Real Wedding: Jackie & Alberto
Band: Johnny Mambo
Coordination: Barbara Hock
Event Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Favors: Virginia Patterson
Floral Design: Becky Jens Johnson
Invitations: Abby McInerny
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It didn’t take long for Jackie Kane and Alberto Barzola to fall in love. The couple met through an online dating site and knew right away there was a connection. They dated for months, and their outings were always sweet and romantic, no matter how simple. While preparing for a trip to Italy, Jackie was disappointed to realize that she simply didn’t have time to meet Alberto for a date before she left. However, when she left the office to meet him for a quick lunch, she found that he had a surprise for her. Alberto had set up a picnic lunch for the two of them, complete with a tablecloth, flowers, candles, and a picnic basket of delicious food — all in the backseat of his car! (Since it was late fall, it would have been too cold to eat outside.) “He always had creative ways to get me to spend time with him. I think that’s when he won me over,” says Jackie. Alberto even went so far as to tell her he was bringing her out to the best Chinese restaurant he’d ever been to — which she figured must be in Manhattan — before whisking her off on a San Francisco getaway. “I fell in love with Jackie after only a few dates,” says Alberto. “Her fantastic voice, her caring personality, and her independence are some of the virtues that drew me to her.”
When the couple began planning a trip to France together, Jackie had a feeling Alberto was going to propose. Much to her surprise, however, the proposal came a few days before they left. As they sat together on the shore of the Hudson, Alberto read her a love poem he had written, then took out a gorgeous ring he had designed for her and asked her to be his wife. It turned out that Alberto had wanted to propose in France but had been warned that airport security might take the ring out of his carry-on bag. “I really didn’t want to have to propose in the airport,” he says. Jackie accepted, overjoyed with the intimate proposal, and their time in France was spent celebrating their engagement.
Originally, the couple toyed with the idea of being married in Sonoma, California, where they had vacationed together, but they ultimately decided that the North Fork would provide them with the vineyard wedding they were looking for without being too far from home. Additionally, it gave them many excuses to escape the city and go on trips together, never turning down a chance to visit the beautiful Hamptons region.
At their ceremony, Alberto surprised his bride at the altar by reading his own vows and giving her a laminated card with his words for her to keep. Jackie’s sister then sang a beautiful song for the newlyweds. After the ceremony, family and friends enjoyed saxophone music played by a close friend of the couple who performs in Broadway orchestras. Guests helped themselves to station-style dining and especially enjoyed the Peruvian station, which the couple had made sure to include as a tribute to Alberto’s heritage as well as his Park Slope Peruvian restaurant, the Aji Bar Lounge. The couple also set up photos of Jackie’s late mother, surrounding them with beautiful flickering candles to honor her presence even though she couldn't be there. To celebrate Jackie’s mother’s Florida roots, the couple served key lime martinis as the celebration’s signature drink, and key lime cookies, made by a friend. Between the delicious fare and wonderful company, family and friends had a fantastic time.
The dance floor at the reception was packed as guests boogied to an outstanding Latin dance band. Jackie and Alberto were especially surprised when the eight-piece band ventured from the stage to surround them as they danced. “It was one of the highlights of the night,” says Jackie. “Totally fantastic!” As the night came to an end, and Jackie and Alberto shared a quiet dance together, they knew this was only the beginning.
Jackie & Alberto's Advice
#1 Find professionals you trust & who will make your day the best it can be. It’s important to work with people that understand your style & your overall vision.
#2 Try to enjoy the planning process as a couple. We took many trips to the north fork on weekends & we ended
up really enjoying the little “mini-getaways.”