This summer, my husband and I finally took a little break to celebrate something truly special. After getting married in a civil ceremony during the pandemic, we were finally able to have the wedding of our dreams this July, surrounded by our families and friends. It was a magical experience, more beautiful than we could have ever imagined.
After two long years of the pandemic, it was a heartfelt reunion for everyone to come together and celebrate, making the day even more memorable.
A Dream Location: Madonna di Campiglio
For our wedding, my husband and I chose a very special place that holds our most cherished family memories from our 10 years together. Madonna di Campiglio is a quaint village nestled in the Dolomites of Trentino-Alto Adige, renowned worldwide for its ski slopes and the breathtaking beauty of its dolomitic granite, which plays with light and color in a way that is truly mesmerizing.
But for us, these mountains are home. Every summer, we spend our vacations there, enjoying hikes, picnics, and days by the river with our family and friends. It was an easy decision when it came time to choose the location for our wedding celebration. There was no doubt in our minds.
However, organizing a wedding in the high altitudes of the Dolomites wasn't simple, especially from afar in California. I was fortunate to meet Claudia, the owner and manager of Trentino Wedding, an organization dedicated to arranging weddings in the stunning mountain landscapes of Trentino-Alto Adige, promoting local traditions and locations. Without her help, I don't think I could have managed. Everything was perfect, and the mountain gifted us a magnificent day with incredible weather changes and breathtaking plays of color on the Dolomites that we will never forget.
The following day, after spending the night with our wedding witnesses in the high altitude refuge, we organized a hiking trip with friends and relatives to enjoy and share a day in the mountains together. It was truly magical.
A Canadian Adventure: Our Honeymoon in the Rockies
After tying the knot in our beloved Italian Dolomites, we couldn't resist the allure of the famous "Canadian Rockies" for our honeymoon. So, we returned to California and then took a quick flight to Calgary, embarking on a thrilling road trip through the Canadian Rockies.
The adventure was nothing short of spectacular, with landscapes so grand and awe-inspiring they took our breath away. We enjoyed hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and even went on a "photo safari" to spot bears—just a few of the incredible activities one can experience in Canada!
This break allowed me to recharge, and spending time in Italy's cherished mountains inspired my culinary creativity. The mountains are home to true culinary gems: wild berries, porcini mushrooms, spruce and pine buds, and high-altitude alpine cheeses made from goat and cow milk. The polenta, an indispensable dish in every mountain season, is made from locally grown corn. Buckwheat, with its unmistakable flavor and easy digestibility, adds a rustic touch to mountain cuisine. Cabbage and potatoes grown at high altitudes have a unique taste and texture that differ entirely from those cultivated on the plains.
Culinary Inspirations for the Upcoming Season
I already have several recipes in mind that I plan to incorporate into my upcoming autumn/winter menus. So, get ready to discover and savor the aromas and flavors of my beloved mountains. These dishes will showcase the unique tastes and culinary traditions of the Dolomites, bringing a touch of mountain magic to your table.
Stay tuned for an exciting culinary journey that celebrates the beauty and bounty of the mountains. I can't wait to share these flavors with you!
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