AN ELEGANT TUSCAN-INSPIRED WEDDING AT NANINA’S IN THE PARK BY HILLARY MUELLECK PHOTOGRAPHY

Love was in the air when Antonietta and Anthony met in 2013 during an Italian Club formal event called “Una Serata.” Little did they know, dancing together and some small table talk would be the start of a nurturing friendship, which later developed into an inseparable bond. “I noticed Antonietta from across the room, sitting at another table, and knew I had to introduce myself,” Anthony reminisced. “There was something special in her beautiful smile and the fact we both had the same name.” The two always knew they would spend their lives together, and Anthony asked Antonietta to marry him during a surprise boat ride on the Long Island Sound with an engagement ring custom made by Anthony’s uncle Nino–a jeweler by trade. As for their late September wedding at Nanina’s In The Park? Well, it was filled with romantic details inspired by European style. See it all captured through the lens of Hillary Muelleck Photography below!

From Antonietta…Anthony was extremely sweet, and as soon as I met him, I knew there was a spark after he approached me and asked me to dance.  This proceeded with him asking for not only my name, but also my number after we sat and learned more about each other. I was absolutely surprised and speechless when Anthony asked me to marry him, and I could not wait to say yes to spending the rest of my life with him! 

Inspired by the rich landscapes of Tuscany, Nanina’s In The Park turned out to be the perfect venue to host the couple’s outdoor ceremony and reception. “I fell in love with every aspect of Nanina’s from the outdoor setting to the inside charm. As soon as I walked in, I could see myself getting married there,” Antonietta mentioned. “The venue emulated a Tuscan villa, and having the opportunity to try the amazing food prior to finalizing our selection here sealed the deal,” Anthony added. The staff, too, went above and beyond to ensure a picture-perfect day.

The couple’s chosen color of terra-cotta was incorporated throughout the wedding details, including the florals conceptualized by Olivia Floral Designs & Events. Large, cascading arrangements were mounted on the top of each column on the ceremony gazebo, while smaller posies–placed on white ceremony chairs–and rose petals lined the aisle up to the altar.

The romantic Tuscan feel was carried through the reception with florals on the staircase, as well as high and low centerpieces on reception tables.

“At the end of the wedding when we were not even standing together, we somehow met at the same time coming down the stairs to enter the dancefloor as the DJ was announcing to everyone to applause us for one last time. We both arrived on the dance floor and put our hands up to clap and show our appreciation once again for everyone who was there.”

“Following the celebration, the newlyweds escaped to Italy for their honeymoon where they explored Tuscany, Florence, and Rome. After a long-distance courtship, Antonietta and Anthony are enjoying time together and looking forward to sharing many memories in the years to come.”

See more from Antonietta and Anthony’s wedding day in the latest
Spring/Summer 2023 print edition of Contemporary Weddings Magazine

Ceremony & Reception Location: Nanina’s In The Park / Officiant: Pastor Paul Flores / Photographer: Hillary Muelleck Photography / Cinematography: Frank Ahn Films / Ceremony Music: Michael Locasio / Entertainment: Mystical Entertainment / Floral Designer: Olivia Floral Designs & Events / Cake Designer: Palermo’s Bakery / Limousine Service: Santos VIP Limousine / Guest Transportation: MyLimo / Wedding Gown: Jaehee Bridal Atelier / Veil: Tota Dress USA / Headpiece: Dareth Colburn / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Jos. A. Bank / Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie / Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations / Favors: Italian Espresso Moka Pots / Hair Stylist: Styles on Location / Makeup Artist: BeYOUtiful Bride / Wedding Bands: Kay Jewelers / Honeymoon Location: Italy