|
One of my favorite wedding destinations is in the Aeolian
Islands, off the northern coast of Sicily. Inhabited since 4000
B.C. these islands
were the playground of the ancient Greeks and later the Roman Emperors.
What could be more romantic? The beaches are spectacular and the
cultural
attractions are many including archaeological excavations, museums,
and boat excursions to the various islands. On these islands nothing
leaves you unmoved. From the thermal hot springs of San Calogero
and sulphur muds on the island of Vulcano
to the constantly erupting volcano on the island of Stromboli
the landscape is truly amazing!
Panarea has a magical mix of myth and natural beauty, and is ideal
for a ceremony. The place to stay is The Raya,
known throughout Italy for its location and understated elegance.
The hotel is built on the side of an extinct volcano, with an amazing
view of the Mediterranean from every room, and the volcano Stromboli
erupting twice each hour.
The wedding day begins with a lovely breakfast of almond and fig
sherbert and hot croissants served on the patio. The bridal bouquet
and boutonniere arrive before you finish your pot of coffee.
A religious or civil ceremony takes place on top of a stunning terrace
overlooking the entire bay. Ideally, you'll say your vows just as
the sun is starting to set. An interpreter translates at the ceremony,
a champagne toast follows and everyone can linger to enjoy the breathtaking
view, before making their way to the reception.
I arrange for couples to have their "Cena di Nozze" (wedding dinner)
at an open-air restaurant a few feet from the sea. The menu offers
piquant Sicilian cuisine and the island's fine wines. Dinner ends
with a lemon cream cake, which is a typical Sicilian wedding cake.
While you are dining, local musicians will sing the bittersweet
songs of the islands and pull from Sicily's rich musical tradition,
which is influenced by the rhythms of the ancient Arab and African
peoples that once inhabited the island. Total cost for 30 persons,
including hotel accommodations in double rooms, with half board
(breakfast and dinner) would be $ 18,300.
My fiance' and I are real Afrophiles and would love to do something
that combines our love of the African continent with a romantic
wedding. Any suggestions?
Have
you ever considered getting married in a hot air balloon in Africa
at one of the country's top safari camps? No? At sunrise you will
be taken on a hot-air
balloon ride over the Mara Reserve While you are in the air,
the pilot performs a vow ceremony in celebration of your marriage.
Upon landing, you will be met by women from the Masai
tribe, singing and dancing in their local dialect. The grand
finale is an extravagant champagne breakfast, complete with flowers,
china and crystal.
|
