Sara and Giles selected a very sentimental spot for their destination wedding. The 66 guest intimate event took place in Rome, Italy – the place where they first met while living and working abroad. The pair spent several years together in Rome before returning home to the US to Warren, Vermont (where they opened an adorable B&B style hostel called Hostel Tevere).
Wedding Photographers, Love Colored Lens shared with us a bit about the details from the big day. “Sarah’s bouquet was a mixture of succulents and soft peach, pink and white flowers – a palette that reflected the colors of a city that for centuries has made so many people fall under the spell of its beauty. In memory of Sarah’s grandparents, she tied a charm from her Nana’s charm bracelet to her bouquet. She also attached a dog tag belonging to Chez, their dog, since he couldn’t make the trip to Rome.”
“For accessories, the couple really wanted to ensure that tradition and tribute were a part of their ceremony. Sarah wore her mother’s pearls and carried a handkerchief that was given to her by Regina, Giles’s mother. Regina bought the handkerchief in 1987 while in Belgium, and she did this with the intention of giving it to her son’s fiancé one day. Giles wore a pair of vintage 1950’s Allen Edmond shoes that once belonged to Sarah’s grandfather, and he also sported a pair of cufflinks that belonged to his own grandfather.”
But this wedding wasn’t about the beautiful details; it was all about family, friends, and the eternal city! “After spending only a couple days with the wedding guests, it was abundantly quite clear that everyone present at their wedding was viewed as family to Sarah and Giles. With the help of many wonderful family and friends, they hosted a week full of unforgettable events that made everyone feel as if Rome was a second home. More than most people, this couple understands hospitality, and I would be remiss if I didn’t note that they went above and beyond expectations by including Megan and I as guests to their dinner rehearsal sans camera. This pre-wedding dinner – prepared by their close friend and fantastic chef, Marco Morello- was one of the best meals that we experienced while in Rome!”
Sarah and Giles planned the big day together with the help of those family and friends. Sarah was very hands on, designing the invitations, maps, and guest gifts herself! These destination wedding paper details are so much fun! Great ideas too – give guests a list of the most commonly needed phrases in the language used where they will be.
When we asked the bride about her most memorable moments, at the top of her list was seeing the groom for the first time that day on Via Margutta before the ceremony.
Then it was off to their ceremony at a site that was their favorite park in Rome, just a few blocks from their last apartment in the city. Giardino degli Aranci was the spot where they would say “I do” with a unique, standing ceremony for all guests to circle the couple.
Another highlight for the couple was hearing the bride’s brother and grandmother share their thoughts and wishes during speeches in the ceremony.
They wouldn’t return home without stopping in the park for some snacks and special photos!
The reception was held back at the swanky Hotel de Russie, originally planned for the outdoor garden terrace. But a little rain came on the wedding day so guests moved inside for the remainder of the evening, during which an Italian friend toasted to the bride and the weather by saying “Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata”– translation: “Wet bride, lucky bride.”
In spectacular fashion, the escort card display matched the invitations and other paper goods perfectly!
Great photo booth idea for guests – chalkboard messages recorded for the couple to see when they return home from their honeymoon!
What an amazing experience! The bride told us how much she loved… “being able to share our favorite city in the world, with our favorite people in the world!”
Their first dance song was sentimental too. Giles recorded it with a friend back in Vermont and played it for his bride during their first dance.
Then the couple was off to Portugal for their honeymoon, with a stop in Paris before departing for the US.
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Love Colored Lens
Wedding Vendors: Ceremony Location: Giardino degli Aranci (Public Garden), Reception Venue: Hotel De Russie, Wedding Dress: Matthew Christopher, Invitations and Paper Goods: Designed by the bride, printed by May Day Studio
These are just awesome! Makes me want to go to Italy even more! :)