The big day arrived on Saturday. We grabbed a light breakfast in our favourite local cafe and dropped into the wedding venue, Chiesa di San Francesco, to put on some decorative bows on the chairs. Once done with that, we got dressed up and headed down to the cloisters again. The sun was at a perfect height so everyone was shaded just enough from being too warm.
Arthur and his brother, Paul looked very smart with Arthur looking especially handsome with his poker straight hair :) A flutist provided gentle background music while everyone settled into their seats. After a short while we got the nod that Catherine was ready and in she came with her Dad looking absolutely stunning. She made her way around and up the aisle to join Arthur, who looked elated when he saw her.
The vows were issued in Italian and translated to English which really rooted the ceremony in the location. Catherine's brothers gave two lovely readings and their friend Aine sang two songs accompanied by the flutist, giving an especially emotional rendition of She Moved Through The Fair.
Arthur and Catherine's vows to each other were very touching and so sincere. The ceremony concluded with a few legal declarations and a hearty congratulations from the official. After a few photos in the cloisters and the customary exit though rose petals we headed off to the reception.
The reception was in an even more stunning location high up in the hills at Arthur and Catherine's hotel. There was a generous buffet with lots of Prosecco and the staff were so friendly, it couldn't have been better. We chatted on the lawn for a while until Arthur and Catherine made their grand entrance in a convertible VW beetle. After more Prosecco and a group photo by the pool we were invited in for dinner.
No surprises, the dinner was flawless as well, two perfect pasta courses and sumptuous beef left us all pleasantly full.
Catherine's dad made a heartfelt speech welcoming Arthur into the family and praising his beautiful daughter, he was pride personified.
Arthur stepped up and gave an impressive speech thanking everyone and in many cases individually which was truly touching. We were all surprised how thorough he was but he kept it entertaining throughout. Seeing as he was taking a sip of wine each paragraph, we made a drinking game of it, "Arthur & I" I suppose.
Paul followed up with another striking speech looking back on Arthur's youth then life and times with Catherine. I particularly liked his reference to Arthur's "moon boots" and him falling asleep with his head sticking outside the door.
Arthur's dad gave another touching speech welcoming Catherine and praising Arthur's growth and maturity.
Following the speeches, Arthur and Catherine cut their cake which was delicate pastry layers with cream between, the top was decorated with red flowers. Fortunately, James was on hand to take some quality photos to capture the event.
Last but not least, we headed inside for their first dance, True Colours by Cyndi Lauper, which was a wonderful and poignant choice. We all joined in and danced away the rest of the night to bits of swing, 80s pop and Goth rock.
There was not a single aspect of the wedding I would change, as I'm sure Arthur and Catherine would agree.
I wish them all the best and our love for the future.
As my photos might take a day or to, here’s a link to James’ fantastic photos.
