ITALY | WALID WEDS ELISA IN ONE OF ITALY’S OLDERS TOWN, PISA.

Each year my family and I look forward to our summer holiday in Italy. We love spending time with family and friends and of course indulge in Italian good food something we miss dearly. This time our visit was different and special in a way because one of Hubby’s childhood friends was finally tying the knot and we couldn’t wait to be part of their special. The big day took place in Italy’s older town, Pisa. 

Pisa is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, which was already tilting when it was completed in 1372. Thousands of visitors from around the globe come to admire this magnificent work of art. Climbing the 300 steps up the tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend. My favorite part of hanging around Piazza dei Miracoli is watching most tourists trying to capture the classic “holding up the tower” shot. It was such a spectacle. I have done it once, too.

Apart from the Leaning Tower, Pisa’s Cathedral, Baptistery, and Cemetery are also incredible historical sites worth a visit. You can either buy individual tickets for each monument, or get a multi-site ticket for all three.Due to our last-minute booking, we ended up in a not-so-cool pension. Being a weekend, everywhere else was fully booked so we were left with no choice. But the beauty of staying minutes away from Piazza dei Miracoli (“The Miracle Field”) was that we got to enjoy a romantic breakfast for two with a splendid view of the Leaning Tower before getting ready for the big day. The wedding ceremony took place in Piazza dei Cavalieri, another stunning square with impressive architecture and statues. The groom and his crew arrived in a pedal taxi, which was unique and unexpected.Guided tours using pedal taxis are becoming common in big cities and I think it is a clever idea. They’re convenient for those who can’t ride bicycles, those too lazy, or those who have limited time but still want to spend an hour or two visiting a new city. I first saw them in Lyon, and now, in Pisa. But I bet they are everywhere else.
The reception was held at Locanda Sant’Agata, a farmhouse located in the countryside of San Giuliano in Pisa. This beautiful property has a big garden with picturesque views, ideal for wedding receptions. We were blessed with clear blue skies for the special day, which served as a beautiful backdrop for the lovely setting.A cocktail bar was set in the garden serving classic Italian prosecco and spritz, among other drinks and finger foods. We walked around making new friends and catching up with old ones while listening to the live band’s nice relaxing beats. And guess what, the reception had a kids’ corner with a kids’ menu and nannies to look after the young ones.
After the cocktail came the food. Italian wedding celebrations are all about the food and the wine. This one was no different: we had four appetizers, two first course, and one second course. It was an Italian-style feast, to say the least. They say nothing is perfect, but this day was as close to perfection as you could get. Pure bliss!Thanks to the beautiful bride and groom for making us part of this memorable day. Here is a toast to love, laughter, and happily ever after !

Viva Gli Sposi!!