On May 2, Groovin’ Gourmets catered Carly and Fabrizio’s rustic, European inspired wedding held at The Wilton House. The couple met back in 2009 when Fabrizio, who is from Italy, subleased Carly’s apartment while she was living abroad. Over the years, they kept in touch while dating other people, until they finally found themselves both in Sicily, and both conveniently single, at the same time.
Fabrizio, who planned the proposal for months, popped the question last January with a beautiful 1930’s ring, amidst a delicious homemade seafood dinner, lit candles, and champagne. “He jokes that it says a lot about my eating habits that I didn’t notice the Champagne hiding in the vegetable crisper for a week!” jokes Carly.
The couple got inspiration for their reception from Fabrizio’s Italian heritage, wanting their wedding to be reminiscent of a European country-side gathering. The secluded grounds of the Wilton House, with the James River as the backdrop, was the perfect natural setting. Carly walked down the aisle to The Beatles’ I’ve Just Seen A Face, carrying a bouquet handmade by her mother, with a sentimental family heirloom in it. “She surprised me by adding my grandmother’s wax flower to the bouquet, which was particularly touching, as my grandmother died just 10 days before the wedding.” After the couple exchanged vows, they were showered with fragrant dried lavender as they joyfully walked back up the aisle to exit the ceremony.
At the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed raw oysters, local craft beers, Prosecco, and lively music from a gypsy jazz band. Dinner was served family style at long tables to encourage guests to take it slow, drink lots of wine, and enjoy the conversation. Flavorful, Italian inspired dishes were served, including farfalle with sherried honey cream sauce and rustic Italian cod, and the meal went on for a leisurely two hours. “Our guests were talking about the food weeks later, even asking for recipes!” remarks Carly. “Fabrizio really had high standards for our reception meal, and the final product was even better than we remembered at the tasting.”
After dinner, guests cheerfully watched Carly and Fabrizio cut their wedding cake with Carly’s grandfather’s saber from West Point, which is a tradition that has been passed down in her family. To perk up the guests, espresso drinks from Alchemy coffee were served, and they all danced the night away beneath a sea of twinkle lights.
Supporting as many local vendors as possible, Groovin’ Gourmets catered the food, Carly’s mother, who used to be a florist, arranged all the flowers, and in addition to a small wedding cake, they served two dozen pies and cakes from WPA Bakery and Proper Pie Company. Carly’s hair and make-up was done by Lou Steven's Glam Squad, Fabrizio’s ring was made by local jeweler Kim Zitzow, and Carly’s wedding ring was custom made by Kambourian Jewelers to match her vintage engagement ring. Their talented photographer, Ash Carr, provided all the photos for the article.
The couple reminisces about their wedding day with extremely fond memories, and says that it was a dream come true. “Looking back on the entire day, it felt like such a happy, joyous, fun gathering!” Carly says. “After spending so much time looking at other weddings for ‘inspiration,’ actually experiencing our own special day surpassed any expectations we had. It was us, with our people – there was so much love…and wine.” Congratulations to the happy couple!