But this was not just another destination wedding.
When Andrea proposed in Sicily in September 2022, he managed to surprise Alessandra despite her suspicions.
I decided to go with zero expectations to avoid being disappointed.
Photo: Giuseppe Marano and Alessia Angelotti
From the start, the couple knew their wedding had to take place in Gressoney.
Many of Andreas family members have been married and buried in the towns church, Alessandra explains.
His great-uncle, Umberto Monterin, was even a pioneering glaciologist here, studying climate change.
With such deep familial ties, the town was the perfect setting to bring their loved ones together.
Planning a wedding in the Alps, however, was no simple feat.
Consuelo and Yolanda were like fairy godmothers throughout the planning process, says Alessandra.
They even entertained the idea of incorporating Alpine cow parades into the celebration, though logistics made it tricky.
Instead, two donkeysFulgencio and Lindawaited for the couple outside the church, adorned with flowers.
I even rode one as my getaway vehicle to the next part of our wedding, Alessandra laughs.
Alessandras wedding day look was all about vintage-inspired romance.
She found her dream dress at Danielle Frankel.
I felt like the little bridal figurine on top of the wedding cakeit was perfect.
Theres something very theatrical about mantilla veils, she says.
Her earrings, designed by her friend Jo-Ann Arosemena, added a personal touch.
Walking into the church, she was met with shouts of Auguri!
from townspeople gathered in hiking gear to watch.
The ceremony itself was an emotional whirlwind.
The reception space was designed with nostalgia in mind, honoring Gressoneys heritage.
As the evening unfolded, a cloud rolled in, enveloping the venue in mist.
It felt like we were floating in the skyit was surreal.
The cakea millefogliewas decorated live, a surprise even to the couple.
Then, as Underneath It All by No Doubt started, he began feeding blueberries to the crowd.
The Panamanian in me had to verify we opened with a bang, Alessandra says.
At one point, a second dance room emerged where our DJ, Lorenzo Fassi, played techno.
Reflecting on their wedding, Alessandra and Andrea are overwhelmed with gratitude.
Andrea and I on the evening of our welcome dinner.
The dress code was Alpine chic, and Andrea made me hike in my seven-inch Litas.
