This Couple Invited Their Immediate Family to Ravello, Italy, for a Seaside Wedding

Invites to Italy

The couple's invitation suite gave guests a first glimpse at their color palette—soft blues, yellows, greens, and pinks. The notes were hand-lettered with watercolor by Paige Spearin, who also drew the personalized illustration of the duo. Each blue envelope was calligraphed in white with guests' names.

• 32 Destination Wedding Invitations That Celebrate Your Faraway Locale

The Bride's Ball Gown

Jacqueline's Monique Lhuillier wedding dress featured a plunging bodice embellished with delicate flower details and a layered tulle skirt. When she tried it on in front of her sister and mother, she didn't want to take it off. "It was elegant, romantic, and flowy," Jacqueline says. "I felt perfect in it."

The Accessories

The bride paired her ball gown with a custom Monique Lhuillier veil, gold sparkly Jimmy Choo heels, earrings that her sister wore to her own wedding, and her mom's blue sapphire ring purchased in Ireland (she considered this both her something borrowed and something blue).

The Bouquet

Her bouquet was a full arrangement made up entirely of white peonies with exposed stems.

• 64 White Wedding Bouquets

The Groom's Look

On the big day, David wore a white tuxedo jacket paired with a crisp white button-down with black buttons and black pants from Formally Modern Tuxedo. He also wore a black Tom Ford bow tie and suspenders.

The Wedding Party

While David's groomsmen matched him in white tuxedo jackets and black pants, the ladies in Jacqueline's bridal party were asked to wear gowns in soft watercolor tones, inspired by the setting and the pair's invitation suite.

The First Look

The couple planned a first look in the hotel's gardens before the ceremony. "I was a little nervous walking up, but as soon as I saw his face, I was ready to get the wedding rolling!" the bride recalls.

• The Best First Look Wedding Photo Ideas

Wedding Photoshoot in Ravello

It was important to Jacqueline and David to be fully present for their entire wedding, considering how far their families traveled to share the experience with them—which is why they opted to take photos together before the ceremony (to therefore maximize their time with loved ones), in the streets of Ravello. "It really confirmed our decision of traveling to Italy with only our family because we were able to have so many special intimate moments together and stay present," the bride says. "Everything felt so exclusive to us."

On Location

When Jacqueline and David researched Belmond Hotel Caruso, they were drawn to its epic backdrop. "Belmond was the perfect escape from our day-to-day lives with its magical setting on the mountains, oceans and gardens," Jacqueline explains. "Essentially, we could not think of a more romantic venue or country."

Their service embraced the view—it took place overlooking the sea and the town of Ravello.

The Arch

The couple enlisted florist Armando Malafronte to create a stunning floral arch with white, cream, and blush flowers with pops of purple throughout.

• 59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony

Personal Service

Jacqueline and David had a Catholic ceremony back in their hometown of Chicago, so their ceremony in Italy wasn't religious. Jacqueline's father, James, accompanied her down the petal-covered aisle as a harp and violinist played Pachelbel's "Canon in D." The couple then exchanged their own vows and included some of their favorite quotes and readings for a personal touch.

The Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour unfolded in the hotel's garden and pool area, where lounge vignettes were set up and a trio band played music to set the mood. Guests enjoyed an open bar and passed appetizers, including a leek and tuna tartlet, Neapolitan bruschetta, individual calzones, and stuffed pumpkin flowers.

The Reception Setup

With only 14 people total in attendance, the dinner was decidedly intimate; all attendees sat at one long table underneath a canopy of trees.

• A Guide to Wedding Reception Tables

The Floral Details

White flower petals were scattered around the table's edges; 40 floral strings were hung from the trees, creating a unique visual effect around the dinner table. Bulbs also hung from the grove, providing soft lighting as the sun went down.

• Lush Wedding Garlands Guaranteed to Elevate Your Reception

Flower-Filled Setup

The table was topped with floor-length white linens and a long garland featuring white-and-blush roses, while tea and taper candles were placed along the center of the station. Patterned blue-and-white plates rested atop gold-rimmed chargers; menus were calligraphed with each guest's name.

The Toasts

Surrounded by their closest family members, Jacqueline and David asked each guest to give a toast at dinner. "It was overwhelmingly emotional to have them all there and I feel so lucky to have an amazingly supportive family—[and to be entering] a new family that reminds me so much of my own," the bride says.

• Everything You Should Say in Your Wedding Toast

The Sun Sets

A pianist played quietly during the meal, which encouraged conversation. Dinner began with marinated raw tuna and pasta with rockfish sauce, followed by olive-crusted sea bass.

• Should You Have Your Wedding Band or DJ Play Music During Dinner?

The First Dance

The couple shared their first dance to "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis, because it reminds Jacqueline of her love story with David. "The song has a special meaning because I knew right when I met David that I was going to marry him," she says.

The Cake

Jacqueline and David chose to serve a Millefoglie cake—a traditional Italian custard and puff pastry cake with strawberries and raspberries—for dessert.

A New Tradition

One of Jacqueline's favorite moments from the wedding day was smashing the confection in David's face. "I had seen that my mom had done it during her wedding 35 years ago and it was an impulse decision to do the same," she says. "We had lots of laughter during this and I will always remember the look of love and laughter on his face!"

Eager to take in more of Italy's food, people, and culture, the happy couple traveled to Positano, Capri, and Rome for their honeymoon.

• The Dos and Don'ts of the Wedding Cake Smash

Sources

Photography, Jacqui Cole

Venue, Catering, and Cake, Belmond Hotel Caruso

Event Coordinator, Francesca Chianese

Flowers and Lighting, Armando Malafronte

Day-of Paper Goods, Paige Spearin

Stationery, All She Wrote

Bride's Gown and Veil, Monique Lhuillier

Bride's Shoes, Jimmy Choo

Bride's Hair, Gerardo at Total Hair Design

Bride's Makeup, Enza at Frai Form

Groom's attire, Formally Modern

Groom's accessories, Tom Ford