A Wedding in a beautiful Catholic church on the shores of Sirmione, Lake Garda, followed by a reception and party at the Ristorante al Monastero, Soiano del Garda.
This wedding was just how it should be. Bride and groom relaxed and happy, fun family members (father of the bride was a particular highlight on the dance floor!), traditional yet no rigid rules or formalities. Non-Italian readers may be wondering about the tie-cutting; this is a very Italian tradition, usually after the bride and groom and guests are well into the wine. The friends of the groom surround the groom who is expecting but dreading this moment, and who sometimes slips off to the restroom to change into a less expensive tie before the assault begins!
Another difference in Italian wedding customs that I have become used to is the very informal “first dance”, if there even is one. What I usually see is general dancing starts first, usually prompted by the entertainment, and at some point the couple are egged on to dance together. The guests then hold hands around the couple and walk around in a circle, occasionally doing something resembling the hokey cokey and piling on top of them in the middle. It’s actually a lot more fun than it sounds! How the guests manage to be so energetic after long six or eight course meal is beyond me, but the food, usually the most important part of the wedding after the actual ceremony, is hugely important and is always superb.
The couple chose a beautiful Graphistudio Young Book in hazelnut tone on tone cloud eco-leather with coordinating presentation box printed in high definition with matching parent books. The photo of them kissing behind the bouquet in front of the church doors was flush printed directly on to the box leather. All the albums I produce are completely unique and designed and produced especially for each couple.
Cheers to Jessica and Michele and I wish them all the best for the future. PS. be warned, this post has lots of images as I wanted to give you the story of the whole day, so be patient scrolling down while they all load.
