VERNAZZA - THE WEDDING

Friday was the reason for the trip, the wedding day of my cousin Demelza to Daniel.

I spent the morning having a quiet wander around the village of Vernazza. We had been here a few days but I had not explored during the day, nor looked at the little shops and cafes there. It is very quiet early in the morning and settles late in the afternoon. Tourists arrive by train pretty much on the hour, it gets very hectic. The shops are a range of souvenirs, water sports, fishing and boutiques. Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and little shop front delis, fish markets etc. Most of these face the water. This area is fairly flat, but some of the shops and cafes start to move into the hill with accommodation and housing.

Scenes from Vernazza including cheese van in the street

As ushers, Amanda and I needed to be at the Town Hall first. The Town Hall was an old church and on top of the hill. The route is up through the village and about 140 steps, not very step, but old stone stairs, not great for my knee. Dad found an alternate route, no stairs and a little bit steep, but much easier on knees.

Dressed in our finery and flatties, we made our way up. I might add that all the walking and stairs must be working, because despite all I have eaten so far, my dress was a little loose on me. The overcast weather had finally disappeared and sun was shining, which was wonderful, but bloody hot. Demi, ever the planner, had thought ahead and bought heaps of lovely fans for us to give to everyone. We fanned ourselves cool in this beautiful old building with the most magnificent views - you can see why they wanted to get married there. We changed into high heels and the guests started to arrive. Including the wedding party there was about 30 of us.

Everyone looked great, we took our seats and the Mayor of Vernazza took to the grand piano and played The Wedding March. The wedding party entered the church with the sun shining in behind them, quite amazing...though my photos do it no justice. The bridesmaids, Amanda and Tamara, looked great, little Chloe, the flower girl was very cute with her basket of rose petals...she hesitated to walk down the aisle...she realised the flowers would go and she wanted to keep them! Demelza looked stunning and the ceremony went without hitch. It was performed by The Mayor in Italian with a translator, then Demi and Dan had written their own vows. It was fairly quick, very official - the Italian part - but really cute and incredibly romantic.

We all went outside, took photos and made our way back down the stairs to the village square. The village was excited about The Wedding, they had all come out to watch them leave earlier. Italian tradition is for the Bride to throw lollies from a window, so Demi made her window appearance from one of the apartments, Evita style, and threw lollies to us all and waved to her adoring crowd. The village kids came with bags to catch their stash.

Next stop was The Belforte Rooftop for canapés and music by a fabulous Jazz trio. Quite a climb up including open steel stairs over the ocean...sort of, I cannot believe I got up there...between my dodgy knee and fear of heights, I was rather proud of myself. Plus the views were amazing and I was busting for a champagne!!!

We had all ditched our heels, so all that hunting for the perfect shoe to match my dress and I wore them for roughly an hour, lol!!!

There was dancing, mingling, drinking and eating at the bar...Dad said it felt like something from a Bond movie...it certainly was. Demi's Dad, Neale, gave a wonderful Father of the Bride speech and soon after we made our way back down the stairs and to the restaurant for dinner.

The restaurant, Gambero Rosso, was closed for the evening so as to focus on us, which was rather impressive. Before entering Demi and Dan cut the 'cake' which was the most spectacular looking profiteroles and cream concoction. We then entered the restaurant which was in a cave! It was decorated beautifully, with little whimsical touches. Each table had a seaside theme with sand and shells and hand painted ceramic boats from Vernazza with our names on place tags which were Italian playing cards. There were fresh flowers in colored vases and lots of candles in glass vases of various sizes. Also a jar of 'disguises' to enhance photos...lots of mustaches, bows, glasses, hats, lips, cigars etc on sticks similar to masks...made for a lot of fun as the evening progressed.

The Bride and Groom entered to an instrumental version of Friday I'm In Love, which was quirkily perfect. Both Daniel and his brother, Paul, as Best Man, gave heartfelt and funny speeches. There was a standing ovation for my fabulously talented sister, Amanda, as she had made not only Demi's dress, but the Bridesmaids and Mother of The Bride. Everyone in awe of such magnificence. There was music and more dancing, everyone mingled, chatted and enjoyed what I think was one of the best weddings I have been to.

Oh yeah...and then there was the food!!

The first 3 courses came out together, small tastes of Cod Mousse, Squid Gratin, and Tuna Fish with Glazed Tropea Onions. Then Spaghetti with Clams, followed by Gambero Rosso style Paccheri with tomatoes and Red Mullet.

Next up a glass of Lemon Gelato to cleanse our palate before the main meal of Oven Baked local caught fish with vegetables. Ending finally with some of that wedding cake...Profiteroles with Vanilla dipped in White Chocolate...Oh! My! Best Dessert I have ever had!

Everyone had a ball and it was very hard to leave and go to bed knowing we would all be going our separate ways...we had all become good friends and a close unit traveling together in such a large group.

We cannot thank Demi and Dan was letting us experience this amazing week with them.