Newpaper print of wedding portrait, Domenico & Yolanda Gaggi, Toronto, ON, October 1939

Newpaper print of wedding portrait, Domenico & Yolanda Gaggi, Toronto, ON, October 1939. During the war, Domenico (naturalized British subject since 1937) and his Canadian-born wife Yolanda were designated as Enemy Aliens.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occassion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occassion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event ladden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a "busta" -- literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.