WEDDING IDEAS

History buff Cheri always dreamed of marrying in a place where one of her ancestors was raised. "Italy was the perfect choice," Cheri says. "It would celebrate Jason‘s Italian heritage, and the Catholic side of my family."

"Our ceremony was at the Vatican! As in the St. Peter‘s!" says Cheri, who wore a gown by Vera Wang. "I‘m actually quite shy, and here I was, being blessed by the Pope, in front of thousands of people!" (Note: There are extensive requirements for Vatican weddings. See www.SantaSusanna.org.)

Instead of a bouquet, Cheri carried her grandmother‘s missal, covered with flowers.

The festivities began the night before the ceremony at the Columbus Hotel (the Vatican doesn‘t allow practice sessions). Pink peonies decorated the candlelit dinner, and a traditional Italian sheet cake was served to the 20 guests. After the 10:30 a.m. ceremony at St. Peter‘s, everyone retired to the Hassler Hotel for a celebratory luncheon.

Framed wedding photos of the pair‘s ancestors adorned the long table. "It brought it back to why we were there," Cheri says. "In the end, it‘s all about heritage."

The perfect favors to end this magical Italian celebration? Roman Holiday DVDs, of course. "When in Rome," Cheri says, laughing.

Cheri & Jason in Rome, Italy

Cheri and Jason's wedding was a traditional, heritage-focused affair.

Photos By: Raffaele Fazioli

Event Planning: Brenda Babcock, Italia-Celebrations.com
Location: Columbus Hotel

A chance meeting at a department store led to romance and an even more romantic wedding in Italy.

The Bride: Cheri Mettille
The Groom: Jason Garick
The Date: June 1

Cheri Mettille was a good saleswoman -- so good that when she chatted up Jason Garick from behind a men's cosmetics counter at Barneys in New York (he was allegedly there to meet a friend), he left with a ton of skin-care products and her number. Six years later, Cheri had moved on to Internet marketing at Clarins, but Jason was still in the picture. And, in the comfort of their living room, he proposed.

-- Kathleen Murray