Marisol and Richard met in Rome in 2006 during a study abroad program, where they lived together in a “Real World” style apartment with 10 roommates and Rome at their fingertips. According to Marisol, Rome was “sensory overload to say the least but we soon found time to get to know each other as we were able to explore the city over the next two months!” They traipsed the city and the region together, and Rick kissed Mari for the first time at the Pantheon, a tradition that they love to continue to this day. When it came time to plan their nuptials, choosing a Rome wedding, where their romance began, was the perfect choice!
From Marisol: The first week of our engagement began our planning process. We tossed around a few ideas on location but definitely had our hearts set on Rome. What an amazing way to share how and where we met with family and friends! Before we committed to this destination wedding, we took a poll to see just how many people might be interested in making the journey. The location of the ceremony was important to us but more so, was the hope that people we love could attend. Luckily, we had enough interest to proceed with the planning!
First off, we discussed hiring a wedding planner which involved searching the Internet for the best match. Brenda with Italia Celebrations came along in our searches and we immediately had a good feeling about her. Her resume, references and email promptness won us over as we continued planning together. Because our wedding was so far away in distance and time, we decided right away that we wanted to play a big role in the designed items in our wedding. With both of us being architects, it was only natural and extremely rewarding to design and print our own invitations, programs, menus, escort cards, place cards, and table numbers. We were drawn to an unconventional color scheme of red wines, pinks, purples, and brown, with a small touch of yellow to brighten up the palette. The scheme felt very romantic, sophisticated and Italian – perhaps the red wine tones did it!
When the big day finally came, it was truly more than we could have dreamed! We had an elegant ceremony with a unique getaway car, a very dramatic, yet intimate reception setting, and a beautiful ambiance to the entire day!
Having a destination wedding, we knew we wanted to make our traveling guests feel welcome and connected to the event. We had welcome bags delivered to each guest which included Prosecco, champagne flutes, Italian chocolate bars, cookies, welcome note, itinerary, and personalized Rome walking tour map including some of our favorite spots around the city. Two days before the wedding, we organized a group tour of the Vatican Museums and Saint Peters. Not only was it a wonderful learning experience but it also gave guests a chance to get to know each other before the wedding.
In addition to our wonderful wedding day, we had planned far in advance, to attend the Papal Audience with a special blessing and seating area for newly weds. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and what fun to wear your wedding attire in front of thousands of onlookers!
The Wedding Team:
Photographer: Ruggero Farina
Wedding Planner: Brenda Babcock of Italia Celebrations
Ceremony Site: San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
Reception Venue & Catering: Aroma Restaurant Terrace at the Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
?Florist: Noosheen
?Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara from D’Anelli Bridal and Tux in Lakewood, Colorado
Bridal Shrug: Sassy Holford from Little White Dress Shop, Denver, Colorado
?Veil: D’Anelli Bridal and Tux
?Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
?Jewelry: Nadri from Nordstrom
?Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston
?Bridesmaid Shoes: Nina from Macy’s
?Bridesmaid Jewelry: Sorrelli
?Grooms Tuxedo: Hugo Boss
?Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: JoS. A. Banks
??Ceremony Music: Local musicians playing Harp, Violin and Cello
?Reception Music – Michael Supnick jazz band
Transportation – A Fiat 500
Thank you for sharing your amazing Rome destination wedding with us Marisol and Richard! It sounds like a dream come true!
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