The STORY goes like this……….
We both worked for a company that DISTRIBUTED the GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION in the United States and Canada.Maria was the BOSS or il CAPO and she was a FORCE.She ran the GUCCI shop inside JOSEPH MAGNIN’s way back when.ALSO she was 100 percent ITALIAN.
(If you are from SAN FRANCISCO and read the PAPERS you will know who she is now.She became a BIG SOCIALITE.)
It was MARIA and her husband who FOUND my husband in the FACTORY in SCANDICCI outside of FLORENCE.YOU see The ITALIAN’s FATHER worked for the GUCCI FAMILY.He was the accounting manager of the factory.Want to know HOW he got his JOB?My husbands parents lived in the same building in ROME as the MISTRESS of Mister ALDO GUCCI…………..so there you have it!It’s ALL in WHO YOU KNOW!Or I should say it was an INTRODUCTION!
Because my husband had DUAL citizenship as his FATHER was an AMERICAN it would be easy to bring him over to the STATES to work in our BUYING OFFICES. Plus, he spoke ITALIAN!
SO, that is what happened in APRIL of 1984.
Maria and STEPHEN announced in a meeting that they were bringing over an ITALIAN to work in our offices.I being the SHY One and MEEK and MILD……… OH YES I WAS……………ASKED in front of the entire STAFF.
“HOW TALL IS HE and is HE GAY?”
HE ARRIVED IN APRIL……………I took one look at him and kept working at my desk.TOO SHORT.Plus, I swear to this day he had on a BLUE POLYESTER SUIT!He claims NO he didNOT!I think he tossed it after we HOOKED UP!
He was CUTE but I took ZERO notice of him as I was taller and in my mind that wouldn’t work!
His ENGLISH wasNOT SO good either………….seems his PAPA never spoke a word of it at HOME as the MOTHER did not speak ENGLISH.
MY deskmate got to go on a date with my future husband…………..she asked me if she should GO!I said, ‘YES, he knows NO ONE here and why NOT!”she says to me” Because he is ITALIAN…….YOU KNOW!”I laughed and said GO OUT WITH HIM!
You see even back then I was WORRIED about people and wanting to make their life a little bit better.
SEPTEMBER arrives……….but many times I was asked by him to do something THAT NIGHT after work.I was ALWAYS BUSY and I really was!Didnot make up lies NOT to go out with him I just was BUSY!To this day I cannot recall what I was doing but I would say the 7th time he asked me OUT(He never gave up!)I told him MY MOTHER was VISITING from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!
He said, Bring your MOTHER to dinner!”SO, I DID as I did not look at it as a date……..it was two people from the office getting together.
FIRST DATE WITH MY MOTHER AT HIS PLACE which was a basement apartment with zero chairs just TWO bean bags and a coffee table.I thought to myself, “OH GOD!”I will never hear the end of this from my MOTHER as she has a bad back!
Well, after appetizers…..Pasta……some Meat, Veggies and Salad and FRUIT for dessert we left there very HAPPY!I was not even out of the driveway when my Mother puts her hand on my knee and says, “What’s wrong with HIM?He is CUTE,CHARMING and HE CAN COOK………….ELIZABETH!!!!”I said, “MOM he is too SHORT!”She slams back at me “GIVE UP THE HIGH HEELS”.She said something else but as I write I cannot recall it NOW!Bottom line she was telling me HE was a CATCH………little did my MOTHER at the time know he can FIX ANYTHING and remodeled our house by HIMSELF.I think as time went on she learned he was capable of doing this and that and told me you will save a LOT of money if you marry this man as my FATHER couldn’t even put a nail in the wall to hang a picture!
MY MOTHER pointed me in the RIGHT DIRECTION!
LISTEN to YOUR MAMA she is a WISE WOMAN…………been there done that BOTTOM LINE!
ON SEPTEMEBER 8th, 1984 we had our FIRST REAL DATE.
We went to the MOVIES…….GREMLIN’S and then out for ICE CREAM on PIEDMONT AVENUE to FENTON’s.He paid for the MOVIES and I paid for ICE CREAM or did WE go DUTCH?Neither of us can recall now.As of last night the ITALIAN says, that wasNOT the FIRST DATE.I SAY it WAS…………..without my MOTHER!
From that moment on we were in separable………..
However, we kept it from the office…………until the CHRISTMAS party!The CAT was out of the BAG so to say on the DANCE FLOOR!
I should back up a moment and tell you all that after a week of dating him; HIS GIRLFRIEND from FLORENCE was ARRIVING!!!!
THAT put a little DAMPER on things.BUT NOT REALLY!
He found the MOST BAZAAR excuses to swing by my apartment!The BEST was the brown grocery bag.You see he used these as garbage bags.He being only one person did not buy many groceries so the bags ran low.HE WAS IN NEED OF GARBAGE BAGS did I have an excess………..
YES, I DID!
Never mind before SHE arrived I took him shopping for pillows and a stereo system!I even CO~SIGNED so he could get CREDIT.He had NO credit cards……..ITALY really did not use them at the time.In fact, when you bought a house there 30 years ago one paid CASH.That was how things were done.In 1991 the banks were installing the FIRST ATM’s.
You also paid your phone and electrical bill at the POST OFFICE………..in CASH.Every month!One NEVER mailed a BILL.
Grocery stores were CLOSED on WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS!
One paid MORE If you sat at a CAFE rather then stand at the BAR for a coffee.I believe that still exists TODAY?Perhaps,an old CHUM can leave a comment and tell me if I have that correct.
We had no DRYER……..and the washing machine took an hour and a half!That was the fastest cycle…….BELIEVE YOU ME!
I DIGRESS……………
SO, I met HIM in APRIL of 1984 by September we were dating………….then the EX-girlfriend arrived and stayed for a month.Then Christmas arrived and the WHOLE OFFICE knew………our little secret.I cannot recall when we got ENGAGED,I think it was on SEPTEMBER 8th of 1985, but I asked HIM when we were getting married!His answer was how about next summer!The ring came and was slipped on my finger while I was still half asleep with a breakfast tray………….and because we had been looking for rings and I knew how expensive they were I accused him of buying me a Cubic Zirconium.MEANWHILE, you could hear the SHRILLS of delight FAKE or NOT a mile away!!
THAT IS THE STORY on how I MET THE ITALIAN!
I have MARIA MANETTI to THANK and MY MOTHER!
30 years later…………..WE ARE STILL A FORCE!
Can you see the light coming through that STAINED GLASS?
The glass was cut VERY VERY THIN.
That is the sun reflecting through to the Alter.This was the SET~UP for our MATRIMONY.
ME in my getting READY STATE………..we stayed at the VILLA CORA the night before and the night of the wedding.
This is what 124 pounds looks like on a 5 foot 11 inch GAL…………
These are my husbands sisters!
My Mother-in-law used their CONFIRMATION dresses with the PINK BOWS.
I apologize for the poor photo.
Those of you who know TINA she is on the LEFT!
Not ONE but TWO PRIESTS married US.
One traveled UP from ROME.
A family Friend.
He was the official LATIN TRANSLATOR for the VATICAN!
Greeting THE MAMMA’s after the VOWS!
My Mother in Blue.
His Mother in Black & Orange
Then I believe she changed for the RECEPTION!
SHE was WAY ahead of the TREND!
MY FAVORITE PHOTO!
Here you can peek at the GUCCI shoes that were MADE just for ME!
Flats with TWO rhinestone jewels.
I always thought my BOUQUET should have been BIGGER and MORE CASCADING!
Other then that it was ALL SO PERFECT!
THE GET AWAY CAR!
Down the hill to VILLA CORA we GO!
I wore my GRANDMOTHER’s PEARL earrings……….
AS my SOMETHING OLD!
Another poor photo for YOUR enjoyment!
Maybe this is where my LOVE of BUSTS came from!
Our RECEPTION was at the VILLA CORA just down the hill from SAN MINIATO al MONTE.
Then there was the HONEYMOON.
ALL arranged by the ITALIAN.
(I see a pattern here with our recent trip to COSTA RICA!)
WE sailed the sea and hit many PORTS of CALL
I believe this was PORTO VENERE.
DREAMING of the LIFE AHEAD of ME!
I still have that SCARF and those sandals I LOVED!
WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 30 YEARS on JULY 5th, 2016.
He has stood by me in SICKNESS and in HEALTH.
He has a HEART of GOLD.
AND
YES, he can FIX and DO ANYTHING!
PLUS
HE STILL COOKS from TIME to TIME!
That is the STORY on how I met and married THE ITALIAN.
LUCKY ME!
XOXO
Fran says
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CARA CONTESSA!! May you enjoy Good Health and Much Happiness for Many More years to come and here’s hoping your son gives you one of his Fabulous tables as a birthday present!! ENJOY YOUR DAY, Cara Contessa!!CHEERS!!
contessa says
THE TABLE IS IN MY FUTURE…….as he has had shoulder surgery last week!
I DID ENJOY MY DAY!Did you see the POST HEATHER DID for ME!?That was the TOPPER of the evening!I read it in my garden at 11 pm with candles a FLICKERING!
Go to a blog called LOST IN ARLES to see……………
THANK YOU!!!!
XX
Theresa says
I just adore that story and everytime I hear it I love it more! With tears in my eyes and my heart full of love, it is with great pleasure and appreciation that I CONGRATULATE you both on your 30 year STORIA D’ AMORE!!!! Giampy looks just like Christopher in that first photo, and you Divine Contessa-look the same! That SMILE!!! Why you weren’t a Gucci Model, or VOGUE for that matter, I’ll NEVER know!!! Congratulazioni per il vostro anniversario!!!
contessa says
GRAZIE BELLA!
XX
Angela Muller says
What a divine story, Elizabeth…just what dreams are made of! Happy 30 years guys!
contessa says
G R A Z I E……….ANGELA……..that was my MOTHER IN LAWS NAME!!!!
XX
Maria Anagnostopoulou says
I wish the light always envelops you both! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You look amazing!
contessa says
MARIA…….YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIEND!!!!XX
Vicki says
Congratulations Elizabeth… I love, love your tale of true love xxv
contessa says
THANK YOU!
XX
Wendy Barrett says
Oooh, how romantic! What a great story! I LOVE the photos – what a gorgeous couple you are!
Congratulations on 30 wonderful years together, I hope the next thirty are just as special!
contessa says
ME TOO!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!
XX
Marilynn says
So sweet. So beautiful. So happy for you.
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
A sweet, romantic, funny and heartwarming story. Clearly there are still stars in you eyes; all 4 of them!
Victoria says
Lucky indeed. What a beautiful love story. Congratulations to both of you.
Shireen says
Contessa! I love this love story!!!
Xoxo,
Shireen
contessa says
YOU had NOT heard it had YOU?!!!XX
Judy Castaillac says
That is a beautiful story. I’m a bit late, but happy anniversary.
Judy
contessa says
YOU are forgiven……I imagine you are back over in FRANCE now!!XX
stephanie thonet says
even after having heard it from you personally, it was again fascinating reading it! 🙂 xx
contessa says
THANK YOU!
PHOTOS HELPED………….XX
Mumbai says
late but no less than heartily….a very healthy and happy year ahead . Best wishes for your birthday.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W8VLRK15s0
contessa says
LOVED THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD GOD WOMAN…………….JUST BEAUTIFUL!
XX
Mumbai says
sorry Contessa for that loud appearance of the music link. It happens suddenly and
unwanted and I won’t veneer your own fotos.
elizabeth@pineconesandacornsblog says
I have never hear this story before! I love it! Happy Anniversary!
On a side note, I have had you and your kindness on my mind for sometime. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to read of your time with Heather from Lost in Arles. Although I only know her from her blog I am saddened that her life is in turmoil and this time. How wonderful for her that she met you through blogging. I am sure that with your help and encouragement she has begun to heal. You are a kind, generous and amazing women. Someday I hope to meet you in person so that I can give you a hug for making her and the rest of us always feel happy!
contessa says
HELLO ELIZABETH!
YOU are one of the long time BLOGGERS around and I haven’t gotten to your site!PLEASE FORGIVE ME!I am HONORED YOU are HERE following my musings………is that the RIGHT word?It was a DELIGHT to meet HEATHER in person after ALL those years of back and fourth.
Yes, she isNOT in a GOOD spot at the moment but it will ONLY GET BETTER as she is learning TO DRIVE!Everything happens for a reason………….even if we do not SEE IT right away.Continue to give her support on her BLOG and INSTAGRAM that is WHAT WE CAN DO NOW AS HER EXTENDED FAMILY!
BIG HUG,
XX
RebeccaNYC says
Love this romantic story! And what a beautiful beautiful bride you were, and still are!! xoxoxoxoxo
Marilynn says
I am glad to know there is goodness, light and love. I enjoy your blog and Heather’s and Ellie’s too. It takes me away from the bad stuff that is going on now. Keep on keeping ‘ on.
contessa says
WILL DO!!!!!!!!!
ONWARD and UPWARD……….
GOOD to hear WE give you some comfort and LAUGHS!!
It is important to HEAR that FEEDBACK here………
GIVES US STRENGTH to CONTINUE!!
XX
Sunday Hendrickson says
For my next life, may I please have yours? Complete with the Italian, please?
contessa says
If I GO before YOU YOU MAY HAVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE better have a CAFE FIRST!!!!!!!
LOVE YOU!
XOXO
Anita says
What a story……..what a wonderful story Elizabeth!!!!
It’s interesting that your favourite photo is mine too!!!!
You leaving the church together………being pelted by rice!!!!
You two are a force and have made a wonderful marriage.
30 years is such an achievement.
Lots of love Bella
Neat xx
p.s. Mother’s are always right xx
contessa says
FUNNY HOW WE KNOW THAT WITH TWO BOYS EACH!!!!!!!!!!!!
XO
Anita Rivera says
CONTESSA DEAR! Hey babe, how ya doin’……
Thank you for coming to visit my blog. How did your outing with Sandra go? I bet you two took over the world yesterday! I can see it. I CAN!
Many thanks for your support. Onward and upward, I hope!
LA CONTESSA says
Well,you nailed it!WE CONQUERED ALOT in a short amount of time…………I think I found myself a JOB!Found some jewels………….costume of course,RAN to BARNEY’s and found LINDA RODIN’s NEW lipsticks!MADE THE PURCHASE!Had Sandra’s eye done at the counter……….Off and walking at a clip up to CHINA TOWN only to find the slippers SHE wears which I use to sell at the HEN HOUSE back in the day!She bought THREE pairs.Then down and into a CAFE DE LA PRESSE for a lovely lunch topped off with Arnold Palmers………XX
It was a SPLENDID DAY for me………………Thanks for asking!!!!
Jacqueline says
Oh Elizabeth …… that was wonderful to read …… what a fairytale …… and, all this ‘ too short ‘ thing is so silly, isn’t it ? You met your soulmate and it sounds as if you’ve had a lovely 30 years …. here’s to the next 30 !!!!!!! We celebrated our 40th annivesay on July 3rd ! XXXX
LA CONTESSA says
GOTTA KEEP UP WITH JACQUELINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
XXXX
No Fear of Fashion says
This was such a lovely story. I read everything. Well, walking in flat shoes has given you a much more comfortable life than most of us. High heels aren’t comfortable. You looked very good in them and didn’t need heels. I love how you love eachother. Saw the video of your birthday too. So nice.
Greetje
contessa says
COMFORT is KEY…………..as the pain shows in MY FACE!!!
THANK YOU for the VISIT GREETJE!!
XX
Pat Smith says
That made me smile. My mom arranged with a friend to “fix” me up. Fifty years later….
Leslie Harris says
What a gifted storyteller you are, I loved all the juicy details although I didn’t see what happened to the old girlfriend who traveled so far to see the Italian. Did that end on a good note? You both looked so happy and beautiful on your wedding. And at 124 pounds you had the body of fashion model. We got married on July 2nd – (just celebrated our 28th anniversary)and my birthday is July 11th –not exact but isn’t that a fun similarity? I’m so looking forward to meeting next month!
xo
Leslie
contessa says
THE OLD GIRL-FRIEND is suppose to SHOW up here NEXT MONTH with HER HUSBAND!
STAY TUNED!
I was EXCITED to SEE you on the RSVP LIST!
I would say those ARE a few things WE have in COMMON!Plus, the SOUTHERN CALIF. connection!
Will you be traveling up to the BAY AREA after the BLOGGER LUNCH??If so,I would LOVE to have you and FAMILY for DINNER!
XO
Windy says
Ciao ,bella Italy !
Tempi pasati !
Congrats ,kiddo ! And many, many years ever !
Ps. I love Firenze 4 ever.
Xo,j.
Jen says
What a fabulous story. I love to hear how people met.
Janice says
How wonderful to read ,They Lived Happy Ever After story.
So it is true some people do live a life of happy ever after, I enjoyed reading your story. Not sure how I could have handled the Italian girl friend there for a month !?
I am jealous I never had a story book wedding or marriage and now I’m an older lady with no hopes of another husband my hopes are just shopping for jewelry and clothes and a Stafforshire Dog if I find him haah
Christine G says
LOVED this beautiful tale of amor. Can’t wait to hear about the girlfriend’s visit.
contessa says
GRAZIE bella………to be continued!
XX