Dum, Dum, da-Dum! (Italy Day 11)

The main reason for our trip to Italy was for Danny (my boss' cousin) and Alisha's wedding at a Villa in Alba. Jasper and Hayden were asked to be the ring bearers in this intimate ceremony of about fourty close family and friends (and one lucky nanny!).

I LOVE weddings. I grew up going to at least five a year, if not more. 2009 isn't even over yet and already I've received invitations to six (and two friends got engaged to each other last weekend so seven is coming!). I've caught three bouquets, and still have every single one of my friends announcements. I am proud to say that they are all still happily married with lovely growing families. I'll also be the first to admit that I'm super judgmental about the colors, the dresses, the decor, the location, the stories of how they met/how he purposed, and the rings. It's just too fun not to be; there are some doosies!! Above it all, though, the intoxication of happiness and love never ever gets old. I love weddings!

This was my first Jewish wedding, and after living in NYC surrounded by Jewish families and traditions for almost five years, it's about time I get to participate in some! ;) It was by no means Orthodox, but it had all the key elements: like the hoopah, the hora, and the breaking glass!

The "Ring Bears" (as Jasper says)

The Groom

Here comes The Bride

They were married under a traditional "Huppah", which is a Jewish wedding canopy with four open sides.
The huppah typically consists of a square cloth made of silk, wool, velvet or cotton, supported by four poles. The poles stand on the ground and are often held upright by friends of the couple.

The huppah symbolizes the new home that the couple will create. The ancient rabbis compared the huppah to the tent of Abraham, found in biblical story. Abraham was famed for his hospitality; his tent had entrances on all four sides so that travelers coming from any direction would have a door to enter.

I loved learning about and witnessing this tradition, and think it's really beautiful.

Another thing I found very touching was that they had family vows. Alisha has a daughter from a previous marriage, and when it came time for the vows they included her in making promises as a family before exchanging vows as husband and wife. That is one very loved little girl. FYI, after exchanging wedding vows, the groom then steps on a wine glass to symbolize the fragility of human happiness, a hallmark of Jewish history.

Husband and Wife and Daughter!

The Hora!!!!!

After the wedding it was time for everybody to let loose!

The day turned to evening and every one enjoyed a TEN course dinner. Complete with homemade pasta (we watched the dough being made and pressed and served--it doesn't get any fresher than scratch!), white truffles, and a different wine with every course.

Destination Wedding = Destination Happiness.