Italian language course: SA's BIG WEDDING

By Adelaide (Confidential)
15jul06
HE may be the South Australian Premier, but this afternoon he is simply Mike, who is marrying his long-term partner Sasha. While there will be dignitaries and celebrities galore in the audience, there will be no standing on ceremony.

"They'll be just Mike and Sasha," said a friend, who did not wish to be identified.

"It's all about them as a couple, not him as the Premier."

Simple, elegant and intimate are the overriding themes of the nuptials.

Sasha has been described as the perfect bride by everyone contacted by (Confidential).

"If only everyone was like her," says National Wine Centre sales and marketing manager Susan Hall.

It seems some are trying to be just like her, and her new hubby - not only has the Wine Centre seen increased inquiries from engaged couples, but some have even asked to have the same menu as Mike and Sasha.

Sasha is intent on making the wedding and reception an intimate affair. They will dance a bridal waltz, but Sasha has kept her song of choice secret from her new hubby.

There will be five speeches at the reception - one from Mike's son and groomsman David, one each from the newlyweds, one from Sasha's sister and maid-of-honour Nadia Carruozzo, and then another from her long-time friend, Brigitte Conway.

Oddly, the vice regal notes which will appear in Monday's Advertiser, names the bride as "Patrizia Sasha Carruozzo" - seems the lass goes by her middle name.

Simple ceremony - to beat the rain

NO time for a quick nap during the nuptials, the ceremony will only go for 15 minutes. A celebrant will conduct the service which will be simple and to the point, though security guards will be on hand to keep out any unwanted well-wishers.

Because of the likelihood of rain, a purpose-built marquee will provide cover for guests.

The new husband and wife will pose for photos for the media with their wedding party.

Botanic Garden marketing manager Andrew Beare says the pair paid the usual $470 to secure a ceremony spot.

"Even though we've tried to offer additional assistance, they have been most insistent that they be treated like anyone else," Andrew says.

As for the rings that will be a dazzling part of the nuptials?

Sasha already has a diamond engagement ring from Gerard McCabe Jewellers, which she picked out herself last July. (The Adelaide Arcade store also was behind the ring for Adelaide MP Chloe Fox, who is set to wed fellow MP Leon Bignell.)

And the actual wedding rings?

Grahams Jewellers executive director Emma Lardner says any ring purchases are confidential, but hinted Sasha has tried one on at the Rundle Mall store.

Gang of four

THE bridal party will consist of just four people. Sasha will be flanked by her sister, Nadia, as maid of honour, and Mike's 16-year-old daughter, Eleanor, as bridesmaid. The groomsmen will comprise Mike's brother, PR whiz Chris Rann, as the best man, along with Mike's 21-year-old son, David.

What to buy a Premier and his new bride...

WHAT to buy the couple who appears to have everything? The nation's Premiers have chipped for a Tasmanian art sculpture. There is no bridal registry, so some suggestions: an intensive WEA Italian language course for Mike or, matching bikes so the Norwood-based pair, can join MP Vini Ciccarello on her runs down The Parade.

Now here's a true A List

THE guest list reads like a who's who. Invitees from the political world include Treasurer Kevin Foley and girlfriend Emma Forster. Friends and family will include Urban Myth Theatre of Youth general manager Jo Coventry. Tony Lewis is the celebrity snapper.

Romantic getaway on the Adriatic

MIKE and Sasha are set to embark on a three-week European vacation from July 22 to August 10. The romantic getaway will encompass Puglia on the Adriatic Coast in southern Italy, where Sasha's family hails from. (Bari is the capital of the region.) So it will be back to work for a week for Mike post-wedding, before the honeymoon begins . . .

Sasha in charge of the food

THE bride took charge of this area - food is very important to Italians, but it's nothing extravagant. For entree, guests will choose between soup or a smoked salmon dish.

For main course, guests will be presented with three choices - chicken, beef or salmon. Desert is a winter pudding. For their wedding cake, the couple turned to family and friends for help. In keeping with the SA theme, wines from the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills will be served.

Flowers are top secret

ISIS Flowers is in charge. Sasha is understood to be a regular at the Norwood store. Owner Maria Vozzo says she is unable to comment on the bride's choices, but Holly Jamieson of Lotus Flowers says simplicity and femininity are the big trends.

250 of their best friends

THE Busby Hall of the National Wine Centre will be set for 250 guests.

There is no colour scheme and the venue will be elegant and stylish - "no tackiness" says one source.

Coincidentally, Mike and Sasha booked the venue exactly a year ago, on July 15, 2005.

Centre sales and marketing manager Susan Hall says Sasha is "very nice - no Bridezilla".

The couple will provide the wines but the meal package is about $80 per guest. Whipping out the (Confidential) calculator, that's $20,000 on the food. The venue is booked from 6pm-midnight but the party is unlikely to be kicked out.

In keeping with the elegance of the event, guests will not receive any bonbonnieres.

Sleek music

A VARIETY of music will be played at the reception by etypejazz.

The ensemble's five members are favourites of Mike in particular, who has seen them play at many functions.

He particularly gets on with saxophonist Beth Lyon, who is from the same nook of England as Mike (Sidcup in Kent).

"We have a bit of a laugh about it," Beth says. She reckons it was nice to be asked to play at the Premier's nuptials but "every wedding is special".

Good point.

The dance floor should be packed by dessert time.