found their perfect space at the Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA. “The Barn gave us enough room to hold all of our 143 guests with a cozy, warm, and romantic feeling,” says Diana. “We had dimmed lights, candles everywhere, mercury glass vases with white hydrangeas as centerpieces and scattered everywhere. Very classic, rustic, and romantic—truly everything we wanted it to be.” Aside from the bride and groom, the food was the star of the evening. An impressive array of courses dotted the reception, and included such delectable dishes as Guinnessbraised short ribs, butternut squash ravioli, and prosciutto-stuffed chicken. “Everything was amazing and everyone is still raving about the food!” says Diana. Personal touches added to the overall appeal of the evening. In lieu of favors, the couple offered traditional Italian confetti (candy-covered almonds), which were tucked inside beautiful lace pouches decorated by Diana’s mother and aunt. “Attached was a small note card stating that we made a generous donation to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” says Diana. Diana made the programs herself, which were printed on shimmery paper and accent-
32 Spring 2014
BRIDE&GROOM
ed with leaf-shaped cutouts. The bottom of each program read, “The autumn leaves are falling, but love is in bloom.” On the back of the programs the couple listed the names of friends and relatives who had passed on. “It was important for Nicholas and I to take a moment and remember those who could not join us on our wedding day,” says Diana. “It said, ‘We know you would be here today, if Heaven wasn’t so far away . . . You are here in spirit and will live forever in our hearts.’”
Advice “Naturally, weddings can be incredibly overwhelming for the bride and groom,” says Diana, “so Nicholas and I went into our bridal suite after we had dinner and right before cake was served. We took a moment and absorbed the day, we ordered a drink, and listened to the dancing upstairs—it was everyone we loved in one room for us, we could not have asked for more . . . I would highly recommend this to any bride and groom. It’s so hard to absorb the day when you are constantly being pulled in every direction. Take a moment and relax with your husband/wife and enjoy it. Just soak it all in.”
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The Particulars Ceremony: Saint Anne Catholic Parish, Littleton, MA. littletoncatholic.org Reception: The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Groton, MA. barnatgibbethill.com Photographer: Grampietro Photography, Shrewsbury, MA. grampietro.com Cake: Montilio’s Baking Company, Brockton, MA. montilios.com Flowers: Holmes-Shusas, Worcester, MA. holmes-shusas.com Music: Scott Pryor, Mega Jam Productions. megajamproductions.com Transportation: Raffi’s Limousine Service. raffislimo.com Bridal Gown: Bella’s Bridal Boutique (formerly Pronuptia), Worcester, MA. bellasbridalgowns.com Bridesmaid’s Dress: BCBG. bcbg.com Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Auburn, MA. menswearhouse.com Hair and Makeup: Invidium Salon & Day Spa, Worcester, MA. Calligrapher: Irma Lespasio. allig-irna@townisp.com