Frederica and Bobby’s love story began with an unexpected MSN message. Bobby had spotted Frederica dancing on his TV screen and, despite being a year below her at school, decided to make the first move. “At the time I didn’t know who he was,” laughs Frederica. Bobby asked her to meet him at lunchtime the following day. She did – and they have been inseparable ever since. Sixteen years later, they were finally saying “I do”. After years of dreaming about a trip to Orlando, Bobby and Frederica finally made it happen, combining a week at Universal and Disney with a Caribbean cruise. “It was the first night on the ship. Bobby had booked a beautiful restaurant, and we’d enjoyed a few drinks exploring the ship. When we got back to our cabin, a surprise was waiting for me.” The cabin had been decorated with romantic touches and a special message written across the mirror: Will you marry me? As Frederica turned around, Bobby was down on one knee holding a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring. “It was a very special moment – one I’d been dreaming about for a while. It was worth the wait!” The perfect proposal was followed by an equally perfect morning, as the newly engaged couple woke up in the Bahamas. After viewing several venues, the couple struggled to find somewhere they both loved. That changed when they discovered Wotton House. “We fell in love with the Italian gardens. Being half Sicilian myself, it just felt right. We both loved the venue and could immediately picture our special day there.” The gardens provided the perfect setting for their romantic celebration and inspired much of the wedding’s styling. After plenty of changes of heart during the planning process, Frederica eventually settled on a palette of fresh greens, whites and soft pinks. The couple were lucky enough to have a talented florist in the family, with Frederica’s sister-in-law Carla bringing the vision to life. “I told her my vision, she knew exactly what I wanted and how to make it come to life – and she executed it perfectly!” Frederica sourced plinths and urns with an authentic garden feel to complement the venue’s existing pillars, while her mum helped choose the flowers. Carla then worked her magic, creating beautiful arrangements and centrepieces that complemented the Italian gardens. Guests were treated to limoncello, while Frederica’s mum made homemade pasta di mandorla – a delicious Italian touch that proved very popular. REAL WEDDINGS 35
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=