Vanessa Vetrano is a woman who knows what she wants. Impose your ideas and visions on her if you must, but at the end of the day, Vanessa will inevitably find her way right back to square one, drawing instead from her very own pocket of dreams.
When Vanessa first met Everett, of course the same rule of thumb applied. She happened upon Everett one night while out with some friends and, from that moment on, the two took off full steam and remained together for the better part of the next ten years. One crisp autumn night in 2007, the couple made things official. They set out to eat at a favorite restaurant, drove up to the entrance, and, unable to wait any longer, Everett pulled out his future wife’s engagement ring—a stunning 4.01-carat round solitaire surrounded by sparkling pavé diamonds—and proposed right then and there. Vanessa, of course, replied with an emphatic yes.
Designer Liubov Nicoletti (Nicoletti Couture, Mount Kisco) worked together with the bride to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, tailor-made for her. Vanessa wanted her wedding dress to be “less bridal gown and more form-fitting sexy.” The end result was off-white with dainty spaghetti straps, the dress features a thick and dramatic band of sparkling Austrian crystals below the bust line extending down to a sumptuous chiffon full-length gown. Vanessa accessorized this look perfectly with her grandmother’s vintage Swarovski aurora borealis necklace and ivory satin Gucci pumps. Everett wore a custom-made suit by Janine Giorgenti.
Vanessa hoped to strike a balance between the traditional Italian wedding that her parents had always envisioned for her, while at the same time infusing the day with nontraditional elements, more in keeping with the personalities of the couple. She had definite ideas of what she didn’t want: no veil, no poufy dress, no flowers, no cake. Despite those restrictions, event planner Diana Gould of Elmsford blended old and new to create a unique event.
About 150 guests attended the wedding ceremony and reception at The Fountainhead in New Rochelle. Keeping with Vanessa’s wishes, there were no flowers that day. Not one blossom. Instead, the ceremony area was adorned with gilded tulle and a bounty of twinkle lights with accenting sprays of crystals and sparkles. The bouquets were crystal sprays and the table centerpieces comprised gold-painted Manzanita branches imported from South Africa, with crystals hanging daintily from them. Scattered crystals, jewels, and candles completed each table.
The cocktail hour set the mood for this party, with such extravagances as a martini bar, risotto station, and antipasto spread. The music was provided by Elite Entertainment DJs and offered an eclectic mix of music and dance tunes. The dance floor was a nonstop party the whole night through.
Let them eat cake? Nothing doing. Rather than a traditional wedding cake, guests instead were treated to a gala Viennese table stocked with every pastry imaginable. Who needs wedding cake anyway?
Before departing, guests were given goody bags filled with Starbucks coffee, rock-candy stirrers, and Nonni’s biscotti .
The happy couple and their rescued cats are looking forward to a happy and healthy life together. Unconventional till the end.
Resources
VENUE AND CATERING
The Fountainhead
New Rochelle
(914) 235-4400
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY
H & H Photography
Bronx
(718) 543-4000
ENTERTAINMENT
Elite Entertainment
Mamaroneck
(914) 777-2595
FLOWERS and Décor
Diana Gould Ltd.
Elmsford
(914) 347-7134
BRIDAL GOWN
Nicoletti Couture
Mount Kisco
(914) 864-0990
BRIDE’S SHOES
Gucci
New York, NY
(212) 308-1475
HAIR
Chrissy Pestone from
Richard Scott Salon and Day Spa
Mount Kisco
(914) 242-1700
MAKE UP
Lauren Tortorella from
Nordstrom
White Plains
(914) 946-1122
GROOM’S SUIT
Giorgenti Best Custom Shirt
Manhattan
(800) 815-4784