Local Love – Alexandra & Jacob at Franchesco’s Ristorante

Alexandra and Jacob met through mutual family and friends and stayed in consistent communication with each other over the years, though the timing was never quite right for anything more, until they realized they literally lived across the street from each other! They quickly began dating and found they had tons of fun together. The pair love quoting movie lines and have a shared passion for music— Jacob plays guitar in a country band and Alexandra loves going to their live shows. With all they had in common and the love they felt for each other, a wedding seemed like the perfect next step.

The couple decided to get married at Janesville Rotary Botanic Gardens in Wisconsin because they loved the romantic garden setting. Alexandra described the Sunken Garden where they chose to exchange vows, “It was private from the rest of the gardens and made you feel like you were in another country.” For their reception, they brought the party back to their Chicagoland hometown and celebrated at Franchesco’s Ristorante, owned by Alexandra’s great-uncle. Alexandra and Jacob both have large families, so they were really excited to be able to bring everyone together to celebrate in one place. They kept the décor simple and formal with a white, black, and silver color palette, enhanced with plenty of sparkle. One of the highlights of their reception was the food, which is fitting as Alexandra comes from an Italian family and she and Jacob both really enjoy a good meal. In addition to the delectable dinner menu, Alexandra’s family made cookies, the wedding cake, and pastries for all of the guests to enjoy.

There was even a celebrity appearance by Paul Teutul, Sr. of American Chopper who was eating at Franchesco’s Ristorante and joined the reception at the bride and groom’s invitation, posing with guests for pictures on their “red carpet.” A couple’s wedding day can feel like one big blur with all the anticipation and excitement, but we asked Alexandra and Jacob to look back over their Big Day and pick just one favorite moment. Jacob said he remembers the ceremony especially fondly, specifically seeing Alexandra walk down the aisle. For Alexandra, it was a special moment while getting ready for the day. “My favorite part was putting my dress on for the first time with the help of my mother. That is a moment I will always remember,” she said.

Vendor List:

Ceremony Venue: Janesville Rotary Botanical Gardens

Reception Venue: Franchesco’s Ristorante

Photography: Luis Hermosillo: Photographer

Videography: Frank Slow Films

Officiant: Rev. Dudley Matties (Jacob’s grandfather)

Rings: Hearts on Fire

Bride’s Gown: Martin Thornburg via All About the Gown by Judy, Inc.

Hair: A Hair Affair Salon

Makeup: Lashes by Layci; Trucco Vita Hair and Makeup Artistry

Bride’s Other Jewelry: Gruno’s Diamonds

Formalwear: Generation Tux

Groom’s Accessories: Hamilton

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Morilee by Madeline Gardner

Stationery: Carlson Craft

Floral & Décor: Flowers and Balloons by Haley

Catering: Franchesco’s Ristorante

Entertainment: Wilder Entertainment

Cake & Sweets: bride’s family; Moscato’s; WH Candy

Transportation: Classic Limousine