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My Italian Wedding: I'm Finally Married Part I

October 13th, 2008 at 22:08:02 by Francesca | 8 Comments | Add Comment

Wedding planning followed by wedding bliss and a bad case of jet lag has prevented me from writing much on this site over the last few weeks. I was in Italy, joined by at least a few relatives and friends from the States, for my wedding celebration. It went off without a hitch. We had a beautiful day. We're hoping to recapture the joy and repeat it at our vow renewal for my family and friends in the States in November. In the meantime, here are some photos of our wedding that might provide some inspiration for you:

For our feast in Italy, the groom's nieces (from l. to r.) Laura, Giulia, and Francesca served as bridesmaids. In Italy, only little girls can act as bridesmaids. Giulia, who is the youngest, carried the ring pillow with the actual rings on it, and she brought it to the altar just before we exchanged our rings. We purchased their dresses in the States at David's Bridal. They looked like princesses with their tiaras and gloves. They carried my train as we walked through the street to our car, which took us to the church. I had stayed at my aunt's house in Testaccio, a town on the other side of the island from where the groom lives. Neighbors and friends greet the bride and her family in the street and throw Jordan almonds, rose petals, and sprinkles at her feet for good luck. I was greeted by lots and lots of people, many of whom I don't even know.


This was just after Antonio and I were officially wed. We had taken our vows and exchanged our rings. The priest was kind enough to invite our friends and family to come onto the altar to take photos and video if they so desired. My cousins were in that little entry way because they performed all the music for us. I chose the songs with them. They played guitar, tamborine and the keyboard as they sang. It was a rockin' ceremony to tell the truth -- and everyone loved it.


To be honest, I am not a big fan of my bouquet. I prefer tight, round bouquets. But the anthurium definitely added to the island feel. A unique flower, it packed a punch both in my bouquet and in the church arrangements. The interesting thing is that the florist gave me a different bouquet to use while I took pictures before heading to the church. That bouquet was tight and round with only white roses and some greenery. I walked that bouquet down the aisle and then traded it for this bouquet with my sister-in-law, who had walked my groom down the aisle. It's Italian tradition for the mother of the groom to give the bride her bouquet when she arrives at the altar. My mother-in-law was at the church, but she's unable to walk on her own, so her eldest daughter took her place.


My father was among the first to pose with me. During the ceremony, there was a very sweet moment when my father got up from his seat and fixed the train of my dress. I don't think he was quite ready to give me away! This photo is great because it's of the two of us but also because you can get a full view of the dress, which comes from Camille La Vie.

Di Meglio is the guide to Newlyweds for About.com, where you can get information on everything from best wedding photos to affordable alternatives to a honeymoon.

 

congratulations...how interesting to read about the customs of other countries..and i love the pictures!

CONGRATS!!! It's so great to see these pictures - you look beautiful and soo happy! I can't believe you have wedding #2 still to come!!!!

Congratulations!! Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

Congratulations!! I like the detailing on the bottom of the dress.

Thanks for the well wishes everyone! I will post more pics here soon and fill you in on more Italian customs. Then, we're on for the vow renewal in the States in November. Yeah!!!!

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