We will never forget the beauty, the staff, the food, the location and support provided by Adriana and her team which provided the backdrop for our Italian family reunion.
My grandfather, Ernesto, was born in Sora, Italy in 1890. He left for America in 1906 to find a "better life". Actually, he was leaving his abusive step-father whom he would watch abuse his mother. He left his mother and sister behind, vowing to return one day to bring them to America and to get away from the abuse at home.
He did create a beautiful life in Rhode Island and he did return to collect his mother 4 years later. However, his sister married and stayed in Italy.
In the over 100 years, Ernesto's family grew to over 90 Italo-Americans. While in Italy, his sister, Christina's family grew to almost the same size.
As many of the "elders" in my family were in their 80's, Athena, my beautiful partner and I decided to create a once-in--a-lifetime reunion. We needed lots of coordination, facilities that would accommodate 2 large receptions and a responsive staff.
Right from the start, it was clear that Adriana and her team would be able to help. They were amazing. The house was better than the photos, the staff quickly became part of our family, the food was wonderful and beautiful memories were created as part of this very special trip.
We brought over 20 family members from Rhode Island and about 30+ of our Italian cousins showed up for 2 separate catered events, with live music, tents, sit down meal service, bar, flowers, and translators it was beautiful. We sat outside around the pool in the beautiful private grounds of the villa.
The elders, met their cousins for the first time. There were hugs, tears, laughter, dancing and true connection. Adriana, thank you...what a wonderful magical place!
It was truly a once in a lifetime event. About 8 weeks after the reunion, Zia Anna, the matriarch of our Italian family passed away. She was honored at both family festas and was a beautiful woman. The last time I saw her, she was smiling, with tears in her eyes and she gave me a big hug thanking us for creating this special moment bringing the family of Christina and Ernesto together for the first time.