Italian Village Hosted Dream Wedding After Pandemic Delay

Couple Finds Intimate Charm in Remote Italian Locale

A couple’s long-awaited wedding finally took place in a picturesque Italian village, overcoming a year-long postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The intimate celebration, held in the hamlet of Macchia, proved a testament to perseverance and the power of community.

A Family Connection Leads to a Unique Venue

The wedding location was chosen due to a family connection; Lottie, the bride’s sister, is married to a man whose family originates from Macchia. The village, home to only a handful of residents including his grandparents, offered a secluded and beautiful setting for the ceremony at St. Augustine’s Chapel. According to The Knot, nearly 70% of couples changed their wedding plans due to the pandemic in 2020-2023, highlighting the challenges faced by many.

Local Help Makes the Impossible Possible

Planning a wedding in such a remote location presented challenges, but the couple received invaluable assistance from Lottie’s husband’s mother. She leveraged her extensive local network to coordinate the event, effectively acting as their wedding planner. She made a tonne of calls and made things happen. I don’t know how we could have done it without her. said the bride.

Guest List Grows Beyond Expectations

Initially aiming for a small gathering, the guest list unexpectedly expanded. The couple ultimately hosted 110 guests, a number they found to be perfect despite their initial intentions. The bride explained, We were trying to keep it as small as possible, but then you start going through numbers, and, the next minute, you’re way past the 100 mark.

Lifelong Friends Share in the Joy

The wedding party consisted of friends Bonnie and John had known since childhood, reflecting their long-standing connection. Having grown up down the road from each other, they shared a close-knit group of friends who had been a part of their lives for over two decades.

A Dream Dress Found After a Lengthy Search

The bride’s wedding dress was discovered after an extensive online search. Inspired by a dress seen on Pinterest, she contacted numerous bridal stores before finally locating it at Tamem Michael in Dublin. She recalled the moment she tried it on: I put the dress on and it was the one.

Personalized Touches Add Unique Flair

To make the dress truly her own, Bonnie designed custom sleeves that could be detached. The bridal store expertly crafted the unique addition, adding a personal touch to her special day. I wanted something that was customised for me, something that made the dress a little bit different. she stated.

A Relaxing Start to the Big Day

The morning of the wedding was surprisingly calm. The bridal party enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with mimosas, followed by hair styling. Bonnie opted to do her own makeup, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere.

A Brother’s Reaction Marks a Pivotal Moment

As Bonnie exited the car, her brother, Elliot, was waiting to walk her down the aisle. His emotional reaction – Oh my god, you’re a bride – solidified the reality of the moment for her. Him having that reaction really made me think ‘This is actually happening’.

Ceremony Led by a Familiar Face

The ceremony was officiated by Father Brian D’Arcy, a family friend who had christened several members of the bride’s family. Following the ceremony, the couple enjoyed refreshments in a small piazza before transporting guests to the reception venue, Borgo dei Lecci.

Speeches Captivate the Audience

The bride chose not to deliver a speech, anticipating anxiety. However, the speeches given by others were so well-received that guests continued to discuss them long after the event. We did not want your speeches to end friends reportedly said.

A Song with Special Meaning

The couple’s first dance was set to “Live Wire” by Oh Wonder, a band they frequently listened to while Bonnie stayed at John’s parents’ house. The song evoked cherished memories of those weekends, making it a meaningful choice.

Celebration Continues Late into the Night

The reception featured both a traditional Italian band and a DJ with a singer, keeping guests dancing throughout the night. A cocktail stand and a Jameson whiskey station – a tribute to the bride’s father – added to the festive atmosphere. The celebration continued until 5:00 a.m.