Valeria Marini & Govanni Cottone

When your heart has an idea there’s a spark. For Valeria Marini, it was an untimely ignite. As for Gianni Cottone, he immediately saw firework`s—the woman of his dreams, when he first met Valeria. She was casting as a new model for Gianni’s brand. Gianni chose to mask his initial feelings, as they met for the sole purpose to collaborate on work. Showing genuine respect, resilience, and yes of course “character,” it was not until the end of the advertising campaign that Gianni displayed his courtship. He arranged for his contractor John to send his love 100 red roses to a Roman address, with an invitation to dinner. That moment, and the event of their first date truly lifted Valeria to a new level of attraction towards Gianni. He met her inner wishes: to feel like a woman and to be immensely desired.

The couple’s engagement lasted a year and a half. It was made of travel and experiences closely consistent with their professional activities. The poise of their relationship led them to formalize their love story in 2012. The marriage proposal paid tribute to their first appointment, as it was another surprise assisted by contractor John. 

Gianni invited Valeria to his home where the main living room was adorned with hundreds of red roses. A dinner culminated in a proposal, with a diamond ring that Gianni, filled with emotion, placed on the finger of his beloved wife to be. Valeria excitedly agreed, confessing that she did not want to wait another moment.

The wedding planning was symbolic to Valeria’s childhood memories. She chose the church, the Basilica of Ara Coeli in Rome. The seating capacity also made the church the perfect place, as she expected a large number of 700 guests. Villa Piccolomini, a location with a mild temperature, beautiful colors, and magnificent scenery that adorned the spring season, seemed to be the perfect place for the wedding party.

Leading up to the wedding Valeria was excited, as this was a day she longed for; but she was also anxious about the preparations, yet remained competent that her team would organize the complexity of the wedding. Photographers, friends from all over the world, as well as fans all awaited Valeria’s arrival; during the ceremony her most emotive moment was crossing the nave of the church accompanied by the arm of her proud father. After pronouncing the promises and having signed the register, she finally realized that she was now married—a sense of relaxation overcame her. 

At the wedding party Valeria sang a remake of Marilyn Monroe’s “Happy Birthday Mr. President.” Anna Tatangelo and Gigi D’Alessio took stage to share their dedications to Valeria as wedding witnesses. To climax the tender feelings of joy was a performance by Craig David.

At the wedding there was an imposing crystal candelabrum as a centerpiece. At the imperial table there were 100 seats, 60 tables for ten guests. Food and beverage included: a spectacular buffet, a huge white and gold cake, champagne as well as stronger spirits. (mojitos, gin and tonic, vodka and lemonade) 

Their tasteful wedding must have foreshadowed the craving for the couples honeymoon. It was spent in Sardinia, Porto Ercole, an Italian town with some of the most enticing, majestic, and beautiful beaches in the world. Symbolic to their “yes” day, they chose the right atmosphere to preserve the love they share.