Initially introduced through mutual friends in 2015, Jalyn and Vinnie struck up a friendship that would evolve into a love story during a week-long trip to Los Angeles. Bonded by their mutual love for Blink-182, their whirlwind romance began with Vinnie showcasing the charms of the city to Midwesterner Jalyn, and it was during a moment on the Santa Monica pier overlooking the Pacific that she knew this was a connection like no other. “He put his head on my shoulder, and I already knew I was falling in love with him,” Jalyn said. “He just felt like home.”
In love, but separated by hundreds of miles, the couple began a long-distance relationship kept lively with awe-inspiring, globetrotting trips to locales like Norway and Italy. But there was love in the everyday moments, too, like when they’d listen to Blink-182 on the kitchen floor with wine in hand (a favorite pastime). Seven years later, it was there on the tile—wrapped in each other’s arms—where Vinnie proposed.
Daryna Huz
For the nuptials, Italy beckoned once more, appealing to both Vinnie’s heritage and the couple’s passion for exploration. Nestled in the hills of the coastal town of Sorrento, a two-story villa set the stage for their intimate, 15-guest wedding. With both partners being longtime vegans, their menu naturally embraced plant-based delights, making use of the property’s wood-burning oven and convincing a traditional pizza chef into experimenting with plant-based cheese.
Daryna Huz
Their rehearsal dinner featured a feast of garden-fresh vegetable-topped pies, pizza cones, and a peach jam-topped dessert pizza to end the night. The next day, in the middle of an idyllic oceanside setting, Vinnie’s sister officiated their intimate ceremony, followed by a leisurely, Italian-inspired dinner under twinkling lights.
Daryna Huz
Their post-wedding escapades took them all across the Amalfi Coast, the charming island of Ischia, before culminating in Rome. Once back in the States, a family-and-friends reception in Chicago was catered by vegan institution Kitchen 17, marking another chapter in their love story filled with fantastic food and cherished memories.
Daryna Huz
The décor
With the Italian countryside as the backdrop complete with villas overlooking the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, the couple’s intimate and dreamy nuptials unfolded against a stunning vista that was equal parts elegant and rustically romantic.
Daryna Huz
The look
The bride dazzled in an intricately decorated, mermaid-style Enzoani gown, paired with vegan-friendly Betsey Johnson heels and jewelry from Etsy. The groom donned a custom, fully vegan Hall Madden suit and vegan leather Ferro Aldo loafers.
Daryna Huz
The music
Jalyn walked down to a piano rendition of the couple’s favorite Blink-182 song, “Always.”
Daryna Huz
Personal touches
Jalyn crafted personalized photo keepsakes of departed loved ones, pinned to bouquets or tucked into jacket pockets, ensuring they were present in spirit on their special day. She also created a custom catchphrase game, tailor-made for family and friends to enjoy and filled with clues about the couple’s journey together. And for the Chicago reception, Jalyn crafted wooden cocktail drink stirrers adorned with the outline of the face of their beloved canine companion, Archer.
Daryna Huz
Advice for the big day
“Don’t take anything too personally. It’s your day and celebrating the both of you together is so special and truly the most important thing,” Jalyn advised.
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Daryna Huz
The menu
Appetizers
Roasted farm-fresh vegetables
Mixed romaine, baby butter lettuce, and radicchio salad with Italian vinaigrette
Thick-sliced grilled artichoke and eggplant salad
Roasted potatoes and tomatoes, tossed in olive oil and chopped parsley
Sautéed squash blossoms bruschetta
Black olive and cherry tomato focaccia sprinkled with sea salt
Crispy potato and zucchini croquettes
Daryna Huz
Sit-down dinner
Roasted eggplant filled with squash, tomato, and breadcrumbs
Risotto al limone with fresh Sorrento lemon
Pasta al pomodoro with fresh spaghetti and basil
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Aruka Sanchir (@ruukes) is the Senior Digital Editor at VegNews.
