Last month I helped out in a wedding as celebrator of marriage vows. The words were put together by Lisa Redgrave who is creator and director of the nuptial magic that is called ‘Hitched in Italy’ and whose web site is at http://www.hitchedinitaly.com/.
The words, which were very beautiful, started:
Friends and Family of the bride and groom welcome and thank you for being here on this important day.
We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between ***** and *****, by joining them in marriage.
All of us need and desire to love and to be loved.
Let me say I am not a vicar or priest – just an enlivener of special occasions. The actual legal marriage ceremony was performed in Lucca’s noble palace which I have described at
https://longoio2.wordpress.com/2017/03/28/a-meeting-with-the-mayor-of-lucca/
I’ve assisted a couple of times at Lisa’s beautifully organized wedding events which are always set in stunning settings such as aristocratic villas and rustic villages. The one I attended, however, must take the crown for uniqueness. Nicknamed ‘Casa farfalla’ (Butterfly house) the house has to be one the most original modern building in the Lucchesia or indeed in the world. Designed by Michel Boucquillon and Donia Maaoui, artists, architects and designers the estate spreads its wings on the hills just to the south of Lucca.
The ensemble consists of a villa, a guest house and a pool, all proving that contemporary architecture married to technology can create a new magic. There is a harmony between the buildings and their environment which only the most traditional architecture would have been able to capture. Yet the project is as up-to-date as it gets.
The main building has an openable roof with two wings fanning out at an angle of 30 degrees (hence the name). This structure is operated by six hydraulic pistons. The opened-out roof can thus provide natural ventilation to the house and can also give its lucky occupants the reality of literally dreaming and sleeping in a starlight hotel.
Being invited in such an extraordinary place is quite a privilege. For more information on using the location for both receptions and holidays see the following sites:
For me, apart from having the chance of being invited to participate in a happy event, the most extraordinary feature of the house, together with its award winning design (an award shared with Renzo Piano’s London’s Shard) are the most wonderful views it has towards the city of Lucca.
PS If you are interested or know anyone who is interested in having an otherworldly wedding ceremony in a stunning location beautifully and professionally organized for you do check our Lisa Redgrave’s web site at
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