Brit boy Robert and California girl McKenna were keen to pull off the most authentic Roman wedding, which is why they chose Roman born Raffaella Alflatt from Wedinitaly to plan and create it from scratch.
After two consultation meetings, one of course with the mother and father of the bride, Raffaella passed the test and was given the go-ahead to start creating the wedding of the year.
The welcome night
Rob’s mum was put in charge of organising the rehearsal dinner which for the Brits is a whole new world when it comes to American traditions. In true authentic and Roman style, wedding planner Raffaella Alflatt recommended a quaint and traditional taverna, situated just off the River Tiber in Trastevere. La Taverna di Mercanti is a beautifully historic restaurant with the perfect space for a large group of wedding guests. As an old building dating back to the 11th Century, the characteristic ristorante is traditionally decorated as you would imagine, with garlic hanging from the ceilings, checkered tablecloths and wine bottles lining the shelves, it was the perfect backdrop to the start of their destination wedding and adventure in Rome.
The venue
When it came to selecting the venue, Villa Miani was the firm choice for the couple. Not only did it provide stunning views overlooking the capital of Italy, but the venue itself gave the couple so much potential to put their personalised stamp on the style of their wedding. Almost like a blank canvas for an impressionist to place their colour and flair upon, Villa Miani has that beautiful quality of flexibility and stature for couples to create their own dream wedding.
The Dress
McKenna wore a stunning ivory gown that she chose here in London from Browns Bridal.
The Flowers
McKenna had a strong vision of how she wanted her flowers to look. Inspired by Dutch Masters Impressionists, together with florists La Rosa Canina of Florence, they created the most stunning flower decorations using deep burgundy and blush pinks throughout. The contrast of colours worked well with the colour of decor which was golds and creams, perfect for a summer wedding in Rome.
The menu
As McKenna and Rob were so in love with Rome, they were keen to keep it as authentic as possible with a traditional yet beautifully presented menu, curated and produced by Relais le Jardin.
To start:
Green and white gnocchetti with tomatoes, basil and sweet provola cheese Risotto with strawberries, taleggio and balsamic reduction
Mains:
Beef tournedos with tomatoes concass, coriander and raspberry vinegar, endive with pine nuts and raisin, potato flan
Dessert:
Wedding cake and coffee
As McKenna is from California, and her father also owns a winery in California, without importing wine from the other side of the world, the closest the got was by having her father select the wine list from Italy. There was an additional personal touch of Rob’s Scottish heritage with fudge as the favours made by his Scottish godmother.
The Entertainment
There was a tight brief, McKenna and Rob had a specific taste in bands and were really keen to make sure whichever live band they chose, that they were going to keep the party going. Raffaella recommended an Irish band Da Derga from Galway…and boy did they play, non-stop for nearly 5 hours, making the party a huge success!
With special thanks to:
- Wedding Planner: Raffaella Alflatt – Wedinitaly
- Wedding day Venue: Villa Miani
- Rehearsal dinner venue: La Taverna di Mercanti
- Photographer: David Bastianoni
- Videographer: Dam Studio
- Catering: Relais Le Jardin
- Entertainment: Da Derga
- Cake – Non Solo Torte
- Flowers: La Rosa Canina
