To kick off my Roamin Holiday Giveaway,
I thought I'd take a stroll down memory lane of my own Roman Holiday in October of 2007 when my brother Stephen and his wife Wendy were married at The Vatican.
Stephen & Wendy rented us a villa in Castel Gandolfo.
Castel Gandolfo is a small town in Lazio that occupies a height overlooking Lake Albano about 15 miles south-east of Rome on the Alban Hills.
It is best known as the summer residence of the Pope.
(View of our villa)
It was voted one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. It includes almost the whole coastline of Lake Albano and is surrounded by many summer residences, villas and cottages built during the seventeenth century.
(Relaxing in the villa)
Here we are eating, drinking and sharing good times in the villa's kitchen downstairs.
The Main Square in Castel Gandolfo with the Pope's residence in the background.
We were so fortunate to be able to attend the Papal Blessing while we were there as it's a rare privilege.
- Don't be fooled by their designer duds. Under those bright, baggy bloomers and a tilted beret stands a lean, mean fighting machine as well as a courteous helper of lost or curious tourists.
He is a Swiss Guard. He stands at least 5 feet 8 inches tall, is an ironclad Catholic of "irreproachable" character, young and single, has clocked in at least 19 birthdays and usually no more than 30, and he is Swiss.
He also has completed rigorous entrance requirements and Swiss army training, making him a member of an elite guard who is ready at any moment to sacrifice his life for the pope.
The papal Swiss Guard tradition has been marching on for nearly 500 years -- making it the oldest, continually active military corps in history.
Here we are inside the courtyard waiting for the Pope to appear out on the balcony.
It was surreal!
He spoke beautifully in several languages making sure to bless everyone in the crowd.
Afterward the crowd dispersed into the Main Square.
The following shots are some of my favorite images captured during this memorable trip.
historic road built by the Romans in 312 BC
Lake Albano
Sightseeing...
Lots & lots of pasta!
And finally the big day!
OK...
you are probably wondering how my brother pulled off getting married at The Vatican.
Well, here's the story.
We are blessed to have a very close family friend, a priest named Father Richard Mangini, who we consider to be a part of our family.
He has been there for us through countless weddings, baptisms, holidays, birthdays, confirmations, graduations, anniversaries, and deaths.
So when Stephen asked him if there was any way he could marry them at The Vatican, Father Mangini called up his cousin Cardinal William Levada who serves as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
And that's how we all ended up here on this unforgettable day on October 2, 2007 to witness Stephen and Wendy say their vows in this awe inspiring chapel at The Vatican in Rome.
I was completely overcome with emotion.
It was an experience I will never forget!
Wendy's parents arranged a private wedding reception at the Hotel Hassler.
Hassler Roma is the legendary luxury hotel located at the top of the Spanish Steps.
The meal and service were beyond compare.
We raised our glasses to the happy couple and our gracious hosts.
The beautiful bride and Father Mangini.
The fabulous cake!
Our celebratory kiss!
After the reception as we descended the Spanish Steps...
people stood up to clap and cheer the newly wed couple... it was an amazing moment!
We made our way to the Trevi Fountain...
where a traditional legend holds that it is lucky to throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder into the fountain!
Tomorrow...
My Roamin Holiday Giveaway!
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