Wednesday 20 October 2010

Visit to Florence, Italy

This weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to Florence in Italy, I was a guest at the JoySposi wedding show, an amazing collection of top end wedding suppliers all gathered in Stazione Leopolda a beautiful building in the heart of Florence. Dark and imposing it lends itself to a magical setting for creative wedding specialists to display their fantastic and varied collection of work.

One wedding planner went as far as recreating the tea party scene from Alice in wonderland, an eclectic mix of bright coloured tea sets, vintage cups and random ornaments, even a grass covered floor to stand on with creative lighting to add atmosphere. The wedding planner admitted that she had never been lucky enough to find a client adventurous enough to want such a set up but she felt like being very creative and this was one of her favourite books.


An area was set aside where you could learn to make pasta from a very theatrical and amusing chef. You even got to take home your pasta as a reward... if you were brave enough that is.

What impressed me most is the set up. I'm not a fan of wedding fayres in general I tend to find them a bit mechanical, almost corporate. The atmosphere of the wedding is lost in an overwhelming attempt to make a sale. Weddings are about emotion and excitement. Most people only do this once and they will remember the experience good or bad for the rest of their lives.

JoySposi went to great lengths to create an atmospheric wedding experience mixed with a classy stylish evening lounge bar to relax in. Serving beautiful dishes and a great selection of wines and cocktails all at very reasonable prices, there wasn't a cheese toasty in sight.

The fashion shows were a work of art, beautiful models in white Afro wigs presented the collection of Marina Mansanta very elegantly to James Bond theme tunes.

The show also offered classes by industry leaders to both wedding professionals and brides that needed extra help with their wedding plans.

During my two days at the show I met with over 50 suppliers eager to tell us about their service and how they love to work with foreign couples. Although I didn't get to see much of Florence I did get to sample some of the delights; like the food, the Italian charm and I did manage a bit of shopping at a local craft market. I'll soon be heading back to Florence too see and sample some of the local venues and food of course. I can't wait! a new destination to discover.

I do want to add that I dragged along (kicking and screaming) my husband and 16 month old daughter Olympia. It was our first time travelling abroad together and as my clients with children will know that can be quite daunting (toddlers and planes don't go well together) However she was an absolute star, never moaned once and kept the passengers on the hot and stuffy transfer bus from Pisa to Florence entertained with her dazzling smile, even though she was hot tired and rather fed up. Matt my husband will be writing up his experience of Florence with a toddler for anyone thinking of travelling there soon.