Five years ago today, Greg and I were married in a little village in Emilia-Romagna.

We couldn’t return to Italy without returning to Montegridolfo, and our visit this time brought back all the wonderful memories of that special day – well, days really.

About six months into our trip, Greg and I decided we’d marry while we were in Italy; so we sent an email, hoping that if any of you were planning to be in Europe around September that you might be able to swing past and help us celebrate. We thought perhaps a handful of family and friends might join us.

In the end, 40 of you came! And we all spent four fabulous, fun-filled days together, tootling around the Italian countryside in the G&G wedding bus. And on the day itself, 10 more of our wonderful local friends joined us, too.

Greg and I will always remember our special day – not only because of what it meant for us to make that commitment to each other – but because we were able to share it with so many of our beloved family and friends. It was, quite simply, unforgettable!

 

Gateway to Montegridolfo - and starting point of the wonderful time we shared together.
Gateway to Montegridolfo - and starting point of the wonderful time we shared together.
Montegridolfo is a tiny walled village on a hill, with just two streets that run up to an old castle.
Montegridolfo is a tiny walled village on a hill, with just two streets that run up to an old castle.
A couple of families still live in the village, but we managed to take up every other room in town.
A couple of families still live in the village, but we managed to take up every other room in town.
The celebration started on the first day ...
The celebration started on the first day ...
... with lunch at Salvatore's in the piazza.
... with lunch at Salvatore's in the piazza.
Salvatore still owns this little bar and restaurant, and we were delighted to be able to say hello on the day of our return visit.
Salvatore still owns this little bar and restaurant, and we were delighted to be able to say hello on the day of our return visit.
The piazza was also where we gathered for post-lunch and/or pre-dinner drinks during our time in the village.
The piazza was also where we gathered for post-lunch and/or pre-dinner drinks during our time in the village.
And where we gathered before the ceremony on the day itself.
And where we gathered before the ceremony on the day itself.
We were so happy to find Montegridolfo just as we'd left it five years ago; the view from the piazza towards the southwest.
We were so happy to find Montegridolfo just as we'd left it five years ago; the view from the piazza towards the southwest.
The spot where this photo - with my beautiful sister and brother - was taken in 2018.
The spot where this photo - with my beautiful sister and brother - was taken in 2018.
And Palazzo Viviani - the old castle turned hotel - was just the same, too.
And Palazzo Viviani - the old castle turned hotel - was just the same, too.
The breakfast room downstairs ...
The breakfast room downstairs ...
... where we enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner on our first night together.
... where we enjoyed a delicious pasta dinner on our first night together.
One of the small lounges on the first floor; scene of the legendary post-wedding Uno game.
One of the small lounges on the first floor; scene of the legendary post-wedding Uno game.
Though to be fair, Uno games popped up in a number of locations that week. And always with the gorgeous Lily Lewis at the table. Happy 18th Birthday, Lily! Thanks for sharing your 13th birthday with us back in 2018.
Though to be fair, Uno games popped up in a number of locations that week. And always with the gorgeous Lily Lewis at the table. Happy 18th Birthday, Lily! Thanks for sharing your 13th birthday with us back in 2018.
Here's the little bar where we made a lot of happy memories together ...
Here's the little bar where we made a lot of happy memories together ...
... and where the diehards gathered at first light to watch the 2018 AFL Grand Final. :)
... and where the diehards gathered at first light to watch the 2018 AFL Grand Final. 🙂
Montegridolfo's Town Hall ...
Montegridolfo's Town Hall ...
... and the wedding 'sala' just around the corner on the left.
... and the wedding 'sala' just around the corner on the left.
The team at the hotel did such a wonderful job of preparing everything for the big day.
The team at the hotel did such a wonderful job of preparing everything for the big day.
Our civil ceremony was conducted by Mayor Lorenzo Grilli. Happily, in 2023, Mayor Grilli is enjoying his eighth year in the role.
Our civil ceremony was conducted by Mayor Lorenzo Grilli. Happily, in 2023, Mayor Grilli is enjoying his eighth year in the role.
Beautiful Benedetta translated, our wonderful children stood as our witnesses ...
Beautiful Benedetta translated, our wonderful children stood as our witnesses ...
... and the union was complete.
... and the union was complete.
Then we moved to the terrace - with that spectacular view over the countryside, down to the Adriatic Sea.
Then we moved to the terrace - with that spectacular view over the countryside, down to the Adriatic Sea.
A fabulous spot to get the post-wedding party started.
A fabulous spot to get the post-wedding party started.
 
What a wonderful celebration it was.
What a wonderful celebration it was.
Another highlight of our time together in 'wedding week', was the lunch we enjoyed at La Venerina, the little restaurant not far from Montegridolfo.
Another highlight of our time together in 'wedding week', was the lunch we enjoyed at La Venerina, the little restaurant not far from Montegridolfo.
The lovely ladies there had prepared everything so well; first up, it was a little pre-lunch aperitivo.
The lovely ladies there had prepared everything so well; first up, it was a little pre-lunch aperitivo.
And then we moved inside for the main event.
And then we moved inside for the main event.
 
 
When we visited this time, we were so happy to find the ladies still there ... and so delighted that they remembered us - and our friends!
When we visited this time, we were so happy to find the ladies still there ... and so delighted that they remembered us - and our friends!
The lovely lady on the right is still attending to diners, and 'La Venerina' herself is still running the kitchen.
The lovely lady on the right is still attending to diners, and 'La Venerina' herself is still running the kitchen.
And we can report that still today, there's no shortage of delicious food here!
And we can report that still today, there's no shortage of delicious food here!
No one ever leaves La Venerina hungry!
No one ever leaves La Venerina hungry!
We all had such fun during those four days we were together.
We all had such fun during those four days we were together.
And you, our beautiful family and friends, made it unforgettable.
And you, our beautiful family and friends, made it unforgettable.
Thank you. ❤️
Thank you. ❤️