My closest friends, Jade and Francesco, met in a stop over in Malaysia, neither could speak each other’s language (nor her name on Francesco’s part it turns out) and both were heading in different directions. She on her way to find herself, he to meet the partners at work. Turns out she found something more – the love of her life – and he found someone that turned this stop over into a lifelong partnership.

Modern technology to overcome the age old distance, a desire to find a common language (Garlinguage is next in line surely!) and good old fashion patience got them in the same direction and to Cervia to wed…with a hundred or so who snuck into their carry on bags.

Cervia, acclaimed for the salt pods, is a wide coastal town lined with brimming day clubs along the 10km of beaches. At night it is all about the canal, which returns to its’ exalted trading history, with jugs of spirits and endless tall tales until the early morning, in a head spinning cycle of relaxation and rejoicing…I learnt the hard way Aperol isn’t no thanks in Italian.

After much time in the pool, or by the beach, trying to recover and improve our tans to match the Italian way (my shoes had more luck than me!) it was time to dress up and get down to partying.

It was a real wedding…full of personalities, language barriers (overcome by an ingenious speech by Chris and Clare which featured translation cards) and ultimately new friendships forged over a drinking game that the UN could probably do with.

The beach wedding in front of breaking waves, surrounded by fine Italian fashion and gifts by the town mayor was an ideal way for us to leave our imprint. The local community in swimsuits were unable to move on from gazing at the spectacular couple, especially Jade who shone so brightly.

Followed by superb seafood smorgasbord from the region that would have John West salivating,  delicious wine and most importantly – the celebration of love. Unerring love, that exuded from the bride and groom through to everyone they came in contact with…a rich affair any Italian would be proud of.

Bike riding to the canal after party was next, and playing music via a phone as we worked off the decadent dessert through the picturesque tree lined streets. It was a sure way to warn off any cars or pedestrians (and wake the whole town!)…Sydney watch out when I return – the singing cyclist in the white hat comes back!

What ever was lost in translation should be taken with a grain of salt as they found each other, and it will be till tortellini Verdi do they part, this local dish has impressed for hundreds of years…so will they.