John and Ashley in Meleto
I met John and Ashley the first days of September. A couple of young Americans who wanted to crown their dream in Tuscany. We talked about the reception, and the places where it was possible to do it. They had the need to host about 50/60 between relatives and friends who all came from the States. The circle of the locations was restricted to a place that must be beautiful, accessible, tuscan, with a nice place to make the reception.And plan B, which is a suitable place to use in case of inclement weather!
For the location the choice fell on a castle in the Sienese Chianti: the Castello di Meleto. The menu had been decided. See you in January to define everything. January arrives and the newlyweds come back. Visit to the Castle, proof of the reception menu, choice of the layout, but I felt that something was missing. We went to dinner in a restaurant in Florence, before their departure for the States and talking about other things that was not the reception, suddenly the bride asks me: but you would be a wedding master of ceremonies?
That Honor! be their cerimonist
It would be a great honor, I replied. But honestly, I had no idea what role the wedding master of ceremonies played. So they returned home. And I had about 5 months to “learn” the master’s profession. I started asking for information about their love story, how it started, where they met, where John gave the engagement ring to the future bride and other things related to their beautiful relationship. I also called some friends, in fact I sent them by e-mail, explaining what this information was for and the result was fantastic. And the day of the ceremony arrives. The newlyweds and guests are already at the castle and invite me for a pre-wedding pizza party. On this occasion we define the planning of the event, we choose the place of the ceremony, that of the aperitifs and the dinner.
The ceremony is scheduled at 5 pm. The chosen place is a small hill that sweeps the view on the hills and the vineyards of Chianti. White chairs, also light colored flowers. Long bridesmaids with pastel colored dresses, all the same hairstyles and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. The best men all in dark suit with a beautiful rose in the buttonhole of the jacket. With the most exciting bridegroom, we are waiting for the bride to arrive. The emotion is contagious, especially when Ashley appears in her beautiful white dress, simple but worn in a regal way. The ceremony was very impressive. My speech, thanks to the contribution of friends and spouses was much appreciated and at times even fun.
But when I arrived at the time of the exchange of the rings, I was moved. Somehow, my presence decreed the union of these two wonderful young, in front of parents, relatives and friends. Now I introduces the most important moment today: the Exchange of vows.
John repeat after me and Ashley repeat after me. They were very excited, but I too was with all the guests. The September sun showed itself behind the clouds, illuminating a blue sky. Perfect. In the end, the usual words were: and now to all the friends and family who came to celebrate this marriage, I present Mr. and Mrs. Collins for the first time! Bellisssimo!
And then a wonderful party!
A small walk separated us from the aperitif space, set up in a beautiful terrace garden overlooking the castle. A corner with typical Tuscan cheeses, ham and different types of
bread. In another corner, all kinds of vegetables and Florentine cuddings were served, fried at the moment. In addition to the classic aperitif cocktails, the wines of the castle served as hosts at the drink buffet.
The aperitif lasted about two hours, with continuous passages of Tuscan-style finger foof: pappa al pomodoro, the quenelle of cod from Livorno, the chickpea cake and other specialties from our region. About eight o’clock in the evening, with the sun setting behind the hills of vineyards, we went to the castle hall for dinner. A beautiful imperial table in the shape of a horseshoe greeted us. The simple setting, with olive branches, white roses and candles, together with the beautiful fireplace room of the castle made the dinner unforgettable.
A Chianti risotto, the Tortelli from Mugello with a light veal ragout. Chianina fillet with porcini mushrooms. Wines: of the castle, ça va sans dire!
After dinner all in the lemon house for cutting the wedding cake and dancing until dawn. All the guests were satisfied, the newlyweds were happy and I was still a bit excited by this new role, which has now become a fresh novelty.