homemade traditions

One of the most memorable chapters of my life took place on a recent sunny day high up on a cliff, overlooking the Mediterranean. Throughout our Greek island-hopping honeymoon (many adventures which I will soon share), thoughts of our wedding left me feeling warm and somehow, complete. All the many months of planning this international affair (with the aid of a certain gracious Italian sister and uncle), were well worth it. (Originally we were tempted to elope!)

As so well articulated in my Italian’s speech, our love story is a cross-cultural one, with roots in the US, France, Poland and of course Italy. This was represented by our mix of friends and family as well as in our celebration.

We enacted the beautiful Italian tradition of the groom greeting the bride at the door of the church and handing her the bouquet. (What a moment!) The church service was a religious tradition which we had both grown up with. No bridesmaids or groomsmen but rather, four witnesses to acknowledge our union.

Being covered with congratulatory cries of “Auguri!” and rose petals was a moment to cherish.

So many other details set the scene, each proving how much love and care was expressed by all.

Compositions of pale blue hydrangeas mixed with white roses and a touch of lily of the valley, representing innocence on the sea (my interpretation), carefully selected by the local florist.

My bouquet of white roses and white ranunculus composed by my mother, flowers being one of her passions. (This designer mom also made my veil!)

Following an apero, a 12-course meal began (Italian style), filled with tastes from the sea. Apparently an Italian wedding is not a good one unless the guests have eaten more than enough.

The meal ended very sweetly, with a local dessert wine, sciacchetra, expertly concocted by my Italian’s father (with our names on the label – surprise!)

The cake was a special (secret) recipe from the local pasticceria, delicious! My Mom lovingly crafted the ceramic couple to top it off. Perfect.

What my Italian and I were happiest with in the end was all the fun that was had. Evident in the singing and even, dancing! Someone once told me Italians don’t dance at weddings. Certainly we challenged this tradition. The revelry began as the sun set beyond the cliffs. And it went on, and on…

Only to arrive home to the final surprise – a bed filled with rice. Another Italian tradition.

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13 Comments

  1. Melissa July 5, 2011

    Beautiful Kasia! FĂ©licitations again and I can’t wait to hear more! xoxo


  2. forest July 5, 2011

    you both look so incredibly happy. big, big congratulations to you both – wish you nothing but the best!


  3. Susan July 5, 2011

    Sounds (and looks) so divine Kasia! I love the tradition of the groom greeting you with your bouquet…so sweet. You look so gorgeous, and you are a beautiful couple!


  4. Rasha July 5, 2011

    Congratulations Kasia and Giorgio! The pics look amazing; the love and care truly shine through 🙂


  5. Lora July 5, 2011

    Gorgeous! Congratulations Madam!


  6. Lindsey July 5, 2011

    Gorgeous!! I’m so glad it was everything you hoped it would be.


  7. Elaine Halkias July 5, 2011

    Hi Kasia,
    Your Mom, Angela and me watched the fireworks last night for the fourth of July. She showed us your wedding pictures which I thoroughly enjoyed. Congratulations on your marriage and I wish you all the best.


  8. Sweet Freak July 6, 2011

    I love it, Kasia! Your wedding was gorgeous, personal and heartfelt.


  9. Andi July 8, 2011

    I love the header! And I love the radiant smile on your face on one of the happiest day of your life


  10. […] enjoying their wedding recap posts. Parisian blogging pal, Kasia of Love in the City of Lights who married her Italian in the Cinque Terre region of and honeymooned in Greece. Then there is my travel blogging pal Andi […]


  11. Karen July 13, 2011

    truly the most beautiful, romantic wedding ever! So glad I could be a part of it. Love to you two!


    • Kasia July 20, 2011

      So happy you, Emre and the girls could share it with us! xoxo


  12. […] enjoying their wedding recap posts. Parisian blogging pal, Kasia of Love in the City of Lights who married her Italian in the Cinque Terre region of and honeymooned in Greece. Then there is my travel blogging pal Andi […]


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