February 15th, 2025
By Wendy Clem / Photography by Steve Gabrail
Francesca Giglio and Jacob Jakubowski first locked eyes in middle school at 11 years old and by the following year, they shared a 7th grade math class as well as a mutual attraction.
“He was popular, charming, goofy and smart, too,” said Francesca. By the time he was 13, Jacob was convinced they’d marry one day. She credits his expressiveness and personableness for developing the relationship that launched into early dating, including rides together on the Cedar Pointe roller-coaster in 2006 and dressing as each other for Halloween parties—a tradition they revisited 18 years later.
Throughout time at L’Anse Creuse North High School, they remained close despite deciding to date others. Afterward, they separately pursued college and remained in the same area and shared many similar friends. After years had gone by Francesca chanced to see Jacob’s father at the local gym one day. The then 31-year-olds reconnected and scheduled a family golf date.
Mere months later, the elated Jacob proposed marriage on Easter Sunday in front of the statue of Mary at St. Peter Catholic Church in Mount Clemens. His symbolic gesture was witnessed, and approved, by both families, who share a long church tradition of attending services and marking special religious events there.
Their wedding day was magical, with a Winter Wonderland wedding date, a hybrid of his birthday month and her birthdate, February 15th.
The ceremony was at St. Peter’s, with the reception at the newly remodeled. Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township — for its great food, connection to more family history. Francesca’s Aunt Frances Kopicki utilized her décor company, ChaCha Creations, to glitz up the church, then added to the Palazzo’s already sparkling chandeliers and trees, accented to mimic ice and shimmering snow. She and Francesca also crafted a completely crystal bridal bouquet, a Brooch Bouquet, containing a photo locket of one of Francesca’s late grandmothers (nonni) within.
“It’s so heavy, we call it Thor’s Hammer,” laughed Francesca, who continues to display it in the Jakubowski home.
Reaching 390 attending guests, they utilized The Knot app for RSVP’s, eliminating mailing expense and any potential response delays. The six bridesmaids were each encouraged to select a variation of a black, floor-length gown with sequins or other embellishments. The six groomsmen wore black velvet tuxes from Wesner Tuxedo in Sterling Heights, and Jacob’s dad also served as best man.
The wedding cake, designed by Dena Achille, was a tall wonder of crystals and lights, topped with a sparkling letter J. Numerous family members joined in creating the event’s desserts and entertainment. Female relatives provided dozens of homemade sweets, filling a 20-foot table highlighted by Francesca’s grandmother’s popular, original iced coffee. A unique liquid limoncello, crafted by Francesca’s father, cascaded down a one-of-a-kind ice luge, and her grandfather played Italian ballads on his harmonica.
One nephew performed The Worm on the packed dance floor, and Francesca’s uncle engineered a vintage handset telephone for the clever purpose of replacing the traditional guestbook. It first played a greeting from the happy couple, then allowed guests to leave original recorded congratulations.
Duo-tone rings, from Michael Agnello Jewelers in St Clair Shores, display both white and yellow gold, reflecting the groom’s wish for each to own Super Bowl-like wedding rings.
A honeymoon at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica delivered a well-earned respite, followed by the Jakubowskis’ plans for their very own Happily Ever After.
Local Vendors:
Bride’s Gown: La Contessa Boutique, Sterling Heights
Ceremony: St. Peter Catholic Church, Mount Clemens
Groom’s Tuxedo: Wesner Tuxedo, Sterling Heights Hair/Makeup: Dena Marie’s Salon, Clinton Township
Photography: Steve Gabrail at Studio 41, Rochester Hills
Rings: Michael Agnello Jewelers, St. Clair Shores
Venue: The Palazzo Grande, Shelby Township
