1. Real Weddings

Renee & Michael: A Theme Wedding in Rochester, NY

Reunited high school sweethearts Renee and Michael had a lot to celebrate when they finally wed. They paid homage to their Italian heritage with a fes

Reunited high school sweethearts Renee and Michael had a lot to celebrate when they finally wed. They paid homage to their Italian heritage with a festive, Tuscan-inspired wedding in Rochester. THE BRIDE Renee Bonadio, 29, director of a performing arts center THE GROOM Michael Palermo, 34, editor and director THE DATE September 6 The two planned a mini-break on Cape May for Renee's birthday, where they stayed on a bed & boat. One morning, Renee got up extra early and told Michael she was going to watch the sun rise on deck. He suddenly said, Don't go, and before she knew it, he had pulled out a ring box. I was laughing and crying at the same time before he'd even opened it, Renee recalls. He finally said, 'Wanna see it'?

The reception's centerpieces varied, but followed the Tuscan theme -- some even included grapes!
The Transportation
Renee walked down the aisle in a white, silk organza gown by Candice Solomon. It featured a beaded bodice with a vine detail and a floral accent at her lower back. She complimented it with vine-inspired earrings (a gift from her maid of honor) and a vintage style necklace with an heirloom diamond at its center (a gift from her new husband!). The bride carried a bouquet inspired by her grandmother's which featured hanging love knots accented with small white roses. Her maids' bouquets included orchids and Intuition roses, a wine-colored rose that popped up in many of the floral arrangements.
To honor their shared Italian heritage, Renee and Michael decided to give their wedding the feeling of an evening in Tuscany. They chose wine, maroon, and sage hues, a variation on the red and green of Italy's flag. Old-fashioned frames displayed family members' wedding photos and explanations of Italian traditions, and each table was named for a city in Italy. And guests found their places with place cards the couple designed to resemble luggage tags that were displayed beside an old map of Italy and a vintage suitcase.
Renee and Michael cut a five-tier cake covered in white fondant. Each layer was filled with a different flavor, from traditional white to chocolate raspberry.
The Reception