I arrived with my team in the morning in the bride’s hotel. She was still getting in a spectacularly wedding dress, happy about the beautiful suite we arranged for her, with a magnificent view and a beautiful balcony where she had taken her breakfast. While waiting for her we gave the final touches to the car decoration and to the arrangement of a little evening surprise for the newly weds. After a short photo session in the room, in the Hotel Garden and in the surroundings, we drove to the beautiful city hall, an old monastery,  where the staff had already arranged the music. Waiting for her big entrance, the bride was nervous, but as the wedding march started she walked in so charming! She entered with a wide smile on her face and winking to her (still) boyfriend. After a short presentation by the celebrator – and the translator – the ceremony started. There was a great atmosphere, with classical background music and with many compliments to the bride, what made the future husband a bit jealous! When approaching to the expected moment, the second surprise showed up: our young assistant, my three-years-old daughter, arrived with the rings for them. Finally they could swear each other eternal love.

After the ceremony a little toast there could obviously not be missed! The photographer and the cameraman started again to catch this unforgettable moments. While speaking and laughing, the anxiousness that the bride and the groom had at the beginning flew away, and you could see that they were really enjoying their day. They were so in love! This is the reason why I like this job: watching these newly weds seems to confirm every time that love really exists!

But, going back to  work, in the meantime we prepared the next surprise. The staff had arranged everything and at their “ok” I sent the couple out of the city hall, where the guests were already waiting, together with some passers-by, curious about the married couple. As they came out, it began to rain rice and flowers!

After this we went to take the photo session. The wedding was in Rome so I will just show you a few photos that can explain more than words.

 But one thing is worth telling: the last stop was at the Spanish steps, and while the wedding couple  walked down the stairs, the people sitting there started to shout and clap hands for them, as it is normal in Italy. As I translated for the bride that the people were screaming that they wanted to see a kiss, she hug her husband and kissed him in front of them all. You can’t imagine the applause the whole square made….

 After this memorable moment, the day ended up with greetings, kisses and a big smile from both. They went back to the hotel where the last surprise was waiting for them: a romantic wedding dinner on their room balcony overlooking to the magnificent surroundings. We still wish them all the best and thank them for the beautiful moments they gave us!

The blue flag begins to wave in the Versilia, where bathers can dive not only into crystal clear waters but also into a roaring nightlife in the discos and bars of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio. Stop into a artisan workshop during the day in Pietrasanta or Camaiore. The Pisa coast is perfect for those who love wild nature and beaches: Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone are ideal for those who want to relax at the beach far from the chaos and crowds of other costal areas.

The Costa degli Etruschi wasn’t ignored by the FEE either. Here, there are many idyllic and hidden corners to visit that boast blue flags, from Livorno (take the boardwalk all the way down to the Sterpaia Nature Park) Antignano, Quercianella, Castiglioncello and Vada in Rosignano Marittimo. Don’t miss the more ‘poetic’ costal areas of Cecina, Marina di Bibbona, Castagneto Carducci and San Vincenzo.

Even the sea and beaches in Maremma are ‘blue’ from Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia, Marina and Principina di Grosseto and continuing south to the fantastic Costa d’Argento of the Monte Argentario area.

http://www.turismo.intoscana.it

How to join
These evening tour-talks are scheduled to take place every Wednesday and Friday from August 18th to October 20th 2010. Locations will change according to the route (check the dates available). Meet your guide at 8.50pm. Each tour-talk begins at 9pm. Estimated tour time: 2 hours. These guided tours are free of charge and will operate even with few participants. The tours are in Italian. If there are any foreigners taking part, each guide will offer a brief introduction and answer any questions in the language indicated next to participants’ names.

The city of merchants: discovering Florence’s ancient arts
Elena Petrioli (English)
Friday, August 27 – Piazza della Repubblica, ‘Colonna dell’Abbondanza’ (column)

The Church of Santa Felicita and its illustrious parishioners: Machiavelli, Guicciardini, Cardinal de’Rossi
Maria Grazia Zatti (French)
Wednesday, September 1 – the Church of Santa Felicita

The death penalty in Florence in the modern era and the role of the ‘Compagnia de’ Neri’
Rima Amalo (French)
Friday, September 3 – Piazza della Signoria, near the statue of Cosimo I on horseback

The origin of wool-working in Florence
Serena Galigani (French)
Wednesday, September 8 – Piazza della Repubblica, Colonna dell’Abbondanza (column)

Sant’Antonino Pierozzi and the Buonomini Company of San Martino
Chiara Migliorini Fantechi (English)
Friday, September 10 – The Oratory of San Martino, piazza San Martino

Leon Battista Alberti in Santa Maria Novella – traditions and modernity
Fiammetta Sordi (Spanish)
Wednesday, September 15 – Piazza Santa Maria Novella, near the facade

Leonardo da Vinci in Florence
Luciano Niccolai (English)
Friday, September 15 – Piazza della Signoria, near the statue of Cosimo I on horseback

Crimes and justice in the history of Florence
Ghislaine Tiozzo (French)
Wednesday, September 22 – the Bargello Museum

Giovanni da San Giovanni and the facade of Palazzo dell’Antella in Piazza Santa Croce
Giovanni Tenucci (Spanish)
Friday, September 24 – Piazza Santa Croce, near the statue of Dante

The mechanical arts that made Florence’s fortune: discovering Florentine art and its corporations
Wanda Pattacini (English)
Wednesday, September 29 – Giotto bell tower, entrance

Dostoevskj in Florence
Sonia Davila (Spanish)
Friday, October 1 – Palazzo Pitti, in front of the main entrance

Cosimo the Elder
Arianna Marconi (English)
Wednesday, October 6 – Piazza San Lorenzo, in front of the church

The siege of Florence – 1529
Ugo Primadei (English)
Friday, October 8 – Piazzale Michelangelo, near the monument to Michelangelo

Dante: literature, history and popular tradition
Barbara Vestrini (English)
Wednesday, October 13 – Piazzetta in front of Dante’s house

Giorgio Vasari, Cosimo I’s artistic entrepreneur
Laura Amerighi (English)
Friday, October 15, the Uffizi’s Loggia in front of San Pier Scheraggio, via della Ninna

Ginevra degli Almieri
Francesca Gargani (French)
Wednesday, October 20 – Piazza Duomo, in front of the Baptistery, the door of Paradise

Information’s on this article: http://www.turismo.intoscana.it

I am now officially engaged. From the many offer’s Angela was providing me I made the choice for the romantic dinner at a small winery in a castle in Umbria and this was a complete success! My love has accepted the marriage proposal. It was really fantastic.

The first night we spent in Rome as we plant in the beginning only a weekend trip to Rome . Then I suggested him a little more to do in the surrounding area. With the car we drove to Umbria. Unfortunately it was soooo cold! It seems it was the coldest week in Italy. On the mountains was snow everywhere. Unique nature, silence, just wonderful! When we arrived at the castle everything was already decorated beautifully with candles and torches. We were led by Angela and welcomed into the castle. My treasure was quite astonished when we finally arrived in the small wine cellar and a fiddle player was waiting for us. Angela wished us a pleasant evening, with a wink she left us alone in this wonderful atmosphere. The food was a dream, the atmosphere fantastic, the wine even better … Along with the dessert also the married proposal came. With a romantic poem I asked him the big question. So many emotions … .. Indescribable!

The evening ended it in a beautiful room in the castle, but this detail, I keep it to myself))

Angela, I want to thank you again for everything you did for us. It was a great service and such great Moral support! Thank you very much, or as we say in Italy: Grazie mille!!

“Notti Romane al Teatro di Marcello” (Roman Nights at the Theatre Marcello). This is the motto for the classical concerts that take place every evening during the Roman summer. The concerts are part of the official cultural program of the “Estate Romana”, which takes place in Rome each year. There are rich programmes that change every evening: Chamber orchestras and top soloists from all over the world revive the music of your favourite classical composers.

Experience one of the most beautiful attractions in Rome on a summer evening, while taking in a classical concert.

The fee of 3,00 Euros for the entrance to the Area Archeologica del Teatro di Marcello is included in the ticket price. In case of rain the concert will take place indoors.