When chandeliers mix and mingle with the prettiest of al fresco settings, there really is no hope for me – my radar for lovely just can’t ignore that level of fabulous. It would be close to impossible to turn a blind eye to all the pretty Mimosa Flower Studio whipped up for this jaw-droppingly gorgeous affair, and really why would you every want to look away from something this stunning? Actually, I recommend doing quite the opposite – because one look at all the images by Nataschia Wielink Photo + Cinema waiting for you in the full gallery, and I’m pretty sure you’ll be joining me for a day full of pretty perusing. See it all here!
From the Bride… When the summer heat hits its peak, wise Italians escape the city and head to the country to join their loved ones for the mid-summer festival of Ferragosto on August 15. This was the inspiration for our Ferragosto wedding among the vineyards in Niagara’s wine country in southern Ontario, Canada. The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. was our first and only choice for location. The vineyards, orchards, meadows and gardens provided a gorgeous, lush backdrop. Everything proprietor Nicolette Novak does is imbued with a warm, carefree elegance. It was the ideal setting for bringing together our immediate family and closest friends for an intimate summer celebration. Once we booked The Good Earth, we immediately called Jennifer Elliotson of Mimosa Flower Studio. Jennifer is a master at creating visually stunning environments that are a feast for the senses. Her challenge was to amp up the natural beauty of the surroundings with an understated glamour — we wanted a tribute to old-world romance. She blew us away by with a stunning tableau, rich in detail yet delicate in sensibility. Good Earth proprietor Nicolette Novak, chef Michael Pasto and restaurateur/chef Tony de Luca created a heavenly feast that alluded to Roberto’s northern Italian heritage while showcasing the abundant produce of the Niagara region.
The wedding ceremony was held in a verdant meadow under century old willow and sugar maple trees. Our nieces and nephews helped out in the religious service with a rousing responsorial psalm and handmade alleluia signs. The groom’s papa led the guests in reciting an Italian version of the Our Father – Il Padre Nostro. The ceremony ended with a prosecco toast: viva gli sposi! and we were deluged with handfuls of rice thrown from every direction. Crispy arancini (“risotto balls from God” according to one nephew) and cold Canadian oysters were passed on silver trays as the resident chickens wandered over to check out the supply of rice strewn across the lawn.
As the sun was setting behind the peach orchard, our guests strolled toward the winery bistro alongside the vineyard. Our communal dinner table was waiting under the pergola, softly lit by sparkling crystal chandeliers and votives in a combination of mercury glass and custom hand-sewn vintage fabric sleeves in tones of muted mauve, pale lavender and mulled grape. All evening long, musician Claudio Santaluce serenaded us with his organetta and his mandolin, playing lively traditional folk songs for dancing between courses. One of our big desires for the wedding was to ensure the children felt at liberty to play and have an amazing time among family, to create a memory that they will always cherish. It was a joy to see an impromptu soccer game break out — the tulle was flying as the girls scooted past the boys, navigating the ball through the grapevines, then booting it with their sparkly slippers to score five goals on their cousins and brothers!
The last word goes to our five-year old nephew who whispered into Roberto’s ear: “Zio, can I tell you something?” “Yes, Ryan, what is it?” “This is the best wedding I’ve ever been to. It’s only the first wedding I’ve ever been to, but it’s the best!” At the end of the day, we were left with this overriding thought: fortunato in amore, fortunato nella vita…. Siamo molto benedetti. Fortunate in love, fortunate in life… we are very blessed.
Event Photography: Nataschia Wielink Photo + Cinema / Private Photography: K Black and Co. / Wedding Venue: Good Earth Food and Wine Co. in Niagara, Ontario / Floral + Event Design: Mimosa Flower Studio / Menus + Programs: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Place Cards: DIY / Wedding Cake: Good Earth Food and Wine Co. / Music: Claudio Santaluce / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham via White Toronto / Bride’s Veil: Antique Belgian Lace / Bride’s Shoes: Sigerson Morrison / Bride’s Earrings: Laurent Gandini / Hair + Makeup: Jessica Jean Myers / Groom’s Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna via Holt Renfrew / Groom’s + Pageboys’ Ties: Pomp & Ceremony / Flower Girls’ Dresses: David’s Bridal / Pageboys’ Suits: J.Crew Crewcuts