Melina and Manuel

In another life, I live in different countries, where there are cobblestone pathways, castles and beautiful buildings just right to hire for weddings. Australian Melina married her beloved Manuel in his homeland of Italy. With a backdrop of stunning scenery, landscapes and Italian beauty it’s a dream location for a special day.

Melina tells the story of how they met. “We fell in love over a discussion about the best tasting Italian Digestive drink!”

Photographs today are by photogroup, who have an elegant sophistication to their work.

Melina wore a gown from Raffaele Ciuca Melbourne.

A vintage fiat was used as transport for the day.

Melina remembers, “We were married at the courthouse of Borgo Val di Taro in Italy at 12pm. As tradition here is… The groom was waiting at the chamber’s gates for the bride to arrive, with the entire congregation waiting as well. Once I arrived, dad passed me over and we took the steps inside and the congregation followed”

Melina remarks, “The thing that caught me on our wedding day was the intimate (nature) of it all… Every guest was involved and enthused in every moment and we all felt very special to have each person there. I have never laughed so much in one day.. It was very special. It was also funny to see different cultures mixing and having fun together… Music definitely does speak a universal language!”

Melina remembers “After the ceremony, the congregation left first and as we emerged we had 150 people throwing rice.”

The couple held their reception in the one venue, moving through the different spaces for different courses. Melina explains, “The Castello di Compiano is down the road from our home in Italy and was just a natural selection of venue in Italy. It is one of the most well preserved castles that for the Castels of the Ducy of Parma, and also has a local bar where we would drink often.  We had apperitivo and drinks on arrival at 2pm, in the gardens outside.”

Melina recalls, “First course and second course and coffee were served in the main cortile of the palace with white umbrellas and white tablecloths.”

Melina explains, “Manuel and I organised every detail together so it was special to see things come together together, I loved my dress, my family which traveled a long way to be there, my bridesmaid/photographer, our amazing friends.”

Of their photographer, Melina says “Connie was chosen as photographer for her energy and passion. Her own personality summed up the atmosphere we wanted to capture.”

Melina and Manuel put together the vividly coloured dessert buffet themselves.

As the sun set, Melina remembers,  “The cake was cut in the gardens and digestifs served. From there we had a dance floor set up and at 7:30 the band started and played till 1:30am when all the guests left.”

Of their first dance, Melina says, “Italian tradition doesn’t really have first dance but we did anyway and it was a great surprise when my mum handed out streamers for everyone to wrap us up in!”

Congratulations to Melina and Manuel! Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us! Thank you also to Connie of photogroup for sharing today’s images!