Bright, sunny and happy. That's how we felt when this gem landed in our inbox. And this one is extra scpecial because wedding planning is a part of the bride Michelle Nowak's every day life as she has the amazing job of Wedding and Event Producer at one of Los Angeles' top catering companies, Good Gracious! Events. So when it came time to plan her own nuptials to Roberto Facciolla, the couple opted for a lovely wedding without the structure of a "normal" wedding. The multi-cultural affair celebrated both of their heritages by combining the influences of Southern Italy-born Roberto with Michelle’s Polish family roots to create a
fun, lively and intimate setting. Our favorite moment was that the couple chose to ditch the traditional ceremony in favor of a romantic but informal moment when they gathered around the 100 guests together and said their vows--in both English and Italian--with an abundance of prosecco flowing .
The private estate in Santa Barbara was like a little piece of Italy with a lush setting hidden and views to die for. The invitations and menus set the tone by bringing in the couples
personalities. Nods to family included the heirloom crystal bowls and vases used for the candles and florals. Thought went into picking the flowers, from the poppies that bloom all across Italy to bright peonies, lilacs and jasmine that adorned the bride's backyard growing up. Long Italian-style tables were dripping with long taper candles, lush
florals, lemons, wine, a lot of love and laughter.
Add in flowing wine, lively Italians and Michelle's polka-dancing family and it's one of the most spirited and romantic celebrations we've seen to date.
From the bride: Tradition was the key to everything, to bring together the two cultures, and implement things near and dear to the couples hearts including the brides gloves and jewelry from my 92-year-old grandmother on the cake and bouquet. The AMORE table is the term of endearment we call each other. Food and wine was an experience of traditional food that are staples in the South of Italy (Puglia di Gravina) such as Burrata and Cavatelli pasta. Guest favors were small to-go bags of “Cheese Curds” from Wisconsin ( where we are from) and Composta, a traditionaly spicy herb spread for breads and pasta made by the groom's father. Music was a quartet that played traditional Italian songs and Polish Polkas that kept dancing through a 5-course lunch and into the after-party, which was then switched over to a string of famous Italian Club Dj’s.
