Giselle Palladino & Jamie Huza
Married
Apr 15, 2023
Charlotte ,
North Carolina
Photo Credit
Summer Brooke Photography
Style Guide
Color Palette
Style
Formal, Whimsical
Season
Spring
The Proposal
Giselle had just moved from Charlotte to Greensboro when she met Jamie and his adorable Goldendoodle puppy, Lincoln. Jamie’s grand plan to have Lincoln serve as his wingman worked, and soon Giselle and Jamie (and Lincoln) became inseparable. A year later all three moved back to Charlotte and envisioned a future together. Since their relationship began with long talks while walking Lincoln, it was fitting that Jamie chose to propose on one of their daily strolls around Romare Bearden Park. With a photographer secretly waiting to capture the moment, Jamie dropped down on one knee and asked Giselle to marry him.
In Preparation
Giselle and Jamie knew they wanted a springtime ceremony at St. Peter Catholic Church, the oldest church in Charlotte, and a nod to the couple’s love of Queen City. The bride’s mom suggested they tour and consider Duke Mansion for their reception. The couple agreed the beautiful outdoor gardens, southern charm, and elegant decor would ensure a stunning post-nuptial celebration. Another top priority was booking the same photographer who captured their engagement, Summer Brooke Photography. Sarah Duckworth Events helped bring their wedding vision to life by incorporating a light and airy aesthetic with hints of blues and greens. Giselle and Sarah connected immediately through their shared attention to detail and collaborated famously on the overall design. Even the invitation suite by Olive Paper captured Giselle’s style – highlighting both the Charlotte skyline and the historic Duke Mansion.
The Big Day
Giselle and Jamie exchanged vows in a Victorian Gothic church surrounded by skyscrapers; a setting that was both traditional and modern, just like the couple. They included many meaningful, personal details throughout their wedding day. Giselle honored her late maternal grandmother by attaching her pearl brooch to the bridal bouquet. She was also the fourth-generation bride to wear her great-grandmother’s handkerchief tucked into her sleeve. To complement these details, Giselle wore a whimsical yet classic Mon Bijou Bridal ball gown from Savvy Bride Boutique. A rare 1991 Nissan Figaro named Charlotte the Figgy delivered the couple to the Duke Mansion in style. The Carolina Royal Strings were already playing as guests discovered handwritten notes from the bride and groom inside their escort cards. One of the bridesmaids, Jennie Eastman, owner of Help Yourself Cookies, baked and decorated the sweetest cookies in place of seating cards and also served as favors. A plated dinner was served surrounded by spring blossoms under a clear tent. Family and friends played yard games like corn hole, which was hand-painted in the couple’s alma mater colors. The gluten-free floral-adorned wedding cake, a divine lemon flavor with coconut buttercream frosting, matched the flowers on Giselle’s ceremony gown. Late night treats included ice cream sundae shots and donut holes. The groom’s favorite Greensboro band, The Finns, ensured the dance floor was swinging all night long.
The Retreat
The newlyweds traveled to Thailand for their honeymoon and worked with Exotic Voyages, who specialize in Southeast Asian travel, to plan an unforgettable itinerary. They began their trip in Bangkok, visiting temples and street markets followed by a local cooking class and a day at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. They loved staying at the intimate Na Nirand Romantic Boutique there and took full advantage of the incredible spa services. Giselle and Jamie’s favorite experience was visiting Koh Yai Noi, a remote island off the coast of Phuket where they booked accommodations with a private pool at TreeHouse Villa. One night, Jamie surprised his wife with dinner along the beach to ring in her 29th birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Huza ended their journey in Phuket for uninterrupted, oceanside relaxation.
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