Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Just over a month ago, Monique Rollins, artist, and daughter of Rose Hall's Development's Michele and the late John Rollins, was married in Tuscany, Italy, to Marco Ceccatelli.

Family and friends shared the weekend that began with a private 22-course rehearsal dinner at the Ceccatelli's home, the precursor setting the tone for culinary delights.

In the town of Artimino, the following night, the Rollins hosted an informal welcome dinner under the musical direction of the mandolins, complemented by an authentic Tuscan dinner of antipasto and the meats of the region.

During the weekend, the bridal party visited Castello Del Nero, the magnificent five-star hotel, owned by Jamaica's Palmyra Resort and Spa's Robert and Ragni Trotta for manicures, pedicures, massages and a luncheon.

But it's the fabulous wedding day that guests who travelled from all over the world to witness that will be remembered for years to come.

Arriving in style, Monique Rollins was driven in a gold Rolls Royce framed with baby's breath.

Dinner on the front lawn

Her wedding took place in St Leonardo Church dating back to 998, where Ceccatelli's parents were married. An archway of white and yellow roses framed the doorway to the church and altar.

The reception followed at the Medici Villa with antipasto in the wine cellar, dinner on the front lawn with the sounds of a string quartet in the background. The couple cut the millefeuille (Napoleon) cake which boasted layers of cascading chocolate.

As if that were not enough, the couple danced the night away to the music of a disco on the north lawn, comforted by the lights of Florence in the distance.

Monique Rollins and Marco Ceccatelli's wedding attracted high-profile guests including former United States Ambassador, Brenda LaGrange Johnson and husband Howard; Spanish Ambassador, Jesus Silva and wife, Sara; Senator Noel Sloley and wife, Sharon; Palmyra's Bob and Ragni Trotta; friend of Jamaica, Beverly Perry, and son, Kevin Harris of The Pink Ball Tournament fame; Peter Williams and wife, Gina; Hospiten's Pedro Luis Cabiella and Michele Ladden and a host of friends and family.