The moment Cara met Dave in Los Angeles, a voice in her head told her she just met her husband. "Of course, I thought I was crazy!" she remembers. But as the two got to know each other over the next few weeks, going on dates to concerts and football games, that voice got louder.
The only catch? Dave lived in Sydney full time and was about to head back home to Australia. The duo kept in touch and spent most of their time messaging and Skyping. Ultimately, they both couldn't deny that they wanted to see each other again and decided to book a trip to Hawaii for their grand reunion. The week was full of romance and fun and by the end, Cara and Dave both knew that they wanted to make a long-distance relationship work.
After three years, Dave was sure he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Cara. He proposed on a private boat tour on the Amalfi Coast—the moment was followed by honking and cheering from other boaters who had seen the happy moment unfold. Two years later, the couple returned to Positano, Italy, with 50 of their nearest and dearest (family and friends flew in from all over the world!) to celebrate their wedding. The event took place at Villa San Giacomo, a dreamy Italian venue that overlooked the water—an appropriate setting for a couple whose wedding journey began on a boat.
Watch Cara and Dave's wedding video by Gianni di Natale.
Invites to Italy
Cara and Dave's invites were meant to give guests a sneak peek into their destination wedding weekend. The letterpressed suite had an old-school Italian look; the heavy paper notes were wrapped in vellum and sealed with a blue cord and silver wax. Each card had a faint watercolor background meant to reflect the grottos around the Amalfi Coast.
An Amalfi Affair
For their big day, the couple wanted to invite their closest friends and family to Positano, Italy. "If guests were able to come, we wanted them to come to one of our favorite places and have an amazing holiday they'd always remember," says the bride.
A Venue Over the Sea
The couple's ceremony was held in the garden at the beautiful Villa San Giacomo, a venue that overlooks Positano and the sea.
The theme of the couple's day was "La Dolce Vita" (the good life!)—and they incorporated it into every aspect. "The color palette was meant to reflect the scenery, the different blues of the grottos and the sky. The blush for the bridesmaids was a similar shade to the weathered pink of our gorgeous villa," remembers Cara.
Blushing Flowers
The bride's bouquet featured a mix of English roses, hydrangeas, and peonies in shades of white, blush, and peach, with some natural greenery mixed in.
The Wedding Dress
Cara chose a beaded lace wedding dress by Moira Hughes Couture, which she found in Paddington, Sydney.
The Groom
Dave wore a three-piece navy suit by Tom Ford; his tie and black shoes were from Isaia.
The groom asked two best men to stand by his side on his big day: His oldest friend, Dean, and his brother, Paul.
The Rings
Both Cara's engagement ring and wedding band were designed by Cerrone Jewelers. Dave's sterling silver ring, complete with a black ceramic inlay, was created by Bulgari in collaboration with Save the Children; a portion of the ring's cost went to the charity.
The First Look
Both Cara and Dave agree that their first look was their favorite part of the day. "Having that private moment together, it calms you both down and is very reassuring," Dave says. "We knew it was finally time to have fun and enjoy everything we had spent so much time planning for."
The Entrance
The couple worked their favorite hits into their ceremony, including "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve for the bridesmaids' entrance and "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles for the bride's debut.
The Vows
The couple wrote their own vows; their ceremony was officiated by Dave's longtime friend. "It was so moving to hear what Dave had written to me, and then to share what I had written to him," remembers Cara.
A Lovely Day
The couple recessed back up the aisle to cheers from friends and the song "'Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. "It seemed like the perfect song for the moment," says Dave.
A Musical Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests remained in the garden to enjoy cocktails and modern music by Areacustica Duo.
Italian-Style Dinner
Guests sat at one long imperial table, set with taper and votive candles and small vases of flowers. A calligraphed bottle of limoncello marked each attendee's spot.
A Meal Under the Stars
Under the Positano stars, celebrants enjoyed a three-course dinner featuring risotto and sirloin.
The Cake
For dessert, the couple served a traditional Italian Millefoglie cake (a treat made from custard and puff pastry!) with fresh berries on top.
Sources
Photography and Videography, Gianni di Natale
Venue, Villa San Giacomo and Il San Pietro di Positano
Event Planning, The Amalfi Experience
Catering, Cake, Rentals, and Lighting, Regency, Villa San Giacomo
Flowers, Armando Malafronte
Stationery, The Distillery Lettepress
Calligraphy, Karyna Gutsalyuk
Music, Areacustica Duo, Cherubino
Bride's gown, Moira Hughes Couture
Groom's attire, Tom Ford
Hair, Tonino
Makeup, Alessia