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Chandi J. Wyant
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March
15, 2002
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Bridal Bliss in Florence
An interview with Danielle, a bride from
New York who was married in Florence with the help of Sogni Italiani
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 Chandi: Would you say there is a different
atmosphere, getting married over there, versus in the US?
Danielle: There is definitely a different atmosphere in Florence versus in
the US. First, I think we are so accustomed to weddings here that even
something different isn't that unique. As a foreigner getting married in
Italy, the experiences are definitely unique. Second, Italy has a distinct
history and culture that the US does not have. We have merged so many
cultures and the US is a young country void of the history and
architecture of Italy. There is no need to create a beautiful atmosphere
in Florence; it is naturally there. While in Florence, we felt like we
were a part of something historic and wonderful, almost as if time stood
still or we traveled in time. We carved out a little niche in history for
ourselves. It was perfect! You cannot get that feeling here in the US.
Chandi: How did it feel to have just a few guests at your wedding in
Florence?
Danielle: Originally, we were supposed to elope and do this on our own. In
the end we had three other people meet us. It definitely enriched our
experience. Italy is about family and traditions so having family to share
the experience with was great. It also gives us others with whom we can
speak about our wedding and they truly understand and remember just as we
do. They can verify that it was real. To the ones who weren't there, it is
more like a fairy tale.
Based on my experience, I recommend limiting the number of people
attending. With fewer people, the day becomes truly your own. It is about
the bride and the groom. It is something special and perfect for the two
of you. It is something that large weddings cannot give.
Chandi: Did you have another wedding or celebration in the US and did this
satisfy your friends & family who could not be in Florence? And what
would you recommend to other brides about how to approach a celebration at
home, if they're getting married in Italy?
Danielle: We had an average size wedding when we returned with our family
and friends. We told everyone we eloped to Florence and then invited about
100 people (rather than 250) to a more intimate wedding celebration. They
were so anxious to hear about our Italian wedding and see pictures that we
got to relive our Florence wedding all over again. The one thing to note
about a more typical US wedding is that you have a lot of people to be
host to and a short amount of time in which to do it. The day went so fast
and I barely saw my husband the whole night. It was more hectic than my
Florence wedding and did not have the same feeling of time standing still.
Just the opposite, time flew by. I did not have the time to savor getting
married and just being with my husband as I did in Florence. However, I
did enjoy the love and happiness of my family and friends.
In the end, I feel lucky and blessed that I had both and I treasure them
both for different reasons.
Chandi: Do you have any plans to return to Florence over the years now
that you have begun your marriage there?
Danielle: We will definitely go back. What better way to celebrate our
anniversary! My husband did not have the opportunity to see much of
Florence because of the wedding so he is anxious to go back and spend time
exploring and enjoying. The city has always been one of my favorites but
now it has a special place in my heart.
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Text and photos copyright 2002, Chandi J. Wyant.
All rights
reserved.
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