Real wedding of Anna and Giorgio at Villa Aurelia, Rome

Wedding at basilica di san lorenzo in Rome

Anna and Giorgio’s exquisite wedding at Villa Aurelia paid homage to the heritage of both families and the union of Italian and English history. Here’s a couple who poured their hearts into every experience for their utterly beautiful celebration - some sentiments may have been so modest, perhaps even unnoticed by guests, but to have included them meant everything to Anna and Giorgio. With their marriage vows taken at the Basilica di San Lorenzo, followed by a classic Italian meal, celebrating Tuscan food from the region of Giorgio’s family. Villa Aurelia, an extraordinary venue perched overlooking Rome, housed all the celebrations. And once the dancing had finished and whilst the eternal city slept, this couple of newlyweds walked through the streets back to their hotel. Pure romance right there!

Touches pulling on all senses were carefully entwined into their day. For the ears and the soul, the choir sang English hymns and ancient music - including Anna’s grandfather's favourite hymn, and her late grandpappy's favourite song. The smell of Anna’s late grandmother's perfume, was a subtle touch carried on the bride evoking family memories. And we absolutely need a moment for the dress - a redesign of Anna’s mother's wedding dress gave this classic a timeless style. Giorgio equally honoured loved ones by wearing his grandfather's watch and shoes from Crockett and Jones in Northampton, which is Anna’s birth town. At the aperitif, a table of old family wedding photos furthered the feeling that this occasion was not simply celebrating the marriage of Anna and Giorgio but marking years of family history. And yet more for the senses with candles scented with Roman jasmine and English rose around the cocktail tables, all of which were made close to Anna’s own family home in Norfolk. A wedding enveloped in nostalgia and the truest family warmth.

SUPPLIER TEAM

Special moments

“An amazing moment for me was arriving at the basilica with my dad, and having to walk through the piazza to get there. The bells started ringing for us as we approached the church doors (something I was unaware would happen), and everyone in the piazza stood up and clapped us, with people shouting good luck. The bells and cheering meant we couldn't actually hear the choir and organ playing the entrance hymn until some way down the aisle. It was absolutely surreal and quite overwhelming for my Dad and I. ” Anna, bride

The story behind the fashion

“A year before the wedding, my mother brought down her 1989 silk taffeta wedding dress from the attic. We had never seen it before, and she had refused to look at it for 31 years, believing it to have been ruined by the dry cleaner shortly after her wedding. However, when she shook it out, it was gleaming and immaculate. She had misremembered the damage, which was actually done to a detachable bow.

It was such a happy moment that I decided to wear and update it for my own wedding. Carrie Matthews from Blake Ida Bridal used the dress and redesigned it for me, incorporating my love of clean lines and long sleeves, and recreating the bow at the back. She also incorporated a classic Dolce and Gabbana neckline as a nod to Rome and Giorgio's family. I felt totally myself in it.

I wore it with a hammered silk headband from Jennifer Behr, and an absolutely exquisite veil by Monvieve that used a light and informal floral lace border. This was made in Italy but felt very pastoral and English.” Anna, bride

What does Italy mean to you?

“This is a huge generalisation, (I'm sure influenced by Giorgio) but I think Italians are incredibly generous - the clapping outside the basilica was testament to that. People really make an effort with you. It's the most beautiful, effortless and interesting place.” Anna, bride

Favourite styling element?

“I loved the floral arrangements by Flowers Living, who came to our rescue quite late in the day after we found them via La Lista. Many florists in the region seemed to use beautiful but quite formal arrangements, which didn't feel like us. Flowers Living understood the brief perfectly - seasonal, natural and informal, overflowing with delicate flowers and greenery. They used trees in the basilica aisle, and mossy meadow arrangements on the tables.” Anna, bride

Stand out supplier?

“Apollinare were absolutely fantastic caterers. The food was classic, simple Italian, tailored to Giorgio's home, and was unbelievably delicious. The service was also fantastic. They were recommended by our equally invaluable planners, Diana Parravicini (Giorgio's friend from school in Rome) and Claudia Paolelli.

Paola Colleoni was also an outstanding photographer. Extremely stylish photography - lots of her images are very Roman. She was also so lovely to have around.” Anna, bride

Stand out moment

“I loved walking down the hill through Trastevere to our hotel with my new husband, at 3am in the morning, after the dancing. We were blissfully happy and utterly relieved. We opted to walk rather than take a wedding car, and I'm so happy we did - it was impossibly romantic.“ Anna, bride

Would you have done anything differently?

“Looking back, we would have taken a longer honeymoon. We took 7 days driving around Sardinia, but reality came back rather too hard after that. Take as long a honeymoon as you can and stay in your bubble.” Anna, bride

SUPPLIER TEAM

Anna + Giorgio’s sentimental and romantic Roman wedding.

Categories

Anna + Giorgio’s sentimental and romantic Roman wedding.

Categories

La Lista’s 2022: Our Best Supplier Moments

How to sort common guest issues at a wedding