Sam Faiers takes a look at Ashley Cole and Sharon Canu’s pre-wedding party in Rome…with a John Terry serenade, pasta-themed decor, pizza, cocktails and PDA galore

Sam Faiers gave a behind-the-scenes look at Ashley Cole and Sharon Canu’s pre-wedding celebrations in a slew of Instagram posts shared on Sunday.

The former footballer, 42, and the blonde beauty exchanged vows in Rome over the weekend at Hotel La Vecchia Posta in Ladispoli and splashed out on a lavish big day – to which they threw an incredible party.

The TOWIE star, 32, and her partner Paul Knightley joined a host of stars at the bash, including Frank and Christine Lampard and John and Toni Terry, and Sam provided a forensic insight into the raucous Italian-themed party.

The guests were treated to a beautiful alfresco dinner, laden with pizzas and pastas, before night fell and they began a karaoke session – led by Ashley’s former England team-mate, 42, who broadcasted a song to the pair.

In a nod to the Italian location, the table was set with centerpieces containing the ingredients for a classic tomato pasta – including dried spaghetti in a can of tomatoes, fresh cherry tomatoes and bunches of basil, rosemary and sage.

To make sure the drinks didn’t run out, a bar was set up with a mass of champagne flutes, the table was set with both red and white wine glasses, and Sam was seen sipping a cocktail in a martini glass while later dancing.

Sam posed with friends including Lucinda Cox, Fi Morgan and a stylist friend named Bex, all of whom looked stunning in an array of Riviera-inspired floral and patterned dresses, as well as snapping selfies with the gorgeous Sharon.

A live band played while the group ate before the party kicked off in style with the raucous evening festivities – packed with dancing, singing and laughter.

As night fell, John serenaded the couple before leading the group to perform the Candy dance – a well-known group routine to the tune of Cameo’s 1986 song of the same name, often performed at weddings, among others.

Ashley was dressed in a pink suit with a white T-shirt and matching sneakers, while Sharon looked sensational in a form-fitting white dress.

Alongside Sam’s video and a series of stunning photos, she captioned the post, “The night before the wedding. Such a great weekend to celebrate our beautiful friends.”

The following day’s main event featured fireworks and a live orchestra as they enjoyed champagne on the balcony of the clifftop venue.

Photos and videos from the reception showed beautifully decorated long tables where guests enjoyed dinner before watching the fireworks.

The marriage comes 12 years after his four-year marriage to 40-year-old Cheryl ended.

Sharon and Ashley, 42, share son Jaxon, six, and four-year-old daughter Grace, and the pair confirmed their engagement last year after first meeting in 2014.

The couple exchanged vows in the romantic setting under a floral archway as the ocean stretched out behind them before walking back down the aisle.

A number of guests shared photos and videos of the wedding on social media where Sharon sparkled in a lace off-the-shoulder gown.

A source told The sun earlier this month on the wedding: “Ashley and Sharon are madly in love and have spent months planning their special day. They met in 2014 when he joined AS Roma and now they return to the city for their wedding.

“A lot of her family lives there and it’s very romantic — it’s going to be a very special day.” They put a lot of money into it, but they only invited close friends and family.

“As a couple, they’ve been very private, so they don’t need a flashy, public wedding.”

Sharon celebrated her final days as a single lady last month with an epic bachelorette party in Ibiza. The model soaked up the sun as she partied with a large group of friends, including reality star Sam.

Sam befriended Sharon when she moved from her native Essex in April 2020 and formed a group of friends around her new home.