Celebrazione!

Story MICHELLE TESORIERO  Images DEZINE BY MAURO

When Rosalyn Chehade and Sam Manno mentioned to their photographer that they were honeymooning in Italy, the last thing they expected to hear was that he was planning a trip at the same time and was happy to take their wedding photos in Rome.

Unlike most brides, Rosalyn had to gown up twice. Once for her wedding in Melbourne and again, a week later, in Italy.

While planning their wedding day with photographer Mauro Cantelmi, he casually enquired where the couple planned to spend their honeymoon. "We were planning to honeymoon in Europe," Rosalyn says. "And as it turned out, Mauro was also planning a trip to Europe. We were leaving for Rome on the same day!"

Mauro's creative mind started working in overdrive, laughs Rosalyn. "Mauro asked us whether we would like to have some wedding photographs taken in Europe. Of course we loved the idea. On the day we had out photos taken - a week after our wedding in Australia - it was extremely hot in Rome. Because we had married in Melbourne in July my wedding gown had extra layers in it for the cold winter day. The extra insulation was not appreciated in Rome."

Rosalyn and Sam were ready when Mauro arrived to pick them up from their hotel. "I did my own make-up and got my hair done near our hotel on Via Firenze in Rome," Rosalyn says, explaining it had been surprisingly difficult to find a hairdresser in Rome. "It was funny trying to explain to the hairdresser, who didn't understand English very well, how I wanted my hair. But it all worked out.

"Sam wore his suit and looked as lovely as he did on the wedding day and I put my dress on again. It looked perfect as I had been given strict instructions from Ines and Mario at Crocé Colosimo about packing my gown properly and putting it on. Sam was my helper.

"So off we went with Mauro to various destinations around Rome to take photos that we could only ever have dreamed of. We stopped for a two-hour lunch and ice cream break, which we desperately needed because it was so hot. People shouted "auguri" to us all day, which means congratulations in Italian. Rome stopped for us on that day," she says.

Rosalyn and Sam were delighted with their choice of photographer. "Working with Mauro was so inspiring. His energy levels and passion for what he does is what makes his work so unique. Every time he took a photo he went into a trance-like state."

Their brief to him was to create a timeless album. "We didn't want to be looking at our photos in 10 years time and thinking they were daggy. When we walked into Mauro's studio, we knew we were in the right place. His work was so different and had a sensual and classical look and feel."

The week before their Italian sojourn, Rosalyn and Sam exchanged traditional wedding vows at St Monica's Catholic Church in Moonee Ponds. A vocalist and an organist played during the ceremony.

"Sam and I could not wipe the smiles off our faces; we were just so excited and emotional," Rosalyn says, explaining that she was careful not to look at her parents for fear of crying. "They were very emotional and I didn't want to ruin my make-up!"

Rosalyn looked stunning in a white soft flowing gown of French chiffon silk by Crocé Colosimo, which featured a Swarovski beaded bodice. She also wore Dolci Firme shoes and Swarovski earrings. She carried a handmade bouquet arranged by Karina Whiteman from Style by Nature. It featured a large lily with a lot of petals and a pale pink rose in the middle. Mini pink roses, Singapore orchids and lily petals dangled from the bouquet on a fine silver string.

Sam wore a black suit by Black Tie and a silver tie to match the embroidery on Rosalyn's shoes. His shoes were from Zu.

FG Videography captured the wedding on video and the couple loved the results. "The video is timeless and different and Frank was an absolute delight to deal with."

The couple celebrated at Ascot House - a beautiful 1860s Victorian mansion. Guests enjoyed drinks and savouries before dinner in the piano room where a pianist played in the background.

In the dining room, each table was lit with tea lights in little pink glasses. Rosalyn and Sam's florist scattered rose petals on each table and wrapped the centerpieces - candelabras - with ivy and pink lilies. The beautiful setting was perfected with pink lilies tied to each chair with a big white bow. "Ascot House made us feel like the king and queen," Rosalyn says. "The food and the service were perfect."

Guests feasted on fresh seafood platters followed by entrees of spinach and feta tartlet or ribbons of fettuccini tossed with Italian sausage, onion, basil and tomato. The main course was lamb cutlets in a garlic, lemon and oregano marinade or chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan and herb puree with a white wine and cream sauce.

Just when no one could breathe anymore, dessert was served. Guests had a choice between Rosalyn's favourite - sticky date pudding - or apple strudel - Sam's favourite. Sumptuous cheese and fruit platters signalled the end of the delicious banquet.

The couple's wedding cake was from Cakes of Distinction. The icing was pale mint green and decorated with candy pink stripes. Flowers in varying shades of pink and made of icing sugar covered the top of it and from all accounts, their cake didn't only look good, but tasted great as well.

"One tier was a Grand Marnier orange cake and the other was a jaffa mud cake," Rosalyn says. "Very, very yummy."

Guests danced all night to music played by band, Making Waves. "We let the band choose most of the music," Rosalyn says. "Our only request was no Abba!"

The newlyweds honeymooned in Rome, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Lebanon and Malaysia.

Images: Dezine by Mauro
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