WedLuxe Magazine Winter/Spring 2016 Toronto & Eastern Canada | Page 151

photography by Art Haus foto MELISSA JOEY and A B L A C K- T I E R E C E P T I O N C O M P L E T E W I T H A “ C H A N D E L I E R G A R D E N ” M elissa galifi and joey fuda first entered each other’s lives twelve years ago. what began with platonic saturday church and sushi dates with her brother’s best friend blossomed into a relationship and they began dating in 2008. At the end of February 2014, the couple embarked on a relaxing vacation in Grenada but unbeknownst to Melissa, Joey had another intention for the trip! On their second day, he whisked her away to an incredible cliffside villa under the guise of taking a private cooking class—the couple are big foodies. However, Melissa suspected that there was something else afoot. “It was so hot and Joey insisted on wearing long pants and a long sleeve dress shirt. I couldn’t figure out why,” says Melissa. They were enjoying their beautiful surroundings when out of nowhere, a dance crew came out and performed a bombastic version of Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” Then, “The Prayer,” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli was played before Joey dropped to one knee and proposed. The wedding took place on August 1, 2015 in Toronto, Ontario. Candice Chan and Alison Slight of candice&alison events group designed, planned, and managed the entire celebration. Melissa said “I Do” in a custom gown by Ines Di Santo that was purchased through kleinfeld hudson’s bay. The strapless ball gown featured a crystal beaded bodice and a skirt adorned with ostrich feathers. Her Ines Di Santo veil had dainty crystal detailing along the edges to complement her gown. The blush pink bridesmaids dresses were custom-made. Todd Kjargaard of jackie o produced the floral designs for the event. Melissa’s bouquet was a bounty of white majolica spray roses with the stems delicately wrapped in a blush satin ribbon and accented with rose gold lace. The couple were wed at the magnificent st. paul’s basilica in downtown Toronto. www.wedl u xe.com 151