Italy Pt. 2- Calabria, family, and the proposal!

Nelson and Allie in the church he proposed in, Pianopoli Italy

While traveling in Italy, we decided to head far south to where Allie's family immigrated to America from. Allie had visited family still living in Pianopoli, the small town in Calabria, back in 2001 with family. When we returned in 2012, We were welcomed with open arms from Allie's father's cousins. We spent several nights in this tiny town that has deep meaning to Allie. Little did Allie know, after leaving it would mean so much more! Nelson had a plan to propose to Allie in the church that her grandparents were married in. After some confusion about which church Allie's grandparents were actually married in, Nelson popped the question at the correct church by the altar. Allie cried tears of joy, and of course accepted. Our family had a delicious lunch waiting for us with a thoughtful congratulatory cake. A whirlwind of emotions from the minute we arrived in the small town. Allie remembered her last visit to the town 11 years prior with her great aunt, great uncle and cousins from Montreal, and her aunt and uncle and cousins from the states and beautiful memories they created. The memories of Zio Pino as we were honored to stay in his apartment. Allie was just happy to share the town that meant so much to her with Nelson. Now it has a special place in Nelson's heart as well with new happy memories. Enjoy our photos of a place and event that means so very much to us! We miss you all and hope to see you again soon! 


The small town of Pianopoli with clouds rolling in.
We had a view of the church we were to be engaged in, and we didn't even know it.
Zio Pino's apartment we stayed in.


The espresso! So delicious.

View of via Roma, the main street in Pianopoli
Delicious food
Fragola! 
Nelson playing with the boys.
The boys.
One of the focal points on the town, the futbol field!



We watched this woman meticulously water all of her plants.



Right after the proposal, a picture with the Madonna. Allie still crying.
What could it be?
Cake!
Very thoughtful! Grazie!!
And another funny traditional gift for when a couple gets engaged...
Potholders and a baby pacifier!

Locked down?
The church


The house where the 'Malta's' lived.
The house where the 'Rifiorati's' lived.

Bride and groom to be.
Celebratory and farewell drink. Grappa and Vecchio Amaro del Capo = trouble!
La Famiglia!

1 comment:

  1. Congratulations! What a great way/place to propose! Thanks for sharing!

    Vaughan & Gillian Merlyn

    ReplyDelete