Friday, Dec 12, 2008    Text size: 

"Some of my friends were surprised to hear that John and I weren't officially married yet," Karen Stagliano said. "When I was pregnant with our daughter in 2001, I legally changed my last name to Stagliano with the court because we wanted our daughter to have the same last name as both of us. John and I said commitment vows to each other, and left it at that. It wasn't until this year that we both felt like it was the right time to have a full ceremony. With so many things in the world unsure, our love at home is one of the things that has kept both of us grounded and strong."

The ceremony took place during the family's annual Thanksgiving vacation.

"When I saw some wedding pictures in the Walt Disney World Resort brochures, I thought they were breathtaking," Karen Stagliano said. "I showed him wedding photos, assured him that it could be very elegant, and after a decision between Southern California, Hawaii and Florida, we as a family chose Florida."

The wedding party consisted of maid of honor Laura, best man Joey Silvera, John and Karen's daughter as flower girl and Laura's daughter as the ring bearer. Reverend Jack Day officiated.