Wedding Plans for the big day and festivities surrounding it
As you are all coming from far afield it would be unfair for it to be all over after one day. We are therefore planning a few things that we hope you may enjoy.
Saturday 1st July - The night before the wedding we are planning to go out for a meal, nothing fancy just a relaxing meal to start of the festivities and we would love for you to join us if you have no other plans. We hope to book something close to Albiano and it would cost around 15 euros per head for pizza and wine (other drinks not included). If you want to come let us know in advance so that we can book somewhere as spaces may be limited due to the amount of people coming from the UK. You would have to make your own way there but there are taxi numbers on this website and I am sure some people may drive and would be happy to give lifts.
Sunday 2nd July - The Wedding Day will start slightly later than traditional Weddings in the UK as the midday sun may burn some of us pasty white people (Mark is writing this not Alessia). We would be expecting something along the following guidelines but a full wedding plan will be published nearer the time
3.30pm - Bus picking up guests en route from Barga and Surrounding Areas (let us know if you need a lift)
4.00pm - Guests arrive at the Cedri
4.30pm - Wedding Ceremony
5.00pm - Aperitvo with canapes and nibbles (a wee feed prior to the main event as the bride and groom get some pictures taken)
6.00pm - The main meal
7.30pm - Cutting of the cake
8.00pm - Dancing and disgracing
12.00am - Music moves indoors
Monday 3rd July - Is a day to relax and recover from the night before. Lounge around the pool before getting ready to do it all over again as we are having a hog roast and pool party at the Cedri. Bring your trunks and drinks of your choice although we will provide some wine.
Tuesday 4th July - A true day of rest allowing you an opportunity to explore Barga
Wednesday 5th July - For those of you still in the area we were thinking of organising a day trip. There are lots of things to do in the area but some suggestions are as follows
A wine tour with lunch at a typical Tuscan village
San Giminignanoa which is a lovely walled city with the best ice cream in the world
Florence
A day at the beach (Viareggio)
Cinque Terre
Have a look to see what you fancy and let us know so that we can gauge interest and then get a price from the bus company
Meet the Wedding Party
Alessia, the blushing bride and the luckiest girl in the world, affectionately known by many as 'Chesha' (named by Dino who couldn't say her name when he was wee)
Mark, the groom also known as San Marco (Saint Mark) by the Bride's Mother
Dino, the best wee man. He was there from the start as he ducked and dived like a wee ninja delivering Mark the engagement ring to surprise Alessia on her birthday.
Michele, Alessia's brother, The Italian Best Man and Dino's chaperone. Will be the first to dance on the tables and get the party started!
Beware of his wine pouring ability when you are not looking!
Big John, Mark's sidekick and buddy in crime since the age of 4 years old, The Scottish Best Man who doubles up as a bouncer to stop any trouble (unless he causes it)
Maureen, mother of the groom (who is an only child) and is on record as saying she stopped having children after achieving perfection
Lauretta, 'Mamma' the mother of the bride who gave birth to the most beautiful wee girl in the world
Alessandro, (Ale) Alessia's brother, master of ceremonies and interpreter who will keep you entertained for hours with his general knowledge and can provide you with any information you want about the local area (and probably most of the world!)
Dee, wife of Ale will be alongside him welcoming you to I Cedri on the day of the wedding. She will be handing out a little supply of rice to everyone which will then be thrown at the bride and groom after the ceremony which is what the Italians do!
Uncle Enio, he will be giving Alessia away and is an all round good guy. He insists he does not speak English but knows more than he lets on and the more vino he has the more fluent he gets!
Vanda, the Maid of Honour, thinks the wedding is all about her as the theme is 'Lavanda' (Lavender). Vanda's organisational skills (OCD) will keep Alessia in check and get her to the venue on time...unless Pinot has a say in it!
Lee, bridesmaid, is returning the favour for Alessia who was her bridesmaid in the year 2000! Despite being married to Douglas for the past 17 years she still has a smile on her face. She will also help things run smoothly on the BIG day...as long as we hide the Fragolino prior to the 'i do's'
Zoe, junior bridesmaid and daughter of Lee. Multi talented girl who will undoubtedly break into song more than a drunken Scotsman