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A Dreamy Destination Wedding in Florence, Italy

  |  By Carrie MacPherson

Sabrina and Stevens met through a mutual friend (who tried to play match-maker) when they had both recently become single. At the time, neither of them were ready to start a new relationship, and it was only when, a year and a half later, their paths crossed at an event during Montreal fashion week, that the sparks flew. "After our first date, we knew that we were only at the start of a long adventure," Sabrina shares. "Soon I met Stevens’ two kids, we then had two of our own, and our adventure ended up taking us all the way to Florence, Italy, for our wedding."

As part of their destination wedding, the love birds organized a 10-day European cruise, with stops in Italy, Spain and France, with 120 of their nearest and dearest. It was during the stopover in Florence that everyone disembarked to transfer to the Villa La Vedetta—a grand villa where many movies have been filmed—known for having one of the most spectacular views in Italy. "We wanted a place that needed little added decoration and lots of green space. A building that told a story, kind of like our relationship. We are a rebuilt family unit with 4 children, a family full of imperfections, but solid and with a past," the bride shares. "We also chose Italy out of our love for its legendary culture, artistic heritage, picturesque architecture, hearty meals and good wine. A feast for both the belly and the eyes. Love, Italian-style… la Bella Vita!"

The song they chose for their first dance as husband and wife was "Only For You" by Phyllisia Ross, an artist of Haitian descent, just like the couple. "She is an artist who follows her heart, a lover of life and an activist for world peace," Sabrina shares. "It was important to us that everything in our marriage was chosen with care and according to our values."

"It was the result of 2 years of planning that materialized. 120 guests, from: New York, Florida, Haiti, Canada, Spain and beyond, whom had followed us to Europe for 10 days to share the happiest day of our lives," Stevens shares. "It was very moving to see them smile and be happy for us. Dressed in pastel colors, they all had a beautiful white fan in their hand to beat the heat, courtesy of my wife. Our guests were elegant and the decor was minimalist, given the natural beauty of the place. It was picture perfect!"

Photography courtesy of Blushing Bride Studio.

DETAILS Venue: Hotel Villa La Vedetta Wedding planner: Marilyn Signature Bridal gown: Ami-Fer from Plaza St-Hubert
Bridal shoes: Badgley Mischka
Groom's tux: Baggi Montreal
Groom's shoes: Hugo Boss
Logistics: Yves-line Brunache and Rosie and Daisherling Cadet Bridal bouquet and corsage: Lelili Fleurs
Hair and makeup: Ingrid Chery from Achaia Select
MC: Goofy Welldone
Travel agency: Croisières Pour Tous

This article was originally published on Jun 11, 2020
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