A Romantic Garden Wedding in Ravello, Italy

The Venue

It's easy to see why Cameron and Adrienne chose the Hotel Villa Cimbrone for their venue. It boasts stunning views of the sea—plus manicured gardens and lawns. "The venue is so magical and whimsical," Adrienne says of the location. "The moment you arrive onto the grounds, there is this energy that you can't explain."

Tea Ceremony

Adrienne cites her and Cameron's pre-wedding tea ceremony as one of the most memorable moments of her entire bridal experience. "Traditionally, the tea ceremony is one of the most significant events at a Chinese wedding. It's called jing cha in Chinese, literally meaning 'to respectfully offer tea.' It incorporates a very formal introduction of the bride and groom, and expresses respect to their families," the bride explains. "Showing respect to my parents, my in-laws, and elders by pouring them a cup of tea was what was expected of me, and in return they offer their words of advice on marriage and a red pocket—or hong bao—for good luck."

Tradition

"What I didn't anticipate was how I felt during the ceremony," Adrienne continues. "I was overfilled with emotion—not only because of the immense amount of love that was given, but because we realized that we are now considered adults in the Chinese community; we have the complete support of our elders to help and guide us through any obstacles that may come our way. To me, that was something very, very memorable and something I will hold close to my heart."

Wedding Dress

Though Adrienne's Marchesa wedding dress was the first one she tried on, she says she tried on "100 more" before returning to the original—a form-fitting, lace-appliqué gown she loved. "It was perfect for the venue," she says, "a little sexy but whimsical."

Bride's Shoes

Adrienne chose white feathered Jimmy Choo heels with crystal detailing to complete her bridal ensemble.

Groom's Attire

Cameron donned a black tuxedo by Tom Ford that "fit perfectly like a glove," he says.

Groom's Accessories

The groom sported several Tom Ford accessories, including a bow tie and custom vest. He also wore black patent leather Christian Louboutin shoes.

First Look

The couple opted for a first look. "I was speechless," recalls Cameron. "She was the most beautiful bride that I've ever seen in my life." And Adrienne was nervous—until she saw Cameron's face. Once she saw him, "everything felt lighter," she says.

Bride's Bouquet

Myrtle et Olive made Adrienne's bouquet with roses, lysianthus, and clematis in hues of purple, blush, and ivory. It was "the perfect complement to the sea blue hues we chose for [the] linens and the bridesmaids' gowns," event planner Joy Proctor says.

The Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids wore blue dresses by Patricia Santos and carried bouquets similar to Adrienne's larger arrangement; they were tied with long, flowing ribbons.

The Groomsmen

As for the groom's entourage? They wore custom navy suits and black calfskin shoes from Meermin Mallorca.

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony was held outside, on the lower gardens of Hotel Villa Cimbrone. Proctor describes the décor as a "growing aisle of flowers," which culminated in a ground arch at the foot of the walkway. From their seats, guests had views of the Amalfi Coast.

Fancy Chairs

Chairs were covered in sheer, light-blue fabric slips that draped onto the grass.

In the Shade

Guests were given parasols that protected them from the blazing sun. "Ravello can be very hot during the summer," Proctor explains.

Flower Girl

A flower girl wore a flowing tulle ball gown and a pink-and-ivory floral crown.

The Recessional

After sharing their first married kiss, the couple recessed back up the aisle to "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran—a fitting choice, because that's how the couple describes their ceremony. "One of the most memorable moments [of the day] was during our ceremony, when we were looking across at each other, holding hands, and exchanging our vows," Cameron says.

The Reception

After an outdoor cocktail hour with epic sunset views, guests took their seats in the crypt—covered in "beautiful organic greenery growing up the sides," Proctor recalls—for the reception. Long, linen-covered tables were dotted with candles, which made the room look as if it were "dripping with candlelight," she adds.

The Centerpieces

Centerpieces made from garden roses, lisianthus, campanula, and clematis "completed the lush garden look," Proctor says. Menu cards were placed at each setting. Guests dined on Italian classics, including aubergine parmigiana with tomato sauce; "mezzi paccheri" pasta with tomato sauce, basil pesto, and toasted hazelnuts; braised beef shoulder with mushrooms and potatoes; and tiramisu with strawberries.

The Cake

The couple also served guests a two-tier white wedding cake decorated with fresh blooms.

Favorite Moments

"Cameron's favorite wedding moment took place during the reception, he says. "As I looked around the crypt before and after our closest friends and family gave their toasts, I felt extremely fortunate and grateful that everything came together the way it did, and to be surrounded by so much love and support after thinking about how far some of our guests had to travel to be there with us that day," he explains.

Sources

Photography, Vasia Han Photography

Venue, Catering, and Cake, Hotel Villa Cimbrone

Event planning, Joy Proctor Design

Flowers, Myrtle et Olive

Videography, Marco Caputo Films

Stationery and calligraphy, Written Word

Music, Benny Faldun

Bride's gown, Marchesa

Bride's accessories, Marchesa, Jimmy Choo

Hair, Alexandul

Bridesmaids' dresses, Patricia Santos

Groom's suit, Tom Ford

Groom's accessories, Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin