What a treat – photographing a destination wedding in Petritoli, Italy! Petritoli is in La Marche (pronounced ‘la markay’), a beautiful area east of the Apennine Mountains, bordering the Adriatic coast, and a very similar landscape to Tuscany. The ancient hilltop village of Petritoli is very quaint, with alleyways and slopes, and a square with a magnificent clock tower. I flew out on the day before, and by chance was staying on the organic farm that made the red wine for the wedding reception. I was invited to the pre-wedding dinner, a great opportunity to meet everyone, and to eat about nine courses of delicious Italian food!
Liz and Sui’s ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon in the village theatre, the Teatro Comunale, a grand Victorian building, with a musical accompaniment from a very talented Italian string quartet. This was an English wedding abroad, and amazingly Liz had found a local English celebrant to perform the ceremony. The very capable Jo Williams kept everything and everyone singing from the same song-sheet.
I love the old details in the village, and photographed far too many, but there is something so picturesque about old doorways and peeling paint. By contrast, Liz looked amazing in her Stephanie Allin wedding dress, a local hair-dressing salon created wonderful ringlets, and her friends helped with make-up and general organising. The exquisite food was prepared by a local chef, and how he cooked the sea-food dish in the Kilner jars is still a mystery.
Petritoli village square was the arena for the party, and the weather was kind enough for everyone to be outside until late into the night. Even the speeches were accompanied by moonlight, and the partying and dancing continued under the stars.
Liz’ wedding gown – Stephanie Allin
The winery and my excellent accomodation – Fiorano www.agrifiorano.it
The brilliant wedding planner – Jo Williams