🌸.·:*¨¨*:·.♥.·:💮:·.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.🌸

please share in our joy

𝓖𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷 ℬ𝔂𝓻𝓷𝒆 & 𝓘𝓼𝓪𝓫𝒆𝓵𝓵𝓪 ℒ𝓾𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓸

were married today!
🌸.·:*¨¨*:·.♥.·:💮:·.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.🌸
 

Godfathers Salvatore Luciano, Marie Lucania & Jack Mezzo invite you to join us
as we celebrate the wedding of our Isabella Luciano and Gavin Byrne

Please feel free to leave your gifts & well wishes for the happy couple below.
And be sure to enjoy the delicious food, lively music, & dancing as the celebration goes on late into the night!

GAVIN & ISABELLA'S WEDDING ALBUM

.·:🌸  THE WEDDING CEREMONY 🌸 :·.

You're flown by private plane, commissioned by Godfather Salvatore Luciano, to Paris France where the wedding and reception of his eldest daughter take place. 

The location of the wedding is to honor Isabella's late mother who, according to rumors, had a romantic dream of visiting the city of Paris one day.  The church is decorated in beautiful white flowers native to the Canadian Providence of New Foundland in honor of Gavin's late mother who raised him and his sister.

The wedding event occurred at the world famous Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, a Roman Catholic Church.  Here Tara Byrne , Gavin's twin sister and the Right-Hand Man of Godfather Jack Mezzo of Southside Philidelphia, stands up for Gavin as the Best Man.

Isabella is proceeded down the aisle by her younger sister Eleonora Luciano who is the Left Hand Man of The Kuklinski Crime Family of Los Angeles and is escorted by her father Godfather Chairman Salvatore Luciano of Detroit.  

Gavin is dressed in a well-tailored black tuxedo.  It is breasted featuring one button jacket with a satin peak lapel.  A small white pocket square peaks out from his satin besom pocket.  His trousers are black of a matching material, held up under the coat by suspenders.  They do not feature cuffs.  The undershirt is white, collar turned down, and is pleated featuring studded buttons and matching cufflinks. His bow tie is black, satin and the vest inside cuts in a low v-shape and is fully-backed. His shoes are black patent, laced.

Isabella's gown is a stunning work of art made of white silk.  It is a ballgown silhouette featuring a fitted bodice and full skirt that billows outward like a cloud making the young Italian woman appear something of a fairytale princess. Its neckline is done in the Queen Ann style featuring a full/high back, and v-neck in the front with a collar that resembles a choker.  Danging in the opening above her breast is a brilliant heart-shaped diamond broach. The waistline of the gown is done in the basque v-shaped style putting an emphasis on her hips as she walks towards her future husband down the aisle.  The sleeves feature billowing caps and long lace sleeves which show the color of her flesh through them.  The train of her gown is cathedral length featuring just over six feet of silk fabric hand-embroidered with a variety of flowers and semi-precious stones.

After the ceremony is done in the traditional Roman Catholic fashion, the bride and groom depart from the church in a 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom Limousine Open Tourer.

.·:🌸  ARRIVING AT THE RECEPTION 🌸 :·.

You are taken from the hustle and bustle of Paris to the countryside.  Here you are welcomed by fountains, manicured gardens, hedge mazes and a moat - it is the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte, a privately owned property from the baroque period about thirty miles from Paris proper.

Once considered a 'small chateau' for King Louis XIV, three whole villages were demolished and it took 18 thousand workers to create this architectural/artistic/horticultural marvel that is the backdrop for the Byrne Wedding Reception.  

The newlyweds do not arrive until nearly dusk, a full two hours after everyone else arrives.  They have changed and while still in evening attire, have left their tuxedo and wedding gown at whatever location they had visited prior to arriving at the Chateau.  The arrival of Gavin and Isabella signals the end of casual mingling and the start of dinner.

.·:🌸  DINNER IS SERVED 🌸 :·.

Through the crowd, you move into the dining room.  Finding your seat an easy feat as every place setting is labeled.  Couples are seated together, as well as those who RSVP'd asking to be put in one place or another.  For the most part residents of each city are put with their crews and fellow residents of their respective cities... unless special requests were made to the contrary.  Godfathers, Dons, and Hands receive prime seating allowing them to feel comfortable and see all the comings and goings from the space.

Only one table remains empty and that is the table reserved for the Godfather of Delware City and his guests.  And if you had not noticed them before, you will no doubt see them now; the party is being watched over by a sea of armed guards hired by the Godfathers in attendance to ensure the party goes off without the slightest disruption.

Each table and place setting is a work of art featuring long stem red roses, candles, and golden chairs set before white and crimson place settings.  Atop your plate and charger is a menu letting you know your dinner choices so that you can select the one that sounds best to you.

 

мєиυ

»»-------------¤-------------««

 

SALAD

Fresh Baby Spinach
with Feta, Caramelized Onions, Candied Walnuts & Balsamic Vinaigrette

- OR -

Caesar Salad
with Croutons, Shaved Parmesan Cheese & Creamy Caesar Dressing

 

 

ENTREE SELECTIONS

Canadian Venison
Broiled Medallions with a velvety texture and flavor hinting of grass and cedar

- OR -

Herbed Chicken
Bone-In Cooked with Natural Juices and Fresh Herbs

- OR -

Broiled Filet Mignon
Accompanied by Mushroom and Cognac-Laced Green Peppercorn Demi-Glacé

 

 

DESSERT

Wedding cake sliced and served with the choice of chocolate or strawberry under sauce

 

»»-------------¤-------------««

 

 

.·:🌸 LET'S DANCE!!! 🌸 :·.

As dinner concluded the traditional father-daughter dance began.  While Isabella was spun around the floor by Salvatore Luciano, whispering words of affection and wisdom at every turn, Marie stood up and walked over to Gavin and offered to dance with him.  The familial couples moved about the floor until the end of the song when Salvatore gave his daughter one final kiss and then took his wife's hand to leave the newly weds to their first dance.

Before the band could begin, however, Godfather Joe Ligambi rose from his seat and tapped his glass with his butter knife.  It caused the whole room to fall silent.  It was then he announced his need to give his very special wedding gift before the first dance of the newlyweds.  Walking up to the stage he took the mic and told a brief story about having dinner one night in a Las Vegas Casino with a talented young singer who, as fortune would have it, upon hearing that Joe's niece and her future husband had chosen one of his songs for their first dance - was eager to come and sing it for them personally. 

Isabella began to shake with excitement, already thanking Joe from the dance floor where Gavin kept hold of her sides for fear she would faint as the Godfather introduced his surprise guest and wedding gift to the happy couple - singing "How Deep Is The Ocean" Mr. Bing Crosby!  A smile that had been splitting her face all day, had somehow gotten even bigger as Joe came down and accepted hug & kiss from Isabella and a handshake from Gavin.

Once Joe cleared the dance floor the song began, cheek to cheek & locked in an embrace that looked as if it might never end, Gavin and Isabella moved gracefully across the dance floor.  After their first dance as man and wife, Bing left the stage to a deafening roar of applause, pausing to wish Gavin & Isabella health, wealth and many long years of happiness before leaving to return to his hotel in Paris.

The distraction of Bing's departure allowed the musicians of Troubadour Records time to set up and after a few standards, a new crooner took the stage, Mr. Alexander Knight.  Many of the younger females in the crowd made a fuss upon seeing music's hottest rising star who, like Bing, was far beyond needing to do Wedding Receptions and so it had to be known that he was here as a personal favor to the Bride and Groom.  And considering the way that Alexander seemed to only have eyes for the bride, all-but serenading her and the groom alone, it would see that was the case.  It was a fact that made the single women in the crowd, strangely, only want to get his attention more.  A gaggle of women seemed to constantly be swooning at the foot of the stage and when he took breaks, following him around.  Even for those who weren't music fans, it was very clear that Alexander's music and good looks were taking him places!

.·:🌸 LATE INTO THE NIGHT 🌸 :·.

Dancing and drinking continue by those with the energy to do it, but many of the older couples take to the tables and begin talking - preferring to watch the young delight in the fanciful location and conditions of the night which is unseasonably warm and clear allowing everyone to see a sea of stars above them and 10,000 tiny candle lights all around the grounds making a sea of lights below.  Some walk in the gardens enjoying the twinkling glow of these tiny lights, others explore the chateau looking for quiet corners & empty rooms to pursue their own romantic conquests.  

One table that never seems to be empty is that of Salvatore Luciano who, as Father of the Bride, is honoring an age-old Sicilian tradition of granting requests of those who came as guests to his daughter's wedding.  Watching as person after person made a bee-line for Sal's table, Isabella almost felt bad for her father... almost.  She knew that anyone who was too unreasonable would be remembered, and only a fool wanted a Godfather to remember you in that sort of way.

As Isabella and Gavin began to grow increasingly weary from their long day, Salvatore took a moment to give an order that leads the wedding party out onto the veranda overlooking the gardens... and there, his final gift of the night for his daughter and new son was put on display.  The night sky was lit on fire with brilliant fireworks in every hue imaginable. 

Soon the happy couple would be leaving, but before they do - there was still time to mingle and socialize with their guests...

Congrats

As the fireworks lit the night sky from time-to-time, Marie sat holding the Aurora.  The child was oo'ing and ah'ing and laughing when each one bursting into colorful blooms.  Marie grinned and pointed to the sky to show her daughter one that had just been launched as it climbed higher and higher, it suddenly exploded and Aurora clapped her hands in delight.  With matching delight Marie looked up at her husband who still was surrounded by many people asking for favors and justice.  For a moment their eyes meet and her heart warmed at the connection they shared between them.  

Marie had spent countless hours shopping for the perfect dress for tonight.  She wanted elegance, slightly daring, but nothing that would overshadow her daughter on this evening.  She had finally settled on a red halter dress that was gathered around the neck and formed a T in the back that left her shoulder blades bare.  It was form fitting with parallel lines of buttons running down the back from below the shoulders down to her hips with the material flowing elegantly down to the ground.

Occasionally someone would approach her.  Many of the women would coo over the baby, but men also came by to pay their respects to the Godmother.  She would greet each warmly regardless of past issues that may have been between them.  This night all are given hospitality.

A moment without Gavin at her side gave Bella the perfect opportunity to sneak over and steal a moment with Marie_Lucania.  Bella wore her evening attire, a simple little white dress , and sat down beside the resplendent Godmother of Chicago and her baby.  

"The most beautiful woman in the whole room."  She said, clearly to her sister Aurora.  "One day we'll all dance at your wedding and the memory of mine will pale beside your big day... mark my words!"  

She offered to take her and embraced the littlest Luciano who was already looking heavy-lidded.  "She's had a very big day..."  Bella said.  "How are you holding up?  Have you and dad had a chance to dance much yet?"  She glanced at her father who looked more handsome than he ever had before.

"I'd be happy to sit with Aurora for a bit and let you have a chance to get out there if you like.  I think Gavin will be a few minutes and this will give folks a chance to come to talk with me if they wanted to.  It's no trouble... really."  She nuzzled the baby's soft skin.  "We girls need time together too you know!"  She said more to Aurora than to Marie, speaking in a high pitched voice the way people did when talking to babies who were too little to know one word from another.

Marie looked a bit relieved at the offer.  She had another nanny that she could have come take the baby, but Marie still had hesitations when it came to handing the baby over to someone other than family.  She knew it was illogical and a necessity in her line of work, but it did not stop the panic from gripped her heart each time she left her baby with the nanny. 

"Are you sure?"  

Isabella responded in the affirmative and Marie gave her a grateful smile.  "Thank you," Marie told her before she stood to go drag her husband from the milling group out to the area that had been set aside for dancing.  The dance was slow and Marie would often lay her head on Lucky's shoulder as they talked softly to each other.  These moments were rare and she relished in them when they occurred.

The evening had already been one to remember.  Eleonora had enjoyed every moment of it with her sister.  It had been only fitting that she do so after everything they had been through, even before they realized they were related.  And Gavin...  Well she already considered Gavin her brother even before Isabella chose him and made it true by marriage.  Ellie was all smiles and grace tonight.  She greeted guests and mingled with those that had come to Paris with them to enjoy this momentous occasion.  The ceremony, the dinner, the dancing, the locale... Everything had been absolutely perfect for Isabella and Gavin's joining, as it should be!  Excitement abounded as the younger Luciano flitted from person to person greeting those and chatting with others.  She was dressed elegantly in a floor length dress of crimson.  It was a color she didn't don often, but tonight it was done in honor of her sister.  It still held the same glitter and sequined appearance that she seemed so fond of.  Her long blonde locks were done up in a dainty bun at the back of her head with a few pieces left down to frame her petite face.  Her smile was never far from her lips and her eyes sparkled with the joy of this evening.

She spent much of the night at the side of one young Godfather that hailed from Chicago...  Just nights before they had met with entirely different intentions, but tonight they laughed and chatted the evening away together.  It was clear that the young lady was very pleased to be in his company as long as he'd have her this evening.  But at one point when the time for casual mingling and fireworks was upon them, Ellie slipped away and moved to the side of her sister and her handsome husband.  Ellie curtsied in a gentle manner before looking up to her sister with a glittered mischief in her eye.  She knew how silly the motion was often taken, as if she thought she were a maiden out of some medieval story.  But knowing Ellie it was likely that she did.  "Congratulations you both, if I haven't already said it tonight...  All of this..."  She waved to the area around them framed by fireworks, and attended by all their friends and family.  "Absolutely spot on."  She giggled softly as her gaze swept around the area.  One might wonder if she sought something in particular or if she was simply taking it in.  She smiled as she returned her attention to the beloved couple before a particularly pretty firework caught her attention.  She gasped gently, her eyes wide in a childlike wonder.  "Did you see that one?"  Oh Ellie...

She kissed the top of the dark-haired girl's head, inhaling the scent of baby powder and soap.  Babies had a weird way of enticing one to just enjoy sounds and smells - Bella wasn't immune. 

Gavin rejoined her with a kiss on her cheek and a moment later, Elie approached and with a bobbed curtsey.  Bella couldn't help but chuckle at it and she offered her kid sister a seat just as a big firework exploded above them to the gasps of a stunned crowd.  Some folks even applauded... the firework had taken up almost all of her line of sight! 

"Oh, that was a big one!"  She said to the baby who startled at the sound of the explosion.  She gently swayed to the sound of AlexanderKnight singing in hopes of soothing Aurora who wasn't as fond of such a massive explosion. 

As she listened to the words he sang, she smiled at the memory it called up and whispered along with the singer so quietly that only the baby would hear,  "It's only things you can't explain... that make us human."  

She looked to Eleonora_Luciano with a smile, "So... Jason, eh?"  She said arching an eyebrow above her big brown eyes.  "What's the story there?  Does he like women who can put him in his place or is this just a situation where you're bailing out a nice guy who needed a date for my wedding?"

Bella liked to tease Elie, she knew that Elie was a sensible and modest young woman and had always been the more 'tame' of the two of them... innocent really, but Bella also felt it was her duty to not only keep her safe but ensure she had fun too!  So, teasing served many purposes really.  In this case, it was fishing for intelligence on the subject of Elie's love life.  It seemed since her bachelorette party, a lot had happened!  Speaking of which ... she looked around for Tara and William_Bowden wondering if they were somewhere together.  Sometimes she felt she had to have a flow chart to keep track of who was with whom one week to the next - as if she were one to speak!

Bella pulled Aurora tight to her and allowed the baby to tuck her head into the space where her neck met her shoulder so the child could begin to drift off to sleep if she could with all the noise and light.

Jason couldn't believe how all out they went for this wedding it was amazing, the ceremony was beautiful of course to the surprise of no one and it was hard to find a dry eye in the place. Moving on to the reception the place was gorgeous, after dropping off his wedding gift for the new bride and groom Jason spent most of his time with a familiar face the lovely Eleonora_Luciano they were side by side throughout most of the night talking and laughing and as it seemed a running thing between the two excited to dance the night away at some point. While at one point Ellie ran off to the newly weds Jason went of to find some familiar faces and mingle a bit as well. 

He bumped into Marie_Lucania to give her his congratulations and had a drink with her as it was rare they had a night off to enjoy something other than business, it made Jason think back to when he first approached Marie and she gave him his first chance in Chicago and how far they'd come since. Jason proceeded to find another one of his mentors during the night Joseph_Ligambi or as he always called him Uncle Joe he chatted with him for a good while and had a good laugh as he always did when they spoke. He finally saw Isabella-Luciano not swarmed by people so he took the opportunity to give his congratulations. "Bella!!! this has been such a beautiful day I'm so happy and honored to be here how does it feel to finally tie the knot? I'm sure at least a little relieved that the big day finally has arrived?"

"Speaking of the devil..."  She said with a smile for JasonLeeScott  "Were your ears burning?  I was just asking Elie to tell me all the details about the two of you coming here together tonight - which, by the way, I'm so glad to see.  Thank you for coming to our wedding.  We're honored you were able to make time to join us.  Please have a seat and join us!"

She adjusted Aurora on her lap as the baby seemed unwilling to nod off just yet.  She smiled down at her little sister who was now reaching for a red napkin to play with.  Seeing no harm in this, Bella let the baby put it into her mouth and suck on its corner.

"And yes, of course, I'm pleased to now be Mrs. Bella Byrne."  She looked at Gavin and smiled fondly.  "It's been a long and winding road to this day but well worth the wait."

Under the table, she put her foot beside his, touching but not moving.

"So... is the seven cities tournament the end of your boxing careers?"  She said looking to Eleonora_Luciano and Jason.  "Or are you both looking forward to whatever might come along next?"

Ellie grinned brightly to her sister as she eagerly took a seat beside her.  She nodded a happy greeting to Gavin and Marie as well as she joined them.  Yet as she did, she listened to her sister ask about Jason and the choice here, not to mention the story.  She felt her cheeks pinken and she bit her lip gently.  Yet before she could manage to get out a reply, the very young man of which the conversation had turned to made an appearance.  She looked up to him and found that familiar flutter in her chest.  He hadn't noticed her quite yet she figured, so she just allowed herself to look.  It panged her a little but the after affects of their bout were still evident.  She still sported a little bit of a cut upon her face, but he had definitely come across worse than she.  She really needed to watch that.  As Izzy invited him to take a seat with them, she nodded eagerly and patted the spot next to her in a fairly gleeful manner.  

Giggling softly at Isabella's question as to whether or not his ears had been burning, she nodded a little in agreement that they had indeed begun engaging in such a conversation.  She was rather glad he had arrived though, as she wasn't entirely sure how to answer Izzy's question.  Her heart had leapt rather suddenly and she was finding more and more that she was loving to spend time with him.  The more the better since her bachelorette party!  She beamed softly as Izzy spoke of her pleasure at being the new Mrs. Byrne.  It pleased Ellie to no end too, which was completely evident upon her face. 

Briefly distracted by their younger sister, Ellie reached over and began to play with Aurora as well.

Jason looked a little surprised "Haha no I was talking with Uncle Joe he was making fun of me as usual before I saw you guys weren't being mobbed so I figured it would be a good chance to give you my heartfelt congratulations! Well I think Ellie decided to give her punching bag a night off and let him accompany the prettiest girl with the exception of the bride to the wedding. Oh the honor is all mine when I first came to this place I never even thought I'd be able to be a waiter at an event such as this let alone a privileged guest."

Jason waved to Aurora and shook Gavin's hand as well "I'm sure this is but one of many of the upcoming happy and celebratory moments of your love for each other." 

"As far as boxing goes I would definitely like to keep fighting back home I always trained in martial arts so it was nice to get back to a training regiment and compete again, boxing is a little to new to me but was quite enjoyable though I think I'd much rather be in Ellie's corner than on the opposite side of the ring of her though a new sparring partner does seem quite nice if I can keep up with the champ of course" Jason gave Eleonora_Luciano a playful nudge. 

Eleonora watched and listened quietly to the back and forth between her sister and Jason over the boxing plans and congratulations and such as she played quietly with Aurora.  She grinned just a tad, finding herself pleased despite herself by his words.  She felt her cheeks pinken just a tad, but she did recall her sister saying the word 'careers', indicating that the question was directed at her as well.  She furrowed her brows just a tad, but listened quietly to Jason's response.  Her gaze moved over to him and she smiled with a warmth that seemed reserved for him lately.  She flushed a bit more as he spoke of him being her punching bag and such and she playfully swatted his arm in response.  But she couldn't help the way her smile grew as he praised her beauty, speaking of her allowance of him accompanying her to this beautiful event.  "I'm just glad you asked..."  She admitted quietly.  And if she was being honest, she'd have Jason in her corner any day.  Hands down.  It was good to keep good people around you, and Jason was certainly among them.

She tilted her head a tad as she thought about her own answer a little before allowing her voice to be heard.  "Honestly I'm not sure...  This tournament...  It was a rush and an eye opener...  But I've found something I'm good at that I'm not sure I want to be good at..."  She looked slightly troubled but shook it off a little.  That was an issue that she had to wrestle with later.  "But that's a decision for another day.  What happened was...  Incredible.  Beyond what I could dream of and boxing...  It's quite the sport to be sure.  Thankfully I don't think any lasting injuries came from it."  Her hand came up almost unconsciously to gently touch Jason's cheek.  Yea she didn't really have boundaries, unless they were put there that is.  But she doubted he'd object for now.

The invitation had come as a surprise, a pleasant surprise and was as tangible a reminder that inter-city relations were at an all-time high.  The biggest decision to be made however was what to wear.  Despite all the usual protestations that women had the hardest time ever deciding what to wear in situations like these, Artie had a tricky choice.  Blend in with the crowd in a classic pin stripe suit or make an obvious nod to his Scottish ancestry by donning his kilt.  There had been times in his past where he had seen African dignitaries visiting New York wearing their national dress.  Artie had been jealous of…he thought bravery but maybe that wasn’t right…confidence perhaps?  It took him a minute but then it came to him.  Their pride in saying “This is where I am from” had made him jealous.  He had gone to his wardrobe and pulled out his kilt.
The discussion about a plus one was a moot point, he would have Long_Island_Lolita there with him and if she was being whisked away he would happily find a corner to people watch.

When the day arrived, Artie put his kilt on.  It was a purple and navy kilt with a traditional navy blue formal jacket and bowtie.  He met Lolita outside her hotel room and took a taxi to the venue.  Lolita had looked perfect as always, her hair behaving like a compliant toddler on the cusp of losing all toys and being sent to its room.  She had chosen a beautiful light blue dress and high heels which made her legs look like they stretched for miles. 

The ceremony had been a triumph and as lavish an occasion as he had ever seen, literally paling some European royal weddings into insignificance.  The reception venue was astonishing in its original decadence and in any other venue would be overshadowed by the opulence of the occasion. 

Artie walked arm in arm with Lolita surveying the venue and the guests; nodding a polite hello to faces he recognised in passing.  Mental notes were made to catch up with some of them later.  A passing waiter offering glasses of champagne to guests hovered close to Artie so he picked two glasses and handed one to Lolita.

We should find the happy couple.

Lolita holds onto Artie's arm firmly as they approach the couple to offer their congratulations.  She can't stop staring at Artie though.  He looks so handsome in his kilt, and she feels like the luckiest woman in the room.  After they finish with the obviously besotted newlyweds, Artie_Bucco whisks her off to the dance floor.  

I'm so happy you asked me to join you today.  I'm having such a lovely time.  She says as she is twirled around the room gracefully.