Jeff and Melissa's Wedding

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As most of you already know, we met back in high school. What started out as a close friendship in our OAC year, developed into something much more. More than eight years later, we're finally getting married...and we're still best friends. Life is beautiful.

Friday, March 23, 2007

ACCOMMODATIONS ( Updated March 23rd)


Well, we're back from Italy where we spent a wonderful, but very busy March Break! The accomodations are set! We wanted to find a place where all guests attending the wedding could stay together. This would also make things easier for us if we needed to get ahold of everyone. We finally decided on HOTEL VALENTINO. It’s a very nice hotel located just 10 minutes away from Casalvieri in the city of Sora. We have set aside some rooms but final reservations must be done by you via email or phone. We got a great deal on the rooms for everyone. Only 22 euros per person, per night, no matter what type of room you get and that includes breakfast. AND she offered to get a hairdresser to come into the hotel the day of the wedding for anyone who needs it. I believe it's first come first serve. If not, there are many salons in Sora for all of your beauty needs ;) When you call or email remember to mention:

a) MAKE SURE that you state that you're part of the De Carolis-Lefebvre Wedding ( August 4th ) and that the group rate is 22 euro per person, per night.
b) what type of room you need ( how many beds, what type of beds (1 double, 1 double and 1 single, 3 singles, etc) )
c) when you arrive and how long you're staying
d) if you have a baby, mention that you need a crib

o Contact Name: Mafalda or Valentina-Tele- 0039 0776 831 071
o email: info@valentinohotel.it
o website: www.valentinohotel.it
o Great buffet from 12 – 3, 8-11 for only 11 euros
o They speak English and French
o Reserve soon
o You need 1 week to cancel without penalty
o She could also organize pool trip by bus
o Close to downtown Sora and shopping

If after the wedding people are interested in staying and exploring the region more, but would like to try other accommodations such as bed and breakfast’s or medieval hotels, contact us and we’ll be more than happy to provide you with the necessary information!javascript:void(0)

Sunday, October 08, 2006

WELCOME


Hello Everyone! Ok, the countdown is on! Melissa leaves on Tuesday, July 3rd, and the stress is on ;) All good stress of course! We can't believe that the wedding is 39 days away! WOW! Time flies! Our number one priority is making sure that all the people we care about are in Italy with us to share our special day. We’re so very honored that you will travel such a distance to be there for us. So as we plan the festivities, we also made sure to look into some useful information for our wonderful guests. Here are some things that may help in your planning. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email us at mdecarolis@hotmail.com. We can’t wait to see you all there!!!

Jeff and Melissa's Wedding - Saturday, August 4th, 2007


Jeff and Melissa's Wedding
Love is something you can't describe
like the look of a rose,
the smell of the rain,
or the feeling of forever.

- Kristen Kappel -

THE WEDDING PARTY

.....to be updated.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Casalvieri and Vicalvi, Italy (Updated Jan. 2nd, 2007)


Casalvieri is an ancient village tucked away on top of a mountain. It’s defined by old and narrow cobblestone roads, antique houses clustered together to create a feeling of community and intimacy. One butcher, two small cafés where everyone gathers in time of celebration or just for some small talk after dinner, a small romantic restaurant nestled in a cave with the terrace overlooking more mountains, an old wood oven pizza place started 4 generations ago where every one goes at 2,3,4 in the morning after the bar or the café ( I honestly believe it’s the best pizza in the world ), a centre square situated on a cliff where you have the superb view of mountains and other small villages tucked away on their peaks and where the sunset is utterly stunning. It’s in this village that people enjoy the simplicity of life and focus on the important things; family, friends, love, nature and relaxation. This village holds so many childhood memories ( and now many new ones for both of us ) and till this day remains our place of pure ‘zen’, away from any stresses or dilemmas. It’s our paradise ;) It was here that we were engaged, and here where we will begin our life together. Dreams really do come true...

Casalvieri belongs to the province of Frosinone ( located in the LAZIO region ) and is 62 kilometers far from Frosinone, that is the Chief Town of the province. It has a population of 3.211 inhabitants (Casalvierani) and it rises 380 metres above the sea level.

Adjacent Towns
To the east: Alvito, Atina; to the north: Vicalvi; to the west: Arpino, Fontechiari; to the south: Casalattico

Codes:
Zip Code -03034
Phone Prefix- (+39) 0776

VICALVI, ITALY

Our house is located in the small village of Vicalvi, only a few minutes from Casalvieri, where my grandfather Mario was born. It too has much history and its own charm.

Castled on high ground that dominates the Western end of the Valley of Comino, Vicalvi is an ancient center of Samnite origin. Ancient Cominium has been recorded at some length, but the research on more recent history in the Comino Valley is lacking. Following Roman occupation, Vicalvi was dominated by the Longobardi until 856, under whose rule the Abbey of Montecassino was built, about 30 km South of Vicalvi. Vicalvi is built on a rock outcropping, its profile dominated by the imposing massive structure of the longobardo castle of the XII century. In the XVI century, during the war for dominance of the Italian peninsula, this impregnable fortress housed the troops of emperor Charles V during battle against Francis, the king of France. Its name derives from "Vicus Albus" that is white village, for the characteristic shade of its native sand.

The CASTLE of VICALVI

Not much is known for certain about the Vicalvi castle, first recorded during the age of Frederick II and the Normans in the 11th and 12th centuries. Situated on a hill, a rocky spur at more than 600 m. in elevation, the vantage point surveys all of the Comino Valley. It is recognizable by a red cross painted during the Second World War when German troops transformed it into a field hospital.

The Lombard (Longobard, "Long Beard") castle is a polygonal plan, built by Phillip I Colonna on the rock outcropping where there was once an ancient Roman acropolis. The stucture is now totally abandoned. Upon entry through the main gate, it is possible to admire a lavatory suspended up on a wall, one of the few examples present in Ciociaria. At the East side is a tower that is situated at a point somewhat higher than the main castle. On the walkway of the wall it is possible to view the entire Comino Valley. In the rooms on the ground level it is still possible to view the remains of frescoes, many of which were completely frescoed, probably in the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the 11th century Abbot Oderisius I of Palearia ordered towers and walls to be built to defend the monks and farmers, and in the plain started the development of salt mines. In 1165 Abbot Oderisius II greatly improved the abbey and established it as a great center of the economy and culture. In the year 1000 a certain Oderisius was master of the castle. It served as a border fortress. The people of the "Terra Santa" (Sacred Land) inhabited the castle as late as 1187. It was attacked and destroyed in 1191 by Enrico of Hohenstanfen. In 1349 it was again damaged, this time by an earthquake.

In the following years it was rebuilt and expanded to include certain manufacturing industries. In 1600 the chronicles again note the presence of a very strong fortress, high and impregnable, clearly evident in today's ruins.

It has been an effective fortress in the time of war. One refugee here was Charles V, king of Spain with his troops during the battle for the conquest of Italy in the 1520's against Francis I, King of France.

It is possible to visit the complex by asking information at the Commune of Vicalvi at the telephone number: 0776.506476. The castle is a destination for tourists and mostly foreign visitors who visit during summer and return for the local festivities. From the walls, a panorama can be admired that offers a view of farms, fields, forests, mountains and the surrounding country of the Valley, including, just below the walls, the ancient city of Vicalvi, now abandoned.

-Population: ca.800 inhabitants
- Zip/postal code: 03030
- Phone Area Code: 0776

More information at http://www.endex.com/gf/family/vicalvi/vicalvi.html

This is a very useful site for city maps of the area. Just type in the city name and zoom in.
http://mappe.alice.it

FLIGHT INFORMATION (Updated June 26th)



Flying directly into Rome during high season can be expensive. As of today, December 17th, 2006, it is roughly $1600 to fly to Rome from July 31st to August 24th. Keep an eye open for deals on internet sites such as expedia, itravel2000, cheaptickets, selloffvacations, airtransat, etc.

Another alternative is flying into Paris ( which is half the price ) and then either taking the train or flying into Rome. As of today it is about $888.00 ( all taxes included ) to fly to Paris roundtrip from July 31st - August 24th with an airline called ZOOM airlines. This is a charter flight so the plane is a bit smaller than the bigger airlines such as Air Canada and Air France. Right now it is about $1300 for the same dates with Air France.

To take the TRAIN from Paris to the Rome airport will take about 12 hours ( we suggest taking the night train so you can sleep through it )and it costs about 110 euros ( 220 euros round trip ).

To FLY to Rome from Paris ( as of today ) is 370.75 euros roundtrip from August 1st to August 24th with AIR FRANCE. I also looked into the same dates with ALITALIA and it's 403 euros.

Keep in mind, that whatever you decide to do, the bus that will take our guests from the Rome Leonardo DaVinci Aiport to our village for the wedding festivities will be leave from the airport on AUGUST 1st, 2007 at around 5:00 in the evening
(this time may change). If you want to come at a later date we have provided directions from the airport to the Hotel Valentino OR you can always take a train from the airport to CASSINO and then drive 20 minutes to the hotel in SORA.

If you are interested in taking the bus to the village, make sure to send us your flight information at mdecarolis@hotmail.com so that we can check for delays, etc at the airport. We wouldn't want to leave without you ;)

TRANSPORTATION (Updated June 26th)


It could be confusing getting from Rome to our little village so we’re providing transportation from Rome to Casalvieri. There will be a bus leaving from the Rome Fiumicino Airport to our region on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1st at 5:30p.m. The bus will take everyone to the HOTEL VALENTINO in Sora. Transportation will also be available Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the wedding events. It will also be available on Wednesday,August 8th to get people back to the airport in Rome. For the more adventurous crowd, we’ve provided driving directions from the airport (More detailed ones to come). We will also be leaving more detailed maps of Casalvieri and other small villages in the hotel rooms. Please make sure to keep checking this sight for updates!

DIRECTIONS

AIRPORT TO HOTEL
o From airport follow signs for A1 NAPOLI
o Exit FROSINONE – pay toll ( about 4 euros )
o Turn left after paying toll
o Continue straight ( follow signs for SORA )
o Turn left ( highway signs indicating SORA )
o Follow signs off highway to SORA
o Turn left when off highway
o Turn right at intersection with GRAN CAFFE ( there are also signs indicating Avezzano-Sora-Cassino )
o Turn left over bridge at round-about with church
o Continue straight
o Go through one round-about
o Hotel Valentino on right hand side next to Esso Station

HOTEL TO MELISSA’S GRANDPARENTS HOUSE ( rehearsal party )
...to be updated

HOTEL TO MELISSA'S HOUSE ( pre-ceremony event )
...to be updated

MELISSA'S HOUSE TO CHURCH ( ceremony )
...to be updated

CHURCH TO RECEPTION
...to be updated

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


Weddings are a big deal in Italy. It’s a time of fun, laughter, love, family, friends and food. There are many italian traditions involved with weddings. We hope to combine all our cultural traditions ( canadian, italian and french ) to make our wedding unique.
Here is a tentative schedule of wedding festivities! Don’t worry if you can’t make it to all events ( although we’d REALLY appreciate it if you made it atleast to the wedding ;) We just wanted to let everyone know what was happening incase you wanted to join in on the fun!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1st, 2007
- the bus leaves for the village at around 5:00p.m from the Rome Leonardo
DaVinci airport
- Anything from sight seeing, to shopping in Sora (although we're sure you'll be tired ;)
- there may be another pre-wedding party this night but it is still to be decided.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2007
- morning - Market in Sora. It's just down the street from the hotel. Be sure to get there early because the vendors start packing up at 12:30.
- Meet and Greet - Canadians, French and Italians Unite! ;) (location still to be decided)
- Dancing under the stars (Alvito)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3rd, 2007
- Rehearsal party at Armando and Filomena's house in Togna, Casalvieri
(Melissa's grandparents)
- Possible outing (to be decided)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4th, 2007
- 1:30p.m. Welcoming of the Bride (Pre-ceremony) at Melissa's house

(Vicalvi). Refreshments and snacks provided.
- 3:30p.m. Departure for Church from Bride's house
- 4:00p.m. Ceremony
- 5:00p.m. Pictures (guests provided with refreshments outside of church)
- 6:00p.m. Bus leaves for reception
- 6:30p.m Reception at Borgo Dei Lecci Villa in Sora Nord

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th, 2007
- 8:00 a.m - 1:00p.m - Market in Casalvieri ( if so desired )
- 2:00 p.m - Light lunch at Melissa's house
- tour the region

MONDAY, AUGUST 6th, 2007
- Group bus trip to the island of CAPRI or to the AMALFI COAST (see TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS section)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7th, 2007
- Group trip to the Amalfi Coast (see TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS section)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8th, 2007
- Bus leaves from hotel to Rome airport

TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS (Updated June 26th)




* Just a reminder: We would like to collect money for the trips before going (80 euros per person for each trip) to make it easier for everyone when we're in Italy. You can give them to Jeff, Melissa, Bev or Yolanda.

The Island of CAPRI
(Monday, August 6th)

Italy is truly beautiful! There are so many wonderful places to see and we’d like to see atleast one of these places with our guests who have traveled so far to be with us. The Monday after the wedding we would love to organize a day trip to the island of Capri! Turquoise waters, prestigious boutiques, grottos, fame and glamour! And it’s only 2 hours away! Who could say no? Cost of the trip including bus, boat fare, lunch and a personal guide is 80 euros.


The Amalfi Coast
(Tuesday,August 7th)

Approximate cost including bus, boat, lunch and guide: 80 euros

Whoever is interested please contact Melissa and Jeff at mdecarolis@hotmail.com. We’d like to start getting an idea of numbers so we can book. Thanks!


Suggestions:

Try to see Rome, Venice, Florence, Cinqueterre, and Rimini. These are a few of our favorite places :)

There is also a group of guests who are planning a bus tour of Italy. If you are interested, ask your travel agent for a BLUE book called INSIGHT. There are 2 tours that they are deciding between. Their first choice is ITALIAN ESCAPADE which runs from Aug. 7th to the 20th and is about $3235 per person. Their second choice is ITALIAN ELEGANCE which runs from August 9th to the 21st and is about $2875 per person. There is also a shorter tour ( and less expensive ) called THE BEST OF ITALY. These prices include airconditioned bus, experienced tour guide, stops to central locations, breakfast, dinner, and hotel stay. Discounts may be availabe. See the book for more details.

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS


There are a few things that everyone should know before they take off. Here are a few suggestions to get you on your way.

1. There are a few city names that you should be familiar with to keep you from getting lost when trying to find us: the church is in CASALVIERI, the hotel is in SORA, Melissa’s house is in VICALVI, Melissa’s grandparents house is in TOGNA ( part of Casalvieri ), the reception is in SORA NORD. All these towns are in the province of FROSINONE. The closest big city to all of these villages is CASSINO ( 20 minutes away ). If you stop and ask people they should know how to direct you to these places.

2. Buy an italian phrase book or learn key phrases before leaving. Although people will most likely speak english in the big cities, there will not be many anglophones in the small towns.

3. We strongly suggest trying real italian pizza! There is a really good Pizzeria-Rotisseria in Sora called Mama Mia Pizzeria ( downtown Sora ) as well as in Casalvieri called Emilio’s. Mmmmm...and don’t forget the gelato!

4. Experience the markets. They’re great and they give you some insight to the culture. There is a big one in Sora every Thursday morning. Casalvieri has on every Sunday morning. And be sure not to pay the asking price of an item. It’s all about bargaining!! The vendors expect it.

5. Mid August is a big holiday in Italy called ferragosto. You may find that shops are closed and that things move much slower. Try not to get frustrated. Italians believe in taking it easy ;)

6. Italians are crazy drivers. Be careful ;)

7. Visit the village of Alvito ( not even 10 minutes from Casalvieri). It has an amazing view and a great night life.

8. It is difficult to exchange money in smaller towns. The best way is to exchange some money in Canada or in the bigger cities. There are also many bank machines in the smaller towns that allow you to withdraw with your debit card.

CONTACT INFORMATION


Before leaving make sure to contact either one of us for our contact information in Italy. We’ll both have cell phones and we’ll provide you with home numbers as well!