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REAL WEDDINGS / ISSUE 36

Love, by Design – The Story of Two Celebrations

Valerie & Cosimo's Valentine's-inspired engagement party and a black-tie wedding happened 8 months apart - united by a single creative thread: The floral design and event styling of the groom's mother.

Valerie and Cosimo stand together on a glossy aisle amid white flowers, greenery, candles, and black reception tables.

Valerie & Cosimo at Hotel X Toronto. Photography: Leydon Photography.

Valerie and Cosimo Pellegrino first crossed paths ten years ago at a Halloween party — he arrived dressed as Austin Powers, which made him hard to forget. For years they moved through the same social circles without the timing ever lining up, until a mutual friend intervened and refused to let the moment pass again. Their first date was a bar hop through downtown Toronto. They didn’t look back. Two years into their relationship, Cosimo had dinner with Valerie’s parents to ask for their blessing. He proposed on the anniversary of their first date, in Taormina, Sicily — a surprise in a garden, followed by a candlelit dinner on the beach. This wedding is featured in the current issue of WedLuxe magazine.

THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Valerie and Cosimo had no interest in a conventional engagement party. What they wanted was something romantic and moody, closer to a night out than a seated celebration. In January 2025, inside Hotel x Toronto, Rose Pellegrino, Cosimo’s mother and the florist and designer behind Blossom Boutique, made that happen. She conceived and executed every element of the evening – the spatial design, the florals, and the full coordination of the night.

A glass welcome sign with red script and small hearts stands against gathered red drapery and candlelight.
A red heart-shaped opening frames a lounge with red seating, flowers, glossy tables, and candles.
Three intertwined red heart sculptures rise above red flowers and candles beneath a glass roof.
Red roses, red votives, and tall glass candles cover a glossy black dining table lined with black chairs.

With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, the palette was red and black, carried through in lush floral arrangements, a triple-heart statement sculpture at the centre of the dance floor, and drink menus that were heart-shaped and reflective. Rather than a seated dinner, the evening was built around movement — interactive live food stations, an oyster bar, and lounge areas that kept guests circulating through the space. A dedicated martini-only bar ran all evening, and a custom ice sculpture in the shape of a ring served as a luge at the bar, a quiet nod to the occasion itself.

Black-and-white couple photographs hang above candlelit tables filled with red flowers in a dark dining room.
A carved diamond-ring ice sculpture glows gold and red in front of gathered red fabric and a dim bar.
Deep red roses cascade over black stands beside glowing red candles in clear glass holders.
A stack of white cocktail napkins with a couple illustration, red hearts, and red initials rests on a vivid red surface.
A round bouquet of red roses stands above an ice bucket, glasses, small red-and-white favours, and candles.
A stemmed glass bowl filled with red-and-white matchbooks sits among red candles on a glossy black surface.

The entertainment was designed to keep guests off-balance in the best way. A magician worked the entrance posing as event security, planting items in guests’ bags — the moment those items were discovered became one of the running jokes of the night. Later, a Donald Trump impersonator made a surprise appearance. The DJ carried the energy through to the end, the whole evening landing closer to a night out than a party. As guests made their way out, each one left with a custom chocolate box, the final note of an evening that had been considered from start to finish.

Matte black round favour boxes are stacked with bright red ribbon bows among red petals and candlelight.
A black Martini Bar menu stands among bottles, ice buckets, olives, red drinks, candles, and curling white vapor.
A hand in a lace sleeve with a ring holds a silver tray with two martini glasses, each garnished with two green olives, against a red background—a sophisticated scene reminiscent of a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
A heart-shaped bar sign with “The Bar” written on it, surrounded by various liquor bottles, red roses, and lit red candles, creating a romantic and elegant atmosphere reminiscent of a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
Valerie and Cosimo smile at each other while offering green cocktail olives across coupe glasses before red drapery.
Valerie and Cosimo walk hand in hand across a tiled terrace at night in black-and-white cocktail attire.
Valerie and Cosimo kiss at night as she rests her ringed hand on his chest beneath a fluffy white wrap.

Valerie’s lasting memory is the room reveal – seeing what her then future mother-in-law had built from the vision board they had worked on together. “The actual execution was wild,” she says.

THE WEDDING DAY

Valerie wore a Galia Lahav couture gown with a custom embroidered veil inscribed with “always my forever” and a multi-layered tulle train. Cosimo wore a Loro Piana tuxedo with a black bow tie and Swarovski crystal embellished loafers.

A cream Valerie and Cosimo invitation lies with a clear perfume bottle, gold-green strands, and a black VC monogram piece.
A bride in a lace wedding dress holds a white book titled “Letters to the Bride,” with the date 06.09.2025 printed at the bottom, capturing an elegant moment from her black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto. She smiles, partially visible from the shoulders up.
An ivory lace wedding gown hangs before cream curtains with its long train pooled across a wooden floor.
Valerie sits smiling in a white satin robe beside white pedestal blocks and pale floral arrangements.
A young girl in a white dress with a large bow holds an adult’s hand while walking outside on a sunny day, surrounded by green potted plants, capturing the timeless elegance of a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
A woman in a white dress smiles while sitting in the backseat of a classic white car during a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto, holding a bouquet of flowers and looking out the open window.

Valerie and Cosimo were married on September 6, 2025 at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in downtown Toronto. Prior to the church, the couple had a private first look at The Imperial Toronto.

Cosimo walks with his hands in his pockets as Valerie carries her bouquet beside him with her veil and train trailing.
Layers of white veil spread across the pavement with Always and forever embroidered in cursive along the edge.
A white wedding sign reads “Always my forever. Valerie and Cosimo. 09.06.25” in elegant font, beautifully displayed on a black metal stand outside a brick building, setting the perfect scene for their black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
A bride in a lace wedding dress, holding a bouquet, walks with a smiling older man in a tuxedo. They are outside on a sidewalk near a vintage white car and a red carpet, in front of ivy-covered brick buildings—capturing the elegance of a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
Green hydrangeas and white orchids decorate a wooden church pew at a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto. People are seated in the background, slightly out of focus.
Two young flower girls in long white dresses walk side by side down the cathedral aisle carrying small green-and-white floral pieces.
Valerie and Cosimo sit facing a white-robed officiant at the altar amid candles, flowers, statues, and carved woodwork.
Valerie and Cosimo smile at each other while seated hand in hand on a dark green chair inside the cathedral.
Valerie and Cosimo kiss before the cathedral altar as her long veil, train, and cascading bouquet extend across the patterned floor.
Cosimo raises Valerie's hand as they stand smiling in the open cathedral doorway framed by bright-red doors.
Valerie and Cosimo pose with a large cheering wedding party on stone church steps beneath an arched wooden doorway.
A bride in a white gown and bridesmaids in black dresses hold unique green tropical bouquets with long hanging foliage, perfectly complementing the sophisticated ambiance of a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.

THE RECEPTION

The night’s festivities were held at Hotel X Toronto. Guests were welcomed by violinists and a cello player, with cocktail hour flowing between the indoor space and an outdoor terrace with an open view of the sunset. From there, the party moved into the Victory Ballroom – where the mother of the groom brought to the room to life with her floral design and event styling.

Round tables, black chairs, green banquettes, white flowers, candles, and circular crystal chandeliers fill the reception room.
Long black tables, dark chairs, white floral installations, and rounded crystal chandeliers surround a glossy reception aisle.
Long olive-green tables, black chairs, white flowers, candles, black lamps, and gathered green drapery fill an empty reception room.
A large floral arrangement with white and green flowers hangs under crystal chandeliers, surrounded by dark curtains and green furniture—an elegant setting perfect for a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
Lush green velvet sofas surround a table, topped with a large floral arrangement of white and green blooms. Two elegant chandeliers hang above, creating a luxurious, intimate dining space with candlelight—perfect for a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.

“It was important that our wedding reflected who we are as a couple – creating an atmosphere that felt more like a night on the town than a traditional celebration.”

Valerie, Bride
A linen cocktail menu with a floral and greenery arrangement above it, listing elevated and classic cocktails in gold text, sets an elegant scene at this black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto. Candles in glass holders are seen on a dark table behind the menu.
A glossy black Elevated Cocktails sign and tall printed menu stand beside white flowers and warm candles on a black table.

CHANGE ARTISTS

The sweetheart table anchored the room, flanked by twelve-foot custom lamps wrapped entirely in fresh florals. A mix of banquette style and long tables brought a dynamic supper club vibe to the space. For the reception, Valerie’s hair was pulled into a high ponytail and she removed her tulle train. Before the speeches, Cosimo switched into a dark green dinner jacket. Then, before the dance floor opened, he swapped his bow tie for a black polka-dot DION ascot.

An elegant dining table, perfect for a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto, features a green tablecloth, black tableware, tall black candlesticks, and lush floral arrangements of white orchids and green hydrangeas.
Valerie and Cosimo smile behind a curved black-and-white sweetheart table lined with candles and surrounded by hanging flowers.

The dress code was black-tie affair, and the decor embraced a timeless black-and-white palette with fresh green to add a modern edge.”

Rose Pellegrino, Blossom Boutique
A long olive-green banquet table is lined with black chairs, glassware, white flowers, candles, and glowing votives.
A tall cascading white, blush, and green floral arrangement rises above a candlelit round table surrounded by black and green seating.
A ribbed glass charger holds a dark plate, folded olive napkin, and black card beside black flatware and smoky glasses.
An olive-green table with black chairs, flowers, candles, and black lamps stands before a wall of hanging pale blooms.
Elegant event hall with green drapery, floral centerpieces, tall candelabras, and a white sculpted cake on a pedestal. Large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, creating a luxurious atmosphere—perfect for a black-tie wedding at Hotel X Toronto.
Clear cylindrical candles line a white table set with striped glass chargers, dark plates, green napkins, black cards, and black cutlery.
A tall white floral-relief wedding cake stands on a black pedestal before large white VC letters and disco balls.

BEYOND THE DESIGN

Every detail was thoughtfully considered, extending beyond the décor into the dining experience itself. Every guest’s meal was served simultaneously, ensuring no one was left waiting, while cocktails were delivered directly to seats rather than guests walking to the bar. The evening was hosted by comedian Frank Spadone, who served as MC. Between courses, he performed a series of skits that kept guests engaged and laughing, creating the feel of an intimate comedy show woven into the dining experience.

EVENING ENERGY

Entertainment ran continuously from the moment guests arrived — live musicians in the hallway, dancers energizing the reception, and later, mysterious performers dressed in black and white with their faces concealed moving through the crowd, pulling guests onto the floor and keeping them there. At the DJ booth, a custom fluorescent sign hung above a cluster of disco balls, a preview of where the night was headed.

Two performers face each other inside enormous translucent white flower costumes outlined with lights on a glossy dance floor.
A performer bends forward with crossed arms inside a giant translucent white flower outlined by rows of small lights.
Cosimo leans toward the camera while Valerie smiles behind him with one arm raised and a white cloth overhead.

“I was initially inspired by the elegance of vintage black-and-white weddings, although the true driving force behind the design is my mother-in-law. She brought the entire vision to life from the ground up. Without her, none of this would be possible.”

Valerie, Bride
Cosimo sits beside an olive-green table while Valerie stands in her fitted gown with her sheer train spread across the floor.

Explore more in WedLuxe Magazine — Issue 36.

WedLuxe Glitterati Members

WedLuxe Glitterati Member
Event Design R5 Event Design

The Team

Every professional who shaped this story, listed by role.

Wedding — AV Production
The Magen Group
Wedding — Bridal Gown
Galia Lahav, White Toronto
Wedding — Bridal Hair
Styled by Nadia
Wedding — Bride Makeup
Glam by Lea
Wedding — Bridesmaid Hair
Lara Arslanova, Noeva Muse, Slayed by Nick, Kroma Salon, Kristina Ash and Opal
Wedding — Bridesmaid Make-Up
Viktoria Here, AH Beauty Team
Wedding — Ceremony Venue
St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica
Wedding — Chair Rentals
R5 Event Design
Wedding — Content Creator
Fancy Films
Wedding — Couple
Valerie, Cosimo Pellegrino
Wedding — Dance Floor Vinyl and Carpet
Reznick Event Carpets
Wedding — DJ
Gimmemar
Wedding — Draping
Just Event Draping
Wedding — Emcee
Frank Spadone, Grand Wave Entertainment
Wedding — Event Planning
Simply Siennas
Wedding — Exotic Car
Trevi Limousines
Wedding — First Look Venue
The Imperial Toronto
Wedding — Flair Bartenders
CDB Bartending
Wedding — Floral Design
Blossom Boutique
Wedding — Formal Wear
Grafic Man
Wedding — Head Table Structure
Musram
Wedding — Invitations
So Pretty In Print
Wedding — King Cube and Ice Sculpture
Ice Boy Toronto
Wedding — Magician
Roman Roys
Wedding — Morning-of Catering
Bellanti Events
Wedding — Photography and Photo Booth
Erin Leydon
Wedding — Reception Venue
Hotel X Toronto
Wedding — Tables and Bar Rentals
Detailz Furniture Rentals
Wedding — Transportation
LA Elite Limo
Wedding — Videography
Kismet Creative
Wedding — Violinists and Cello Player
Tino Pop Violin
Wedding — Wedding Cake
Cake Delight by Farah
Engagement Party — Floral, Event Planning & Design
Blossom Boutique
Engagement Party — Photography
Erin Leydon
Engagement Party — Heart Sculpture
Musram
Engagement Party — Stationery & Signage
So Pretty In Print
Engagement Party — Draping
Eventure Design
Engagement Party — Custom Printed Decor
Event Graffiti
Engagement Party — Content Creator
Fancy Films
Engagement Party — Furniture
Detailz Furniture Rentals
Engagement Party — Party Favours
Sweet Wonders
Engagement Party — Prop Rentals
Maison de Sienna
Engagement Party — Catering
The Food Dudes
Engagement Party — Pastries
LH Pastries
Engagement Party — Custom Ice Sculpture
Ice Boy Toronto
Engagement Party — DJ
Gimmemar
Engagement Party — Magician
Roman Roys
Engagement Party — Custom Accessories
Liv by Designs
Engagement Party — Custom Bridal Dress Designer
Valencienne
Engagement Party — Custom Groom Suit
Grafic Man
Engagement Party — Bridal Makeup
Only Glam by Joseph
Engagement Party — Bridal Hair
Lara Arslanova, Noeva Muse
Engagement Party — Bridal Spray Tan
Simply Bronzed