Friday, October 5, 2012

A Lavender and Love-Filled Event

Words by Courtney Kellar
Photos courtesy of Michelle King Photography

There are certain things which stick out in every destination wedding Destination I Do features. Sometimes it’s an adorable couple, lots of unique reception details or a ceremony set-up which takes your breath away. In the case with LA couple Jessica and Patrick’s Mombaruzzo, Italy wedding – it’s the destination which really shines. By looking through the couple’s images, you can almost taste wine on your lips and smell fresh lavender in the air. Jessica and Patrick’s nuptials really encapsulate what destination weddings are all about: a special place to share with your guests, capped off by an unbelievable event.

Our bride, Jessica, grew up in Europe and knew there was nowhere else she wanted to spend the most important day in her life, thus far. The wedding week began with a civil ceremony in Monaco, France, followed by a celebratory dinner at the father of the bride’s restaurant. The next day, the entire wedding party road-tripped from France to Italy and into the tiny town of Mombaruzzo. The 15th century church set in the center of town was location of Jessica and Patrick’s traditional ceremony.

Leaving the church, the couple hopped on the back of a truck and slowly wound their way through the village – guests and well-wishers following in toe. The parade of hooting well-wishers and celebratory honks could hardly be missed in this sleepy Italian town. After their procession, the couple and their wedding party landed at La Villa Hotel.

Nestled into rolling vineyards and lavender fields, La Villa Hotel was the ideal rustic backdrop for Jessica and Patrick’s outdoor reception. Guests munched on fresh pasta, sipped local wines and danced the night away. The bride and groom not only embraced their destination with their menu, but by selecting all local flowers to decorate the tables. Surely this wedding week couldn’t get in better, right?

In fact, Jessica and Patrick weren’t done yet. Their wedding was followed by a post-wedding lunch the following day. The newlyweds and their guests sat under date and fig trees on the grandfather of the bride’s vineyard. Everyone mingled and reminisced about the last night’s events while sipping on the family’s own wine straight from oak barrels.

Unsurprisingly, Jessica and Patrick couldn’t be more pleased with how their destination wedding came to fruition. The bride sums it up thusly, “Our wedding week in the South of France and in Italy was a magical and unforgettable celebration. It was beyond everything we had imagined.” Thanks to the couple and their photographer for sharing this one-of-a-kind event with us!

Vendors:
Photographer: Michelle King Photography
Reception Venue: La Villa Hotel
Florist: Gullino, Mary-Jane Fleurs
Musicians: The Joy Singers Choir
Gown: Allure Bridals