“Pat and I are high-school sweethearts: we met in grade 11 and have been best friends ever since. Pat proposed to me on my birthday at Blu restaurant in Yorkville (Toronto). He surprised me—and all our guests—when he got down on one knee with a beautiful custom-designed ring,” says Laura Saveriano.

“Our wedding day was a dream! We travelled to the Abbazia San Faustino in Umbria, Italy with our closest family and friends for a week of wedding celebrations. We love to travel and our wedding was a perfect reflection of our personalities and our relationship,” explains Laura.

“The local mayor conducted our ceremony by the pool with spectacular views of the Umbrian countryside in the background. I walked down the aisle with my father carrying a flower bouquet adorned with a brooch worn at my grandparents’ wedding (my ‘something old’).”

Our reception took place in the gardens at sunset with gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding valleys,” explains Laura. “Lanterns and picture frames hung from the old tree in the garden, and we all sat at one long table to enjoy a fantastic Italian meal. “

“We made our way into the old stone abbey for our first dance. We chose ‘Marry Me’ by Train because they are one of our favourite bands and Pat considered proposing to me at one of their concerts.”

Laura Saveriano and Patrick Belliveau, September 1, 2013, Umbria, Italy.

Photography courtesy of Mark R Williamson.

Vendors
Ceremony and reception location: Abbazia San Faustino
Bridal gown: Anne Barge from White Toronto
Catering: Abbazia San Faustino
Groom’s attire: Caruso Fine Tailoring
Wedding planner: Veronica Regis
Makeup: Jacquie Hutchinson at Revlon

View more photos of this chic destination wedding below.