March 25, 2014

Let's go on a vintage honeymoon to Italy


It might surprise you to know that Tony and I did not go on a honeymoon. We spent our wedding night at a prominent local hotel, but that was the extent of our post-nuptial holidaying. The reasons for such stemmed primarily from a matter of budget as well as that we'd soon be flying back to Ireland (where Tony was living and working at the time, and where we would go on to live for the first two years of our life together) from Penticton where our small wedding was held, and the cost involved with that took precedence over a vacation, as lovely as one certainly would have been.

I have no bitterness or negative feelings about not having a honeymoon (or a more elaborate wedding; we had a casual civil ceremony with just a few close family members present that was held at my mom and step-dad's house). My wedding and the days that ensued right after might not have been as I'd envisioned them when I was a little girl, but that didn't matter. What mattered - what will always matter - is that I got to stare into the eyes of my soul mate, recite my vows, and marry the man I love more than life itself.

That doesn't mean however, that I'm not a big fan of honeymoons (and traditional weddings), because I most certainly am - and who knows, maybe one day we'll take a belated honeymoon someplace magical. There's no absolute hard and fast rule that says it has to fall right after you tie the knot.

For most people though, that is when a honeymoon takes place, and with spring officially here now, and thus the return of wedding season, I thought it would be tons of fun to launch a four part series (with one post to appear throughout each of the four months of spring) dedicated to a quartet of different much loved, endlessly appealing classic honeymoon destinations across the world.



{While this charming young couple may have been helping to swell Edmonton's ranks back in the 1940s, I'd venture to guess that they - like most newlyweds of the 19th, 20th, and now 21st centuries – likely took at least a small trip someplace away from home for a few days (or longer) after swapping vows. Image source.}




The tradition of a honeymoon period stretches back for centuries, and has its roots in the days when couples often shared their first truly private moments together after being married. In some cases, where arranged marriages were involved, a honeymoon may even have been the first time aside from the wedding when the new bride and groom got to know each other point blank.

In Western culture the honeymoon largely came into popularity during the early 1800s, when well-to-do British couples would embark on a "bridal tour" (or voyage à la façon anglaise, in French), which was a trip in which the new couple set off to visit friends and relatives who hadn't been present at their wedding itself.

As time went on, fewer and fewer couples held onto this aspect of post-wedding day travel, however many - more so than ever - embraced the idea of taking a special trip to celebrate their new life together, and by the early 1900s, most newlyweds who had the financial means were embarking on a journey someplace away from home (Italy and the French Riviera were two of the most popular honeymoon destinations for those in Britain and France during the late Victorian and Edwardian years).

A couples’ choice of honeymoon destinations is virtually limitless today, though various spots that gained popularity over the course of the past century remain traditional favourites with many, and it is four of those that this series will focus on, starting with none other than the aforementioned Italy.



{That's right, for our inaugural vintage honeymoon destination, we've booked passage for none other than the sublimely inviting, timelessly gorgeous country of Italy. Image source.}



While this ancient and sweepingly beautiful land just happens to be where my darling husband hails from, I've not had the immense pleasure of setting foot there myself yet (one day, I truly hope), and this look at Italy will be one from the perspective of a fan, not of an actual traveler who has been there.

Boasting an endless array of old world charm, more history than you can shake a cannoli at, breathtaking landscapes and cities alike, scrumptious food to please every palette, sun-kissed beaches (or, if you prefer, fantastic ski hills in the north), and a people and culture that are impossible not to love, it is easy as (pizza) pie to see why Italy has been a honeymoon mainstay for two centuries.

There is so much to do and see in fact in Italy, that this post does not center on just one city, such as Rome, Venice or Florence, instead it highlights some of the places that couples headed to this Mediterranean slice of heaven may wish to see throughout the country. While putting together your itinerary for gorgeous Italia, as the locals call it, why not consider adding some, or all, of the following seven locations and activities to your list.

 

Savour the rich history and stellar architecture of Florence






Take a gondola ride in Venice






Pose for a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa





Let your inner foodie soar in Naples (home of some of, if not the, best best pizza in the world)





Swim and sunbath on the Amalfi Coast





Dress to the nines and go out for an evening of fine dinning, then to the opera or theater anywhere in the country





Go shopping at the famous The Porta Portese flea market in Rome




{To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective source.}






While the more northerly regions of Italy such as Trento-Alto Adige share certain geographical and culture similarities with neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and France, as well as - in some areas - a nippier climate, especially during the winter, it's a fair bet to say that the bulk of the country is quite warm for most of the year.

As such, you'll want to pack with a toasty climate in mind (especially if you're visiting anytime between mid-spring and early fall). Think breezy sundresses, light weight separates, straw sun hats and handbags, comfortable wedge heels and/or sandals that you can easily walk in, a shawl or light jacket for evening, shorts, playsuits, capri pants, chiffon scarves (perfect for keeping hair that may have gone frizzy from any humidity quite literally under wraps), sunglasses, chic jewelry, a swimsuit or two if you're going to be anywhere near the ocean, lake or hotel pool, and of course plenty of sunscreen, too.

The following seven items would all be great choices to tuck into your suitcase as you jet off for the majestic shores of Italy.


 photo il_570xN362981839_bpu1_zps7708793a.jpg

{A wide brimmed hat is an absolute must in climates like Italy's where the sun rarely takes a day off. 1930s straw cartwheel hat with navy ribbon and millinery flowers (which, purely by coincidence, was made in Italy - you've got to love that!), $120.00 from etsy seller Sonnet and Bough.}



{Much like a hat - and perhaps even more so in some settings - a great pair of specs are a true must while in the Mediterranean. 1940s OPTIKS round lens sunglasses, $131.41 (at the time of writing) from etsy seller Tamta's.}



{When packing for a sizzling hot destination, it's always wise to think light, both in terms of weight and colours. This elegantly lovely 1940s sheer lace blouse hits the mark perfectly on both counts. Fits a 38-41" bust/undefined waist, $42.00 from etsy seller Dear Golden.}



{Skip sleeves, slather on oodles of sunscreen, and spend your days looking so gosh darn cute in vintage polka dots that buttons everywhere will be jealous. 1940s spaghetti strap sundress, fits up to a 34" bust, 26/27" waist, $128.00 from etsy seller Mel's Vanity.}



{You'll look as gorgeous as a cherry red Vespa when you scoot around Italy in these fantastic 1950s high waisted shorts. Fits up to a 31" waist/44" hips, $26.60 (sale price at the time of writing) from etsy seller Piccaso Muse.}



{Holidays often call for big bags - they're towels, maps, guide books, snacks, sunscreen, souvenirs, water bottles, sunglasses, and myriad other things to carry with you while on the go, so a substantial sized vintage tote like this 1940s/50s straw gem is a must while on your honeymoon. $72.00 from etsy seller Dark Bloom Vintage.}


Vintage style nautical red and white Cliffs Sister womens wedge sandals

{A country flanked by the seas practically begs to scene while sporting something with a jaunty nautical vibe to it, and these wonderfully well priced red and white wedge sandals fit the bill there perfectly. Available in modern ladies sizes 5.5 to 11 (as well as black and white, and blue and white, too), $19.87 from Amazon.}

 

While packing, remember of course to take your camera (and/or video camera) along, too. This is neither the time nor the place to be without a way of recording your exciting travels as a newly married couple.



There have been hundreds, if not more, books written about travel to, as well as the history, culture and cuisine of, Italy over the years, and if you're headed in the direction of that exciting part of the world for your honeymoon, it may we well worth investing in a few to better acquaint yourself with this fantastic country before you arrive. The following is an alphabetically arranged assorted list of great titles that you may find especially helpful on that front.


-A History of Italian Cinema by Peter Bondanella

-A Month of Italy Rediscovering the Art of Vacation by Chris J. Brady

-
Cinema Italiano: The Complete Guide from Classics to Cult by Howard Hughes

-DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Italy by DK


-Fashion at the Time of Fascism (edited) by Mario Lupano and Alessandra Vaccari


-Fodor's Essential Italy: Rome, Florence, Venice & the Top Spots in Between by Fodor


-Frommer's Italy Day by Day by Sylvie Hogg and Stephen Brewer


-Italian Cuisine: A Cultural History by Alberto Capatti and Massimo Montanari


-Italianissimo: The Quintessential Guide to What Italians Do Best by Louise Fili and Lise Apatoff


-Italian Slanguage: A Fun Visual Guide to Italian Terms and Phrases by Michael Ellis

-La Bella Lingua: My Love Affair with Italian, the World's Most Enchanting Language by Dianne Hales


-
Larousse Pocket Dictionary: Italian-English Dictionary by Larousse

-Lonely Planet Italy's Best Trips by Paula Hardy, Robert Landon, and Duncan Garwood (this book features 38 exciting road trips around Italy)


-National Geographic Traveler: Italy, 4th Ed. by Tim Jepson


-100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen 


-Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary by Rick Steves


-
Rome: A Cultural, Visual, and Personal History by Robert Hughes

-Seeking Sicily: A Cultural Journey Through Myth and Reality in the Heart of the Mediterranean by John Keahey


-Speak the Culture: Italy: Be Fluent in Italian Life and Culture by Andrew Whittaker


-Sprezzatura: 50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped the World by Peter D'Epiro and Mary Desmond Pinkowish


-The Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food by John Dickie


-The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy: A Regional and Village Guide to the Best Wines and Their Producers by Nicholas Belfrage and Hugh Johnson


-The Oxford Companion to Italian Food by Gillian Riley


-The Pursuit of Italy: A History of a Land, Its Regions, and Their Peoples by David Gilmour


-The Shakespeare Guide to Italy: Retracing the Bard's Unknown Travels by Richard Paul Roe


-Travel Italia: The Golden Age of Italian Travel Posters by Lorenzo Ottaviani


-Venice: A New History by Thomas F. Madden


-Vino Italiano: The Regional Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich and David Lynch 






Italy truly is one of the most romantic, captivating, exquisitely pretty places this vast world of ours has to offer. From seas of vineyards churning out some of the best wine in the world to housing magnificent works of art, ancient runs and thriving modern metropolises alike, there is really no where else quite like, nor are there many that are as perfectly suited to providing couples with the dreamy sort of honeymoon most of us adore envisioning ourselves in.



{One can't help but wonder if the writer of this 1950s ad promoting travel to Italy had honeymooners in mind as they penned those inviting opening lines. Image source.}

 

As incredible as Italy is, if it's not your cup of tea (or would that be espresso?), but you're still looking for warmer grounds to take your first trip and a married couple to, fear not, we'll be heading to another sunny, gorgeous spot that calls the Pacific ocean home in the second installment of the vintage honeymoon series.

Be sure to tune in April to find out just where exactly we're headed to next!

68 comments:

  1. My husband and I actually took two honeymoons. He got his deployment notice just a month after we got engaged so wedding plans were temporarily put on hold. Early in the deployment we decided to plan a trip for just the two of us on his two week leave but then later we decided to get married on leave too. (It just so happened that his leave fell right around the original date we'd wanted to get married on.)

    So we'd already bought the tickets for the first trip to Maine to visit my grandparents. It was nice since we did get to see lots of family that couldn't make it to the wedding like the newlyweds of yesteryears. But we decided that after a year apart, we really deserved another honeymoon so we went to Disney World after he was home for good. :)

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    1. That's beautiful, sweet Stephanie. I love that you guys got to enjoy two honeymoons, including one to place that I very much hope to visit one day myself, Disneyland. There's absolutely nothing that says a honeymoon (or second honeymoon) has to follow the wedding or even happen in the same year. It can be five, ten, even twenty or more years later, if it's still something that a couple feels like they want to have happen. We'd both love for such to be the case and hope that a belated one can happen for us sometime in the coming decade.

      Big hugs & many thanks for sharing your lovely honeymoon(s) story with us,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. How interesting! I didn't know all these facts about honeymoons. And Italy is first on my list of places to visit. Your post is so informative and full of photos it feels like I went there!

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    1. Thank you very much, Ally, that is wholeheartedly what I was hoping for (to help my readers feel as though they'd been whisked off to the sun-kissed, arid lands of Italy for a spell) and am delighted to know that such rang true for you. I really hope you enjoy the next three "trips" every bit as much as this one.

      ♥ Jessica

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  3. Such a unique post Jessica. We had a small wedding, with just ourselves and four guests, as we eloped to Cornwall and had a church blessing one month later locally. Our honeymoon was simply a few days staying in Glastonbury as it was a between Cornwall and home and we got to see the solar eclipse atop Glastonbury Tor. No jet setting for us, but then I like what Britain has to offer so it pleased me to stay on these shores xxx

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  4. Let me guess...Hawaii? : )

    I have to ask...if you had planned to spend the first two years of your married life together in Italy and subsequently have never actually stepped foot inside the country, what happened?

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Very good guess, Suzanne - we'll just have to wait and see! :)

      Actually, we planned, and did, spend the first two years of our married life together in Ireland, not my husband's home country of Italy. We hadn't set a time frame when we started living in Ireland together, two years was just how things unfolded. Career wise, it made much more sense for my husband to be in Ireland, and then Canada, so we've never had the chance to live in Italy together. Perhaps one day, though we are both very, very happy with our lives and careers here in Canada. I think an occasional vacation,perhaps even an extended one, is more likely than ever moving to Italy together. One never knows though what the future holds in store.

      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Hi Jessica , how are you?
    What a wonderful surprise my friend !
    Spend the honeymoon in Italy is a dream , very romantic ! I love Italy , its culture , its cuisine , literature , fashion and cinema. And also the music , love Italian music, my favorite song is Il Mondo Jimmy Fontana singer . Listen to this song because it 's beautiful ! I am a passionate about old music . Dear Jessica, congratulations on your post made so dedicated and so rich in information , then I'll access the suggested links . I loved the vintage fashion items that you quoted , one more beautiful than the other . I live in a small town in the state of Paraná Brazil , here has many descendants of Italians and a city beside named Campo Mourao has a wonderful restaurant called Cantina Di Colli , where they serve delicious dishes such as garlic and oil spaghetti , lasagna bolognese , gnocchi in butter , risotto , fried chicken and polenta . Accompanied by a good wine. Simply fantastic!
    Jessica I have no clothes or vintage accessory 'll send you an email with some questions for you to help me when you can . Big hugs , Cris .

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    1. Hello dear Cris, thank you very much for sharing about the marvelous Italian culture that is alive and well in your corner of Brazil. All of that food sounds so mouthwateringly scrumptious! I'd always loved Italian food, so marrying into the culture was definitely a boon on the culinary front for me. Even with my many (medical) dietary restrictions, I can still indulge in some classic Italian treats sometimes, particularily if I alter the recipes to make them "safer" for me. GF lasagna, polenta, minestrone, and fruit crostatas particular favourites.

      Certainly, sweet gal, send an email my way anytime you'd like to discuss vintage fashion further. I very much look forward to to chatting more about this awesome topic with you.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Oh I would just love to go to Italy! Apparently my parents took me there when I was a mere few years old, so I have no memory of it at all. I know that Fleur from diaryofavintagegirl.com posted a marvellous account of her girls only trip there, where they drove around in tiny Fiat cars, stayed in a majestic villa overlooking Florence, ate copious amounts of cheese and did it all in their best vintage finery!

    When I do (one day!) marry my Baby, we have already discussed that we would love to take our honeymoon in California. I'd like to stay on the Queen Mary, go on a road trip, stay in cheesy '50s motels, and enjoy all of the thrifting possibilities that the state offers! We are also fortunate enough to have some friends in the state, so as long as we can summon up the pennies for the hefty air-fare, it would be within the realms of possibility!

    This is a wonderfully researched post, and I love your suggestions of what to wear and what to read. Can't wait for the next stop on this global honeymoon tour xx

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    1. That sounds like a thoroughly awesome honeymoon location. I've never been to California myself, but it ranks high on the list of places I truly hope to get to one day (and unlike many, being within reasonable driving distance of British Columbia, it's a lot or likely to happen than say, Japan or New Zealand). I'd totally aim to do all the same kind of fabulous things that you two are planning to on your honeymoon.

      Thank you very much for your fantastic comment (I remember that post of Fleur's, it took my breath away and then some!) and for sharing about your dream honeymoon with me (us).

      Big hugs & happy future travels,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Oh this is so much fun! I love that you've even selected beautiful things to pack for this Italian honeymoon as well! My beau's paternal grandmother was from Italy, so that's definitely on our list of places to visit... some day.
    We didn't have a honeymoon when we were married last July, but I'm itching to go on a real vacation, just the two of us, with no purpose other than relaxing and taking in the sites (so often our trips are practical... for work, for family, for the weddings of others).
    Can't wait to see where you "travel" next, Jessica!

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  8. Meu sonho sempre foi conhecer a Itália, mas ainda não foi possível...Veneza é o sonho dos casais apaixonados, muito amor...

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  9. Thanks for sharing and I love your comments about Italy because lately I have been dreaming of it myself! How can anyone not avoid all the media attention on Italy these days???!!! Almost every picture, tv commercial, print ad, video, book and painting of Italy are breathtaking and beautiful. Can't wait for the rest of your honeymoon series! Oh, and by the way, my husband and I did not have a honeymoon (married 14 years) so this a very nice catalog of information. Take care xo Lamar from Houston, TX

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    1. It's my sincere pleasure, Lamar, thank you very much in turn for your great comment. So true, Italy does seem to be at the forefront of many media outlets in recent years (its struggling economy and continual political unrest certainly doesn't help keep it out of the limelight).

      If it's something you'd like, I wholeheartedly hope that you and your husband are able to take a belated honeymoon one day, too. Tony and I are hoping to do a wedding vow renewal ceremony sometime during our second decade of married life (this coming October will be our 10th anniversary) and the idea of following with a honeymoon appeals to both of us immensely.

      Big hugs coming right back at you from (still snowy) Penticton, British Columbia,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. Your post reminded me of one of my favourite movies..."Cinema Paradiso", essentially a film about movies (but fictional, I believe).

    Well, that, and Harrison Ford's comment during "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"..."ahhh, Venice!" *lol*

    Thanks for the terrific post about honeymooning in Italy - looking forward t reading your other posts, too! :)

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    1. That is a wholly brilliant film. Tony and I watched it together several years ago and were both moved to the point of tears by it. Thank you for bringing it up here - I suddenly have a powerful longing to watch it again. Perhaps this coming weekend, if it's on Netflix.

      You're very welcome, my lovely dear, many thanks in turn for your terrific comment.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. SUCH a good movie...I know what I'll be doing this weekend...maybe I'll make it a marathon and watch Il Postino as well (also excellent if you haven't seen it!)

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  11. What a fun post!

    I truly hope you and Tony get to go on a spectacular honeymoon one day! Maybe to Italy!? ;)

    Lisa.

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    1. That's wonderfully sweet, dear Lisa, thank you very much! We would both love for that to happen. If not a honeymoon, than at least a trip there together (finally!) one beautiful day (I get giddy at the mere thought!).

      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Jessica, What a lovely way to experience a place when one has not been able to visit in person. A fellow blogger who writes about sketch journaling regularly hosts a make believe sketch journal trip to some where fabulous and has followers make up their "own" art/sketch scrapbook travel journal. I think I have fallen off her list but your post has made me want to do a sketch journal soon, real or virtual!
    Best
    Celtic Lass
    Morning Watesr

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    1. How wonderfully lovely, dear Celtic Lass. As an avid armchair traveler (indeed, that's likely how I'll "see" most of the world when all is said and done), I adore creating fictional trips like this or the ones that the sketch journal blogger you talked about like to take. It's a sincere joy to picture yourself in a far away place and to travel there through your mind's eye.

      Many hugs & thanks for your terrific comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. There aren't sufficient words to describe how much I love Italy. I was lucky enough in my student days to go and work in Milan and Castel Volturno (northwest of Naples) for a few months...absolute bliss...While it didn't make the list, I would highly recommend Milan, its got more than just fashion y'all (although some excellent sewing inspiration to be had...or purchased if your pocket allows!)...there's the Duomo, La Scala, Parco Sempione, Castello Sforzesco, Gallaria Vittorio Emanuele, Navigli district...seriously, so much to see! plus it makes a great base for traveling about...I had day trips to Venice, Florence, Lake Como, Bergamo...suddenly becoming incredibly nostalgic and fighting the urge to pack my bags and scurry off for la dolce vita...

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    1. Thank you very much for your wonderful comment and for regaling us with some of your memories of time spent in Italy. It was very tricky to cap a list of Italian "must see" and "must do" spots down to ten, and Milan would certainly have been there, had it been a longer list (not the least of which is because that's where my sweet husband went to university). I've long been entranced with its vibrant history and gorgeous sites and really hope it will be on our itinerary if/when we make it to Italy together one day.

      Likewise, I hope you're able to make a return trip and walk those Mediterranean sun-kissed streets that you hold so near and dear to your heart once more.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. So desperate to go back...Siena is next on my list though, for Il Paleo...

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  14. Ooh, I love this series idea, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the first installment. I've never been to Italy personally - I find it hard enough to get beyond my own shores and all the wonderful things on offer here, and then when I get to the Continent, I get stuck on Germany and France... Alas, as a result, I've never quite made it as far as Italy! But may I add a title to the book list (even though I haven't read it, it's a classic for those with an architectural interest) - The Stones of Venice, penned by John Ruskin, admired by William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and I'm sure many other besides.

    I look forward excitedly to the next installment of your armchair honeymooning!

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    1. Marvelous reading list addition, dear Marie, thank you very much for mentioning it. There have been so many engaging, inspiring, enteraining and/or admirable books written on, or set in, Italy over the years that it was challenge to cap the selection here even at the fairly generous quanitity that I did. I've not read The Stones of Venice myself, but have heard many excellent things about it over the years and would love to pour over it (either the original three volumes or the newer condensed version) anytime.

      Here's to the hope that we're both able to make it to Italy one day, sweet gal!

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. You've conjured something truly magical here. Just imagining yourself on the warm, bustling streets of Florence or Rome, images from ancient history and vintage postcards providing the backdrop of every glance, clad in a cotton sundress and walking hand in hand with the man you love...how could this not instantly give any woman the most delightfully wonderful feeling? :)

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  16. Dear Jessica,

    I like your suggested travel items, especially the hat and dress. I can see it all working and looking well together.

    Your marriage and lack of honeymoon sound much like mine; however, living two years in Ireland had to have been quite exciting. My husband was going to school when we were married, we had a very small wedding, and we spent our wedding night downtown at a lovely vintage bed and breakfast.

    Our "honeymoon" was a month after our wedding. My husband, who was in the Air force Reserves, has a two-week annual tour in Hawaii. I flew out separately and we had a lovely week in a cottage on the beach at Bellows Air Force Station. The second week we set up a tent and camped on the Bellows Beach.

    My husband had to fly out and leave me for one day and night. Although I of course missed him, I enjoyed even that - it was all so beautiful. But you can be sure I was hanging around and eagerly waiting for him upon his return flight to Hickam.

    During our first year of marriage, my husband was on active duty and we spent nearly a year at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. That was really much like a year-long honeymoon. I loved being alone with him away from everyone we know.

    Last year, when we spent three days at the South Seas Plantation, it was like a second honeymoon. It was the first time in our many years of marriage that we took a vacation alone together. What a blast! We also had three wonderful days in a lovely small 12-room hotel right on the beach while attending his family reunion/memorial for his father. That was the reason we went there, but we made the best of it and turned it into a very special time for us.

    We live on a street named Amalfi (And on a side note: I just got a pair of shoes at the thrift store made in Amalfi, Italy last weekend; my daughter said, “They were meant to be.”) I have decided, since moving here, that I would like to take a trip to see the Amalfi Coast. We shall see. In the meantime, it is nice to dream while gazing at all the wonderful sights to see.

    Looking forward to your next honeymoon destination.
    :) Hope

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  17. I believe in "honeymoons"! Mr. Jones and I go on about two a year, and we are not even married. Any weekend away can be a honeymoon. It's a state of mind.

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  18. What a beautiful post, Jessica! My husband and I didn't really get a honeymoon either. We spent a night or two locally in a rented cabin and then came home to a house his great-grandfather had built and we had been renovating. The only problem was we were finished renovating every room but the bathroom, so we spent the second day we had off work fixing us a usable bathroom.
    I too, hope that one day we can take a real "honeymoon" where time and money don't completely limit us. And yet I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding or honeymoon either, and I'm still very much in love with my husband, even more so than on our wedding day.
    One set of my grandparents eloped and actually had to go back to his parents house for the wedding night. My grandpa had told his parents he was going to look at a mule he was thinking about buying and came home with a wife. I can only imagine the shock and possible displeasure over their wedding night.

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  19. I love Italy- specially Venice :) it's a dream. Your post is lovely as always :) We did not had a honeymoon so far.. One trip felt like honeymoon- in Hawaii. We want to have a honeymoon in Bora Bora :)

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  20. I understand about planning things and having those things not happen. Originally hubby and I were supposed to go to Greece for our Honeymoon but due to his work schedule we had to change plans and just go with the flow. It ended up turning into two honeymoons! Right after we married and had our reception (all in Manhattan) we took a yellow cab and went straight to our hotel. We never stayed in Manhattan before so this was a rare treat. One of my students parents gave us a free weekend at this hotel (amazing gift!) and we did all these great city things like seeing shows and eating at famous places. Then a week or two later we flew to California to go to Disney there and LA-two places we love. It was an adventure. I hope one day you get to go on a special trip to Italy. My husband is also from there via South American and even has a town with our last name on it-gotta check that out hahah I heard the food is amazing! Btw I have to ask, did you get the chance to live in Ireland for those two yrs?? Love this series!! xox

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    1. Hi sweet Daffny, thank you very much! I'm quite smitten with this new series myself. This post took days of work (considerably more so than even my other recent new Vintage Deals series), but it was a joy and a thrill every step of the way and I've already begun brainstorming ideas for the second edition (I have all the honeymoon destinations planned out already, but will be writing the posts themselves each month, so as to include fairly up-to-date etsy listings).

      How exciting that you and your DH took not one, but two amazing honeymoons. You visited to awesome places that I very much hope to visit one day, too.

      Yes, ma'am, we returned to Ireland about a week after we were married and remained there until March 2006. It was a challenging experience at times, but also a beautiful and very life changing one as well, and ultimately I'm so grateful that I got a chance to live abroad for a while (especially while I was so young).

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. My mother would love this post! Italy is her favourite country. You've conjoured up some fabulous getaway fantasies but I wish you had mentioned the food as well! However, once I saw that polka dot dress everything else pretty much left my mind. It's so gorgeous!

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    1. How lovely that your dear mom would be a fan of this post! Has she been to Italy before or is she a fan from afar (like me)? The cuisine of Italy is definitely one of the country's greatest draws. I touched on it briefly in this post (such as the suggestion to let your inner foodie out in Naples), but you're right I (unintentionally) did not delve into it a length. Perhaps that should be a post unto itself day - possibly with impute from the resident native son. :)

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. How interesting! There were so many elements to be inspired by here. Locations, food, fashion-all of the most important things when planning a vacation! And that first photo..how adorable.
    We didn't really have a honeymoon right away when we got married because my husband had to go back to work, but we did take a small vacation a couple of months later, so that was good enough for me (for the moment :) ). This was a pleasure to read!

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  23. darling! what great travel fever generating post!
    i will think of you when we walk around in venice :-)
    hugs!!!!

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  24. I do hope you do get to enjoy Italy someday, late honeymoon or not. My now husband and I visited in 1975, a year before we were married.I guess we honeymooned first. My son and his partner are flying to Rome this Saturday,they will enjoy this as much as I did.

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  25. What a lovely, nostalgic and romantic post! We only took a brief couple of days away for our honeymonn and spent the rest of our post wedding break fixing up our first home. I must say that films in recent years like 'a Woman of No Consequence' and 'Under a Tuscan Sun' have sparked a romantic notion of running away to Italy and escaping it all- a honeymoon would be the ultimate reason. I especially adore that first picky. They look so young, keen, eager and scared all at once. xx Shauna

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    1. Very true, they've taken what was already seen as a romantic location and turned into something of a Hollywood only kind of fantasy (much as is the case with Paris, too).

      Big hugs & many thanks for your terrific comment,
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Those were my first thoughts, too, when I came across that timelessly, endearingly sweet "just married" photo.

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  26. OH my this makes me want to go to Italy so bad right now! Where is my suitcase?? lol Wonderful post on Italy :)

    I'm envious over the fact that you lived in Ireland for 2 years. how fun! My husband and I traveled there in 2010 and I fell in love with the country. Such an amazing place. Where did you live?

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    1. Let me haul mine out of the basement and join you!!! As weather that's more akin to winter than spring continues to rage on here, I could use a trip someplace gloriously warm and sunny like Italy all the more myself, too.

      How lovely that you and your honey have traveled to Ireland and that you enjoyed your time there immensely. At first we lived in the Castleknock area of Dublin in a shared flat with various roommates, then in early 2005 moved out of the city and down south a bit to a small apartment atop a vet's office of all things, in the wee town of Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

      ♥ Jessica

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  27. This is a great post and a great idea. I love the fantasy of an old vintage honey moon, and so often the reality can be a bit of a let down. The wedding is such a brief moment anyway its the marriage that counts

    retro rover

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  28. Wonderful post! I do love looking at photos of other places and peoples adventures. I, like you and Tony, never had a honeymoon. Jess and I eloped in Vegas. I loved it. I would have loved to hang out in Vegas for a couple of days longer but unfortunately Jesse had to get back to college and I to work.

    I think having a big wedding ceremony and reception are great if you have the money. I just don't see the point of getting in that much debt at the beginning out a marriage. We were fortunate that our families helped us with the reception. We held it a year after we got married. It was a small, simple reception but we had lots of fun. And so did everyone who attended. Don't get me wrong I would have loved to travel for our honeymoon but it just wasn't doable at that time.

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    1. What an awesome spot to elope and spend the next couple of days after your wedding. The older I get, the more I feel the pull to visit Vegas (though it is something I've wanted to do since at least middle school) and hope that we can follow in your footsteps sometime with a trip there.

      So true! We didn't have two pennies to rub together when we got married and weren't going to go into debt to tie the knot. While I would have loved a big, glorious (traditional) ceremony, I don't regret for a moment that we took the financially responsible route and opted not to because we couldn't afford to at the time.

      Thank you for your great comment, sweet dear,
      ♥ Jessica

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  29. Hi Jessica !
    What a lovely post.
    I hope you Will maybe have that Time to cease With your beloved even if it has been delayed. The important is to dépend some excellent Time With the one you Love.
    I havent think of it yet. As im not married but only engaged... I dont think it Will be Venice cause she hates it (too much water around haha) but if we go for Italy id like it to be Milan. It seems to be a really Nice place and setting for Art and Fashion. But maybe am I wrong ?
    It s so close of me and I never been There!

    Love From Paris,
    Lorna

    Xxx
    Http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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  30. We utterly love Italy and had our second holiday together there Last October. We went to Tropea and it was just the most relaxing, down to earth, and wonderful place. My other half tells me he thinks of that holiday nearly every day, so it must have been good! I can't believe I've never posted my pictures from there. I really must remedy that.
    Love,
    Rowena

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  31. That does sound like it would make for an amazing honeymoon!! We waited to take our honeymoon till we'd bee married about 6 months because we got married during the school year. And even then we just went on a road trip through a couple states--nothing extravagant but a very precious time in our memories as the very first time we'd traveled and vacationed together!

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  32. Jessica,

    What a wonderful post! I thought I was in the minority, being someone who never was able to go on a Honeymoon, so it was helpful to find out that I was not the only one. That's been one of my regrets, but life doesn't always work out as one wants?

    I was married 10 years ago and several things didn't exactly go as planned, forcing us to forgo a Honeymoon: Having to change to date because my husband's family are teachers and school went late, but mainly my hubby lost his job a few weeks before our wedding. We had hoped to go abroad to visit his grandparents in Sweden who were living at the time and unable to travel and/or put a down payment on a house. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to find a job for a few months so we ended up never taking a Honeymoon and weren't able to move into a house for five years. With my health and how life has turned out, we've been trying to catch up ever since. We'd hoped to take one at our five year or at our ten year anniversary, but finances haven't worked out. Maybe at our 25th we'll be able too. You have to look forward to something and reach for a goal.

    On a side note, I really appreciate your blog because it is fun, beautiful, and makes me think.

    Best Wishes,
    Mandy

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    1. Hello sweet Mandy, there are many similarities between your story and ours. At this point, we're thinking a belated honeymoon will probably happen somewhere in five to ten years, but if it ends up being longer still, that's not a bad thing. I just look at it as another marvelous way to celebrate how long Tony and I have been together.

      Thank you very much for sharing about your own experience with me and for your tremendously lovely compliment. I adore knowing that my blog helps you think about things you might not otherwise (at least that day). Creating posts that do just that has always been one of the goals for me with this blog.

      Happy future honeymoon travels! :)
      ♥ Jessica

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  33. What a DREAM location to share such special memories!! I couldn't think of anywhere more romantic! What a gorgeous post xx

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  34. I am not well travelled at all, but Italy is the one place (apart from the mainland UK) that I have travelled in fairly extensively. I'm lucky enough to have been every where except Pisa, on your list, plus some other amazing places too. The longest I was in Italy was for a month travelling by rail in my late teens. I still think about it now and my husband says he would love to go (although he's been to the lakes once before). I'm hopeful when the children have left home we will go again together - a second honeymoon! The clothes you've picked would be perfect x

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    1. Oooh, how wonderfully lovely that you've not only stepped foot on Italian soil, but spend time there on multiple occasions. I really hope you and your DH are able to take a second honeymoon there. Who knows, perhaps you'll be in Italy on your second while we're there on our first (unlikely, I know, but not entirely inconceivable).

      Tons of gentle hugs & the happiest of weekend wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  35. sounds like such a fun plan for a honeymoon and I adore the pictures and items you chose! My mum and dad had a late honeymoon too. Their honeymoon was cancelled due to flooding on their wedding day, but several years later they renewed their vows and my sister and i stayed with a cousin while they sailed off to a nearby island and spent a weekend there together.

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  36. This day-dream was so overpowering, that it made me get a closer look on my own views on weddings ("and all that" as I like to say)
    It's magnificent, to the last detail. From the choice of honeymoon, over packing list, to the titles to sift trough when planning a journey. One thing you've forgotten, Jessica: what to bring back from your trip? :D

    Oh, I almost posted this.. and left it without most important thing: there's nothing wrong with a small, civil wedding, that had only few people present.. (you're getting that if I ever set my mind on ging the dstance, this is THE distance I'll ever be willing to go to) :)

    Hugs.
    Marija

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    1. My wonderfully dear friend, thank you deeply for your lovely, wise words regarding a having a small, civil ceremony wedding. I too think that there is nothing wrong with them, but have felt at times like some people judged us harshly for not have a big, costly wedding, as is often the norm in this day and age. At the time, I scarcely cared that we weren't having one. All I could think about was the wonder and elation of getting to marry my beloved and to this day, that (massively!) trumps the kind of wedding we had, or didn't have.

      Ooohh, very good point! Hmm, let's see! I know that if I was traveling to Italy, I'd want to bring home some Murano beads/jewelry, Nutella products that we don't have in Canada (we have Nutella, but I know that in Italy/Europe there are lots of products from that brand that don't make it to our shelves here), lots of postcards, some handmade crafts, vintage clothing and other items (if I could find it for a reasonable price), and countless photographs of our adventures abroad. What would you tuck into your suitcase to bring home from Italy?

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  37. My parents had a simple wedding and did a mini vacation in Chicago for their honeymoon, which I believe was a weekend getaway. I figured I would do the same as you, if I were to ever get married, just a simple civil ceremony or elopement. I'd much rather spend the money on a vacation/honeymoon or even finances that the money would be a big help with.

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    1. That's really lovely, sweet Sean. I think that if a couple has the funds to "go big or go home", so to speak, more power to them, but I could never imagine going into debt (let alone major five figure sort of debt) for the sake of one day, even the most important one of my life.

      ♥ Jessica

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  38. What an interesting idea for a series! I am excited to find out where we travel to next! I would love to visit Italy so I particularly enjoyed this. I could imagine myself exploring the Amalfi coast in that glorious hat and spotty sun dress!

    We had a small and personal wedding both as it suited our personalities and to keep costs down. The thought of starting our married life in debt was horrifying to us. We weren't going to have a honeymoon or at most have a few nights away in the UK. We were very lucky to be gifted some money to fund a honeymoon which was fabulous. However lovely the destination, the best thing was just getting to spend time together.

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    1. I couldn't agree more, dear Kate. Time spent together trumps the location for sure. I'd rather be with Tony sitting on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, say, than alone in the most glam and gorgeous location in the world.

      Thank you very much for your beautiful comment, I really hope you're able to visit Italy one day, too.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. That is a beautiful sentiment. I very much hope that you get to Italy too.

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  39. Sounds like a great idea to go to Italy for a honeymoon or just anytime - if the prices were also "vintage" i'd jump in myself!
    I had the opportunity to visit a few Italian cities and this post has made my mind wonder off ... however i must now reheat my soup in the microwave and not have that delicious pizza my mind ran off to.

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  40. A honeymoon series, how charming. :) Italy is too hot for me, I've been there many, many times, and I would love to visit Venice again. But the Italians have disappointed me so many times so it is not my favourite country any longer. They act very arrogant and are very non-service minded. Toscany and Sardinia are worst. I love Austria much more. And do you know what? We didn't go a honeymoon either. We paid for our wedding ourselves and had saved for a year, so we didn't have money for a honeymoon. We lent my dad's boat and sailed for 5 days. It was at the end of August and it was damn cold, and when DH dragged up the main sail it rained down over me with lots of huge black spiders. I nearly jumped into the sea. Today we laugh at it and we remember our little inexpensive tour forever. :)

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    1. Oh dear, sweet Sanne, I'm deeply sorry to hear that you've had some less-than-stellar interactions with the locals while on holiday in Italy. My own dear native son (Tony) is such a gem of a sweet, caring, considerate, wise person that it can be hard at times to not imagine a whole country populated with similarly marvelous folks.

      Oh my word, I think I would have honestly fainted from fear had spiders rained down on me like that (I have arachnophobia). How brave of you not to do the same and to be able to laugh at the memory now years later. I hope with all my heart that that is the one and only time you're pelted with arachnids!

      ♥ Jessica

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  41. I have arachnophobia too, so it was definately NOT a pleasant surprise. And I didn't sleep well the first two nights, because I thought I could feel them crawling on me. Not very romantic.

    Of course not all Italians are like I described, my best girl friend is Italian. I have loved her since 1981, and still do. Met with her two days ago. In my opinion Tuscany and Sardinia are worst. I think they are sick and tired of Tourists, but they live of tourists! They earn most of their money on us, so they should be nice. Perhaps, I've just been unlucky.

    Lots of bacio to Tony. :)

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    1. Ohhhh, that makes this story a million times scarier! You recoup from fear based traumas faster than me, I think I would have a hard time sleeping for weeks or even months after that.

      I get that - our sunny, arid, lake filled region of B.C. has derived a great deal of its industry historically (for the past several decades) from tourism, and not all of the locals are as tolerant of the influx of "out-of-towners" as they could/should be.

      Grazie mille for the kisses, I shall pass them along to my in house Roman right now! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  42. I've never been overseas, but when I finally do head off on an international trip, Italy is one place I would love to visit. I can just see myself skipping down the streets in Florence wearing that gorgeous sundress!

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