Victoria Turner and Thorrell decided to have a destination wedding for a few reasons.
Victoria shares, “1. Local weddings in the DMV area were so expensive. We wanted to have an amazing experience if we were going to spend a good amount of money. 2. We wanted our children to experience an international trip as well as what a wedding looks like. We decided on Italy because it was the next location on our bucket list and my husband is part Italian.”
They spent a few days in Rome prior to the wedding to finalize the paperwork and see sights they’d never experienced before. On the day of the wedding, their family and friends chartered a bus to Tivoli. Victoria recalls, “When we arrived in Tivoli, we had to walk through the small town to the Court because the roads were too small for a bus. As we walked through the town we heard locals shouting “Augri!” and locals coming by and waving and giving hugs as if we belonged there, really making us feel so special on our wedding day.”
They were married in the historic courthouse with the Tivoli magistrate and other local officials. The wedding ceremony was in Italian and their planner helped with the translation of it all. The historical artwork on the wall of the courtroom made them feel as if we were getting married in an art gallery.
After the wedding ceremony, they exited the courthouse as family and friends threw rice in the air as a celebratory congratulations, and they walked back through part of the town to a restaurant where they had their reception. Victoria reminisces, “We ate at this amazing restaurant with breathtaking views. The terrace was covered in vines and trees as if we were sitting in a garden for the Gods. The weather was perfect for an October Friday. Clear skies, warm weather with a gentle breeze.”
It was a magical experience. See all of the details from their whimsical destination wedding below.
- Couple: Victoria Turner and Thorrell Turner
- Occupations: Victoria: Wedding Photographer; Thorrell: Montgomery County Employee
- Wedding date: 10/11/2019
- Wedding location: Tivoli. Italy
How did you meet?
We both used to work for HSBC and we met there.
Tell us about the proposal.
He proposed to me while we were at home alone. I kept telling him ‘I don’t believe the ring is in the house’ and he showed me and proposed. I kinda ruined his plans by being nosey lol.
Describe your wedding attire.
My dress was made by Travian Vann. I loved the fact I could pick and choose the lace on my wedding dress. Off the shoulder with A line+ Trumpet finish. Nothing special about the suit other than everyone had to coordinate with the colors which were burgundy, dusty blue, and coral.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
It was fun and exciting I worked with vendors that I have met while going through the wedding photography industry. From the stateside, I made sure I was supporting Black-owned businesses. My planner was amazing and helped us step by step with the ceremony and dinner in Italy. She was also our tour guide for 2 days while we were in Rome.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding?
We wanted an Italian wedding. Not an American wedding in Italy. So we picked all the foods and wedding cake that fit best with Italian traditions.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The best part was the rice throwing at the end of the ceremony. It was so fun to experience. And the total strangers congratulating us and making us feel welcomed.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
If you decide to have a destination wedding HIRE A PLANNER!!! They can help you with paperwork timelines and what is expected in the country you are getting married in. Simonetta helped so much and was the absolute best.
Vendors
- Photographer: Jack Manning @manningweddings
- Planner: Simonetta Pollera
- Wedding Dress: Travian Vann
- Florals: Girafiore Marcella Polinesi
- Restaurant: Ristorante Sibilla in Tivoli 1720
- Portrait Venue: Villa De Este
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