Francesco and Valentina: wedding in downtown
I’ve known Francesco for many years and also Valentina, his girlfriend. When they announced the intention to marry was a very nice moment. The surprise was when they asked me to organize the wedding party, it was what I wanted after knowing their intention.
I immediately started looking for the place. It had to be central, beautiful, with an open space and roomy enough. After several visits, the choice was on the Palazzo Budini Gattai Grifoni. Dating back to the mid-sixteenth century, it is located in a corner of the beautiful Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where there is the shrine of the Annunciation and the Hospital of the Innocenti. The center of Florence of that era.
Between tradition and informality
Choosing the location, we think about the reception. Francesco and Valentina are an informal and modern couple. The proposal was to make a light reception, which involved all the guests. The solution was to use the garden, performed by Ammanati on a project by Brunelleschi, to receive guests warm from September particularly hot.
A buffet with express preparation of fries, another of Tuscan cheeses and cold cuts, the buffet of drinks in front of the laurel hedge. The waiters offered Pappa al Pomodoro, shrimp wrapped in Kataifi pasta, chicken Tandoori in tartar sauce and other delicious finger food. The marriage ceremony was celebrated in front of the fountain of Venus by Giovanni Bandini. All with the background music chosen by the couple.
Under the Loggia delle Carrozze
The dinner made in the Loggia delle Carrozze, beautifully preserved with the stone floor, which can create some problems of “stability”, but that our good waiters have been able to put everything in safety. Buffet service with finely set tables. The choice of the tablecloth has reflected the clothes of the couple. Bride’s dress green water for tablecloths, blue sea for groom’s dress and towels. A modern, elegant chromatic effect that softened the austerity of the serene floor stone. Beams of light illuminated the columns.
The menu included: Gnudi with ricotta and spinach, Gemelli of fresh pasta with the noble sauce of veal and porcini mushrooms.
Casentino ham roasted with Chianti aromas served with diced potato cubes and vegetable caponatina.
Seasonal salads and radicchio, cruditèe. To end the dinner a big heart-shaped tart with custard and berries.
Wines chosen specifically for the event.
The party continues in the Yellow Lounge for coffee and liqueurs and the ball in the Stanza delle Colonne.
Happy newlyweds, happy guests and I’m glad and happy to have taken part in this wonderful day.
Thanks Valentina, thanks Francesco!