Real Wedding: Jenny Johnson & Robert Cocuzzo

Draw inspiration from their stylish celebration.


October 13, 2017
Boston Public Library
Boston, Massachusetts

The couple shared a moment with their bridal party on the steps of the Boston Public Library. / Hancer Photography

THE STORY

Jenny Johnson vividly recalls the first time she laid eyes on Rob Cocuzzo. The couple met in October 2011 when Rob, a journalist, interviewed the local TV personality at an event she was emceeing on Nantucket. “When I’m in the mindset of hosting, it’s hard to divert my attention because my sole focus is on embracing and drawing in the crowd,” says Jenny, who currently costars on NESN’s Dining Playbook. “But I very much remember when Rob entered the tent, so much so that I can picture the hat that he was wearing.”

Clearly, the Massachusetts native made an impression on Rob, too. He asked a mutual friend for Jenny’s number and, by next October, the two were dating. After a few years of courtship, Rob—now the editor of Nantucket magazine—made a bold move: With a handwritten note, he invited Jenny on a surprise trip to Iceland. It was there, as the pair hiked one of the country’s highest peaks, that Rob popped the question.

For their wedding four months later, the couple planned an elegant celebration at the Boston Public Library, a venue with deep significance for Rob, who wrote part of his first book there. After exchanging original vows in the courtyard, the newlyweds joined friends and family for a cocktail-style reception in the Guastavino Room, where they shared one of their favorite moments of the night: singing Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” in unison with their guests. “We were connecting with these people that we love, admire, and cherish,” Jenny says. “It was magical.”

THE DETAILS

Hancer Photography

Jenny wore a custom gown by designer Michael DePaulo, a Braintree native. “What he created transformed our ideas and made them sing and glitter and glow,” she says. “It was glamorous but had elegant sophistication that fit me and the space.”

Hancer Photography

Floral designer Andrea Halliday, of Table & Tulip, teamed up with Brookline Ice Co. to create a custom ice sculpture that showcased bottles of Champy, Jenny’s own line of sparkling wine.

Hancer Photography

The bride’s bouquet included pink and cream-colored blooms.

Hancer Photography

Billy Costa, Jenny’s Dining Playbook cohost and longtime friend, toasted the newlyweds.

Hancer Photography

“What a spectacular place that is,” says Jenny of the courtyard where she and Rob tied the knot. “It’s so grand, so elegant, so historic, and yet so comfortable, in a way.”

Hancer Photography

Montilio’s Baking Company incorporated the bride’s sparkling wine into the flower-topped wedding cake.

Hancer Photography

Rob and Jenny shared their first date at Met Back Bay, just a couple of blocks from where they’d eventually marry.

THE FILE

Band Flipside, Murray Hill Talent
Bride’s Dress Michael DePaulo
Cake Montilio’s Baking Company
Caterer/Planner Holly Safford, the Catered Affair
Day-of Coordinator Nicole Simeral & Company
Flowers Table & Tulip
Hair Darren Le, G2O Spa + Salon
Ice Sculpture Brookline Ice Co.
Lighting DesignLight
Makeup Makeup by Christina G
Menswear Giblees
Photo Booth Pose
Rings Baubles Fine Jewelry
Videographer Heirloom Pictures

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