ITALIAN WEDDING AT THE VATICAN AND TARTAN INSPIRED RECEPTION

 In our opinion, two is better than one, and Andrew and Annie agreed when planning their weddings! When Annie was a teenager, her family visited Rome and stumbled upon a bride in the streets on her wedding day. Right then, Annie vowed to find a way to come back to Italy and one day exchange her own vows there! Once Andrew proposed on vacation in Argentina, they began planning a small and intimate ceremony in Vatican City, as well as a reception in Annie’s hometown of Cleveland! Growing up Roman Catholic, Annie’s local priest guided her to a contact in Italy and the two were off to the races! Sixteen of the bride and groom’s family and friends joined them for a wedding weekend full of group sightseeing and delicious meals around Rome. Annie and Andrew’s wedding ceremony was in the morning, so after having photos taken around the historic sites in Rome, there was a luncheon reception at Mirabelle Restaurant.  The private room at Mirabelle had a balcony that overlooked the vast landscape of the Eternal City. With the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica off in the distance, they dined with their guests for a day-long Roman feast and celebration! Two days later the couple participated in the Sposi Novelli, which is a Papal newlywed blessing, administered by Pope Francis! The Pope made his way through the crowd of newlyweds when Annie handed him her bridal bouquet to which he accepted as he prayed! The couple then said “Arrivederci” to Roma and headed to the Amalfi Coast for a spectacular honeymoon!

A few months later the bride and groom were joined by 250 guests for their Cleveland reception which was on the first of December, and kicked off the holiday season! Annie and Andrew are both of Irish descent so we really played up the tartan plaid on their invitation suite and reception swag. The invitations were letterpressed in hunter green and also beveled. The belly band was a gorgeous tartan ribbon, and the envelopes were lined in hunter green velvet; such a stunning touch for a winter wedding! At the reception, hunter green menu cards were foil stamped in silver with the couple’s custom monogram and sparkled on each place setting. Friends and family celebrated the night away to the sounds of a Frank Sinatra cover band while sipping the bride and groom’s signature cocktail, The Poinsettia! As everyone departed, Christmas tree ornament keepsakes were given out with Annie and Andrew’s wedding logo! This was a magical end to a year of celebration; an engagement in South America, a wedding in Italy, and a festive celebration in the bride’s hometown! Congrats to Annie and Andrew!