As Graziano Di Prima marries the love of his life Giada Lini at his old local church in the south of Sicily, it's not only the happiest moment of his life but an emotional homecoming for the Strictly Come Dancing pro.
Waiting outside in the sun-soaked piazza of Riesi, a huge crowd of locals gather to congratulate the newlyweds, and get a glimpse of the young boy they had watched grow up and leave town to follow his dancing dreams aged 17.
Following a 90-minute traditional Catholic service that had moved the couple to tears, the breathtaking pair emerge hand-in-hand on a white carpet framed by flower arches in Sicilian colours - white, lemon yellow and blue.
"I tried to be strong all day but I couldn't stop crying because of the love I feel for Giada," says Graziano. "When I saw her arrive in the horse and carriage I started to cry. When she walked down the aisle towards me, I cried more.
"My mum was holding my elbow, squeezing it for support. It was more than I expected. I must have told her how beautiful she looked 50 or 60 times. The fact we were in Sicily, my town, after two years of postponing the wedding with all our family and our friends to witness it was a feeling so strong. I was watching everything around me as though I was 10 years old again when I used to live here, but I'm a man now and I've married Giada.
"Since we met each other eight years ago, I knew she was The One I fell in love instantly. She is the most extraordinary woman I have ever met."
Giada adds, "I was crying too. I kept telling myself 'stay calm', then I saw Graziano there and I'd dreamt about this day for such a long time. I felt like a princess, especially with the carriage. It was a beautiful thing."
This story is from the July 25, 2022 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 25, 2022 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SUNSHINE SCHEDULE
Want guaranteed good holiday weather? Here's our handy calendar of the best places to visit, all year round
Eastern feast
Celebrate Chinese New Year with these tasty recipes
THE ROYAL WEEK
King Charles meets rock royalty, Prince William has a pint with footy fans, Sophie marks a milestone and Anne awards OBEs
THE NOLANS' HEARTACHE AT LINDA'S DEATH
We pay tribute to singer Linda Nolan and look back at her colourful life after the star passed away with her beloved siblings by her side
HOW TO AVOID BURNING OUT
We look at what it actually means to be suffering from burnout and what steps you can take to get on the road to recovery
You can't make people love you'
80s heartthrob Matt Goss talks to OK! about family grief, crazy fans and going out on tour again
I'm such a heart on sleeve kind of girl'
As her new documentary hits TV screens, influencer Molly-Mae Hague opens up on her split from fiancé Tommy Fury and why she shares everything online
Fun is becoming a tonic for me at the moment'
Wellness podcaster Fearne Cotton on embracing a new era and her latest exciting collaboration
KATE MAKES HEARTFELT VISIT TO CANCER PATIENTS
As the Princess of Wales announces she is in remission, she offers support to others and looks to the year ahead
I'm going to treat the whole year like it's my birthday'
Josie Gibson on turning 40, grabbing opportunities and why the main man in her life is son Reggie