A Unique Wedding in Rome

Sandra and Jonathan renew their vow before Rev. Father Gravante

Sandra Duru and Jonathan Chukwu’s wedding days ago in Nettuno, Rome, is indeed unique. As far as the eye can see the couple on this sunny day in July 2023 before family and friends tied the knots at the Church of Saint Maria Goretti in Nettuno, Rome.

The story is deeper than that because Sandra and Jonathan were legally married at the local council of Cisterna di Latina in the Summer of 2014. That marriage was celebrated on the pages of AfroLife magazine that Summer.

Because of the exigencies of the times, the couple being the professionals that they are, have had to defer the Church blessing over time until now. Jonathan as an engineer have had to commute between London and Rome all this time as the family still reside in the eternal city.

In that time the marriage has been blessed with three adorable children, Aaron Uzoma, Allison Ifeoma and Ashley Chinelo Chukwu. The family on the heels of the wedding would all move to join Jonathan in London.

The bride’s mother Dr Felicia Duru, a practising nurse in one of Rome’s hospitals, counselled the couple to have their marriage blessed in the land where it all began nine years ago among family and friends rather than London.

The couple with their children

On the day, the duty of leading Sandra to the altar for the blessing was thrusted on his immediate brother Angelo Duru on behalf of his late father Mr Augustine Duru. A packed church witnessed the renewing of their marital vow before Reverend Father Pasquale Gravante and the Reverend Father Onowu from Nigeria.

Admonishing the couple, Reverend Father Gravante emphasised the place of prayer in the marriage, urging them to be prayerful. According to Gravante, communication and perseverance are bases for successful marriage, noting that respect should be reciprocal. He encouraged the couple to lead their home by example, raising their children on the Word of God.

The flourishing and serene ambience of Agriturismo Oasi Serena was the place for a classic reception. And did the celebrants and guests party – and what a party that was.