It's Raining in Como!

Ah well, here I sit, 3 days after the wedding of my sister Ila, to Marco Bernasconi. Their wedding was officiated by the actual mayor of Como, a very well-put together Italian man, and many of our friends and family were there to support them. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

Eva, Jane and I got up early and got ready. We then headed over to Ila's suite at the Hotel Suisse Metropolitano to help her get ready. The photographer, Alberto, would shoot most of her getting ready and then head to the ceremony. So we got there and Eva and Jane went into professional mode. Eva, a pathologist with a strong fine arts background was responsible for Ila's hair. Jane, a lawyer with an affinity for makeup, was responsible for Ila's face. They did an amazing job! Alberto arrived and shot my mom, creating the bouquet of white roses for Ila. We helped her put on her dress. I was able to relax, knowing Alberto was a great photographer and I could simply get fun shots to add to the collection.

After the ceremony at the Villa by the lake, we took some photos. It was a sunny, clear, bright day and my sunhat was a huge success! After this, Lele, one of Marco's best friends, drove Ila, Marco and I up to Molina di Faggeto, and Villa Nessi where the reception was to be held. We arrived and walked up the cobblestone steps to the Villa, where a breathtaking view of the lake awaited us.

After delicious nibblies, we headed up to the main level to sit down for the formal 6 hour dinner. In between courses of sea bass, risotto and zucchini compote we could wander through the old gardens, and marvel at the lake and surrounding mountains.

The day was beautiful, and after a few hours the festivities had died down. Luckily, there was the Champions League finals game happening between Bayern Munich and Internazionale Milan. With Como being only an hour by train from Milan, it was the equivalent of the superbowl for them. Inter ended up winning 2-0, how could they not win on this special day?

We took the bus back into town, rocking out to my iPod on the way down. Little did we know that the entire town would be going crazy for the soccer game win. Inter fans were everywhere, in the streets, on the sidewalks, playing their bongos and chanting. Then they spotted the "sposi", the newly married couple. Everyone was yelling, "Viva gli Sposi!" Long live the married couple! It was insane! Ila and Marco got picked up on the shoulders of the crowd and run down the street. All I could see was her bouquet flying down the road. People were asking Marco if they could kiss his bride. Random photographers were taking their picture. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The night wrapped up with us going back to our rooms, with full bellies and hearts. It was a beautiful day, not to be forgotten and I'm so thankful that I was a part of it!

Saluti!
CAE