After learning about how Frank proposed to Erika, we’ll never look at a cup of tea the same way again! Explains our sweet bride, “I love tea. One evening after we went out to dinner, Frank made me a cup of tea. We were just watching TV, and as I finished my tea I noticed that it read “Marry me?” at the bottom of the cup. My first thought was, “Does he know this is on here?” But I quickly realized that obviously, he had been waiting for me to finish my tea! That moment really could not have been more perfect.”
Erika and Frank’s wedding was as thoughtful and full of love as their proposal story. Frank has a big, Italian family, and so the two incorporated all kinds of Italian traditions into their day. Guests received bombonieres, welcome shots in the receiving line, Frank’s dad played the accordion during dinner, and their moms and aunts baked the table-full of sweets served at midnight. Friends and family contributed all kinds of details, like centerpieces, heirloom tablecloths, and invitations. Erika herself wore beautiful tokens of love from her family. Says Erika, “I wore my mom’s veil, a mink stole that was my Meme’s, a bracelet of my Oma’s, and had a blue rosary from my Nana in my pocket.” Beautiful, right? We can feel the warmth of every moment from here!
More from Erika, who swirled with Frank on the dance floor to “It Had to Be You” by Harry Connick, Jr. wearing her Astrid & Mercedes Joy gown:
How did you choose your gown?
“I had narrowed it down to two dresses. In the end, I chose this one because I loved the simplicity of the gown paired with classic dupioni silk (plus pockets!). I was very lucky to have the sweetest experience at Elliot and Olivia Bridal Boutique, a newer bridal shop in North Bay. and so happy to support a local business and Canadian dress company.”
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Joy via Elliot and Olivia Bridal Boutique | photographer: Black Saddle Photography | full vendor list at bottom
Tell us about your day!
“We were so happy with how everything turned out for our day. We were married at a cathedral which was very special and had our reception at an Italian club which felt like home as we spend a lot of time there with Frank’s family.
Our wedding had a vintage, elegant feel. We had a few rugs leading guests into our reception hall, a living room set up in the entrance, accent mini-lights, crocheted tablecloths on the head table with a Mr. and Mrs. sign I made with dried flowers and ribbon, lots of candles around the room and the prettiest flowers from Jessy Beck Design!
As Frank has a big Italian family, there were a few traditions that we included in our day, like giving guests bombonieres (we chose charcuterie boards!), welcome shots at the receiving line, Frank’s dad playing the accordion during dinner, and an overwhelming amount of sweets at midnight baked by our moms and aunts.
We had a lot of family and friends help with many details that made the day so special. Many pieces of our wedding were either given to us, made for us, or set up with the help of friends and family. From desserts, extra flowers, centerpieces, and family heirloom tablecloths, to invitations and programs. We were surrounded by so much love everywhere we looked! It’s so nice to think back to that feeling especially right now when we can’t be near our friends and family.“
One detail you couldn’t live without?
“We were big on details in general. We worked hard at making sure everything had a personal touch and in the end, it was exactly what we envisioned. Food was also an important detail for us and we sure had lots of good food!”
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?
“I actually had a lot of borrowed and old things! I wore my mom’s veil, a mink stole that was my Meme’s, a bracelet of my Oma’s, and had a blue rosary from my Nana in my pocket.”
Three words that best describe your partner:
“Erika says Frank is thoughtful, friendly, and supportive.
Frank says Erika is loving, easygoing, and genuine.”
Erika + Frank’s Davedi Club Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Joy via Elliot and Olivia Bridal Boutique | photographer: Black Saddle Photography | gown alterations: Bridal Alterations by Judy | groom’s suiting: Carmine Ricciuti Men’s Wear & Tailoring | venue: Davedi Club | florals: Jessy Beck Design | decor: Northern Occasions | hair: Melissa Koprash | makeup: Ashley Joyes | music: Miller Entertainment