Wedding Bells in Cappannori
TandemSpirits spent the first weekend of July in Lucca and Cappannori. After arriving and settling into our hotel, we made the short drive up to the hills of St. Andrea in Caprile where James’ cousin Natalia lives. His cousin Beatrice was there as well with her baby, Anna. We’ve waited 8 long months to meet her due to COVID restrictions.!
We enjoyed a simple, but delicious meal that was perfect for a warm summer evening. We ended the night watching the Italy-Belgium Euro Soccer match with the family.
On Saturday morning, we headed into the iconic walled town of Lucca, a place we love to visit. We took a brisk walk along the wall, then sat outside and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of cappuccino and pan chocolate as we watched the locals and tourists. Normally at this time of the year, Lucca is teaming with tourists, but things have just opened up here and it was not too crowded.
Lucca is a great town for wandering about, and there are lots of great little shops to check out. I bought a new nightgown from James’ cousin Giulia, who works in the Loveables shop there.
We didn’t want a big lunch, so we stopped in at a quirky bistro we’ve been to before, Des Artes, and each had a small salad. Then it was back to the hotel to prepare for the big event.
This is the reason we had come to Lucca. James’ cousin, Eleonora, married her fiancé Armando in at the Chiesa SS. Quirico e Giulitta in Capannori on July 3rd. Of course the bride and groom were beautiful and radiated happiness. They held hands throughout the entire ceremony.
The current church was built in the 12th century over a prior church from 786 AD. The frescos inside were painted in 1897 by Michele Marcucci.
Fortunately the day was not too hot and there was a good cross-breeze in the church between the front and side door. However, nothing was left to chance. Gli sposi (the bride and groom) had thoughtfully included a fan along with the booklet for the wedding Mass.
The reception was held at Villa Rapondi, a restaurant in Matraia which was located in the hills above Lucca. There were tables with platters full of cheeses, salami, prosciutto, olive ascolane, seafood, other little appetizers., and a bar. This was the aperitivo to keep everyone occupied while we waited for gli sposi to arrive. They also had a bench set up where you could take have a polariod picture taken of yourself, then add it to a guest book, and write a little note to the bride and groom.
We were seated at a table with other family members. The reception had a garden theme, so each table was named for an herb. The food was excellent. There were 2 pasta dishes followed by delicious grilled beef. Of course there were many toasts with Prosecco to the newlyweds, and some very nice red and white wines with the meal.
It was great to be able to spend time with family again after so many months apart and to be able to be part of Eleonora and Armando’s special day.
