Sophia + Salvatore by Petar Jurica & Andrea Calvano - Together Journal

Set against the dreamy backdrop of Venice’s Grand Canal, this wedding was a masterpiece of old-world romance.

We didn’t meet until after college.

Sal and I met through one of my best friends, Catherine. Catherine planned a night out in NYC with a work friend and asked me to come to meet his “single friend”. We went to a club called Marquee for a DJ, even though I hate techno music lol.

We got engaged in November 2022.

Sal planned a weekend trip upstate in Hudson, New York, which had me completely suspicious because November is Sal’s favourite time of year, hunting season. His weekends are not typically free in November. We spent all Friday and Saturday together, and I went through every emotion trying to figure out if it was really going to happen or if I was just crazy.

He finally asked about High Falls waterfall in the Catskills on Saturday evening. When we got back to our Airbnb, I was completely surprised to find he had also coordinated with my sister, Nina, to have something special waiting for me to wear for a newly engaged date night at Feast and Floret in Hudson. We had a bottle of wine waiting for us at our table from all of our siblings. And Sunday morning, both of our families came up to celebrate with us.

I have loved Venice since I was a young child.

Growing up, my father travelled to Italy often for work and made sure to bring us with him each year. My father is a mosaic artisan, founder of Miotto Mosaic Art Studios in Putnam County, New York, but partners with Travisanutto Mosaics in Spilimbergo, Italy – a small town in Friuli just north of Venice. Friuli is the region my father’s family immigrated from.

Sharing his connection to Italy with me and Nina was always so important to my dad. Every summer, we would fly into Venezia and spend a few days before making our way to Friuli. These are some of my fondest memories. It would always make him so happy to have us there, and I always planned to do the same with my family one day.

I quickly learned it was difficult to choose a venue in a place with such historic buildings that don’t typically accommodate larger groups or dancing. Thanks to Amber, we had help and guidance.

We planned a trip with Amber to visit a few venues, all of which were over-the-top gorgeous. When we first walked up to the second floor of Pisani Moretta, our jaws dropped. Beautiful chandeliers, sun-drenched room, and windows overlooking the canal. I remember my mom was immediately brought to tears. That made it an easy decision.

Our church ceremony and dinner reception were so special for me, I never felt more lucky. Having everyone I love sitting side by side was truly an unforgettable experience. Our flower girl, Olivia, gave an impromptu speech at the end of dinner, which was just the cherry on top.

“From The Planner, Angel Lion Weddings & Events”

Set against the dreamy backdrop of Venice’s Grand Canal, this wedding was a masterpiece of old-world romance. As dusk fell, the glow of countless candles flickered across the water, casting a golden hue over an opulent celebration. Gilded candelabras stood tall, their soft light illuminating lush arrangements of deep-hued roses, trailing greenery, and delicate blooms nestled in antique vases.

The tables were adorned with an abundance of nature’s finest treasures—clusters of ripe grapes, figs, and pears spilling from ornate centrepieces, evoking the richness of an Italian still-life painting. Each detail, from the hand-torn menus to the delicate gold accents, spoke of timeless elegance. Guests dined beneath the stars, the gentle lapping of the canal setting the rhythm of the evening, while gondolas drifted by in quiet admiration.

This wedding wasn’t just an event—it was a love story told through candlelight, history, and the intoxicating beauty of Venice.

Under a sky illuminated by candlelight and the twinkling reflections of the Grand Canal, this Venetian wedding was a true celebration of love, beauty, and exquisite flavours. Inspired by the city’s rich culinary heritage, the menu was a feast of Venetian specialties, artfully curated to delight the senses.

Guests were welcomed with an array of cicchetti—delicate bites of baccalà mantecato on crisp polenta, thinly sliced prosciutto wrapped around sweet figs, and marinated seafood bursting with the flavours of the lagoon.

The meal unfolded like a love letter to Venice, featuring dishes such as saffron-infused risotto di Go, handmade bigoli with a rich duck ragù, and branzino baked to perfection in a salt crust. As the evening breeze carried the scent of candle wax and fresh flowers, a refreshing surprise awaited guests—celery sorbet with a splash of tequila, a bold yet refined palate cleanser that set the stage for the grand finale.

For dessert, a breathtaking millefoglie cake took centre stage—its delicate layers of golden pastry and vanilla cream topped with a cascade of berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Served with flutes of chilled Prosecco, it was the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable night.

Beneath the glow of Venetian lanterns and the soft flicker of candlelight, this wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was an immersive experience of art, romance, and the timeless elegance of Italian cuisine.