Last, but definitely not least, and rounding off the 2019 season are the newest Mr. & Mrs. Furlano!

It can look as though it’s just a bride’s world out there when it comes to planning a wedding - the dress fittings, the food and wine tastings, the brainstorming sessions, the magazines! But I must say, input from the groom can be (is!) very much welcome. It is also his wedding, after all.

I recall sitting with Emily and Anthony at Starbucks for our initial meeting, impressed when they told me their guest count would be over 300. But even more impressed (maybe a bit intimidated?!) by the groom sitting across from me, who I quickly realized was very particular about the details of their day… and a bride who perhaps wasn’t quite so keen on all the fuss and decision making!

So, we had a bit of role reversal thing going on here – a new and exciting experience for me. I have to say, it was really enjoyable to see a groom so heavily involved with the planning process. Indeed, in this industry you must be open and flexible to any and all scenarios and expectations, and to who plays what part. The end goal is always the same: A dream-worthy wedding, with a perfectly executed vision, no matter who is directing.

Fast forward 6 months…
The wedding day started nice and early, the Italian way, with a mid-day ceremony. Emily and Anthony chose Oakview Terrace for their exchange of vows, and what an incredible choice it was. The property has a sweet little chapel surrounded by lush gardens – a backdrop in itself that created the most enchanting setting for their I do’s. Packed full with friends and family, the music cued, the church doors slowly opened and Emily, on the arm of her father and a complete bridal vision, was finally revealed to Anthony. The groom held it together despite earlier threats that he might faint.. hehe! It was truly a fairy-tale moment.

With the ceremony a success, guests then had some time to enjoy the day before joining the couple for the 5:30pm reception at The Manor in Kettleby. Where in true Italian tradition, an amazing antipasto station awaited, as did endless drink options, a staircase-wrapped receiving line, a gorgeously tiered wedding cake, and of course florals, lots and lots of floral! And OMG.. the set up. Rita and her team at the Flower Workshop carried out the luscious garden vision with tree centerpieces sprouting from table settings across the reception room, to a sweetheart table for the newlyweds draped in greenery and blooms. Oh and did I mention the bridal party consisted of 21 people!! I also cannot forget about the six foot tall trees framing their head table!! It was gorgeous. To balance out the lush decor, place settings were kept simple, with warm and inviting grey linens.

The absolute highlight of the evening had to be the speeches. Although they were working against my timeline it was difficult to interfere with some truly amazing contributors that had guests hanging on every single word. The speech given by Anthony’s father was especially humorous and moving as he shared childhood stories of his three sons. You can just imagine: three boys, close in age, with different personalities.. oh, the trouble and oh, the love. It was a great reflection of the family dynamic.

Guests partied, danced, enjoyed the photo booth and of course the late-night buffet that had me wishing I could have stayed later to indulge in!

So, what do I take away from this planning experience? With all the talk of weddings being “the bride’s day,” grooms are often under the false impression that all they have to do is show up. In actuality, it’s really best if they are involved as much as possible, both to support the bride and to make the big day about two people joining together – not one person’s party. What meant most to this groom when planning this wedding was successfully realized: A happy bride, and an incredible wedding experience for loved ones.

Grazie!