pink weddings magazine » 23
Paul and Francesco
We had a theme loosely based around black and white.
We stuck to this mainly with the wedding menu and table
cards, as well as the table plan. We also used vases half
filled with black dye and floating candles, which made a
very elegant and classy effect.
We both wore classic but modern Armani suits. We
wanted a sophisticated and smart look, not something that
is traditionally associated with a wedding. We also had the
added advantage of investing in something that we can use
again and again.
We had a civil ceremony, and included three witnesses
each.We didn’t stick to a ‘formula’, as we wanted the day to
be around our family and friends who have been there on our
ten-year journey with us, and who made our day possible.We
chose one reading each, to be read in Italian and English,
catering for our various backgrounds.
We both entered together on the sides of the ceremony
stage, and our brothers gave us away. Because the ceremony
was in a theatre, we had a great lighting effect and the stage
was slightly raised. I chose three male witnesses who sat on
the stage with me on my side – they were two very dear
friends, and my brother. Francesco also chose three
witnesses, who were all ladies and also very dear friends.
We had a wedding reception at the same venue, in the
Rep Studio Rooms. We really focused on the food and
making sure this was special and of high quality. We were
not disappointed as we had many compliments – and it’s
not an easy task, pleasing the ‘Italian pallet’! We also had
improvised speeches, along with a few prepared ones, which
added authenticity and realness to the day. There was a lot
of love and happiness surrounding us, which is what this day
was really all about – as well as hats, many hats.
Our guests were pleasantly surprised with the venue
and its uniqueness. The actual civil ceremony was quite
personal to us and our friends and family, and we think our
guests appreciated this, as it’s not something that most
people are used to. There were lots of compliments about
the food and the very emotional speeches, which left not a
dry eye in the house.
It was quite overwhelming yet calming seeing the day
