RED CARPET MOMENTS Geno and Melissa describe themselves as a laid-back couple but they planned wedding celebrations that were the polar opposite, designed to capture the glitz and glamour of the Oscars, to enjoy that celebrity-for-a-day feeling. Melissa was every inch a movie star in her gown with form-fitting structured bodice flaring out into a skirt with a very large rosette floral motif of layered silk organza petals. A black satin and grosgrain belt accented her waist. The gown’s rosettes were the inspiration for the wedding’s theme, mimicked in decor, wedding cake and even in her mother's choice of dress. The bridal attendants were super-glamorous and very elegant in black, full-length strapless satin dresses with draped bodice, dropped waist and full-flare skirt, very much black-tie and suggesting movie star status. HIGH NOTES Bona fide celebrity Barbie played a supporting role in the celebration. An avid collector of Barbie dolls since she was a little girl, Melissa had a pre-wedding photo taken in the room where her collection is displayed. Weeks before, friends and family planned a vintage Barbie shower for the bride-to-be, much enjoyed by all. Each of the custom-made rings echoed the partner’s band. Geno’s wedding ring was a white gold band with three layers of black sapphires while Melissa’s identical band featured white diamonds rather than sapphires. 88 Wedding Essentials 2013