cinquanti anni

50 years

ain't that a golden ray of sunshine?

Invitation arrived in January, but the anniversary fell in December. We had a pre-emptive get together last year, but this weekend was the big shabam. Much preparation came with our attendance as we ignored the "Best Wishes Only" as put on the invitation. Frank and I decided to commemorate their enormous accomplishment of love and life for 50 years by giving them a crystal-engraved "diamond" set on a stand and mirrored base. An oversized crystal diamond engraved 50th and the base, Anniversary 2007, Raffaella and Antonio.

It was an extravagant affair in Orillia ON, Casino Rama-- Silvernightingale Ballroom. I say extravagant not because of the monetary expense, rather the evident amount of time and love invested by their children/grandchildren to properly celebrate this grand occasion.

You could see the love between them as they danced their first dance of the night to Italian Tango. I welled up with tears and felt overwhelmed with emotion. As a slideshow put their life together on display, I looked at them with awe and appreciation... love conquers all.

I couldn't help but wonder: what will it be
like when we hit our 50 years?

<3

Notable mentions

• Zia Raffaellina couldn't resist from her motherly-nature of serving the confetti (gold-laided almonds) to her guests...
• Frank and I danced the tarantella
• Frank's dad and I ALSO danced the tarantella
• I fell in love with the raspberry cheesecake
• I danced the night away with my prince charming
• At the very end of the night (2AM) my feet disowned me and began to give me sharp needle-like pains
• We slept in the lakeside cottage room, at the FernResort, with fireplace :)
• Frank gets looked at funny by the waiter when he orders his breakfast.
• We completely enjoy ourselves...it was truly a family affair!