By Tracey Moro /Photography by Killer Creations Photography & Cinematography
Marisa Randazzo and Peter Lucido met courtesy of a mutual friend, Brandon Mitzel, in 2019. He was Peter’s childhood friend who later met Marisa while at college. He introduced them and they later got engaged at the same place they had their first date. Within seconds they were planning their dream wedding, which would combine two big families.
“It was my dream as a bride for a traditional feel for two big (very Italian) families coming together to celebrate the wedding day,” said Marisa. “We picked June 24, 2023, as the day and with the amazing help of Tina Zambito, my wedding planner, and my mom, we hit the ground running.”
Every dream wedding begins with the dream dress and Marisa found hers at Katerina Bocci Bridal.
“I had the honor to work with Katerina Bocci and her team to create my custom wedding dress. Katerina’s work is not just visually stunning, but it also beautifully reflects her character and passion for what she does. The dress creation and fittings alone will forever be a beautiful memory of mine,” said Marisa. “Being a Bocci Bride goes beyond the gown, it embodies elegance, tradition and celebration of love – all things I tried to bring into the day itself.”
The two decided on Penna’s of Sterling for their venue, setting the stage for a fabulous event. The hall was brought to life with all white flowers and greenery by Lena’s Flowers & Designs. Each table was adorned with tall centerpieces surrounded by bud vases with single roses. The magic throughout included a large display of more flowers and roses, along with tall white candles surrounding the bride and groom’s table. And of course the cake, by Elegance of Sugar, was decorated with all white (frosting) roses and surround by (real) white rose petals on the table.
The only thing missing would be Marisa’s dad.
Having lost her dad, Pete Randazzo, three and a half years prior, Marisa, the youngest of six children, made it her mission to include him as much as possible into their day.
“Though forever in our hearts, he wouldn’t be there in person for those special moments. I had a couple surprises up my sleeve to ensure we felt his presence throughout the day,” said Marisa.
Marisa’s dad was a well-known and well-loved person in the county. Between his business Randazzo Heating & Cooling and his continual giving back to the community, Pete had created countless friendships and relationships. All would be missing him that day. He had also created a large family with his wife, Michelle, and family meant everything to both of them.
With that in mind Marisa had her parents’ love story printed on the ceremony pamphlets. This tribute to their love and the story behind the yellow roses seen on family members was touching and inspiring. “I am the youngest of six kids and was the last to get married, so the day was incredibly special to my whole family,” said Marisa.
When the time came her older brothers and mom stepped in for the traditional “father daughter” dance. “I then had my dad’s voice from video recordings growing up play over the music. It was an incredibly special and sentimental moment.”
Local Vendors:
Cake: Elegance in Sugar, Sterling Heights
Dress: Katerina Bocci Bridal, Shelby Township
Flowers: Lena’s Flowers & Designs
Venue: Penna’s of Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights
Wedding Bands: Lucido Fine Jewelry: Rochester Location
Photographer: Killer Creations Photography & Cinematography, Clawson
