Pizza Perfect

By Lisa Arnett
September 2024 View more Better Together

These Geneva natives celebrated with a nod to how they met

As teens, Veronica Augustyn, 23, and Max Cannon, 24, first met working part-time jobs at Aurelio’s Pizza in their hometown of Geneva. They struck up a friendship that eventually developed into romance. “I would have butterflies going into work just knowing she would be there,” Cannon says. A manager often teased them about when they were going to date. “We both liked each other; we just needed that extra push,” Augustyn says. After going out to see a movie at Classic Cinemas Charlestown in St. Charles, they officially became a couple and have been together ever since.

They dated long-distance while Cannon attended Iowa State University and Augustyn studied at Waubonsee Community College in Aurora. After graduation, they agreed that marriage was their next step. They shopped for an engagement ring for Augustyn together, and Cannon proposed on a walk to downtown Geneva last spring. Augustyn thought they were headed to a casual dinner, but Cannon had instead made reservations at Niche. “We had always wanted to go there, but we said, ‘Let’s save it for a special occasion,’ ” she says.

They married on April 19, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Geneva. “My family is Catholic and I had all my other sacraments there, and it’s also where Max and I go to church together,” Augustyn says. They agree that their favorite wedding-day moment was Augustyn’s walk down the aisle to meet Cannon at the altar. “I was so nervous and I felt like I was going to cry,” she says. “But as soon as the doors opened and I took my first step and saw Max, everything went away. I was so happy and so ready for our life together.” Cannon adds, “Standing up there and seeing her for the first time, it was truly a magical moment.”

Their reception at Cedar Fox in St. Charles fit their vision for a romantic, garden-inspired celebration, with baskets of flowers and greenery winding up the room’s columns like vines. They capped off the evening with a late-night pizza delivery from Aurelio’s. “It was a little wink to how we met,” Augustyn says. “It was perfect.”

They honeymooned in southern France, spending time in Nice, Èze, and Monaco. “It was truly the dreamiest trip ever,” Augustyn says. They are now living in Wheaton and staying busy thanks to their newest family member, a Newfoundland puppy named Plum.

Wedding Details

Reception venue
Cedar Fox, St. Charles

Bride’s attire
Paloma Blanca gown from Wedding Design Studio, Lisle; Charles & Keith block heels and ballet flats

Bride’s hair & makeup
Mari & Ash Bridal Co., Chicago

Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire
Tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse, Geneva; groom’s black-and-white loafers from Steve Madden

Rings
Engagement ring from Olive Ave Jewelery, Mesa, Arizona; wedding bands from Fox Jewelers, Geneva

Flowers
Becky’s Bouquets, St. Charles

Catering
True Cuisine Catering, Wood Dale; Aurelio’s Pizza, Geneva

Cake
Haylie B’s Bakery, Batavia

Entertainment
James Mastrino of DJUj, Elmhurst; cocktail hour music by Hannah Munnangi (violin) and Zoe Douthit (cello)

Photography
Stephanie Maurie Photography, Geneva

Photos: Stephanie Maurie Photography