And of course having Simona Coltellini in charge
When Daniel and I were planning what to do for our Destination Wedding, we came up with a few ideas. We both love to travel so we knew that we would try to plan the most romantic, fantastic and special trip ever for our honeymoon… but then it came to our minds, why not an elopement, and in gorgeous Tuscany?!?!
I mean, ever since I can remember, I’m not the type of girl that dreamt of a huge wedding party. We started investigating and decided to have a civil wedding in our country first, but plan a symbolic ceremony for just the two of us in a very special place (and have a honeymoon at the same time). We chose Borgo Santo Pietro.
We investigated and luckily found Simona! We started planning many months in advance; we held Skype meetings and exchanged emails and ideas constantly. There is a large time difference between our countries but we always found a good time to speak. Also, whenever she would answer, those exchanges were the highlight of my day! I would get very excited; I was truly walking on clouds. We started pinning ideas (on Pinterest!) in a shared board with Simona, and I would ask her opinion on things (since she has expertise on weddings and I didn’t). She would calm me when I thought I was worrying. The good thing about planning something for you and your future husband only is that you don’t have to worry about pleasing anybody else. And In our case, Daniel allowed me to plan our “dream wedding” and make many things a surprise for him (aww!).
Simona suggested and then took charge of everything from the backdrop, the ceremony, our cake (cupcakes), the photography, the music, the celebrant, the food (dinner), the flowers and the little details like a “just married” sign on a Vespa, rose petals, and, most importantly, she did it with a most warm and gentle smile and soothing voice always.
Now let’s talk about the cool girl stuff:
The dress: I actually went to the famous “Miracle Mile” in Coral Gables, Miami to find the most perfect dress for me. I was looking at different styles and color. Not easy because, when you think about the wedding dress, most women picture lace. Or strapless. Or Siren cut. Or even Princess….I didn’t want anything like that… but the dress found me (in Alfred Angelo Bridal shop) and as soon as I saw it on me I knew it was the one (I didn’t even have to fix a single millimeter on it, it fit perfectly!).
The bouquet: I wanted from the beginning something super different, so I thought about having a paper flower bouquet. I found the most talented woman (Amanda Filsinger – via ETSY – and her company name is called MandaGirl). She couldn’t be more fabulous. Great service! She coordinated everything and when ready she sent it from USA to Italy. What a great job! I loved every detail of it, I have even made a glass box to display my bouquet in a special place at home as a reminder of that special day!
Hair and Makeup: By CAT herself! That´s right! Before leaving home I practiced several times my hair (I found a Youtube tutorial); and I took lessons with a makeup artist to be able to do everything myself. The only advice if you’re a bride like me planning on doing it yourself: LOTS OF TIME in advance…I started getting ready 3-4 hours before the ceremony. Don’t rush…
Jewelry was “Something blue and something borrowed” at the same time – from my “Abuela” (Grandmama).
Honestly, It was such a pleasure to fly relaxed – without the worrying for the big day; and the best part is that Simona kept me company that special day while we were getting ready for Destination Wedding, she has this sweet personality, she reassured me everything was happening perfectly, and when rain started falling over us in the middle of our vows (and I thought it might turn into mayhem) -boom!- she got umbrellas! …And when the rain got worse, we all ran to the nearest roof and all started laughing! She kept it cool, and that made us relax. We didn’t care that we had to move the rest of the ceremony to an improvised room in the hotel, nothing stopped us! She had a contingency plan just as good as the original in place for such an event.
Thank you ever so much Simona for all you did for us it was priceless and is now in our memories forever! We wish you all the success and happiness in the whole world!!!
Love,
Cat and Dan
Photographer : Roberto Panciatici
Cupcake : Melanie Secciani
You must be logged in to post a comment.