Michelle’s Wedding Feature on CandidCandace.com!
Happy Wedding Wednesday! We are excited to share a spotlight feature from CandidCandace.com that highlights some of the very special moments during our very own, Michelle’s, wedding this past January 6th! Check out a glimpse below!
“Chuck and I enjoyed another road trip to kick-off the new year. We had an itinerary that took us through 8 states–to a chic Palm Beach wedding, South Beach and even to Graceland, the home of the King! The Palm Beach wedding was between two dear, darling friends, Michelle Nicole Durpetti and Collin Russell Pierson. Hands down, it was the most elegant, extravagant affair we’ve ever attended. The weekend long event began with a magnificent welcome party at the Breakers, one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in world. Originally planned around the North pool, the event was moved inside due to unseasonably cool weather. But that sure didn’t put a damper on the festivities–on the contrary, I think the Venetian Ballroom was awe-inspiring and the decor couldn’t have looked more beautiful. Hundreds of lighted globes hung from the ceiling casting a warm glow over the crowd. Food stations offered every type of delicious dish imaginable and servers were everywhere waiting to attend to your every need. As a surprise, Collin had arranged for an elaborate birthday cake, topped with sparklers, for a delighted Nicole. Loving speeches from groomsmen and bridesmaids followed. The ceremony took place on January 6 at the charming St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. The entry was covered in bouganvillia as black-tie clad guests filed in. I saw Sarinda and Gian Fulgoni, Peg and Steve Lombardo, Dina Bair and her husband John Maher, Ron Magers, Michelle Molise, Amy Jacobson, Derrick Taylor, Karen and Phil Stefani, Howard and Bunny Frum and hundreds of others. Monsignor Ken Velo officiated and had the crowd in tears as well as laughter. When Michelle glided down the aisle, wearing a magnificent gown with hand-stitched embroidery with her dad on her arm, she had to stop and ask him if he was alright. It was emotional for everyone in the room to witness the love all around. When they reached the altar, and Tony and Marion had given her hand to Collin, Father Velo looked at Michelle and said, “You look so beautiful, is that a new dress?” At the end of the moving ceremony, Father Velo again interjected a moment of humor. He said, “After the service, there will be a second collection for Tony Durpetti.” The crowd roared, stood and applauded as the new Mr. and Mrs. Collin Pierson were introduced. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, a gospel choir led by popular Chicago singer Tina Jenkins Crawley, sang and danced down the aisle to “Oh, Happy Day”! The cocktail reception was back at the elegant Breakers–oohs and ahhhs could be heard throughout the grand Ballroom as partygoers experienced yet another magnificent room, bathed in multi-colored lights and filled with lush florals, the space appeared as if something from a dream. Massive silver bowls held unlimited seafood choices– stone crab claws, oysters, shrimp, mussels, smoked salmon, clams and more. Even bacon and deviled eggs were served! The piece de resistance occurred as soon as the ballroom doors opened. Every guest’s mouth dropped at the splendor of it all. Violinists filled both sides of the dance floor as two opera singers performed. The floral decor was all white, from low bowls of roses to soaring trees topped with white flowers. Silver candelabras filled every table and votive candles were everywhere. Now I’ve been to quite a few grand galas but I have never seen anything as beautiful as this. Dinner choices featured bone-in filets or twin South African lobster tails, of course…” continue reading on CandidCandace.com, click here!
