its not easy to mix several cultures into one cohesive event, but that was Gemma's wish was for her big day. And we must say she did a fantastic job!
This beautifully traditional black and white wedding was a melding of British, Italian, and Scottish heritage and you simply have to see all of it! Fabulously captured by Jay Studio, you can get a closer look by visiting the full gallery here.
From the Bride: My vision for the wedding was simple and elegant, and I wanted to combine all three cultures - Italian, English and Scottish, to make a unique and special day that we'd never forget. The Bagpipers were a massive surprise for John and all our guests, so I think my favourite moment was walking down the aisle to Highland Cathedral and seeing John's face smiling at me all the way down.
I think the only thing I wish I had done was got a few more 'posed' pictures taken. I didn't manage to get any of my cousins, or aunties/uncles, and I think we should have done this during the aperitivo. Unfortunately, the wedding started later than planned and so the aperitivo (the Italian name for the ritual of going out for a pre-dinner drink) was actually shorted, so it just didn't cross my mind to do this!
Italian weddings are quite different to British weddings, and all our guests remarked that they'd never been to a wedding like ours before. We were so grateful to the fact some many of our loved ones traveled so far to share in our special day, but I think we made it worth it for them with plenty of amazing Italian food, and of course the open cocktail bar!!
We spent approximately £30,000 ($45,678) on the wedding overall, and here is a quick breakdown of where that money went:
Caterers including decoration: €12,000 ($13,593)
Flowers: £1,000 ($1,523)
Dress: £2300 ($3,502)
Veil, Belt and Shoes: £500 ($761)
John's Kilt: £800 ($1,218)
Boys suits (purchased not hired): £750 ($1,142)
Bridesmaid dresses (purchased not hired): £500 ($761)
Rings: £1500 ($2,284)
Then the rest was spent on gifts, wedding stationary, invites, make-up, hair dressers, wedding fees/certificates/licences, venue fees, translator fees etc etc ... it really does all add up!