The ceremony
Christelle and Frederic breezed through paperwork requirements for French citizens to marry in Italy and their civil ceremony was held in the opulent Red Room in downtown Florence. Appropriately named, the room is wall to wall red carpeting, red upholstery on period furniture, and velvet red wallpaper from floor to ceiling. Embellishments decorating the wedding hall include two impressive 18th century Flemish tapestries, a gigantic gold-framed Louis XV mirror sitting atop a Baroque marble fireplace, and hanging from the ceiling in the center of the room is a lavishly elegant Venetian chandelier.
The reception
Guests were welcomed on the scenic terrace at Villa La Vedetta with striking views on the renaissance capitol. A gourmet Italian reception meal and plenty of French champagne were Christelle and Frederic’s way of thanking their guests for travelling from France and southern Italy.
Wedding Menu
Veuve Cliquot San Pietroburgo
Italian Prosecco
Assorted Canapes
Veal carpaccio served with celery and pecorino salad, dressed with a hazelnut vinaigrette
Radicchio and red onion fondant risotto topped with a skewer of quail
Beef Wellington tenderloin served with a vegetable and potato lasagna
dressed with extra virgin olive oil
The day after
All guests stayed together at a local agri-tourism just outside Florence where Christelle and Frederic arranged a buffet brunch from noon to four so that as people woke up they could enjoy some more excellent food and drink. There were several stations with a variety of local products including Tuscan charcuterie, freshly baked breads and rolls, local cheese and paired jams, pasta salads and fresh fruit.
The location offered so many things for their guests to do. There is a 9-hole, par 27 golf course plus numerous hiking trails. The Chef offers cooking classes for those interested in Italian cuisine.
The day was sunny and warm, so everyone laid around the pool reminiscing about the wedding day before and dreaming about the future.
