home Rome, and collaborating with the most renewals of vows to civil bindings and
town, the Eternal City of Rome, a tailor-made prestigious vendors and suppliers of the protestant blessings, brides and grooms
service that guarantees Raffaella’s presence Italian capital, Weddinginrome.co.uk from Manchester to Perth, from Chicago
at every single wedding she organises. distinguish themselves from other wedding to Berlin have been delighted and amazed
Before moving to the UK, Raffaella had organisers not only for the expertise of the by that unique atmosphere that only those
spent most of her life in Rome, working for team and their Italianita, but also for their who have been to Rome can comprehend.
a long period in the events industry. Once ability to support couples from the early stage There’s no doubt that Rome has a choice for
in London, she decided to offer her unique of the planning process, meeting them in every couple, every religious denomination
experience and intimate knowledge of the London or Dublin for an initial consultation. and every budget.

_Rome Weddings:edit 31/10/08 15:11 Page 3
o u wr e dd rdei anmg iwne dRdoi m

n eg
Couples who are planning to get married waiting for the arrival of the bride in the just enough to get the groom’s nerves tingling.
with a religious Catholic ceremony might welcome cool of the magnificent Pantheon, But that day 30, 35, 40 minutes passed, and
not know that weddings can be held in any everyone eager to see her finally walk down it started to seem a bit too long. As Raffaella
of the stunning churches that crowd the city the aisle. Unsurprisingly, the bride and her went out through the massive front door
centre, including the most famous ones like mother had been very anxious that morning, of Santa Maria ad Martyres, she realised
St. Peter’s and the Pantheon. Small chapels, a mixture of excitement and panic enveloping immediately that something peculiar was
both in the city centre and the countryside, them in true wedding day style! But of all going on: Tom Hanks and his crew filming
are also available for those who would prefer the things that could have thrown a spanner Angels and Demons were blocking the path
a more simple and intimate setting. If, on in the works, a Hollywood movie star blocking to the Bride and her father, making it
the other hand, you want a dramatic city the bride’s way to the church with his latest impossible for them to reach the entrance of
location for your civil wedding, Rome’s film production was not something that the Church. She had to do something, and
Town Hall is sure to be at the very top of your had occurred to them. quickly, as they were running out of time.
list. Michelangelo designed the fantastic Ignoring the security staff, she crossed the
Piazza del Campidoglio (with its magnificent B E T T E R L AT E THAN NEVER square and approached Tom, who turned
stairs and buildings) that lies on the top of Traditionally in Italy, brides are expected to out to be a real gentleman. Immediately he
the Capitoline Hill, one of the Original be late, at least a good 10 minutes or so – smiled and chivalrously offered his arm to
Seven Hills. Ceremonies are held the bride and escorted her to the
in the magnificent Sala Rossa, aisle! The enthusiastic crowd
whose interior boasts Renaissance gathered in the square clapped at
gilding, formal furniture and rich the unusual trio, even wondering
tapestries and drapery. In short, if even the wedding was part of
exactly what you expect to find the plot of Tom’s new film! At
in a city celebrated for its art and the end of the ceremony, Tom
history. The surroundings are was there again, along with Ron
incredibly choreographic and Howard, to congratulate the new
your wedding photographs will couple on what was fast becoming
have the backdrop of the Roman a day they’d never forget… diw&h
Forum, the Coliseum and the
roofs of the city.
Complesso Vignola Mattei is
undoubtedly a more tranquil
location with a slightly more personal feel For more information visit
about it. It a delightful building set in the www.weddinginrome.co.uk
heart of Ancient Rome in front of the Baths Email: info@weddinginrome.co.uk
of Caracalla, in the vicinity of Circo Photographer: Massimiliano Magliacca
Massimo. This former chapel, no longer of Studio Nabisazeta
consecrated, is available for ceremonies Web: www.nabisazeta.it
every day. For receptions, Weddinginrome
have handpicked some of the most stunning
and prestigious venues of the city: whether
it’s a villa, a palazzo, a castle or farmhouse,
they have exclusive agreements to propose.
Ray and Fiona from Leeds, for example,
enjoyed a wonderful late spring day over-
looking the Coliseum, while Hamed and
Sarah opted instead for an historic borgo
located in the Roman countryside.
A CITY OF SURPRISES
However, whatever location you decide on,
remember that in Rome anything can …whatever location you decide
happen, even a celebrity accompanying you
to the altar! On a hot day in June last year,
on, remember that in Rome anything
for example, Raffaella had a wedding group can happen…
f ( )
p040 31/10/08 12:07 Page 1
P041 29/10/08 15:29 Page 1
_Renaiss.Weddings:*Masters LO II 31/10/08 15:31 Page 2
Renaissance weddings
RENAISSANCE
W E DD I N G S
Until 18th January 2009, the ‘Renaissance Faces’ exhibition in
London’s National Gallery explores Renaissance portraiture, and
touches on all aspects of life, including betrothal and marriage
WO R D S : G E M C A M E RO N / I M AG E S : N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y
W ANDERING AROUND the fascinating exhibition

‘Renaissance Faces’, it might come easily to think that
love and marriage in the 15th and 16th centuries were
quite a different business than they are today. Solemn-faced women
and pensive men peer out from inside their frames, their expressions
one that could be used as a basis for deciding whether or not the
sitter was a suitable candidate for marriage. But it was also the artist’s
job to portray the potential bride or groom in the best possible of
lights. And this they did by accentuating aspects considered to
equate with beauty. In keeping with the Greek philosopher Plato’s
guarded but at the same time, peculiarly enigmatic. Who were these view that beauty was equated with virtue, painters took care to
people? And why were they painted? emphasise commonly held positive attributes such as, in female
Portraits had many functions during Renaissance times: they portraits, bright eyes, a high forehead and scarlet lips, as these were
might have had a religious purpose, mark the importance of an the characteristics that would convey not only the subject’s good looks,
event or of certain subjects by devoting a portrait to them, or provide but also their moral goodness. It was also a way of implying good
a likeness of newly betrothed couples before their wedding day. health, an issue of great importance in Renaissance times, as the
At times, it is unclear as to whether a portrait was intended for a main goal of marriage was to produce children, and a feeble woman
prospective partner or if it was, rather, an artist’s representation was not an ideal child-bearing wife.
of a saint, a classical heroine, a prominent man’s mistress or lover, In this optic, it is tempting to see the painter in the role of
or even of a popular courtesan. matrimonial agent, trying to bring out the best in his subject to please
a future spouse, perhaps not unlike a modern day photographer
A FAIR RENDITION talking shots of his subject from the best angle, so the viewer will
In the case of betrothals, painters had the job of portraying their be won over by the beauty and virtue of the sitter (modern society
subject with a certain degree of honesty – that is, providing prospective still tends to interpret handsome features as an indication of higher
spouses with a likeness that wasn’t too far removed from reality, and intelligence and more fully developed social skills). And of course,
Above; Tullio Lombardo (1505–10) A Young Couple (Bacchus and Ariadne) © Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

_Renaiss.Weddings:*Masters LO II 31/10/08 15:32 Page 3
Renaissance weddings
Attractive, sensual and practical: all in all, a good catch!

THE YOKE OF
once a couple was married, portraits were RESPONSIBILITY
often carried out so distant relations In ‘Marsilio Cassotti and his Wife
could see the couple in good health, Faustina’ (top, right), Lorenzo Lotto
perhaps along with their first child, as a captured his couple at the moment
sign that the baby was growing well, not of matrimony, as he about to slide
something that was taken for granted in the ring on her wedding finger. The
times when infant mortality was high. Cassotti, who commissioned the
Here we take a look of four of the portrait, were wealthy textile merchants
exhibition’s paintings, with a quick eager to portray their son’s success in
explanation of who the sitters were and securing the hand of his Faustina in a
why they were portrayed. distinguished painting. Much emphasis
is given to the woman’s jewels and silk
BACCHUS AND ARIADNE clothing, including a gold chain which
Tullio Lombardo’s celebrated marble relief ‘A Young Couple’ symbolises her acquiescence to her husband, as, indeed, does her
(opposite, left), has as its subject a beautiful young couple depicted somewhat submissive pose. Behind the couple is Cupid, who,
against a horizontal background and leaning against a plinth. The with the hint of a smile, places on the couple’s shoulders a yolk
couple gaze upwards, wistful, mouths open and heads touching. representing the responsibilities of marriage, and which sprouts
The male figure is crowned with vine leaves and grapes which a laurel branch, symbol of fidelity between married couples.
identifies him as Bacchus, and his companion as Ariadne. However, The painting ‘Giovanni della Volta and his family’ (above, centre),
the treatment of both characters’ hair is delicate and detailed, their again by Lorenzo Lotto, is a portrait of della Volta, a Venetian
beautiful, crimped tresses the true focus of the piece. A closer look merchant, with his wife and family, the focus of the work the bowl
at Ariadne’s snood reveals intricate patterns of flowers and leaves, of cherries on the table. The mother offers cherries to her daughter,
her covered hair suggesting she is a married woman and that the while the father offers them to the son, but there is an overall
relief may have been commissioned to celebrate a wedding. feeling of detachment and melancholy to the work, the expressions
‘Portrait of a Woman, La Bella’ (top,left), by Palma Vecchio, on of the man and wife wary, even the children managing to look a
the other hand, is one of those paintings that has critics arguing over trifle glum despite the promise of cherries. Whether this underlying
whether the subject is a portrait or an archetypal representation of sadness is a reflection of Lotto’s own feelings on the establishment
female beauty. With her pale skin, blond hair, high forehead and bright of marriage, or simply the solemnity of a family on its best
eyes, experts tend to agree however that she’s probably a bride to behaviour, we’ll never know. diw&h
be, and they underline the sensuality of her dress, the suggestive
way she’s touching her hair and the fact that her left hand is resting With thanks to Thomas Almeroth-Williams
on a sewing basket, the sign of a woman ready to oversee a well run National Gallery, London
household. Attractive, sensual and practical: all in all, a good catch! Web: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Top, left; Palma Vecchio (1518–20) Portrait of a Woman, 'La Bella' © Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid. Top, right; Lorenzo Lotto (1523) Marsilio Cassotti and his Wife Faustina © Museo
Nacional del Prado, Madrid Above, centre; Lorenzo Lotto (completed 1547) Portrait of Giovanni della Volta with his Wife and Children © The National Gallery, London
f ( )
p044 30/10/08 15:03 Page 1
44 dream italian wedding & h o n e y m o o n s

p049 copy 29/10/08 15:31 Page 1
*Expert pps:*Masters LO II 31/10/08 15:33 Page 2
ask THE EXPERTS

advice
Every issue, we’ll be asking an expert to answer questions you’ve sent in about your
forthcoming wedding or honeymoon in Italy. If you have a question you would like
answered then send it in to editor@italymag.co.uk In this issue, Lorna Egan of
Design Go offers some valuable tips on travelling light and transporting ‘the dress’…
DearDream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons
My fiancé and I will soon be heading to Italy return leg of the journey. They conveniently weigh
(Puglia) to tie the knot. We have decided that bags up 40kg and are perfect if confined by the
IMAGES : DESIGN GO and FOTOLIA
instead of a regular honeymoon we are going to restrictions of low-cost carriers travelling to Italy or
spend a month travelling round Italy! Any ideas if concerned about cabin luggage allowance.
please on how to keep luggage to a minimum Maximise all available luggage space by choosing
without forgetting any essentials? luggage wisely. Check that your suitcase weight
T r av e l Josephine Black (by email) doesn’t eat into valuable packing weight and that
its construction offers the best use of internal packing
a cc e s s or i e s Re p l y f ro m : space. Also, choose cabin luggage that allows you to
Hi
Lorna Egan, Design Go
n o w of f e r use every last bit of space available. The Cabin
Approved range from Design Go offers perfectly
multiple Josephine proportioned hand luggage with a durable construction
As a starting point, consider your luggage. Recently, that maximises capacity, providing plenty of space
compact airlines have introduced a wealth of confusing for all your travel essentials. The design is light
and restrictions that make travelling more difficult. enough not to compromise valuable packing weight
Check with your airline well in advance to ensure and robust enough to cope with constant travel. They
convenient both your suitcase and your carry-on luggage meets are available in five clever designs and two colours
t r av e l - s i z e d its specific requirements. However, there are some to suit your specific requirements. What’s great
new products available which will help: the Weigh- about these bags is that they fold down into an
alternatives to-Go Digital luggage scales from Design Go offer integrated carry bag, so you can pop them in your
digital weighing precision to avoid costly overweight suitcase, offering excellent additional storage for
to e v e ry day luggage charges, and the scales are lightweight and your return home.
items… compact enough to pop in a bag after use for the
S I Z E M AT T E R S !
Limited space shouldn’t mean that you have to
compromise on looking good either. Travel
accessories now offer multiple compact and
convenient travel-sized alternatives to everyday
items with all of the performance you require in
a miniaturised size, helping you to maintain that
post-wedding radiance for all honeymoon photos.
To ensure your hair is always coiffured to perfection,
choose the Micro Dryer and Straightner to Go from
Design Go, and take care of your smile with the
new lightweight design Sonic Traveller toothbrush.
It features a hygienic, protective case for travelling
and advanced Sonic technology, producing soft,
high-speed vibrations that gently, yet effectively
clean teeth and massage gums for significantly
improved plaque removal.

*Expert pps:*Masters LO II 31/10/08 15:33 Page 3
travel packing
Finally, don’t forget that with today’s advanced Maximize the space available in your hand … u n pa c k
technologies and materials available, there are a number luggage by choosing one of the new Cabin
of accessories that you may not have considered Approved luggage range from Design Go, perfectly
yo u r dr e s s
which will considerably reduce packing size for some proportioned hand luggage that doesn’t compromise immediately
items. For example, your towel; don’t carry large, internal space or weight and allowing you to separate
cumbersome and heavy beach towels. Design Go all potentially damaging items from your dress and if
offer the MicroFibre Beach Towel, a full-size beach whilst in transit.
possible
towel that packs down to an exceptionally compact
size and rolled up in its pack it will fit effortlessly THINK AHEAD hang in a
into any corner of your case, even your hand luggage. If carrying items in your hand luggage is not an
When packing for longer stays, less is more, so choose option, consider carefully how you will pack your
c l e a n dry
clothing that is versatile and can be used on multiple suitcase. Where possible, separate items using handy a r e a of
occasions. Choose luggage that is cleverly constructed travel accessories such as the Shoe Packers or Bag
to offer maximum use of internal space and, where Packers from Design Go, which allow you to yo u r
possible, substitute your more cumbersome items compartmentalise your bag and keep dirty shoes bath r o om
Dear
for the latest available travel accessories. and other general clothing completely separate
from your dress.
Dream Italian Weddings & Honeymoons Then, when you arrive, unpack your dress
immediately and if possible hang in a clean dry
Hi. This spring I will be celebrating my wedding area of your bathroom. After a warm steamy shower,
on Lake Como with lots of family and friends. the wrinkles will melt away. However, you do need
I’m really nervous about what my dress will to be extra cautious of silk fabrics in wet or damp
look like once it’s been in a suitcase for most environments. Another option is the Steam Iron to
of the day. Help! Go from Design Go which can help to eliminate
Hi
Addison Kelm (by email) wrinkles, but again, take extreme care when using
any type of iron on your fabulous dress. diw&h
Addison Design Go; for all product information visit
Preparation is the key to keeping your dress in pristine www.design-go.com
condition. Think firstly about how you are going to
pack your bag. Minimise the impact of travel on the
dress by moving heavy or potentially harmful items
such as liquids to your hand luggage. This in itself
will present a challenge with new hand luggage
restrictions, but can be easily overcome if you transfer
your liquids into 100ml bottles. Design Go offer Cabin
Bottles, a set of four bottles including two screw top
bottles, two squeeze bottles with flip lid and one
atomiser dispenser, complete with transparent zip-
top carry case which allows you to effortlessly
decant toiletries to place in hand luggage.
f ( )
p048 30/10/08 15:13 Page 1
p049 31/10/08 09:54 Page 1
p50-51 Photocall dps:*PhotodpsAUG_Smile L/O 31/10/08 15:33 Page 2
photocall
IMAGE courtesy of
GWEN COURTMAN
w w w. l a k e g a r d a w e d d i n g s . c o m
a sense
of place
L AKE GARDA might not be
these gentlemen's regular
watering hole, but it looks like
they quickly got the hang of
toasting the couple's good
fortune with a glass of Prosecco
instead of their normal tipple…

p50-51 Photocall dps:*PhotodpsAUG_Smile L/O 31/10/08 15:34 Page 3
a sense of place
dream italian wedding & honeymoons 51

p052 29/10/08 15:34 Page 1

_Countdown:edit 31/10/08 15:12 Page 3
wedding countdown
Tanya Smith, who will be marrying

her fiancé Emanuele next May in
Loreto, Marche, heads to Italy to start
planning her big day…
wedding
I’ve also discovered that Italian wedding lunches involve a
minimum of 8 courses! I am warning people not to eat too much
for breakfast on the morning of the wedding. For my part, I am
wondering if I should have a lace-up corset on the dress so that
I can loosen it as I shovel away all the delicacies during the day...
Emanuele still hasn’t decided whether he wants to have an
Italian suit or an English one, so at this rate he might be waiting
at the aisle in his dressing gown. I guess it doesn’t matter which
country you get married in, some things never change…
countdown …six months to go…

W
W O R D S a n d I M A G E S : TA N YA S M I T H
E HAVE BEEN given the opportunity to marry in the Meanwhile, my chief bridesmaid, Christine, is attempting to
beautiful Basilica Di Loreto, and our reception will be at overcome her fear of flying for our big day. I am trying to tempt
Villa Quiete. We are expecting to fly over about 50 of our her with promises of lots of Italian men but I’m not sure she’s
friends and family, and are doing all the planning ourselves, although convinced. Next plan is to tell her about all the lovely chocolate
I can see why people use wedding planners when tying the knot over and ice cream, but however many bridesmaids I have, they will be
there! We had lots to accomplish on our trip: carrying around little bags filled with tissues as I am likely to cry
Attempting to choose the wedding favours. There are literally thousands my way through most of the ceremony. I’ll also be taking flower
to choose from and we really want to show the English guests some- petal confetti over with us as I have seen how they pelt people
thing they may not see back home. We have pretty much made a decision... with rice in Italy. I’m hoping that supplying the confetti may negate
but will be back again in December (hopefully) to place the order. the need for a suit of armour when we leave the cathedral… diw&h
Strangely enough, my Italian lessons never covered the subject of
bridal hairdos! Still, with some rather improvised Italian and some (Next year, we will be running a full length Real Life feature on
obscure hand gestures, I managed to explain what I wanted, though Tanya and Emanuele’s wedding, but till then, we wish them good
we did get slightly lost at one point when the girls all began looking luck with the planning! ED.)
up the walls towards the ceiling. I thought
they had gone mad, but they explained it to
be lucky to see a spider on such an occasion…
The Order Of Service is going to be inter-
esting. We want to do as much as possible in
English and in Italian. Not too difficult when
we have friends who speak both languages
who can do our readings, but the priest only
speaks Italian and I’m a little concerned over
saying my vows, not least because I am forever
confusing the word anello (ring), with the
word agnello (lamb).
Legalities keep popping up all over the
place. The suppliers are extremely helpful in
warning us of as many issues as they can think
of, but there is always something new. On this
occasion we discovered that in order to have
I guess it doesn’t matter which country you get married
music at the reception we need to pay a in, some things never change…
license fee, which increases if we want dancing.

p054 30/10/08 14:54 Page 1
Look out for the next

issue of Italy magazine
ON SALE NOW at all leading

newsagents and by subscription
on +44 (0) 1305 266360

p055 31/10/08 12:46 Page 1
dream italian wedding & h o n e y m o o n s 55

p056-57 Gifts 30/10/08 13:17 Page 2
gifts
Italian elegance
we take a look at some
distinctive wedding gifts...
This unique perpetual calendar by Torrini Lorenzo features

sterling silver and hard stone markers, and is named after
Lorenzo de’ Medici, the Magnificent, famous politician,
diplomatic and poet who always kept a perpetual calendar just
like this on his table. Handmade in Florence, Italy (£470.82)
A classic Venetian beauty by Antica Murrina,

this gorgeous cylindrical vase features the
famous millefiori or ‘thousand flower’ design.
Each one is handcrafted using age-old glass
blowing techniques so colour and patterns
may vary. (£58.97)

p056-57 Gifts 30/10/08 13:17 Page 3
gifts
Exquisite craftsmanship is infused with

elegant design for this sleek CD holder
by Tonino Lamborghini, beautifully
presented in a signature gift box.
(£56.05)
These Missoni long wool-blend
scarves will lend a bohemian
feel to any outfit with their
renowned zigzag knit and
fringe adding
sophisticated yet
relaxed flair.
Signature gift
envelope included.
(£91.45)
Carry and protect your valuables in high class

style with Forzieri’s bright candy coloured,
croc-embossed leather jewellery box. Two
removable trays with ring holders and small
compartments, suede lining, and lock feature
make this the ultimate jewellery carry-all.
(£350.82)
With enough room for a

weekend getaway, this stylish
travel bag will serve you very
well. Featuring two
external open pockets,
and an internal section
with a zippered pocket.
Detachable handle
included. (£820)
All items featured in

this month’s gift pages
are made in Italy
and are available at
www.uk.forzieri.com
dream italian wedding & h o n e y m o o n s 57
p58 Photosngl:edit 31/10/08 15:34 Page 2
photocall
IMAGE courtesy of
GWEN COURTMAN
w w w. l a k e g a r d a w e d d i n g s . c o m
a sense
of place
T HIS COUPLE may be
bringing a novel touch to
the tradition of carrying the
bride over the threshold, but if
a bride as beautiful as this asks
for a piggy-back, she gets one!

p059 29/10/08 15:35 Page 1
p060 31/10/08 09:57 Page 1

Dream Italian Weddings &amp; Honeymoons - Winter 2009

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Philippa & David

tie the knot

honeymoons planning style venues bespoke

4 dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s

Ronald Ashri ADVERTISING DESIGN

SUBSCRIPTION HOTLINE ORDERS +44 (0) 1305 266360 ! W EB E DITOR

o r t o s u b s c r i b e o n l i n e V I S I T www.italymag.co.uk Nancy Reeve of R&D

dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s 5

20 one man and his wedding

32 a passion for Portofino

28 a ver y civil ceremony

6 dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s

dream italian weddings & honeymoons 7

WORDS : CLAIR QUIGLEY / I M AG E S : M A R I N A M A N S A N TA

OR MARINA MANSANTA, success. ‘Our achievements are

8 dream italian weddings & honeymoons

dream italian weddings & honeymoons 9

our dream wedding

We take a look a the importance of tasting your Italian banquet

before your guests do and visit a beautiful 16th-century villa that

offers a very special wedding dish

When Philippa Smart

our dream wedding

to me’. The gentleman’s name was Signor

dream italian weddings & honeymoons 11

12 dream italian weddings & h o n e y m o o n s

our dream wedding

‘…WE HAD FORGOTTEN THAT AN ITALIAN LUNCH

dream italian weddings & honeymoons 13

our dream wedding

For a special bride and groom you need special