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Real Weddings Archive
Please select the links below to view previously featured Real Weddings

Maria And Christopher - A Valentine's Day Celebration in DC

Tracy and Duane - A Celebration of the Arts in DC

Sheeva and Brendan - Elegance and Magic at a Pennsylvania Mansion

Ariana and David - An Oceanside Celebration in Newport, RI

Randi and Christian - A Destination Wedding and a Re-creation

Allison and Andy - Hurricane Katrina Can't Breach their Determination to Marry

Bonnie and Michael - An Elegant Boston Fairytale

Cori and Jeff - Southern Hospitality in Georgia

Sara and Justin - Classic Seaside Style in Connecticut

Marcy and Nick - Oceanfront Elegance in La Jolla, California

Melanie and Tim - Southern-style Splendor in Alabama

Chaney and Chris -
Birmingham Romance

Lindsey and Tim - Relaxed Seacoast-style
in Rye, NH

Mary and Toby - Palm Beach Florida

Read inspriational Real Weddings stories. This month:
Jessica and Dante - Bermuda

The Bride:
Jessica Gerono

The Groom:
Dante Mazzetti

The Date:
July 21, 2007

The Setting:
9 Beaches Resort – Bermuda

Jessica and Dante’s Caribbean beach wedding commenced as they exchanged vows at the water’s edge at 9 Beaches Resort in Bermuda. The reception, a few feet away, took place on the resort’s great lawn under a large tent.

The Proposal

After “will you marry me,” one of the first questions Dante asked was “how do you want to get married?” Jessica’s instinctual response was “on a beach.” A desired beachfront setting added to the couple’s love of travel, and thus, a destination wedding was born.

Marrying in Bermuda

Just a two hour jaunt from New York, Bermuda’s tranquil pink sand beaches, sparkling waters and temperate summer temperatures beckoned. There, Jessica and Dante had their pick of scenic waterfront havens to host their wedding. Seeking a spot where guests could relax and enjoy a real vacation, they chose the 9 Beaches Resort because of its professed “flip flops required” feel providing a back-to-nature experience along with all the amenities of a full service resort.

Following Their Bliss :

As trivial wedding “themes” abound, Jessica and Dante kept theirs close to the heart – simply stated, “follow your bliss.” For them, their “bliss” was lounging on a beautiful island while surrounded by close family and friends. A few key wedding details articulated this theme, including stone place cards stamped with the sentiment. However, the couple’s personally written vows really hit home the idea - “I vow to give you the freedom to pursue your adventure and to discover and follow your own bliss.”

An Organic Feast:

Jessica and Dante treated guests to a bounty of culinary delights prepared by one of the island's renowned chefs. The menu featured mostly local or organic cuisine, including fresh wahoo, leg of lamb, roast beef, roasted chicken, and organic Bermudian specialties and vegetables. A dessert table was laid out after dinner with strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse, chocolate brownies, pecan tarts, and fruit salad.

Confection Selection :

Again paying homage to local flavor, Jessica selected a traditional Bermudian chocolate rum wedding cake with jade green frosting and white calla lilies cascading down its four layers. Green may seem an odd choice for a wedding cake, but Jessica says, “we loved the idea of a green cake. It was slightly funky and fun, while the cascading flowers gave it a touch of elegance.”

Personal Playlist:

Jessica and Dante gave their musical selections a very personal touch, using the talents of family members to enhance the day. The bride’s sister performed the ceremony music on the flute, while the groom and his father serenaded Jessica on acoustic guitar as she walked down the aisle.

With a number of musicians on their guest list, Jessica and Dante knew their reception music was the pivotal ingredient to their reception’s success. They collected song requests from their guests ahead of time and rounded out the list with picks of their own guaranteed to entice everyone to the dance floor. At the reception, they simply hooked up an ipod to Dante’s state-of-the-art amps, and guests danced the night away to their custom playlist.

Looking Back:

Amidst the pomp and circumstance, some couples lose sight of the true significance of a wedding. Never becoming entangled in that trap, Jessica and Dante were able to weave personal touches into every detail of their event. From hand-written vows so heartfelt that the officiant was rendered speechless to a weekend of events that essentially married not just two people – but two entire families, to music and song selections that relied on family talents and guests’ tastes, Jessica and Dante’s wedding left guests with a memory of having attended something actually special.

All in the Details...

Wedding Colors
“Sea swept” color scheme of jade, light blue, and peach.

Invitations & Stationery
Invitations – custom made by Dante’s artist mother
Save the Date Cards – Bermuda post cards
Table Cards – traditional sailor knots (to reflect Dante’s former profession as a sailboat captain)

Wedding Flowers – Julie Mayor of Just Roses
Bride’s Bouquet - collar of white orchids and a collar of peach roses around calla lilies.
Maid of Honor’s Bouquet - group of calla lilies surrounded by a collar of peach roses.
Boutonnieres - miniature white calla lilies with a twirl of greenery.

Wedding Attire
Bride’s Wedding Dress – David’s Bridal - white strapless satin a-line gown with a side-draped bodice and asymmetrical
Bridesmaids Dress – Maid of honor chose from gown she already owned; color scheme was based on gown she chose.

Catering – Chef, Guillaume Brard
Local or organic menu consisting of wahoo, leg of lamb, roast beef, and roasted chicken. Sides of organic salads, Bermudian specialties, and local Bermudian vegetables. A dessert table of strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse, chocolate brownies, pecan tarts, and fruit salad

Lighting – Donna Lindo of Class Act Designs

Photography – James Tavares and Joseph Marable of James Joseph Photography

Officiant - Pastor Dean Smith