Local Couple Wins ‘Heartfelt Thanks to Healthcare Heroes’ Wedding Sweepstakes: Umbro, Giordano Prepare for Lavish Ceremony, Reception

There will be a Hollywood-style wedding soon for two healthcare heroes with Revere connections.

Michele Umbro and Jack Giordano are the winners of the Boston Harbor Hotel “Heartfelt Thanks to Healthcare Heroes” Wedding Giveaway contest.

In an effort to honor the heroism of frontline workers who distinguished themselves so bravely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boston Harbor Hotel wanted to thank one lucky couple by offering an all-expense paid package for 10 people to take place in the unparalleled John Adams Presidential Suite overlooking the Boston waterfront.

Michele and Jack, who are both 33 years old, have been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle is a mammographer and X-ray technician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. During the pandemic, her team of medical personnel worked directly with COVID-19 patients administering daily test X-rays for diagnostic purposes.

Jack is a firefighter in the Boston Fire Department, part of the contingent of first responders who have answered the call so gallantly during the unprecedented, international health crisis.

“I’m proud of him,” said Michele.

Revere Connections

Michele grew up on Prospect Avenue in Revere and attended Immaculate Conception School. She graduated in 2005 from Pope John XXIII High School, Everett. Joseph and Anna Umbro, Michelle’s parents, still reside in Revere and will be proud guests at the lavish wedding reception.

Michele attended Salem State University and later studied Radiology at Bunker Hill Community College.

 Jack, son of Kim Giordano and Sheila Giordano, grew up in Wrentham. He has an educational connection to the City of Revere.

“I did my thesis in 2019 on revitalizing Revere as a gateway city,” said Jack, who went on to receive a Master’s degree in Security and Resiliency from Northeastern University. “Revere hits home to me in many ways. I really love Revere Beach. Michele and I have been to Bianchi’s Pizza, but she still hasn’t brought me to Kelly’s.”

Jack recalled conversing with Mayor Brian Arrigo during his research for his thesis.

“We talked at length about the city – he’s a really, really nice guy,” recalled Jack. “This was the week before the election, so I was like, ‘he has other things to worry about,’ and there he was talking with me for more than hour.”

A Five-Year Path to Wedding Day

Michele Umbro and Jack Giordano met in 2016 and have been engaged since May, 2019. They had scheduled their wedding on two prior occasions, the first in Tuscany, Italy, but the weddings were postponed due to the pandemic and travel restrictions.

“We were planning our wedding for a third time for somewhere in the United States and then we ended up winning this sweepstakes,” said Michelle.

It was her future husband Jack’s mother who sent the couple the link to the Boston Harbor Wedding sweepstakes.

They submitted a heartfelt video for the contest and a few days later Michele and Jack were notified that they were finalists for the grand prize.

“When we actually went to the Boston Harbor Hotel, they surprised us and said we were the winners,” said Michele.

An Amazing Wedding Ceremony and Reception

The Boston Harbor Hotel’s “Heartfelt Thanks to Healthcare Heroes” Microwedding for Michele and Jack will include the following: Wedding ceremony in the Presidential Suite overlooking Boston Harbor; tableside cocktail service; plated hors d’oeuvres; sit-down three-course dinner by Chef Daniel Bruce; wedding cake; and wine and champagne for ten guests served during dinner.

There will be also white linens, ballroom chairs, flowers from The Wedding Collection by Winston Flowers, including a dining room centerpiece, a bride’s classic white rose bouquet, a groom’s white rose bouquet, and flowers for the parents of the bride and groom and the best man and maid of honor.

The hairstyling and makeup for the bridal party will be compliments of Megan Graham Beauty. The couple will enjoy a one-night stay in the one-bedroom John Adams Presidential Suite and breakfast for two in the suite the next morning. And not leaving anything uncovered, the Boston Harbor Hotel will provide free parking.

According to sources, actor George Clooney was a guest in the John Adams Presidential Suite a couple of weeks ago.

“I’m very excited about the wedding,” said Michele. “It feels like it’s a long ways away, but I feel hopeful that this is definitely going to happen and we’re just really appreciative and really excited and overall very happy.”

On Being a Hero

Both Michele and Jack were asked about the recognition that they have received deservedly as “heroes,” working to help others through these challenging times.

“I wouldn’t look at myself as being a hero,” Michele responded humbly. “I think definitely at the hospital we’ve all worked as such a good team and I was really proud to be part of that team. I think the real heroes are those doctors and nurses that are working one on one with those patients, but without radiology and all the other departments – we all just work together. Without radiology, they wouldn’t know the diagnostics of looking into the X-rays and MRIs and CTs – so it’s a team effort and I’m really proud to be a part of the Brigham.”

Jack also accepted the recognition with grace. “I just want to thank the citizens of Massachusetts and particularly the City of Boston – without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, and that’s help people. We absolutely find it as an honor and a privilege to do the job that we’re able to do.

“I don’t see myself as a hero,” continued Jack. “I think we just do the jobs we do with the resources and tools that we have. At the end of the day, we just want to help people and promote the communities to stay safe and healthy and increase the quality of life – I think that’s a team collaborative effort on the whole healthcare front, protective services as well. It’s just an honor to be part of this huge team that’s helping our communities thrive during this.”

Advice for Couples

Jack had some good advice for other couples who are in the planning stages for their weddings.

“To all the newly engaged couples who have been trying to figure out how they’re going to plan a wedding during the pandemic, I think the most important thing is to see this as a steppingstone in learning how to become stronger partners together. I’d say the biggest advice is communicate. It’s been quite the experience and I just think that this [planning the wedding during the pandemic] is going to set us up for success in the future.

“This has been our first big challenge as a couple together, and it’s made us realize that the most important thing in this life is having each other and having our health and well-being.”

(Information from Boston Harbor Hotel press materials were used in this story).