Edward and Cathriona, Catholic wedding in Cortona

Cortona, May 2^nd 2013.

Hi Martina,

How to describe our Wedding? Beautiful, amazing, wonderful, special… They all fail to describe it. It was the kind of day that would take your breath away.

From the moment we arrived in Cortona it was as though we were enveloped in love. Giuseppe and Diane welcomed us as family. Nothing was a problem. When you are eloping, as we did, such warmth and genuine kindness means the world. I will be forever grateful to Diane for coming to our hotel and helping me into my dress and acting as my bridesmaid and not just a witness. It was above and beyond the call of duty and was appreciated by both of us.

Our hotel, chosen for us by Martina, defies description. Even photographs do not do it justice. Il Falconiere, nestled among vineyards, olive trees and lush gardens, is the perfect wedding destination. As Ed and strolled around we were almost rendered speechless by its beauty.

The beauty of Il Falconiere is almost surpassed by its staff. I have never met more attentive staff. We could feel their excitement for us and it came through in every aspect of our meal. It was as though we were the only ones there and nothing pleased them more than to care for us. Our Wedding meal was sublime from start to finish.

From start to finish our wedding day exceeded our expectations. I have never before or since seen such a perfect bouquet. It broke my heart to leave it behind.

Our intimate wedding ceremony and was set against the most exquisite backdrop of Santa Maria Nuova. Once again, every detail was just as we had imagined it to be. Our Organist, perched on high, played music fit for angels. Our Priest was so kind and genuinely excited to marry us. He even planned some “surprises” to make the ceremony even more special. We were so touched by his kindness.

Our photographer, David Bastianoni, is an absolute genius and a consummate professional. To say that he is immensely talented is not enough. As we eloped our Wedding Photos probably meant more to us than most couples. They are the only means by which people can have a sense of our Wedding day. His photographs literally rendered our friends and family speechless! Even now, months on, they have the same effect. To be able to convey true intimacy and to allow the viewer to “feel” is a rare talent and David possesses this in abundance.

Would we do it again? Would we elope to Cortona if we had our time over? YES. Would we change any detail of our wedding, not matter how minute? NO. It was more, much more that we could ever have dared to dream that it could be! We just did not want the day to end!

Cathriona & Ed