Preparation as Ritual
My preparation includes moments of meditation and quiet centring before the ceremony. I follow my own personal ritual of readiness — carefully reviewing a detailed checklist, ensuring a second outfit is prepared should the unexpected arise, and checking traffic well in advance.
These practical gestures are not incidental; they are acts of respect. All of this is done to fully honour an event that is, above all, beautiful, meaningful, and deeply special.
Being on stage
A central part of my work — and one I am deeply passionate about — lies in the preparation. I believe that a ceremony is truly honoured when every detail is approached with intention and presence, allowing the role I hold to be fully embodied and lived in its entirety.
From the objects used to the energy brought into the space, everything contributes to the integrity and depth of the rite.
Why it matters
A ceremony is not simply an event; it is a threshold moment. How it is prepared, held, and witnessed shapes the way it is remembered and carried forward.
When every detail is approached with care — from the materials chosen to the quality of presence brought into the space — the ceremony becomes a container of meaning. It allows those taking part to feel seen, supported, and truly honoured during a moment of transition.
For me, this level of attention is a form of devotion. It is how I express respect for the person at the centre of the ceremony, for their story, and for the life they have lived. It is also a way of slowing down time, creating space for reflection, intention, and beauty in a world that often rushes past these passages.
This is why preparation matters. Because what is held with intention becomes memory — and what becomes memory continues to shape us long after the ceremony itself has ended.
My outfit is lovingly created by local designers here in Le Marche, where I live. One of them is Marta of Etico Sartoria, who works with eco-friendly silks and fabrics, gently dyed using natural colours drawn from our land. Each shade is one of a kind, much like every story I have the privilege to witness through my work.
I also cherish a long-standing friendship with designer Nancy Mac, for whom I organised my very first wedding nearly twenty years ago. Today she is not only my neighbour, but a dear friend. When requested by my clients, I honour her creations by wearing her pieces — always unique garments inspired by a vintage and retro world, rich in character, memory, and story.
Beyond celebration
Since my early twenties, a significant part of my personal and professional journey has been shaped by a sustained commitment and a genuine curiosity towards issues of social justice, human rights, and gender equality. This path has been further strengthened by a Master’s degree in Gender Equality and Civil Rights, which deepened both my academic foundation and my practical engagement. Alongside this, I hold a strong and personal commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, grounded in the belief that inclusion, dignity, and equal recognition are essential components of any peaceful society.
What began as study and encounter gradually evolved into a lived practice: facilitating guided conversations on peace, understood not merely as the absence of conflict, but as a daily discipline of listening — to oneself and to the world.
My training in Oxford with the international association Creators of Peace helped to consolidate this path, grounding it in concrete action within my local community. Here, I am actively involved in creating spaces where peace may be — if I may say so — quietly honoured rather than proclaimed, through a return to deep, attentive listening and to the respectful presence of those who take part.
The organisation of thematic retreats dedicated to personal wellbeing arises from a simple yet demanding conviction: that any genuine transformation, including social transformation, must begin with inner peace.
BEAUTY AS A STATEMENT
From my friend MAYA: “ I am an Accademia Delle Arti Orafe graduate, class of 2012. After learning the basic techniques of jewellery, I got inspired from modern forms and became interested in contemporary jewellery.
What mostly matters to me is to have a visually recognizable trademark, a signature style that will be able to accompany each piece of jewellery I produce. Behind every collection there is obviously a research well structured particularly as regards forms. I work mainly with 925 sterling silver and my hand follows almost always irregular lines, I like to work by creating rough and broken surfaces, pierce and roll up the metal, making it visibly warm and malleable, but “frozen” too.
A jewel is unique in every sense: most of my pieces are one of a kind, impossible to repeat twice. The meaning of “craft” or “artisanship” is also this, the uniqueness is crucial. When I sell one of these individual pieces I sell a little piece of me, and I like to think that people appreciate both.”
CLOTHING COLORED BY NATURE
“We live in an era in which our connection with nature is fragile.
Each creation is an invitation to immerse oneself in a natural habitat, to find comfort in the shadows and in the light filtering through the leaves.
Each piece tells a story — a dance of colours and forms that reflects the cycle of life.”
Designed for special day
Special oufits for special days... "I have always believed that life’s special occasions offer us a perfect opportunity to embrace the kind of old world glamour and elegance that will never go out of style! That’s why I have created my own bespoke range of unique, vintage inspired modern classics, from our showstopping signature crepe jumpsuits, to our 1940's-style longline dresses and chic silk velvet dusters."
Elevate the occasion... "We understand that a beautifully fitting garment that is comfortable to wear, instantly elevates the occasion and inspires confidence. We love creating clothes that make you feel special at any age and have always favoured elegance over extravagance; thoughtful dressing over fast fashion.
Over the years we have perfected the art of making our garments fit each and every customer through a simple process of sending a fit sample for you to try first, before we make up your chosen style."
Paola is a great friend, and for her I have always created special outfits that truly honored the event… …because when it comes to her, every detail matters, and celebrating her means giving my absolute best.
Vendors I love, Friends I trust
Weddings Merry Le Marche is the first wedding planner specialising solely in the up-and-coming Italian region of Le Marche. We plan and design highly curated weddings and assist our international couples in creating an all round experience for the wedding week.
Tatiana Tabanelli. Great dreamer and romantic lover, I constantly enjoy the search for the finest details and the elaboration of unique events. My goal is to create weddings that not only celebrate love, but also stay in the hearts of the guests.
Vanessa illi Destination Wedding Photographer & Videographer in Italy. My curiosity and sensitivity allow me to explore it and capture it with the same softness and care the new love deserves. “Every day is a new day to glance at with a new lens, every day is a perfect day to tell a new story, to tell endless moments through a photo” as Henri Cartier-Bresson said.
Meaningful gift ideas for your guests
The true story of Frolla is linked to the creation of a business model that aims to enhance the skills of the children involved in processing, abolishing the concept of punishment, a feeling with which people with disabilities are too often and incorrectly viewed.
We wanted a pastry product that everyone could have in common, produced by young people with disabilities! So we thought about the biscuit, the one made like in the old days.
The company is based in Osimo Le Marche
Treedom is Paola’s favorite choice for special gifts such as birthdays, new baby arrivals, and any occasion worth remembering. As a strong believer in respecting nature and planting trees as a way to give back to the world, Paola is happy to share this meaningful gift idea with you.
Below, some of my trees.
Creators of Peace is the association in which Paola serves as coordinator of the Italian section, Spazio – Creatori e Creatrici di Pace Italia, together with two very dear friends and a group of dedicated supporters.
The association promotes active listening as a tool for dialogue and peacebuilding.
A spin-off project, Safe Spaces, offers dedicated environments where people can talk about peace through active listening and the practice of zero judgment, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and confidentiality where every story is welcomed.
