Why Rome?
I had looked at the possibility of staying closer to home and renting a fabulous house in the Cotswolds, however as the wedding was also there we thought let’s take the opportunity to go further afield. Lucia loves good food and good wine – so where better to go then Italy. Rome felt like the perfect city to enjoy both, as well as take in some of the sights.
Where we stayed…
The Hoxton – we wanted chic cool vibes and the Hoxton didn’t disappoint. We booked our large group with ease. Myself and Lucia had a gorgeous terrace which ended up being the centre of many an Aperitivo. The location was great. A short taxi to the centre and close enough to a few activities we had planned.
I loved that it had a small outside terrace which was perfect for the planned welcome drinks. They were so accommodating and were more than happy to have the table decorated and help where possible.
What we did…
Everyone arrived on the Friday so this is when we had our official welcome drinks. My helpers and I set the table with all our merch (one of my favourite parts of planning, the problem was knowing when to stop!) I found a small florist opposite the hotel where they helped us create cute vases with peonies and roses.
Itineraries, hand written welcome cards, goody bags and personalised caps. You name it, we had it!
Everyone got ready for the evening and arrived downstairs before the bride so we could be there to cheer her in. She looked sensational.
After drinks we headed to dinner at Pirelugi, long and leisurely it was the perfect start to the weekend.
Saturday we were all up fairly bright and early to start ‘Naidia and Chris’s roam around Rome tour’. We walked to the gorgeous Gardens of the Villa Borghese, here we rented 3 bikes that each seat 4 people, you have 1 driver and everyone peddles – oh how we laughed! Such a fun activity with added cardio. The gardens are huge so it was a great way to explore. After, we took a scenic stroll towards the Spanish steps. Every corner of Rome is a photo opportunity, it’s so beautiful. We made our way to one of many terraces and sat down for drinks before heading to lunch where yet more pasta was consumed.
My pet peeve on group holidays is feeling rushed and not having enough time to relax and get ready for the evening. I really wanted to make sure everyone felt good. So, after a long lunch it was back to the hotel to get ready for the evening. A fabulous Aperitivo at the Six Senses hotel followed by another delicious dinner.
Sunday was more relaxed as we all left at slightly different times. A late breakfast at the hotel followed by a trip to the Trevi fountain (you can’t come to Rome and not see it). We were craving a true Italian pizza, so found a great pizzeria and devoured lunch. A stroll around some of the shops we then found a gorgeous bar where we enjoyed a Negroni, ending the weekend perfectly.
Where we ate…
Firstly, it’s a good job we’re all foodies.
The first restaurant was Pirelugi – a bit of hot spot with celebrities which we didn’t fully realise when booking. Located in a small square called Piazza de ricci, with cream umbrellas, white table cloths and flickering candles. Our table was outside and honestly couldn’t have been better. A selection of seafood starters followed by pasta, wine and of course limoncello. Drinks were flowing, the sound of laughter and chatter took us well into the night. Perfection.
Lunch on Saturday was a Lucianos just behind Campo de’ Fiori – pasta ragu and their famous carbonara washed down with Gavi de Gavi. Doesn’t get much better.
Saturday night took us to the Six Senses hotel, newly opened with stunning modern interiors paired with roman grandeur. We started off with champagne followed by cocktails and delicious canapés. The setting was beautiful – both myself and Lucia gave speeches with tears of happiness shed. What a wonderful start to the evening.
Our final dinner was at Settimio All’ Arancio located down cobbled streets we felt like we were in true Rome. The restaurant had a private ‘cave’ room just off the main dining area where our table was located. The food was once again delicious. Another long leisurely dinner with lots of laughs.
Sunday, we found a bar/restaurant called Life (a fitting name) not far from the Spanish steps. An elegant terrace made the perfect setting for an afternoon Negroni along with a debrief on the past few days.
What we packed…
Well needleless to say Lucia was in all white. I think we can all agree that she absolutely nailed the looks. Her dresses were by Ulla Johnson and Holzweiler with her first look a limited-edition Mango suit. Let’s not forget the shoes, crystal Amina Muaddi.
The rest of the party were given no specific dress codes as such. Evenings were dressy and the day casual chic with shoes made for walking. I loved how we all turned up wearing black on the first night. Completely unplanned (I wish I could take the credit) but worked out SO well.
Our merch also got to enjoy Rome, the personalised caps went down a treat. Goody bags were filled with 111SKIN facemasks, Jo Malone candles, Neom pillow spray and moisturiser, Jones Road make up and Frame chains – Lucia’s had a few extra goodies from Gigi and Olive, along with some other bridal themed pieces (like I said, I couldn’t stop).
Best moment of the hen weekend…
Gosh where to begin. Honestly, seeing Lucia with a constant smile.
The weekend was perfectly balanced with everyone getting along SO well. We left with our bellies full and memories to last a life time! MoH duties complete…well nearly.
Hen: @lucia.chalmers
Maid Of Honour: @naidiachristine
Photography: @fieldnotesbykate
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