Meet and Greet

The Lord Nelson Hotel

Wedding Ceremony (cocktail hour and reception to follow) 

Our Wedding

After graduating college in her home province Newfoundland, Jenna was offered her first “grown up job”, in the city of Windsor, Ontario. She was nervous, as she had never heard of the city, nor did she know anybody there, but took the leap of faith, accepted the job and moved across the country. She joined sports leagues to socialize and meet friends and in the summer of 2018, the beach volleyball team she played on, recruited a sub... Giancarlo. They became good friends, hung out together, in groups, Giancarlo even helped Jenna move apartments, though they were “just friends”. The New Year (2019), rolled around and Giancarlo made it official (boyfriend / girlfriend status), after he picked Jenna up from the airport from her Christmas holidays away. Fast forward several months later, an opportunity in Halifax, NS came up. Although the relationship was new, they were confident it was something special so they took the leap, moved to a new city and moved in together. A couple of moves, jobs, back- to- schools, travel/ adventures, two puppies, a house and a whole lot of love later, you’re visiting their wedding website... So I guess you could say it all worked out!

Our Love Story

Our Story

Engagement Photos

… because we couldn’t help but share some more!

Our Family

Ellie and Chico are the stars here. 

Photos

Megan and Jenna met in college where they both studied biomedical engineering technology. When they weren’t studying they could always be found at George Street (their home away from home during this time of their life). Their friendship grew so much stronger over the years and goes way beyond college. Although living a province apart, there are always phone calls (every day at 4pm when Megan finishes work), texts, trips and visits. Megan is Jenna’s person (if you watch Grey’s Anatomy, you’ll get that reference). When Megan’s maid of honour duties are finished, you will likely find her on the dance floor with a drink in hand (or two)!

Megan Burden

Jen and Jenna grew up together. They’re from the same town, went to the same school and have been friends for literally years. Jen is one of the sweetest people Jenna could have in her life. The girls really bonded as kids because of their mutual love of sports. They played anything their hometown had to offer (basketball, softball, figure skating, volleyball… you name it). They are so happy this special friendship has stood the test of time, and they get to watch each other grow up! On the big day, Jen will likely be found keeping the bride level headed with her calm, easy going energy.

Jen Budden

Tanner was one of the first friends Jenna made when she moved to Windsor, ON! She is 1/3 of the infamous 205 household… The girls met playing volleyball and Tanner’s fun personality made them click instantly. Jenna moved into the 205 house and spent a good part of her time in Windsor, with Tanner! Visits, calls and texts have kept them close since Jenna moved away, and they always look forward to seeing each other. They pick right up where they left off and it feels like they have been friends forever. Tan will definitely be found dancing, giggling and bringing the vibes on the wedding day!

Tanner Jacklin

Layla is Jenna’s “little” cousin. Jenna has memories of the news of Layla being born, and finds it absolutely insane that she is now standing in her wedding! Layla lives in Halifax and really has gotten to see Jenna and G’s relationship unfold. When the couple moved to NS in 2019, Layla asked G when he was going to marry Jenna. I guess she had a feeling things would work out. Layla will be the bridal party’s Gen Z correspondent - whipping up tik toks and making sure the girls are all young and hip. 

Layla Jackman

Shelby entered the Windsor Dolls group chat (no, there’s literally a group chat), through the groom’s cousin/ bride's friend, Micayla. Jenna and Shelby instantly clicked and felt like they have been friends for ages. When Jenna and G moved to Halifax, Shelby moved to Ottawa. The girls still kept in close contact, visited each other and they don't miss an occasion - sending surprises for birthdays, big events like buying a home (both did so last year, yay!), etc. On the big day, Shelby will be making sure the bride’s and bridesmaid’s makeup is on point through the day/ night, she is an amazing makeup artist! 

Shelby Lecot 

Micayla is the groom’s cousin and the bride’s friend. Giancarlo and Micayla obviously go way back (we’re talking from birth), and grew up more like siblings than cousins. When Jenna and G started dating, Jenna was so happy to gain a new friend. The girls clicked over their love of fitness, wine, music and travel. Micayla is the first to jump in head first and help with anything Jenna and Giancarlo have going on - a going away party, an engagement party, and without a doubt, the wedding. She always loves a visit to the East Coast and never misses an important life moment. Jenna is beyond thrilled that Micayla gets to become her family. on the wedding day! On the wedding day, Micayla will likely be found keeping the girls on schedule and making sure everyone has what they need!

Micayla Pella

Lexine makes up the final 1/3 of the 205 house (Jenna, Tan and Lex). Jenna also met Lex at volleyball and later they became roommates! Lexine’s good vibe personality and ability to have a good time literally anywhere, connected the girls! Lexine's love for fun always had the girls laughing or into some kinds of fun adventure. Lex is really a ride or die and would do anything for Jenna and vice versa. After Jenna moved away, they kept in contact, there were visits to see each other and they always pick back up where they left off. On the wedding day Lexine will definitely be found sneaking extra mimosas in the morning and trying to hide a flask in her bouquet.

Lexine VanLeerzem

Luca is Giancarlo’s little brother! The two grew up playing mini sticks in their parent’s basement, wrestling and enjoying sports together. They both had and still have a love for hockey, and are in a very competitive fantasy league together. When Luca’s best man duties are done, you’ll likely find him trying to make his way into the caterer’s kitchen, to whip up a chicken parm for his brother (he’s a chef, and that’s G’s order every time he visits)!

Luca Rigotti

Jake and G met in college! They did not bond over school work, instead, a deep love for music. Jake was a DJ and taught Giancarlo how to. The pair made up the infamous Bass Broz. They spent more time together than apart during college and always look forward to reuniting and talking about their DJ days. On the wedding Jake will likely be found storming the DJ booth, if the DJ makes a bad cut. 

Jake Collins 

Carl was another friend Giancarlo made in college. Carl also was on the DJ scene and G and him bonded over their easy going, fun, personalities. Carl and G played on sports teams throughout the years, dodgeball being one of their favourites! Jenna met Carl through friends when she moved to Windsor. They played on a beach volleyball team together (as well as the other 2/3 of the 205 house). On the wedding day Carl will likely be found sneaking Kraken into the groom’s drink (and giggling while he does so). 

Carl Durand

John Paulo aka JP aka Figs (clearly the king of nicknames), and G met in high school. They bonded over their love of sports, family and their Italian culture. Figs and G still love chatting hockey. They are both excited they get to stand in each other's weddings this year. On the wedding day JP will definitely be found busting a move on the dance floor!

John Paulo Figueira

Brendan is Jenna’s little brother. The siblings grew up close and still are in their adult life. They live a short two hour drive away and they get to see each other often! Jenna was thrilled that Brendan and Giancarlo hit it off when she brought him back to meet the family. They bonded over their love of “nerdy things” ; video games, super heroes, YouTubers, and ice cream (ice cream was a major bonding point). On the wedding day Brendan will likely be found trying to convince the groom to leave to get ice cream at Marble Slab with him. 

Brendan Haley

Michele and Giancarlo go all the way back to childhood. They met in grade 2 and have been friends ever since. Growing up their families vacationed together and they share many great memories of that time of their lives. They loved playing hockey together and value a lot of similar things. Giancarlo is happy their friendship has lasted into adult life. On the wedding day, Michele will likely be found giving G some wedding advice, as he has already been through this (and G got to stand by his side).

Michele Marini 

Marcus and Giancarlo have been friends for years. They bonded over, you guessed it, sports. The pair always chat hockey and once upon a time even had a business selling hockey jerseys. Marcus is also a good friend to the bride! He often frequented the 205 house to play just dance. Marcus is like a brother to the groom. His fun loving and vibrant personality connected all of them and he is a true ride or die. On the wedding Marcus will likely be found getting down on the dance floor to all the throw back songs - he has the moves!! 

Marcus Small

Sam is Jenna’s nephew and when he was born, Jenna finally gained that cool Aunt status (or at least she hopes she did). Sam met Giancarlo when they moved to Halifax, as they live in New Brunswick and are a short drive away! They hit it off and G is always impressed with Sam’s adventure in food, as he’s up for trying all of G’s hot sauces and dips! Sam has a great sense of humour and on the wedding day will likely be found trying to turn moments into mini “I Think You Should Leave” comedy skits.

Sam Haley

Violet is Jenna’s niece, and really a mini me. Their personalities and mannerisms always have the family pointing out similarities. When Violet met G a few years back she told Jenna “I like him, but don’t tell him I said that”… See the similarities?! She was playing hard to get like Jenna did. On the wedding day, Violet will be found breaking it down on the dance floor; she loves a dance party. 

Violet Haley

Livia is Giancarlo’s little sister! Although G and Jenna already lived in Halifax when Livia was born, they do a good job of calling and FaceTimes. Livia is always excited when Giancarlo and Jenna come to visit and equally, she loves travelling to Halifax to see them. On the wedding day, Livia will be bringing the cute flower girl vibes to the wedding party! 

Livia Rigotti

Stephen is Jenna’s older brother, formerly known as “Nee Nee” while Jenna was still figuring out the whole, how to talk, thing. Despite their age difference the siblings are  very close! Giancarlo and Stephen get along well, sharing a love of music, family and food. Stephen got to watch all of Jenna and Giancarlo’s milestones up close, since he lives close by, so it only feels right that he marries the couple! On the wedding day, he’ll obviously be found officiating and once that duty is done, he’ll likely be found dancing, chatting and just buzzing around enjoying! 

Stephen Haley

Ben was Giancarlo’s first friend in Halifax. Part of the infamous, Lindsay Construction crew. If you know, you know. Ben quickly became more than a co worker to G and Jenna, he became a really good, life long friend. Ben and his girlfriend Katie, often double date with G and Jenna and always have a fun time. Ben was an obvious choice to MC the wedding, he knows the couple well, is a good speaker, and has a great sense of humour. Plus, we thought Katie would likely approve anything he’s going to say, so we’re in good hands. After the MC duties are done, Ben will likely be found with a drink in hand, tearing it up until it's time to shut down!

Ben Kelly 

Wedding Party

Q + A

If you’re planning to come by air, this is the closest airport to Halifax (20 minutes). It is outside of the city, but not to worry - Uber, Taxi’s and a Shuttle Bus all run to and from ghettos airport. Please see the airport website for more information on shuttles if needed.

Halifax Stanfield Airport (YHZ)

Stay at our venue! Our venue is a gorgeous hotel and staying here, you’d get the luxury of a quick elevator ride up to your room at the end of the night!There is a room block (limited number of these, first come first serve), if you call and mention the Haley- Rigotti wedding, when booking!

A great hotel, walking distance to our venue! 

Cambridge Suites Hotel

Want a room you can smell the ocean from? 4 Points is a 15 minute walk from the venue or a real quick Uber ride. This hotel is closer to the downtown waterfront! 

Four Points By Sheraton Halifax

Still within a 15 minute walking distance to our venue! This hotel is directly across the street from the harbour. 

Courtyard Halifax Downtown By Marriott

Our city is filled with amazing AirBNB options! Use our venue as a reference point and see what’s near! 

AirBNB

Travel

First time in Halifax? Let the bride and groom recommend some of their favourite places to eat and some of their favourite activities!

Food & Drinks

The couple’s favourite restaurant and is a Valentine’s tradition for them. This East Coast, Italian restaurant is a pass in Giancarlo’s books. It is one of the busiest restaurants in Halifax, so if you want to visit it on your trip, they’d recommend making a reservation in advance!

The Bicycle Thief

The couple’s go to date night in the summer. Enjoy a drink (and or some snacks), with a stunning view of the harbour at the BG! This location is seasonally operated, but will be open for business in time for the wedding. If the weather co operates it’s the best place to hang out and soak up the sun. Check out their website, as there is usually live music!

The BG - Halifax Beer Garden

Want to really get the east coast experience? Head to The Lower Deck! A Halifax hot spot. The couple loves to bring any “come from away” guests here so they can get the full east coast kitchen party experience. Be sure to grab an Alexander Kieth’s here! Check out their website for live music schedule (if Signal Hill is playing, it’s a MUST!)

The Lower Deck

Voted Canada’s best ice cream! Made in PEI, but Haligon’s love it, as there are THREE locations. Jenna and Giancarlo recommend visiting the water front location and enjoy a cone, while taking a walk along the waterfront! Groom’s favourite flavour - Gooey MooeyBride’s favorite flavour - Wowie Cowie

COWS Halifax Waterfront Kiosk

Activities 

The best way to see the downtown scene both on land AND in water. This tour gives a great snapshot of things to do and see in Halifax. Fun for everyone!

Harbour Hopper Tours

Book a brewery tour at Alexander Kieth’s. The couple have done this a couple of times and every time it gets better! Do the stairs in the picture above look familiar? Jenna and Giancarlo had some of their engagement shots taken here.

Alexander Keith's

Located right across the street from the wedding venue, be sure to check the victorian era public gardens out. Not only does it host an abundance of beautiful wild flowers, it’s a prime location for prom and wedding pictures - maybe you’ll spot Jenna and Giancarlo there on their big day!

Halifax Public Gardens

For any of our history buff pals, this is a must! Museum not your thing? Just go for the incredible view of the city. PS - if you hear a loud bang daily, around noon it’s the citadel cannon! Missed it? That’s okay look at their Twitter where they also tweet “boom” daily at noon.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Giancarlo’s Great Nono and Nona, and Great Zio are actually on the wall of immigration passengers. If you’re around on a Sunday, this venue also doubles as a cute little farmers market.

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

If this your first time to the East Coast this is a MUST! Take a quick 50 minute drive outside of the city to have your mind blown with this spectacular view. If you’re lucky, you could spot some whales. Hot tip - Bring your passport! Peggy’s cove has their own, official Peggy’s Cove Passport stamp, that they’ll happily stamp for you.

Jenna & Giancarlo

Jenna & Giancarlo

J&G

Meet and Greet

Wedding Ceremony (cocktail hour and reception to follow)