Jessica and Davide

When close friend (and fellow SPFYS assistant) Alicia told me her sister Jessica was planning a wedding in the states exactly two years from the date she was married in Italy (August 24, 2006), I immediately offered my assistance. Jessica and Davide have the type of story in which ballads are written and movies are made; truly one demonstrating that love has the ability to move mountains and that fairy tales do come true. You can read about it here in Steve DePino's blog, as they were the recipients of his free wedding package.

After having a small civil wedding and reception in Italy hosted by Davide's family with only her mother and her sister present, it was important for Jessica to also have a traditional American wedding with all her friends and family here. After touring nearly every single venue in the state, she and Davide selected the Gelston House in East Haddam for their reception. The venue has an unblievable sense of history and location and I honestly could not even think of a better match for the two of them.

Jessica and I worked together over the past eight months or so to ensure her timing was perfect and that her details were unique and interesting for all of their friends and Davide's family that traveled from Italy. I have to give Jessica a lot of credit as the week of her wedding she and her family hosted 13 members of Davide's family!

Sunday, August 24th dawned a gorgeous and clear day. I started my day making a pit-stop at Jane of Just For You's shop in Middlefield for Jessica's blooms. Jessica's bouquet was an artistic mix of callas, orchids and stephanotis (unless otherwise credited/noted/captioned), all photos by SPFYS):



Then I met up with Jessica, Alicia, their mother and their darling cousin Madison, who were prepping at Gelston House by the fabulous Dana Bartone.

Jessica and Davide were married at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich, Connecticut at 2:00 pm. After many discussions with Jane, it was decided the magestic Cathedral should shine on it's own. Orchid pew bows served as the perfect little touch:


The ceremony had readings in both English and Italian and was beautiful. You can see the emotion Steve DePino caught here on Jessica's face.



Jessica donned a Casablanca gown purchased at Brides To Be in Glastonbury. The portrait neckline framed her shoulders beautifully. Davide wore an incredible custom suit from Italy that he wore for their first wedding. The best part of his outfit were the little Italian flags on the bottom of his shoes!


After the ceremony, the newlyweds departed in this fabulous Mercedes coup. Jane made the fun bow.


Following the ceremony, guests traveled to Gelston house where they were greeted by numerous personal touches. Jessica and Davide worked hard on all their little details, which included tables named after all the places they have traveled together, CD favors with favorite US and Italian music as well as the traditional Jordan Almonds - YUM!

Shots of the details:











Such a sweet ballroom!


For their cake they used up and coming pastry chef Matthew Seguro of Newington. It was truly one of the best cakes I have ever tasted.


Joe Mick of A.E.P Disk Jockey Professionals did a great job of keeping the dance floor packed with all ages with both American and Italian music. Kate and Rich of Star Quality Video filmed the event and were so nice to work with as well. The evening was further personalized with speeches in both Italian and English, as well as a video of Jessica and Davide's first wedding in Italy and a through the years photo montage.

Jessica and Davide, it was an honor to witness your day here and meet Davide's family from Italy. I need not wish you happiness as I know you have it!




Much love,
Lindsay