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A Memorable Wedding Celebration in the Italian Alps
In a picturesque setting surrounded by the Italian Alps, a couple celebrated their union in a unique and heartfelt wedding ceremony. The bride, adorned in an exquisite gown, complemented her look with Manolo Blahnik shoes designed for Danielle Frankel and a stunning cathedral-length mantilla veil, a treasured piece passed down from her cousin. She reflected on the veil’s significance, saying, “There’s something very theatrical about mantilla veils.” As she made her way to the church on a donkey, the flowing veil evoked a sense of nostalgia, with onlookers commenting on her graceful presence. Her earrings, crafted by her close friend Jo-Ann Arosemena, added a personal touch to her outfit. In contrast, the groom, Andrea, opted for a classic blue suit by Zegna, coupled with a green tie from Marinella and a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece.
As the wedding day unfolded, Andrea found himself tending to flowers at his family home, dressed casually in jeans. Meanwhile, Alessandra was surrounded by a supportive circle of women—her mother, godmother, cousin, and close friends. She recalled the emotional moment when her loved ones saw her in her wedding dress, capturing the hearts of those present. The anticipation grew as she walked through the doors of the church, greeted by enthusiastic shouts of “Auguri!” from townspeople, many of whom wore hiking gear for the occasion. Alessandra described one memorable photograph of a child gazing in wonder at the scene.
The actual ceremony was charged with emotion. Alessandra shared, “I smiled at our friends and family as we made our way down the aisle, but the moment I saw Andrea at the end, I had to fight back tears.” Their choice of aisle songs—a harp version of Blink-182’s “All the Small Things” for the bride and a rendition of “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads for the groom—infused a personal and playful touch into the proceedings.
Upon exchanging vows, the couple enjoyed a traditional rice-throwing custom as they exited the church. Alessandra humorously noted the unexpected sting involved in the tradition. The festivities continued with a distinctive chairlift ride to the reception venue, an experience that many guests, including Alessandra, had never had before. The celebration took place at Punta Jolanda, an iconic Alpine rifugio offering breathtaking views. Guests sipped cocktails to the melodic sounds of alphorns while savoring fresh polenta made by a local chef.
The reception’s decor paid homage to the region’s heritage, featuring Ginori’s yellow Oriente Italiano plates and a seating chart named after surrounding mountains, which included three peaks from Panama to honor the bride’s family roots. As the evening progressed, a mist enveloped the venue, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. “It felt like we were floating in the sky—it was surreal,” Alessandra commented.
Dinner was a lavish affair, complemented by lively dancing to 1960s and ’70s Italian hits performed by Gerardo e i Montecarlos. The couple’s wedding cake, a millefoglie, was decorated live, providing a delightful surprise. “Andrea and I drew a heart with strawberries while ‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None the Richer played. Then, as ‘Underneath It All’ by No Doubt started, he began feeding blueberries to the crowd,” Alessandra recounted with enthusiasm.
As the night unfolded, the celebration turned vibrant, featuring a blend of merengue, salsa, reggaeton, and dance music that kept everyone moving. “The Panamanian in me had to make sure we opened with a bang,” she remarked. An additional dance room emerged where DJ Lorenzo Fassi spun techno tracks, heightening the energy. The revelries continued well into the night, with the newlyweds and their guests descending the mountain in jeeps beneath a starry sky.
Looking back on the celebration, Alessandra and Andrea expressed their deep gratitude. “Seeing our families come together in such a magical place—one that many wouldn’t have visited otherwise—made it all the more special,” Alessandra reflected. They both acknowledged that their happiest moments are rooted in the company of loved ones, and this wedding epitomized that sentiment.
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www.vogue.com