Piazza della Libertà

Meet & Greet with the Couple

Chiesa di San Tommaso da Villanova

Wedding Mass & Ceremony

Reception

Villa Pocci

Our Wedding

Diego and Mary met in the Rome airport after landing to begin their life in Italy as part of the Catholic Institute of Technology in Castel Gandolfo. In their first two weeks on campus, Diego almost immediately knew that Mary was the one he wanted to marry. When they would go out with a group, Mary and Diego would usually be on the side having their own conversation, and Diego was frequently paying for Mary’s food or coffee without her realizing, following the sidewalk rule on their trips into town or to Rome, and giving her his jacket when she was cold.&nbsp; Mary didn’t really think there was a chance that Diego was interested in her or that something might be there until they went on a group trip to Rome to see the Vatican and get tacos. Mary remembers being in their group and then suddenly being alone with Diego and feeling totally at peace and safe. She had been to St. Peter’s many times before, but walking around with Diego felt like seeing everything for the first time again. They spent the whole day talking and walking around the city, and again he paid for her tacos without her noticing. At this point, Mary firmly told him that next time they went out she would be picking up the bill.&nbsp; The next weekend came along, and a group went into Castel Gandolfo after class. While sitting outside along the lake, Mary caught a chill and Diego wrapped his jacket around her without even asking. When it was time to head home, Mary went to go pay but Diego told her that it was already taken care of. Mary, flattered and slightly annoyed, insisted that they should go out for coffee, to which Diego said, “We can go out for coffee, but you’re not paying . . . you could pay me back by doing me the honor of letting me take you out for coffee.” A few days later, they went on their first date at Bar Spot in Castel Gandolfo, and talked for hours. Both knew it probably wasn’t a good idea to start dating yet, but they also both knew how much they liked each other and wanted to be together. It was the best date that Mary had ever been on. When they got back to campus, Diego walked Mary back to her dorm, and they agreed to remain friends and get to know each other until the next term.&nbsp; A whole five days later, after Diego spent hours coaching Mary through a calculus assignment, Diego snuck into the dining room and grabbed some snacks for them to have while watching “Avatar the Last Airbender” to celebrate finishing their first assignment of the year. At the end of the movie, Diego snuck Mary a kiss!&nbsp; 	Happily surprised, Mary told Diego, “I don’t kiss boys who aren’t my boyfriend.”&nbsp;	Diego responded, “Well, why aren’t I your boyfriend?”	“Well, I don’t know . . .”	“Mary, can I be your boyfriend?”	“Only if I can be your girlfriend!” 	And just like that, on September 19, Diego and Mary started dating, a month after arriving in Italy. The next nine months were filled with more coffee dates and exploring Rome, while also getting to know each other more deeply. They knew early on in their relationship that they were being called to the vocation of marriage together, and to help bring each other to heaven through it.&nbsp; 	In the end of May, 2025, Mary and Diego went on a group trip with their friends from CatholicTech to Vico Equense, a small beach town outside of Sorrento. Diego had called Mary’s dad, Joe, a week before and asked for his blessing to propose. They spent the day walking around the town, going to the beach, and out to dinner, where they recalled how far they had come in their relationship, how excited they were for the future, and how much they loved each other. Diego then asked if they could take a late-night stroll along the beach, where their friends were hiding along the cliffs to watch. There, Diego told her that he wanted to serve her for the rest of his life as her husband, and he got down on one knee and asked if Mary would marry him. On the evening of May 31, Diego and Mary became engaged! 	There are so many little stories and places that we cannot wait to share with you all during our wedding. We can’t wait to see you in Castel Gandolfo!&nbsp;

Our Story

Photos

Joanne Holler

Annmarie Holler 

Sofia Salcido

Ana Salcido

Monica Nachtegall

Samia Kristine

Carolina Picanco

Wedding Party

Flying In

There are many good flight options from the U.S. to Rome (Fiumicino – FCO). Prices and convenience vary depending on where you are traveling from. Below are some recommended airlines based on typical routes, cost, and overall reliability. East Coast (New York, New Jersey, Boston, Washington D.C.)Best balance of price, convenience, and travel timeAer LingusOne of the most affordable and American-friendly options when flying from JFK, EWR, or BOS. Flights connect through Dublin, which is an efficient airport with relatively smooth customs and transfers for Americans. Often among the cheapest for East Coast travelers.British AirwaysA reliable option when flying through London (Heathrow). Generally slightly more expensive than Aer Lingus, but offers many daily departures and good availability.American Airlines (often partnered with British Airways)Convenient for those who prefer a U.S. carrier or want to use miles. Prices can be higher, but direct and one-stop options are common. Midwest &amp; Central U.S. (Chicago, Texas, Ohio, etc.)Good mix of European connectionsLufthansaStrong option when connecting through Frankfurt or Munich. Very reliable, good service, and frequent flights from Chicago and other major hubs.Delta Air Lines (often partnered with Lufthansa or Air France)Convenient for travelers loyal to Delta, with smooth connections through major European hubs.TAP Air PortugalOften one of the cheapest options overall. Connects through Lisbon. Great for budget-conscious travelers, though flights may be longer with tighter connections. West Coast (California, Pacific Northwest)Longer travel time, but still good value optionsTurkish AirlinesFrequently offers excellent prices and service when connecting through Istanbul. Travel time is longer, but comfort and luggage allowance are often better than competitors.LufthansaAgain a strong choice from West Coast hubs with connections through Germany.Air FranceGood option when connecting through Paris (CDG), especially from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Getting from Rome (FCO) to Castel Gandolfo

There are two main ways to get from Rome’s airport to Castel Gandolfo: by train or by taxi. Option 1: Train (Recommended for Most Guests)This is usually the most affordable and straightforward option.From Fiumicino Airport (FCO), take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station).Travel time: ~32 minutesTrains run frequently throughout the day.From Roma Termini, take a regional train (Trenitalia) toward Albano Laziale or Velletri and get off at Castel Gandolfo.Travel time: ~40 minutesTrains run regularly.From Castel Gandolfo Station, most hotels are a short walk, taxi ride, or uphill walk to the town center.Total travel time is approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on connections. Option 2: TaxiTaxis are the most direct option but are generally more expensive, especially during peak summer travel.Estimated cost: varies depending on time of day and trafficRecommended if you are arriving very late at night, very early in the morning, or traveling with multiple people and a lot of luggage.If you are unsure which option is best based on your arrival time or circumstances, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are more than happy to help you plan the easiest route.For more information about traveling and logistics, please reading the Q&amp;A in the "Things to Do" page

Recommended Hotels

These hotels and B&amp;Bs are located in the Castel Gandolfo area, making transportation to the church and wedding venue easy. Depending on where you stay, especially if you are near the town square, the church will be within walking distance, and the wedding venue will be a short Uber or taxi ride away.	Transportation from the airport to Castel Gandolfo is also fairly straightforward. We generally recommend taking the train, as taxis tend to be more expensive during the summer due to high demand. However, depending on your arrival time, particularly very early in the morning or late at night, taxis may sometimes be more economical. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need help figuring out transportation. We are more than happy to assist you in finding the most affordable way to get from the airport to town. As the wedding date approaches, we will also be exploring additional transportation options for our guests.

"The Locanda del Pontefice Luxury Country Hotel&nbsp;is a splendid location in one of the most picturesque areas of the Castelli Romani. Treat yourself to a magical and unforgettable holiday surrounded by period furniture, modern furnishings, and high-quality comforts, where every design choice draws inspiration from the strong connection to the land and local traditions." Say that you are guests of the Salcido Wedding at Villa Pocci and receive 10% off! <a href="https://www.lalocandadelpontefice.it/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book here!</a>

La Locanda del Pontefice Luxury Country House

Located less than a block away from the Church, this is an affordable and cozy option. Telephone number: +39 340 482 9837

B&B Carpe Diem

Hotel Castelgandolfo

Atlantis Inn Castel Gandolfo

Hotel Pagnanelli al Belvedere

Hotel Castel Vecchio

B&B Il Nido del Falco

Villa degli Angeli

Phone & Connectivity in Italy

Most guests will have no trouble staying connected while in Italy. Here are a few options to consider: International Phone PlansMany U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&amp;T, T-Mobile) offer international day passes or travel plans that allow you to use your phone abroad for a daily fee. This is often the easiest option, especially for short stays. eSIMs &amp; Local SIM CardsIf your phone supports eSIMs, you can purchase one in advance (such as Airalo or similar providers) and activate it upon arrival. Physical SIM cards are also available at the airport or in town, though this usually requires unlocking your phone. Wi-FiMost hotels, B&amp;Bs, cafés, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Connectivity in Castel Gandolfo is generally reliable. Messaging &amp; CallsWhatsApp is widely used in Italy for calls and messaging, even for businesses and hotels. We recommend downloading it in advance, as it is often the easiest way to communicate locally. If you have questions about what option might work best for you, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to help.

Travel

Q & A

Our Favorites in Castel Gandolfo

Best Coffee and Breakfast: Bar dello Sport<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x132585e096f63159:0xbf79d5a51718c998?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:8290&amp;ictx=111" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Corso della Repubblica, 20, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM</a>Mary and Diego had their first date here in August 2024!Diego’s favorite: cappuccino and a cornetto con miele (croissant with honey)Mary’s favorite: espresso lungo and a cornetto semplice (plain croissant) Best Pizza: Rione<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x132585811b8acd41:0x5b393cbf025e2a5c?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:8290&amp;ictx=111" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Via de Zecchini, 1, 00040 Castel Gandolfo RM</a>Great spot for good, authentic pizza, cocktails, with a beautiful view of Lake AlbanoDiego’s favorite: Popcorn Espresso Martini and (coming soon)Mary’s favorite: Cacio e Pepe Chips (appetizer) and Pizza Ortolana Best Pasta: Hosteria La Fraschetta di Padre in Figlio<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hosteria+La+Fraschetta+di+Padre+in+Figlio/@41.7454422,12.6507447,19.37z/data=!4m17!1m7!3m6!1s0x132585811b8acd41:0x5b393cbf025e2a5c!2sRione+Castel+Gandolfo!8m2!3d41.7457623!4d12.6509882!16s%2Fg%2F11whz9q4wp!3m8!1s0x132585bb847f6ecf:0x155971c2503c2623!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d41.745307!4d12.6508058!16s%2Fg%2F1tg97x80?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Corso della Repubblica, 58, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM </a>Authentic local specialities, with a menu that changes for seasonsDiego’s favorite: ravioli with porchetta and artichokeMary’s favorite: pasta alla gricia (long pasta with crisp guanciale, black pepper, and pecorino romano) Best All-Around Dinner: Sor Capanna<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Roma+-+Piazza+Sor+Capanna/@41.746105,12.6504253,20z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x132585811b8acd41:0x5b393cbf025e2a5c!2sRione+Castel+Gandolfo!8m2!3d41.7457623!4d12.6509882!16s%2Fg%2F11whz9q4wp!3m5!1s0x132585bb89303c77:0xb7694dab2c9fbea4!8m2!3d41.7459621!4d12.6506957!16s%2Fg%2F1tdty9f9?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxOC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Corso della Repubblica, 12, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM</a>Traditional classics, good home cookingDiego’s favorite: Abbacchio Scottadito (grilled lamb chops) or Tagliata di Abbacchio (grilled, sliced lamb)Mary’s favorite: salsicce alla griglia (grilled sausage) with a side of roasted potatoes and chicory

Mary & Diego's Local Guide

Registry

Mary Anne & Diego

Mary Anne & Diego

Mary & Diego's Local Guide

Our Favorites in Castel Gandolfo