From a chance meeting sparked by an undeniable connection to a magical Boston proposal, this couple’s love story blossomed into an unforgettable celebration of tradition and modern fun. Gianna & Rich's Lake Club Ohio Wedding perfectly balanced their timeless romance with high-energy party vibes.
Starting with an intimate church ceremony onto a candlelit meal and building up to a surprise nightclub dance floor and a champagne tower backed by fireworks. Surrounded by family, friends, and heartfelt moments, Gianna & Rich's day was a vibrant reflection of their unique journey and joyful future together.
"We first met through mutual friends at a bar and there was an instant connection that neither of us could ignore. Rich soon asked me out on an official date consisting of dinner and drinks, and from that night forward, we were inseparable. Conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter came easily, and it felt as though we had known each other far longer than just an evening.
After two years of dating, building a life together in Cleveland, and collecting countless memories, Rich knew it was time to take the next step. For Christmas 2023, he surprised me with a trip to Boston - a city I had always dreamed of visiting, and one that perfectly captured our shared love of exploring new places together.
What I didn’t know was that this trip held something even more special. One evening, overlooking the Boston skyline, Rich got down on one knee and proposed. It was magical, intimate, and everything I could have imagined.
But the surprises didn’t end there. When we returned home to Ohio that same weekend, Rich had secretly planned a beautiful engagement party with all of our family and friends waiting to celebrate with us. To feel so loved, surrounded by everyone who means the most to us, made the entire experience unforgettable..."
Gianna & Rich's overall vision for their Wedding day was steeped in tradition and romance, but with thoughtful modern touches that felt true to them. "I envisioned the reception unfolding like an intimate, candlelit dinner party - warm, inviting, and timeless before evolving into a vibrant, high-energy celebration that felt more like a dance club. That balance of elegance and fun was what inspired us most: creating a day that honored our heritage and love story, while also giving our guests an unforgettable night." Gianna shares.
"Finding my Wedding dress was definitely a journey... I had such a clear vision in mind that I couldn’t stop searching until I found the one. After trying on one hundred gowns (yes, I counted), I finally discovered the dress that captured everything I was looking for."
Gianna knew she wanted some key elements - a corset bodice, strapless neckline, exquisite lace and removable sleeves and Martina Liana designed the gown that brought it all to life. To complete the look, Gianna chose a traditional mantilla veil, which added the perfect touch of timeless romance.
"For my second look, I wanted something equally striking but with a playful, modern twist. I had been eyeing the pearl mini from Rosie Etienne for some time, and it felt like the perfect choice for the dance floor." Paired with Gianna's pearl choker, it was chic, fun and the perfect complement to the elegance of her gown.
In the months leading up to the Wedding, Gianna loved dreaming about the moment she would finally step into her dress, walk down the aisle to marry Rich then celebrate with all of their guests at the incredible party they had planned.
"Working with our Wedding planner, Megan, was one of the highlights. She became like family to us, easing every worry and turning the planning process into something truly enjoyable. I also treasured the quiet, meaningful moments spent with my parents and sister as we chatted through the details; those conversations made the experience all the more special."
Of course, there were challenges too. The pressure of planning such a grand event and the anticipation leading up to the day at times felt overwhelming. But in the end, every bit of it was worth it once the day finally arrived.
"Our advice would be to embrace both creativity and tradition. It’s so much fun to dream up unique, personal touches that make your Wedding feel like you, but don’t feel pressured to reinvent everything. There’s a reason so many traditional elements have stood the test of time - they’re classic, meaningful, and forever timeless. Finding the right balance between the two makes for a day that feels both fresh and enduring."
" It was all about creating a day that honored our heritage and love story, while also giving our guests an unforgettable night. " –
Gianna & Rich
While every moment of their day felt unforgettable, the beauty of the church ceremony stands out most - the sacred space filled with their family and friends as they exchanged vows and officially became husband and wife was incredibly meaningful.
"Later in the evening, one of the most memorable moments was the grand reveal of our surprise nightclub, “Club Limongi.” As the curtains pulled back, the energy shifted instantly, and the room transformed into a vibrant dance floor where we celebrated with our loved ones all night long.
We also loved ending the night with a spectacular fireworks display, the perfect finale to a day that already felt like magic." From the very start, creating an unforgettable experience for their guests was the top priority.
"I wanted them to walk into the reception feeling the energy of the evening through the atmosphere, lighting and music... like stepping into a sophisticated “dinner club,” complete with table lamps that created a warm, intimate glow, while still embracing the timeless beauty of florals.
We wove in traditional Youngstown, Ohio touches, like the beloved “Youngstown Cookie Table,” alongside fun surprises such as “Club Limongi,” a champagne tower and a fireworks display to end the night. By the end of it all, we felt we had truly achieved the balance of elegance, tradition, and playful celebration, leaving our guests with memories they’ll cherish forever."
As newlyweds, Rich & Gianna's first plans are simply to savor this new chapter together and enjoy life without the whirlwind of wedding planning. "We’re excited to grow as a couple, make new memories, and celebrate all the little moments.
Travel is at the top of our list. We hope to explore Europe next summer, with Italy and Croatia at the top of our itinerary. And of course, we’re already dreaming up a special getaway to celebrate our one-year anniversary!"
RICH
GIANNA
FINER DETAILS
"We’re already dreaming up a special getaway to celebrate our one-year anniversary!" –
Gianna & Rich
