I was asked to write about my DREAM VACATION by another lovely, lovely woman named ANITA in the midwest!Seems she is a teacher and plays the harp and speaks FRENCH.Her esthetics is BLISSFUL.Go to her site to capture some of what she has as it is a very good tonic!
http://wwwcastlescrownscottages.blogs
See what I mean………The three C’s are right up my alley way!She has a list or links of others who have written about their DREAM VACATIONS……….do cruise a bit and see if you are not transported to another world through photos and the typed word.You may end up SUBSCRIBING to a few more deserving BLOGS this way!
My photo from 1992.
SO, it all started way back when I was a very little girl…….My Father called me PRINCESS.I dreamed of CASTLES but loved the world of barns and animals.I actually built a barn in my side yard at a very young age.
As I grew I read fashion magazines and loved the distant land of Europe.I knew I wanted to live there at some point in my life.
Well, after school and a couple of trips to Europe I met my PRINCE CHARMING in OAKLAND,CALIFORNIA!
You see we worked for the distributor of the GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION.My husband to be came from the Gucci factory where he was employed as well as his FATHER.
My Italian Husband came with the intention of staying for 6 months to a year.
Long story short we married in FLORENCE,ITALY.
In a rather large church on a hill………SAN MINIATO AL MONTE.(A Basilica)
By a priest from the VATICAN who was the official LATIN translator for the church.(A family friend)
Signed the BOOK after DIANA & CHARLES who had just come to town to visit!
Had 15 AMERICANS make the trip overseas for the wedding…..
Also, in attendance were two friends of my husband to be’s with a last name of GUCCI.(Name dropping!)
We honeymooned in the MEDITERREAN on a sailboat…………for a couple of weeks.This sailboat took us from Genova to Santa Margarita,Portofino,CinqueTerra,Elba,Sardinia,Corsica and the small isle of Giglio.
Then we came back STATE side and had two SONS………
Headed back to Florence to live for a few years……….
And I blossomed into the CONTESSA you know today!
You see I am living MY DREAM…………
ITALIAN HUSBAND ( the real deal!)
Cottage size house with Castle accouterments!
Animals Galore………..I could never have too many of those!
Plus, two young men who have flown the coop that I consider to be my own young ROYALS,who demonstrate daily they are a product of the two of us combined.Most of the time thats a GOOD THING……….
So,overall I do not need to go and see and Dream…….as my husband will tell you I live in my own little world and Dream all day long!I would love to go “HOME” to Florence and rent a small place to rest my weary feet and take in all the gorgeousness that I never got my fill of whilst, I was living there.There are gardens to explore and dear, dear friends there that I would love to catch up with over a bowl of pasta Gluten free of course and a glass of vino!MAYBE one day I will be able to do just that.I suppose that is MY DREAM.To go back and re~trace my steps and soak it all up again as I could NEVER stop loving that city……………ci vediamo!
Here is how it all started…………..
Racing to the ALTAR on time!My dress was a bit tight and we had to lift it up above the knee to get me up the marble staircase!
The bride meets the groom at the altar…….
Now to meet the Priests.Two Priests married us!Yes, it was all in ITALIAN!
The priest holding my hand was from the Vatican.The other was the priest of SAN MINIATO.
Do any of you remember the LITTLE CONTESSA in training that lived with us and I visited last October in VENICE?That would be her FATHER in the white NAVAL ACADEMY suit standing in as my husbands BEST MAN.
The church with a view of FLORENCE below.Do you know that MICHELANGELO covered this church with mattresses during the war against PISA!
The CAKE…..Mille Foglie which means a thousand leaves!Not to be forgotten THE KISS.
Those white specks are rice!One of my favorite photos of the day 28 years ago!
A Home…….or is it a church?Maybe one of my gals over there can help me out??I believe its on the ARNO river………
A walled garden with a window……….LOVE IT!
These Vessels were a huge passion of mine.Still are.I would love to have many scattered about……but I am lucky I have one small one that came from the VILLA where another AMERICAN lived just down the road from us……..it made the trip to the USA!
GRACE is that YOU?I found wonderful English speaking friends there in the 3 years that I lived outside of Florence.This cart you see…well I found one too to bring back!They were OXEN drawn carts…….mine came from the villa where ELIZABETH BROWNING had lived.
A younger me with one of our cats,dogs and bunny.This cat was human.His name was CHICCO the COMPACT CAT!He too made the trip back to the USA!The dog did too and the bunny would have been onboard too but there was a terrible accident!No reason to go there………..
I thought I had died and gone to HEAVEN walking these streets!Doors,windows, door knockers………I was in HEAVEN.
The clothesline…………..how gorgeous is THAT?!!With the AMERICAN jeans on the line!
MY ROYALS…………they were CUTE!
A dog,the two geese on the dogs bed and the ONE EYED CAT CLEO.This is how we all co-habitated TOGETHER.I had bought what I thought was two ducks,they turned out to be GEESE!We loved them….they slept in the kitchen at night!!
Down the hill lived a REAL CONTESSA!This was one of her dogs who was peeking out of a window!!
A BABY GOOSE.On seeing this photo now this babe got his beak bitten off by what?Zia Gabriella do you recall ?Was it Zia Tina’s pet RAT who took a nibble……
This cat was so special….words cannot explain.I found all our Italian animals at the pound.This little guy had a swayed back and was so TUFF.He walked right up to me in the cage and climbed my legs before I could bend down to scoop him up!
MY TRIBE.Can you tell which one is me?!!So, much has happened with these girls in the last 20 years…..one moved to BELGIUM and travels frequently.One gives awesome tours of the AMALFI COAST, another left her villa behind in Toscana and remarried her high school sweetheart(I hope I have that right?)They now reside in the USA and ITALY.Then there is the very special lady the CANADIAN who was lately injured on her MOTORINO and has to stay still for a month as she broke her collarbone!One has to know her to know that will be IMPOSSIBLE.That little girl in her Mother’s arms, well she now goes to college in SAN FRANCISCO!We haven’t changed a bit have we……You girls know only too well I have tears streaming down my face now!Nothing has changed thats for sure!I can honestly say those were some of the BEST YEARS of my LIFE!
I do believe we were at the ENGLISH LADIES home in the country who made hats……..BING………..were we not girls?I still have mine……I wear it in the garden all the time!How on earth did we find her anyone recall?
These are all my photos ……………..it was fun going back through them.I must thank ANITA at CASTLES CROWNS and COTTAGES for asking me to join in!At first I thought NO, I really have no DREAMS.But Anita you made me realize I still DREAM about going back………not to a place I haven’t been but to a place I hold dear to my heart.Thank you for that…………..XXX.
Please pop over to ANITA’s Blog and leave a comment saying I sent YOU……………I promise if you are a romantic,love EUROPE as much as I do,can see BEAUTY in a door then you MUST go to her site and take it all in………..she most likely will have you tuned in to some divine music as you scroll her story!Her link just below July18-25 2014.See it?Well,then click on it……..off you go!
Irina says
What an extraordinary fairytale, dear Contessa! You and your dear husband are gorgeous…and how very blessed you are to be living your dream! Firenze…one of my LOVES!!
Abbracci!
– Irina
contessa says
MILLIE GRAZIE IRINA…………..ABBRACCI back at YA!
Rhonda says
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous bride & groom and an incredible story. I lingered on your site because I couldn’t get enough of “you”. Love Love Love everything…the pets, the pictures, the stories. I will be back to visit. Thank you Anita for surrounding us with all of these talent.
contessa says
Why many THANKS RHONDA……………I am so thrilled I have touched a few people!Italy was an eye opener for me and I can NEVER get enough on the short visits back.I try to pretend I live there year round!I speak to my animals in ITALIAN……..as well.
I hope you do SUBSCRIBE and tell me you are OUT THERE!
Many Thanks,XX
Lynne Tust says
Dearest Contessa!!!!!
So pleased to make your acquaintance on this dream journey of dream journeys!
When I arrived at your destination, I immediately paused and poured a couple sips of Limoncello!
(I am so digging the dream destinations that have transported me back in time!)
Here I am on your wedding day!
This day is glorious! The two of you are so IN LOVE and GORGEOUS!
How handsome are your ROYALS, and how charming are your CREATURE COMFORTS…grand and small! What a splendid coop it is!
To have found a woman that loves the look of laundry on the line…
(I have blogged about such beauty!)
I will be returning to capture more passion and inspiration as you live your dream!
Thank you for your visit!
Fête sur!
withLove!
contessa says
So, pleased you had your LIMONCELLO on hand!A perfect way to stay focused while your traveling about ANITA’s GRAND TOUR…………I have SUBSCRIBED to your blog so we can stay in touch!Thank you for all your LOVELY COMMENTS!
Ciao Ciao.
Vignette On Ruby Lane says
What a gorgeous day ( the wedding) , and happy life ever after ! …….The fairy tale dream lives on !!! Thank you for sharing my friend , La Contessa !
xo, c
contessa says
ANY TIME!!
THANK YOU for the BIRTHDAY card!I opened one day early!
XOX
Marijke Rolink says
What a nice story of your life, wish I can go sometime to Italy and taste Limoncello…
groetjes van Marijke
http://www.bij-marijke-thuis.blogspot.nl
contessa says
IT IS A MUST……..MARIJKE.
I promise YOU will enjoy!
It's Me says
Wonderful post …great party !!..thanks for Anita !!!..love Ria…x !
contessa says
TRA LA……..I ditto that tis a WONDERFUL PARTY ANITA!!!
Judy says
Dear Elizabeth,
I love how you live your name and how you adore your family.
xoxo
Judy
contessa says
THANKS JUDY………….its all for FUN but what FUN I have had!Remind me to tell you the day when I spoke to a REAL COUNT and he asked me about being a CONTESSA!!!!!!!!!!!!That conversation landed me in AXEL VERVOORDT CASTLE!!
Penelope Bianchi says
WHAT??
Do tell that story! And if you go to Houston we are going together!!!
I mean it! No going to Houston without Penelope!!!
Linnie says
Dearest Contessa,
This is indeed a post that can be visited and visited more that once…and twice!!! TRULY a PLEASURE…and a TREASURE to read!! 😀
The images and story are just dreamy!!
This is one of my very favorite travel visits on Sweet Anita’s tour!!!
I also enjoyed all the love of animals and your family is so dear!
And a most elegant bride who is as beautiful and glamorous today!
Yes yes right your memoirs!!
Many many blessings, Linnie
contessa says
DEAREST Linnie………..WOW,Thanks for such beautiful words!You have made my DAY!XX
Tamera Beardsley says
What a dreamy wedding! Thank you for sharing your fairytale! My words won’t add anything to these rich comments!
That photo of your two boys … such an adorable capture of a moment in time!
The happiest of Birthday wishes a day early dear friend! Enjoy Yontsville … hope you come away with a fabulous hat!
xoxo
Tamera
contessa says
I will be sure to show YOU if I do!
Thanks for the visit………..XO
Tymm says
I remember that day vividly. It was an amazing Day! I was seated between Tosca and Cosimo Gucci! He took me for a ride on his motorcycle. We were Ballers back then and didn’t even know it! Congrats! And to think 28 years ago!
contessa says
I Know!Makes us sound OLD but heck we have just begun!
Now, tell me TYMM what does BALLERS mean………….??
Plus, how on earth did YOU recall MARIA”S MOTHER’S name!!!??That had left me awhile back……..XX
Mala says
Love the photos!!! You haven’t changed a bit.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!!
contessa says
YOU keep me looking YOUNG!
XOXOX
peggy braswell says
contessea, how I adored your trip down memory lane + I love Italy also + to see it through your eyes was truly magical + thank you for visiting my blog + leaving such a sweet comment. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
contessa says
Peggy,
I have seen your name since the beginning of the BLOGGING world for me…. 5 years ago…….?It’s an honor to have YOU visit.THANK YOU!ITALY,FRANCE, HOLLAND,ENGLAND they are all WINNERS in my book.I just need more air miles to get there!
nélinha says
quelle est belle et incroyable ton histoire, je suis ravie de te rencontrer via Anita…
Thanks for sharing these beautiful images
bisous français
Nélinha
contessa says
I get the idea……….only because you put ANITA in there!!
THANKs…..
tara dillard says
And this is merely a chapter in the book of your life.
Could run this with the title, Life: How it’s Done
Imagine, 2 incredible men came from this particular story!
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Hope you get some rain. We had a mini-drought but then 4″ last Friday with a few more. Wealth, indeed.
contessa says
TARA,
We had hail and rain early AM yesterday………then sun all day long!Not enough to make a difference but happy I did not throw myself a BIG birthday BASH in the garden!Can you imagine?
You are so sweet………2 incredible men.Tis TRUE!I will save the gift for another post as to what they gave their MAMA for her DAY!As it was just perfect!
Penelope Bianchi says
Tara…..you are so right….wealth….indeed! Our pond is being lined as we speak…..pray.
this lovely man did unearth one turtle buried in the tiny bit of mud left…..I will post a blog when the water goes in ……I will show the rescued turtle…..the ducks walked to my friend’s pond a mile away…..they recognized my voice…..I burst out crying when they raced over to me….
This drought is tragic beyond! I leave buckets of water on the trail for animals…..Lordy!
Heather Lindstrom says
Contessa dear, These wedding photos are exquisite. Clearly you’ve always exuded such style and class. To be married in Florence is a romantic dream in and of itself. You and your husband are clearly having a wonderful time. What a special walk down memory lane. Thank you for visiting Stylemindchic Life. I’ve been home 3 days in a whole month so it’s nice to catch up on my blog reading at last.
Happy summer!
xx
contessa says
HAPPY SUMMER TO YOU TOO…………….it is racing by!Thank You for all your beautiful words.
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Darling Elizabeth, I thought I was the 1st comment maker on this beautiful post, I apologize; the comment just didn’t go through. I am so loving the photos of you on your wedding day and the story that goes with it. You were living a princesses dream come true. You are beautiful both then and now. And, I adore your personality and zest for life. I know some day we will meet as we are so alike. And, Italy? What can I say? We are one.
contessa says
WE will meet I will make it happen!Whats HOUSTON like in the FALL?
Martina says
Dear Contessa,
this is such a wonderful post – and WOW, what a beautiful couple you were and are! This is like a fairy-tale story and i enjoyed greatly reading it. So happy to have found you and see you share my love for Italy. Thank you so much for your comment the other day – made me smile! Hope you have a fantastic week – Ciao Bella! Grazie mille!
contessa says
You made me smile telling me I made YOU smile…….so this is a good recipe!We shall stay in touch!VA BENE?
CIAO CIAO…….
Penelope Bianchi says
I left a comment! But it did not go through!!
This is FANTASTIC!!! A “festivity crown”!! ALL those years ago!!
BRAVA!!!!!
contessa says
I started a trend and did not even know it!IT’s a veil more then a crown………..which now resides in my closet with my wedding shoes in an acrylic box and the note from the shoe maker at GUCCI.My husband had my wedding shoes made custom for me for our wedding DAY!I hope the SONS are reading this cause I do not think thats ever come up in conversation!I BEST TELL THEM that story……..XX
Design Chic says
How I loved reading your story and seeing the beautiful images of the two of you on you wedding day – simply splendid. Italy is a favorite of ours, but there is so much more to see than what we have seen. Love seeing the picture of your precious boys…adorable..
contessa says
There is lots to see that is for certain.I do need to go back lots to still see and absorb!
Rêver au Sud says
Splendide histoire et splendides images …
Elles m’ont fait rêver.
Bises du Var
Marie-Ange
contessa says
MERCI!!!!
Robyn @ simply fresh dinners says
Wow! Wow! Wow! What an amazing fairy tale life you have lead, Contessa. I love that you shared so many of your beautiful pics and your personal journey. And I LOVE Carla Coulson. I will look forward to visiting your beautiful blog often. Thanks for a beautiful trip!
contessa says
CARLA Is the BEST!I adore HER story too!
THANKS for popping by……..I look forward to trying your recipes!
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
O, my Elizabeth, what a beautiful story, yet knowing how interesting your life is this is that much more beauty added to it. Your grace and beauty shines.
Thank you for your visit, I am still working on my cabinets (kitchen) ones that is, not much I can do white them with them hanging on the wall, I do hope to tear them out someday if I don’t sell the house before then, but the fresh white cabinets are a better move in the direction of a small euro style kitchen rather then med. oak stain and high gloss.
Elizabeth, have you ever taken a bad picture, you are one beautiful lady!
Xoxo
Dore
contessa says
YES!
There are loads of bad photos…………….would you like me to send you one?!!
xoxo
cindy hattersley says
I enjoyed every minute of this story!
Anita Rivera says
THERE YOU ARE!
Dear friend, it has been most exciting and endearing to meet you and CHAT it up for the last several days. Your participation in this party has been a real treat, and I am so glad that somewhere in between the party and prior, we met. It’s been such fun to meet new people, and to experience the enthusiasm. I AM FOLLOWING YOU!!!!!!!
Yes, Penny is the winner, and she is going to love this set. Maybe next year, we shall travel THE WORLD! In the mean time, the minute you post another post, I’m ALL HERE! XOXOXOXO Anita
Heather in Arles says
Oh Elizabeth, you were the most beautiful bride I have ever seen! How could I have not seen this? Everyone here has already said it perfectly…a fairytale in real life…this was just the most beautiful thing to see, much needed today. Just a dream…And no, I don’t think you have changed a bit…
Much Love to you,
H
Lillian Plummer says
Divine pictures of the bride and groom, I don’t think you have changed a bit. Love the Gucci shoes and veil story, what an heirloom!
Gorgeous picture of your young sons. You have lived a wonderful life with the best yet to come, I am sure you will go back to Italy to live one day. Life is what you make it! xxx