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"Celebrate Forever" with 25th Anniversary Bride, Angela Bellizzi
Good things take time.
After five years of searching for our very first Casablanca Bride, we have finally stumbled upon a gem!
In honor of the LAST day of our Women’s Month celebration, we thought it would be the perfect time to announce our 25th Anniversary bride. Additionally, we wanted to share some sneak peaks from her beautiful 1998 wedding and everything that has gone into 25 years of “celebrating forever” with her husband.
Without further ado, we would like to introduce Mrs. Angela Bellizzi!
Angela’s love story is touching to say the least. Not only did she wear one of the first Casablanca styles, but she truly embodies the heart of our company. Ironically, our team was in New Jersey at our Castle Couture x Casablanca Bridal event when she mentioned that she wore a Casablanca gown 25 years ago! You should have seen the excitement on our faces.
How did you meet your husband? When and how did he propose?
“Bobby and I met in 1993 while we were both out having dinner with friends. I was at one table with mine and little did I know, he was at a table nearby with his friends. He sent us a bottle of wine and was very sweet. My friend said "Talk to him! He's handsome!", so I did. Then someone paid for our check! I thought it was him so I thanked him- but it wasn't, LOL! Another admirer paid. Bobby asked for my phone number and the rest is history! After asking my son's permission, he proposed on Christmas Eve in 1995. My son was so excited, I thought something was going on and of course I said yes!”
Please share your dress shopping experience. How did you know you found your dream dress? What qualities of your wedding dress made it unique and special?
“This was my second wedding, so I had an idea in mind. I was looking for something classy. I went to a boutique, saw it hanging on a hanger, and instantly knew that was the one. It was a two-piece elegant gown, strapless, with beading and pearls across the top neckline. Paired with a beautiful jacket with long sleeves, fully covered in beading and pearls. Everyone complimented me all day long and my husband said I looked stunning!”
What does “celebrate forever” mean to you? How has this saying been expressed in your marriage?
“Celebrating forever means a lifetime of happiness with our family (my son, who my husband helped me raise, and of course our daughter in law, and our three beautiful grandchildren).”
The month of March is women’s month, and we are so honored to highlight you and your story! What makes you a strong woman? How do you empower women around you?
“Being raised in a strict Italian family with five brothers has made me extremely strong. Being a mom, which is my number one job, has taught me the most of life's lessons and I'm so grateful he turned out to be the amazing young man, husband, father, and son he is today. I like to believe being in the bridal industry for 36+ years has given me the opportunity to empower women every single day, including coworkers and even our granddaughters. It gives me the chance to make bride's feel the way I felt on my wedding day.”
What are the many different hats you wear as a woman? (Wife, mother, grandmother, sister, etc?) Can you talk about these rolls and raising the next generation of leaders?
“There are so many rolls we must take on every day as women. Being a loving, caring, and dedicated wife, I was taught to be respectful of my husband and be a team together and that is how we're celebrating 25 years. As a mom, I had to learn to be strict while also nurturing and loving at the same time, all while being well grounded. As a grandmother, not only do I spoil my grandchildren but I also have to be tough with them so they become stronger individuals. By doing this I feel like I've helped them recognize their strengths and how to be strong just like myself so they can be successful as adults.”
What advice do you have for bride-to-be’s and newly married couples? What is the secret to keeping your marriage alive?
“One thing I would tell my brides is to never go to sleep mad at each other, talk things out and most of the time what you're arguing over is not even worth it. Remember your vows! Our secret to keeping our marriage is to spend quality time together, relax on vacation, and go on dates!”
What comes to mind when you think about your husband?
“I would like to say my husband is so special, loving, caring, and generous. I am so thankful for the marriage we created together with our beautiful family we raised as well as the many memories we have to cherish.”
Thank you, Angela for sharing your heart with our company! It truly is an honor to feature you as our 25th Anniversary bride. Your interview is encouraging for brides-to-be and wives in all phases of life. We agree that it is so important to remember your vows and the promise you make to each other on your big day! Choosing to spend forever with your person is powerful and that is exactly what love does. Cheers to you and many more precious years of marriage!
