From a chance hometown encounter to a cliffside proposal in Cinque Terre, step inside Jenna Esso and Jonathan St. Marie’s effortlessly romantic, multi-day Italian wedding at Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle.
The story so far
Our love story began with breakfast. In our hometown of Ludlow, Massachusetts, I once served Jonathan at his family’s favorite spot – a fleeting moment neither of us forgot. We’d crossed paths in high school, but it wasn’t until an Emo Night in 2019 that things really began. Four years later, on the sunlit cliffs of Cinque Terre, Jonathan proposed above the harbor of Manarola with a black diamond ring.
Venue
We searched across Italy before finding Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle, among lush green mountains. The celebration unfolded over days, beginning with a welcome dinner where guests gathered under the Italian sky for fresh, made-to-order pizza.
Fashion
I found my gown at Lastrina Girls in Connecticut – the first boutique I visited – while Jonathan and his groomsmen were outfitted by JT Ghamo in Hartford.
Jewellery
I wore delicate Etsy earrings and a family heirloom bracelet.
Bridal party
Our bridesmaids chose their own dresses in a curated palette from Azazie, while groomsmen mirrored Jonathan’s style. We gave Italy-inspired baskets with homemade sourdough to the bridesmaids, and engraved Damascus steel pocket knives to the groomsmen.
Transportation
Our guests, bridal party, and we were all transported from Rome to the venue via shuttle organized by our wedding planner.
Tablescape
Pomegranates and fresh fruit added rich color against gold flatware.
Food & drinks
Wild boar ragout was a standout, while espresso martinis kept the dance floor alive well into the night.
Entertainment
We danced to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley beneath a glow of sparklers – a song we’d once learned to play together.
Beauty regime & wellness
In the months before the wedding, we used Esthemax Egyptian Rose HydroJelly masks. Trust the process.
Favourite Wedding Gifts
A Gozney Arc XL pizza oven, which now holds pride of place in our home.
Honeymoon
After spending time in Europe with family and friends, we escaped to Costa Rica.
Advice
- Hire a planner – especially if your wedding is overseas.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff; you won’t notice it on the day.
- Don’t overpay on every detail.
With Thanks
Bride / Groom: @Jennalonda @jonstmatie
Venue: @abbaziasanpietroinvalle
Caterer: @alloro_SanPietroInValle
Dress: @lastrinagirlsbridalsalon
Groom outfit: @jtghamo
Florist: @leandroflowers
Tableware: @abbaziasanpietroinvalle
Stationery: @ocra.art
Wedding website: Zola
Photographer: @Chrissycanitano
Videographer: @mb.heartfilms
Wedding rings: @manlybands (Jonathan), Jenna’s was custom
Makeup: @sots.muah
Hair: @sots.muah
Wedding Planner: @bottegadamore
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