A Note from The Genovese Studio
Three magical days in Venice to celebrate Charlotte & Martino! Day One kicked off with the civil ceremony… and a little rain. But instead of spoiling the day, it became part of the fun! With smiles on their faces, the couple embraced the weather and we all danced and laughed under the raindrops. Day Two was all about welcoming the guests with a stylish welcome cocktail on the enchanting Isola di San Servolo, filled with conversations, toasts, and good vibes. And then came Day Three, the grand finale: a symbolic wedding ceremony at Cipriani, where every detail, every light, and every emotion made the day unforgettable. Three days, three different moments, one thing in common: Charlotte & Martino’s love, authentic and contagious.
Looking back on it all still fills us with joy. We had the most wonderful time working on these four days in Venice, and it’s honestly a privilege to work with people like them, who turned even the unexpected (yes, even the rain!) into a beautiful memory. Thank you for letting us be part of your story.
The Bride’s Interview
“Venetian Love Story: Charlotte & Martino’s Four-Day Celebration”
Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A. Venetian Love Story: Charlotte & Martino’s Four-Day Celebration. Charlotte and Martino curated a romantic, timeless wedding weekend in the heart of Venice, Italy – a city that holds deep meaning for Martino, who spent his childhood summers at his Nonna’s Venetian home. Their vision was to weave authentic Venetian charm into every detail, blending classic elegance with modern touches that reflected their New York City roots. The festivities began with an intimate civil ceremony at the iconic Palazzo Cavalli, perched on the Grand Canal. Charlotte stunned in a chic three-piece Dolce & Gabbana white suit paired with bold red Prada pumps – a stylish nod to Italian fashion as she wed her Italian love. Guests were welcomed with an “Italian Chic” soirée on the serene island of San Servolo, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend. The wedding day unfolded at the legendary Hotel Cipriani, where perfection reigned in hues of white, blush pink, and soft peach across the ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. The evening culminated in a surprise after-party—Club Asaro—draped in red and black velvet, pulsing with energy thanks to DJ Sam Young. To close the celebration, Charlotte and Martino hosted a Recovery Beach Day at the glamorous Hotel Excelsior on Lido, introducing guests to Venice’s hidden seaside gem. No photos were taken, but the experience was pure bliss. Throughout the weekend, traditional Italian elements were thoughtfully interwoven, creating a celebration that honored heritage while embracing contemporary sophistication—a true Venetian dream brought to life.
Q: Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
A: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Glamour. The ceremony was pure sophistication – white roses everywhere, masterfully arranged by the talented Evelina Florence. Rustic wooden chairs lined the aisle as a four-string quartet played softly, setting a romantic, timeless tone. The bride captivated in a delicate white lace gown with a dramatic veil, perfectly paired with the groom’s classic black Canali tuxedo and Prada velvet loafers. For the reception, blush and pink florals added warmth and charm, cascading across king tables and spilling gracefully from the bar. Behind the couple stood a breathtaking floral installation – an unforgettable centerpiece in the space. Flickering candles infused intimacy and romance, creating the atmosphere the couple dreamed of. As night fell, the celebration transformed. The after-party embraced a sexy New York City club aesthetic, complete with rich red and black velvet accents. This bold, glamorous shift reflected the couple’s vibrant personalities, delivering an iconic finale to an extraordinary Venetian celebration.
“Florals That Told a Story”
Q: What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
A: Florals That Told a Story. Every event in Charlotte and Martino’s Venetian celebration was defined by its florals – each arrangement chosen with intention and artistry. For the civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli, classic red roses set a passionate tone. The welcome party embraced pale yellow blooms, evoking warmth and Italian sunshine. On the wedding day, white roses became the signature element, symbolizing purity and elegance, while pink and blush florals added softness to the cocktail hour and dinner reception. For the after-party at Club Asaro, towering lush green plants introduced depth and dimension, transforming the space into a chic, vibrant lounge. From bold reds to delicate pastels and verdant greens, the floral design seamlessly reflected the couple’s vision – timeless romance with a modern edge.
Q: Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A: Personalized Touches & Unforgettable Moments. Charlotte and Martino infused their celebration with thoughtful details that made every event feel uniquely theirs. After the civil ceremony, guests enjoyed lunch adorned with custom “That’s Amore” napkins – a playful nod the couple still uses daily. The welcome party elevated the experience with personalized coasters, welcome totes, menus, and napkins, setting the tone for an extraordinary weekend. On the wedding day, bespoke elements continued with ceremony programs, elegant linens, and bold Club Asaro signage, all curated to reflect their vision of tasteful customization. The weekend was filled with magical moments the couple will cherish forever: capturing iconic photos with Serena while boating through Venice’s canals; a live saxophonist serenading guests between dinner courses; watching loved ones arrive by water taxi, their smiles etched in memory; decorating the mille-feuille wedding cake live – the most delicious cake of their lives; locking eyes while walking down the aisle, followed by an unexpected dip when Martino’s cousin, officiating in Italian, declared, “You may kiss the bride”; and DJ Sam Young setting the vibe at both the welcome party and wedding day celebrations. Every detail, every laugh, every note of music came together to create a wedding weekend that was as personal as it was spectacular.
Q. Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look? Describe the looks in detail.
A: For Charlotte, fashion was a cornerstone of the celebration—and every look paid homage to Italian design. Civil Ceremony: Charlotte stunned in a crisp white Dolce & Gabbana suit paired with bold red Prada pumps, while Martino opted for a custom blue Suitsupply suit with classic Italian loafers. Welcome Party: Charlotte embraced a playful, mermaid-inspired vibe in a pink sequined midi dress by The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel, complemented by blue crystal Amina Muaddi wedges – one of her favorite designers. Martino kept it cool in a custom green linen Suitsupply suit, perfect for the lagoon backdrop. Wedding Day: Charlotte wowed in a romantic lace gown and veil by Zuhair Murad, paired with nude Amina Muaddi pumps, while Martino looked timeless in a black Canali suit and Prada loafers. For the after-party, Charlotte turned heads in a chic corset mini dress, bringing high-energy glamour to the dance floor. A standout moment? The bride’s mother graced the wedding day in a breathtaking Dolce & Gabbana black lace gown adorned with pink and red florals – a look as iconic as the celebration itself.
“Charlotte and Martino’s journey began in London, where they met while studying abroad in the fall of 2014”
Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: A Love Story That Spans Continents. Charlotte and Martino’s journey began in London, where they met while studying abroad in the fall of 2014. Both attended Fordham University, and their paths crossed as they pursued their business degrees overseas. What started as a chance meeting blossomed into a decade-long love story. After returning to New York, the couple built a life together in Manhattan, sharing unforgettable experiences and adventures. In the spring of 2022, Martino planned an incredible proposal in Taormina, Sicily, overlooking the shimmering Ionian Sea from an ancient Greek theater. Intimate, breathtaking, and deeply personal, it was the perfect beginning to their next chapter.
“The Most Special Moment: Every Moment”
Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A: The Most Special Moment: Every Moment. For Charlotte and Martino, the magic wasn’t confined to a single event – it was the entire four-day celebration. From the romantic civil ceremony at Palazzo Cavalli, to the Italian Chic welcome party, the breathtaking Hotel Cipriani wedding day, the glamorous Club Asaro after-party, and the relaxing beach party, every detail reflected their love story and personalities. They cherished the personalized touches, from custom napkins and signage to bespoke linens, and reveled in iconic fashion moments featuring Italian designers. The floral artistry, from bold red roses to cascading blush arrangements, set the tone for elegance and intimacy. And the unforgettable experiences – boating through Venice for forever photos, the live saxophonist during dinner, and the surprise dip at “You may kiss the bride” – are memories engraved in their hearts. A huge part of making this dream weekend possible? Working with the absolute best wedding planners in Venice – K Luxury, led by Elisa and her incredible team. Their creativity, precision, and passion transformed every vision into reality, making the experience seamless and truly unforgettable. Equally essential was the artistry of Letizia, the hair and makeup expert whose calm energy and flawless execution ensured Charlotte looked and felt her most radiant throughout the celebrations. The most special moment? Taking it all in together – every smile, every laugh, every flicker of candlelight – knowing this weekend was a true reflection of their love and the life they’ve built.
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Wedding Wisdom. Planning advice from Charlotte and Martino’s celebration emphasizes three essentials: Give yourself time – two years between engagement and wedding allowed for thoughtful planning and a stress-free experience. Choose exceptional planners – the couple entrusted K Luxury, led by Elisa and her outstanding team, who proved to be the secret ingredient behind the flawless execution of the wedding weekend. Value family support – the mother of the bride played an integral role, offering hands-on guidance and heartfelt involvement throughout the process. Charlotte and Martino enjoyed every moment – from planning to the wedding itself – and now begin married life happier than ever.
Q: Review of the Bride at The Genovese Studio
A: Serena is truly in a league of her own. She photographed my wedding weekend in Venice, Italy and I am absolutely obsessed with her, her work, and every single photo she captured during the most special weekend of my life. From the moment she arrived, she made me feel comfortable, radiant, and genuinely celebrated. Her energy is unreal – fun, warm, professional, and somehow everywhere at once in the best possible way. Her entire team is a dream. The photos she delivered are nothing short of breathtaking. She captured every magical moment with such intention and artistry. Serena is hands down the most extraordinary photographer I’ve ever worked with – her work is iconic, cinematic, and truly timeless. I cannot wait to work with Serena again. I already know I’ll book multiple shoots with her throughout my life, because once you’ve experienced her talent, you simply can’t imagine going to anyone else. She is that incredible.
Vendor Credits
Photography | The Genovese Studio
Event Planner | K Luxury
Linens and Coverings | Set up my table
Beauty | Letizia Cordella
Event Venue | Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Florist | Evelina Florence Flowers
