Venice, Wedding, the complete works!

So Sunday 22^nd evening

we took a stroll about the city so we could find some food. By shear chance we walked to the Arsenale. This was the place where, at the height of its power, Venice produced its ships in massive quantities. The walls of the old shipyard towered above, and so we followed the walls round, coming across a large sailing ship docked on the edge of the city, and the impressive classical architecture of the main entrance. Heading further down Eastern Castello we walked about Via Garibaldi (biscuit street perhaps, or possibly bald-head security officer street). Here we found possibly the only goth shop in Venice, spotted some goths in costume (mainly because of their boots) and had dinner.

 

After eating we walked back down towards San Marco, past the Hotel Danieli (the really expensive one where all the celebrities stay in) and then past the Doge's Palace and to the main square which this year seemed very different, quieter, than previous years. Maybe because it was Sunday night, or perhaps the credit crunch had hit the events. Here again we spotted the same goths and had a brief chat, the girl being very good with her English (us being shit at Italian) and of course confirming that yes, those are a pair of Demonia's (Demonia = International Goth hello).

 

We then headed back toward the hotel, grabbing some naughty chocolate pastries, a coffee and a Campari Spritz.

 

This morning we have headed out early to get breakfast and to then find the city hall so that we could be on time for the signing of the marriage declaration. Our marriage assistant was there ready and waiting and she ushered us through to the right offices and in no time at all we had signed the documents to say we were not married already/incestuous/insane/combination of other things.

 

So now I sit here typing this having returned from our early morning excursion. Glittersavvy insisted we try and use the mobile phone to get the Oscar results (which is win because Heath Ledger got the Oscar) and now we are getting ready for the afternoon of more shopping etc.

 

Monday 23^rd : Wondered about, found the hairdressers near the theater, la Fenice. Waiting there for my parents and my sister to arrive, they got a bit lost though and so we waited in the restaurant, Vino Vino, for them to get there. They finally arrived and of course the piss taking started, my Dad winding me, Sam, and the poor waitress up. Vino Vino was very art nuvo in style. After that we walked back towards Rialto so that my family could get back to Cannaeragio, and we headed back to the hotel before meeting up with Sam's mother and aunt at the Rialto, where we had a coffee before showing them where our hotel was.

 

Tuesday 24^th morning we made our way down to la Fenice again, where we met up with Sam's mum and aunt, and made our way to the hairdressers for Sam's trial run. I left them there while I headed off to find my family, meeting them in on the streets near to their hotel, and we walked back towards the Rialto where we found met up with Sam's brother Daniel. Together, we all headed back to la Fenice where finally everyone was together, and we all got to see Sam looking gorgeous in her makeup. We left them all together while we headed back to the hotel to get lunch and to get changed into our Carnivale outfits. We walked back through the streets, decked out in Victorian styled clothes and ournew masks. People looked on and we finally made it to St Marks square where people paused us for photos, and a chinese woman stopped us for many photos and briefly interviewed us for her book. We then found our family who seemed shocked/amused/amazed by our outfits, my sister finding my mask quite creepy. We walked about for a bit before heading back to the hotel to get changed again and to then have a coffee. There was a brief moment where emotions got out of hand and my mother got upset, as did Sam. But things were soon better, thanks to Sam and my Mum having a brief chat. I am so happy they get on so well.

 

Later we all met up once more to go and find somewhere to get food, finding a restaurant near the Rialto and we all had a chance to sit down, my Dad winding up the in laws to be (thank the gods Daniel and Sam's mum have a good sense of humour, and Sylvia and my sister and Rob got on well). Dinner was excellent, and so we left to find our way back to the hotels, and we got lost with my parents and sister, heading in the completely wrong direction, and ending up in Eastern Castello. But we did spot our first Venetian cat!

 

Wednesday 25^th: This was the wedding day. Should I have woken up worrying, mourning for the loss of my independence? Should I be sad that I was about to be attached to a 'ball and chain'? No. Don't be silly. I find it weird that in general there is meant to be some sort of fear in taking the plunge and getting married. Why be afraid if you are truly certain of your feelings.

 

We got up and started to get ready for the wedding. I got washed and dressed. My outfit, which is nothing compared to what you will see of Sam's, was a tunic and overcoat in a dark brown with gold trim. The sleeves of the overcoat were huge and sliced open to look even more dramatic. I wore suede knee high boots in tan, and a Hermetic Cross which Sam owned. I feared I would look a bit daft, too Renfair, or some cosplayer looking to dress up as something from Warcraft. However, Sam's mum and aunt told me otherwise when they arrived. They arrived after the makeup artist arrived, and I waited out in the lobby while Sam got prepared. I waited there for some time, other hotel guests going by and looking at me bemused. Soon enough the flowers arrived, and I was joined by Sylvia for a bit and we talked to two other hotel guests who were trying to work out how to get back to the airport (no easy feat). Daniel arrived to keep me company and to sample the complimentary sparkling wine that the hotel had sent up to us. After some more time Sam stepped out of the room looking like a queen, all the bits and pieces now put together to form one single glorious vision. We sat patiently while her mum and aunt got changed and then together we all left the hotel.

 

Walking through the square of Santa Maria Formosa we possibly looked to the locals a bit out of place. Carnivale had been and gone so some people may of thought we were a bit late. We made our way towards the Rialto bridge from where we would catch a taxi to Palazzo Zenobio. As we walked through the streets we noted how much quieter the city was now that the Carnivale was over. As we approached the bridge Sam received compliments and applause from the locals. Soon enough we were on the water in a taxi heading down the canal towards the Dorsodoro district. We got off and walked around for a bit as we were early, and met up with my family who seemed quite amazed by the outfits. Rob had got some practice in with the video camera yesterday so he seemed happy that he would be able to capture the wedding ceremony on video.

 

So all of us made our way to the Palazzo where we made our way in and led upstairs to the Hall of Mirrors (and yes it was as grand as it sounds). The walls and ceilings were adorned with frescos and mirrors. I think my mum was astounded by what Sam had arranged as she had no real idea of what to expect for the wedding. Dad was in full photography mode and Zoe was just enjoying the whole event. The violin and cellist could be heard warming up while we stood around chatting. We were next joined by Domenica and our photographer Vladimir. Vladimir is epic personified. He had such a presence and knew exactly the shots he wanted and that we would want. This was no typical wedding album being created, this was 'The Tudors' style wedding album, with me looking typical sombre and stern and Sam going through all the emotions. I am certain all the shots will amazing. We first began outside, taking poses next to crumbled statues, iron gates and on a worn bench. Vladimir was in good humour, 'Look at the paparazzi!' he cried, pointing to my sister and Sylvia while he took our picture. We then made our way back inside, more photos looking into mirrors and then Vladimir lead us back up for the ceremony. The music started and time for me slowed. I was glad we had the music from the Fountain. It was powerful but also soothing. Together myself and Sam circled around our family who were sat before the table upon which there were two candles burning and a red plate sat ready to bear our rings. We sat and all I remember is being so focused on Sam, repeating the words said to me in such a way that for once I could hear my own voice perfectly, strong and resonant. And in a few minutes the ceremony was over, the rings on our fingers. Our families responded in unison to honour our marriage, and then the paper work was done. The next piece of music started, again from the Fountain, and we proceeded passed our family down the hall and then it was over.

 

The next fun was more photos. First some more in the hall and then we left the Palazzo and headed towards the bridge to cross to San Marco area and towards Piazza San Marco. We stopped at bridges, squares, shop doors that looked cool, pillars, everything that would make a good shot. It was like our own personal tour of the city with the soundtrack of 'Control your Eyes!!!' (Vlad would shout this to Sam at times when he wanted a certain shot). We were then in San Marco and had photos taken before the Basillica, Ducal Palace, gondalas and the Florian.

 

And so it was all over and we left our family to do what they want while we went back to the hotel to get changed and relax before heading out for the meal. The meal took place at the Grand Canal where myself and Sam ate last year. Everyone was in good spirits and found the food to their liking.

 

All I can add is that my wedding day was one of the best days of my life ever. I don't feel different now I am married. If anything the wedding was the perfect way of celebrating that myself and Sam will be together forever.

 

Thursday26^th: I think I may have had a bit too much to drink the other day. Oh well. Thursday we all met up and headed to the Doge's Palace. I had forgotten how amazing the building is, and I have an even greater appreciation of the building now, thanks in part to my better understanding of the history of Venice. It was great to see everyone's reaction to the building. Again my mum was startled by the size and opulence of the building, and once more the armoury was a great amusement, my sister apparently making silly sword actions and sound effects to Robs amusement. Rob and I also enjoyed discussing the crazyness that is the election process for a new Doge.Leaving we marvelled at the grand staircase of the Palace and Barbara was kind enough to buy me and Sam some books from the gift shop.

 

Friday 27^th: I hate packing, but packing when you have bought stuff is even more difficult. We squished everything into the cases and prepared to leave Venice for Verona. Zoe and Rob had come to help use get the cases to the vaporetto, taking a route that I had worked out earlier that involved going over the least number of bridges. We arrived at the train station and waited for Zoe, Rob and my parents to arrive before we departed on the train.

 

We arrived in Verona and got a taxi to the hotel. First impressions of the hotel were good. It was right next door to the castle in the centre of Verona. The entrance to hotel was off the main road and was set back away past the main courtyard. Inside the décor was really nice (we wanted the sofas). We made our way to the third floor and found our room. Holy shit it was nice. It was basically a studio flat. We had a fridge, sink, cooker, crockery etc, and a nice big bed and windows overlooking the castle.

 

After we were settled we headed out to find food, after which we realized we were far too tired to be heading out to Vicenza for a goth club. Sleep was the better choice.

 

Saturday 28^th: Total fail of a morning. Got up late. Failed to get to the train station, we took the long way there. The really long way. We were planning to get to Venice and go to the islands but the last week was heavy on our shoulders and tiredness had caught us up. But the day had some plus sides. Our breakfast was provided by a voucher from the hotel for a bar called Via Roma 33. This cafe was one we had passed the night before and was ultra cool looking (stark white, black and green sofas and chairs) and there we had pastries and coffee. That night we had drinks at a nice little bar in the centre of Verona.

 

Sunday 1^st: So breakfast once more in the flashy cafe and then we were once more on the trains, this time heading back to Venice to meet up with my parents, Zoe and Rob. We had coffee, picked up some chocolates, had a general laugh and enjoyed the last of the good weather as the rain began to come in. We had lunch at the Florian (the epic tea house in St Marks square) and then once we arrived back in Verona, having left my family in Venice for their last night in the city (I did miss them lots when we left as it has been the first time in years I have spent so long with them together and on holiday. It has been great being really a family as a whole, if not more grown up now meaing me and my sister are in charge, and of course the family has now just grown), we got dinner at the most amazing, gothic, authentic restaurant ever, Castle Vecchio. Here I ordered the 'roast of the day' which was actually a selection of roasted meats (tongue, bulls, veal, boar, local sausage, face, some bone marrow sauce, and a selection of sauces). It was epic if not excessive, a whole plate of red meat. Sam looked on in awe/disgust. However, it was a once in blue moon type affair in this insanely amazing restaurant. We then ordered coffee which was accompanied with typical pastry that was dusted in icing sugar.

 

Monday 2^nd: Nothing much to report from this day but shopping, ice cream, walking, photos and more shopping around.

 

Tuesday 3^rd: We ascended a crooked 200 odd steps up to Castle San Pietro, the Austrian castle that over looks the city of Verona. If anything the view from the castle reinforced how serene Italy could be and that we would be returning to England soon where things seemed faster, more rushed. It's one of the things that has struck me about Italy, there seems to be a certain pride in what they do, in taking the time to enjoy things, and how nice the people over there seem to be. Once more I now miss the place and can't wait for my next visit to Italy and to Venice.

 

glittersavvy  has her own similar run down of events here.

Quick picture more to come soon.