Adrian and Stephanie were married in the Sala Rossa town hall in Florence at the start of September.

The wedding day for the guests was made relaxing with two locations at walking distance within the city, for a casual lunch, and a formal dinner in a private villa overlooking the Arno river.. This astonishingly decorated renaissance hall is ideal for a private event for 50 or more guests: in this case Stephanie and Adrian had formal speeches prior to the meal, a multi course relaxed Italian banquet, and a live band to end the event.

Adrian and Stephanie write:

Having just got back from our honeymoon we wanted to say a huge thank you for organising such an amazing wedding. All of our guests have said what a truly fantastic job you did, it was perfect and exceeded our expectations in every way.

Best regards
Adrian and Stephanie

Kelly and Kanyun write:

It has been exactly one month since the day. I don't exactly know how to thank you for all you helped make happen. You helped to create an experience that leaves us so enriched with beautiful memories.

Your kindness, calmness, expertise, and ability to be our friend through the process was much appreciated. The whole event was beyond what we hoped for. My only regret is that I couldn't slow down time!

We laughed, we cried, we sang, we danced, we ate wonderful food and beautiful wine all surrounded by candlelight. It was a dream What more could you ask for?!.

It was a pleasure to meet Marissa, even for a moment and to see the who is behind the absolutely gorgeous flowers.

Also, we truly enjoyed the creation of our beautiful and delicious wedding cake! That was such a fun moment. Simply, thank you. We received many compliments in your honor of how great you were from our family and friends. We hope to see you again someday...let us know if you ever find yourself in New York...or Sheboygan for that matter!

With the warmest of thanks and appreciation.
Kelly & Kanyun

Joanna and Peter were married in the Sala Rossa on a Saturday mid October. Though late in the year, October is often a great month for weddings in Italy - not too hot, and often reliable.

Following the civil wedding in the town hall, the guests returned to this wonderful villa close to Florence for the reception. The villa is ideal for a formal party of any size - for small groups, the meal is held on the riverside terrace, while for a party such as this, the private banqueting hall is used, with separate spece for the seated meal, and a dance area for the rest of the night.

Joanna and Peter write:

Hi Ben, Sorry we were not in touch sooner, but following the wedding we travelled to Verona and Venice with the Australian relations and then we had to entertain them for almost three weeks in the UK! Life has finally returned to normal!

We both want to thank you so much for organising such a wonderful day for us - I don't think anything could have been any better! The ceremony was amazing (what a nice Mayor!) and the food and service at the villa were just fantastic. Many of our friends commented on how well it was organised and the attention to detail.

All the best.
Joanna and Peter

Leigh and Gavin had an initimate wedding at the end of August in San Gimignano. The couple write:

Dear Luce and Ben,

Gavin and I want to send our thanks to you both for making our wedding day an experience we will never forget. We didn't have long to plan it (12 weeks) but then I suppose having a small number of guests always helps! Our family had an amazing day as well and we had the chilled out and relaxed wedding that we both wanted. It was a shame that we didn't get to meet you face to face Ben, however that also meant that we got to meet the wonderful Luce. She put us both at ease from the moment we met her on the steps of the Duomo on the wednesday before the wedding. It was an honour to have her there on our special day.

My father in law says he shall never forget the moment we turned into Piazza della Cisterna and the crowds turned to see us approach in our little red car, and I think I agree. They clapped and wished me good luck in Italian as we drove through - it was a magical experience and something I will never forget. Gavin and I had to laugh when our photographer pointed out that we were being followed by the 'papparazzo'. I think we must be in many holiday photographs and felt like celebrities as we were snapped as we wandered the streets.

Our wedding day was even more amazing than we had imagined, so thank you both for helping us make it so perfect.

Best wishes and heartfelt thanks,
Leigh & Gavin

San Valentino (Saint Valentine's Day).

The most popular legend depicting the origin of Valentine's day tells us that some 1700 years ago the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage claiming that it decreased his male soldiers' zest for battle. Despite the Emperor's decree, a priest by the name of Valentine is said to have continued to perform marriage ceremonies for those who requested it. On February 14th, 269 AD, Valentine was beheaded for his commitment to young love. According to lore, lovers in Italy and around the world have been celebrating the memory of Valentine ever since. Italian storefronts and street vendors are flush with fresh flowers and candies. All commerce remains normal with state and federal offices functioning as they always do...

Tra moglie e marito ... non mettere il dito.
Don't put a finger between wife and husband.

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