A Spectacular Wedding on the Amalfi Coast

Location: Ravello, Italy
Setting: Restaurant, villa
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 150
Wedding theme/style: Glamorous, vibrant, traditional, elegant, and luxurious.

Silicon Valley tech guru Chris and Italian Dancer Mariele Tie the Knot in a Lavish Amalfi Coast Wedding.
The romantic tale of Mariele and Chris began in 2017, when their paths crossed, igniting a love story that would transcend borders and backgrounds. Mariele, hailing from an Italian heritage, dreamt of a wedding that would pay homage to her roots in the picturesque landscapes of Italy. After careful consideration, the couple chose the enchanting region of Ravello, nestled on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, as the perfect backdrop to celebrate their love.

With over 150 esteemed guests in attendance, the three-day wedding extravaganza unfolded in September 2022. Mariele took charge of planning the entire affair herself, with the invaluable assistance of renowned wedding planner Andrea from Italian Weddings and Events.

Andrea couldn’t help but sing Mariele’s praises, stating, “Mariele was the most exceptional bride I’d had the pleasure of working with within the last ten years. Her vision for the wedding was evident from our first meeting, and together, we turned it into a reality.”

The festivities commenced with a traditional southern Italian welcome dinner held at Torre Normanna, an ancient medieval watchtower with a unique restaurant overlooking the azure sea and sky.

The evening exuded an authentically Italian “dolce vita” vibe, featuring vibrant lemon motifs, elegant patterns, and touches of blue and bougainvillea. Each guest received a welcome bag brimming with Italian-inspired items, including homemade limoncello from Mariele’s aunt, lemon candles, an itinerary of the wedding events, and delectable Italian cookies.

As the sun set on the horizon, Mariele and Chris made a grand entrance on a gozzo, a traditional wooden boat of the Amalfi region.

When capturing the essence of a dreamy Italian wedding, Mariele knew precisely how to make a statement. She adorned herself in a vintage gown, shoes, and clutch, all sourced from none other than the prestigious Giorgio Armani archives. It was a choice that paid homage to the celebrated Italian heritage and Mariele’s discerning taste. Mariele and Chris, a couple genuinely dressed for success, proved that when embracing Italian fashion and the magic of Giorgio Armani, two is always better than one. Their Giorgio Armani ensembles were a testament to their impeccable taste and unwavering commitment to sophistication—a love story as captivating as any Armani masterpiece.

Throughout the night, attendees relished a relaxed Italian buffet showcasing culinary delights such as burrata, grilled fish, tomatoes, oven pizza and fresh pasta, all accompanied by the rhythmic melodies of a traditional Amalfi coast band playing beloved Italian tunes like “Tarantella Napoletana.”

The following day, the couple exchanged vows in a breathtaking ceremony at the historic Duomo of Ravello, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 11th century. Surrounded by the lush gardens, luxurious villas, and awe-inspiring vistas of Ravello, Mariele, and Chris found solace in this sublime setting that effortlessly combined Baroque and Romanesque styles. Chris explained, “Both Mariele and I come from Catholic families, and it was important for us to honor our religion by marrying in one of Ravello’s most spiritual and socially significant locations.”

As the radiant bride and her bridesmaids prepared for the momentous occasion at a nearby hotel, anticipation filled the air. Mariele, an ardent admirer of wedding designer Monique Lhuillier, had her heart set on a dress from her collection. “From the moment I got engaged, I knew that my wedding dress had to be from Monique Lhuillier,” Mariele exclaimed. “I’ve been captivated by her designs for years. Fortunately, there was a boutique near my house in NYC where I could try on several of her creations, and ultimately, I fell in love with the ‘Fleur de Lis.’ Mariele’s look was completed with beautiful Aquazzurra shoes.
Mariele’s impeccable hair and makeup look exuded sophistication and charm.

Though the bridal party was running fashionably late due to the hustle and bustle of getting everyone ready and capturing priceless moments with family, they powered through the streets of car-free Ravello, racing towards the church. Mariele laughed, reminiscing, “I couldn’t stop thinking about Chris waiting for me in the heat, so I practically sprinted to the wedding church. The journey was incredible, with passersby stopping to admire and cheer us on. It set the perfect tone for my entrance!”

The Italian Weddings and Events team adorned the church with hundreds of flowers, enhancing the beauty of this majestic venue. Cream-colored roses and white orchids added an elegant and festive touch to the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony was a traditional Catholic mass, during which Mariele and Chris solemnly pledged their love and devotion, officially uniting them as husband and wife.

The couple’s next destination was the exclusive Villa Eva, nestled a short walk away, where the much-anticipated reception unfolded. Andrea from Italian Weddings and Events enthused, “We kept the dining area a secret from everyone, intending to create a jaw-dropping moment when guests entered the room. Needless to say, everyone was utterly awestruck by the grandeur that awaited them.”

Indeed, the dining area transformed into an enchanting Amalfi Coast rose garden, adorned with over 5,000 roses cascading from the ceiling and embellishing the table centerpieces. The color palette, described as “ballet core,” featured soft, muted shades of blush, delicately complemented by tulle and silk accents, embodying an aura of refinement and perfection.

The seating chart showcased tables named after renowned opera acts, such as Romeo and Juliet, La Carmen, and Giselle—some of which Mariele herself had performed in during her career as a professional dancer.

Chris fondly reflected on their decision to keep the guest list intimate, stating, “We wanted to create an intimate wedding experience and share our favorite place with those closest to us. Our 150 guests, consisting of family and close friends, made the day incredibly special, relaxed, and brimming with love.”

Mariele shared her first impression upon beholding the breathtaking floral spectacle, “It was a sight that took my breath away. The moment I entered and saw the resplendent flowers and stunning setup, I knew it was a dream come true.”

In a nod to traditional Amalfi customs, the esteemed Capri-based perfume house, Carthusia, set up a perfume bar, where perfumers guided guests through creating personalized scents. Each guest’s unique fragrance blend was recorded. At the night’s end, a customized package awaited them as a cherished keepsake, forever reminding them of the magical evening spent on the Amalfi Coast.

Professional dancers entertained the guests, paying homage to Mariele’s illustrious career as a dancer in New York City. Mariele and Chris were determined to create a multi-sensory experience for their cherished guests, tantalizing their touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste from the moment they arrived at the reception. Upon entering, attendees were greeted with champagne and mesmerized by a stunning floral tunnel installation accompanied by violinists playing classical melodies.

The wedding dinner delighted guests with a sumptuous three-course meal serenaded by Venetian opera singer Rodrigo Trodino, who traveled from Venice to lend his mesmerizing voice to the celebration. Rodrigo’s captivating performances of “O’ Sole Mio” and “Brindisi, from La Traviata” added a touch of Italian elegance, rendering the evening truly unforgettable.

The wedding was filled with beautiful moments. Mariele and Chris cut their wedding cake, a true culinary masterpiece. The classic white cake adorned with flowers perfectly complemented the wedding style. Following this, the newlyweds poured champagne into glasses, inviting guests to share the joy of the evening.

The culmination of these traditional moments was a delightful wedding dance, where the couple danced on a specially designed dance floor featuring their initials. The dance concluded with a breathtaking display of fireworks, adding a touch of enchantment to the celebration.

Before the dancing commenced, Mariele made a dazzling change into a second dress following the reception. The exquisite gown, designed by renowned Italian designer Ermanno Scervino, was a true masterpiece.

“The dress was adorned with delicate and beautiful lace embroidery, making it impossible to tailor,” Mariele shared. “Although it was slightly too long for me, I found the perfect solution by opting for very high platform heels.” Upon discovering the Ermanno Scervino dress, Mariele instantly knew it was the perfect choice. “The dress featured a stunning combination of lace and feathers, which perfectly complemented the late-night party scene’s decor,” she explained.

As the sun set, Marielle tossed her bridal bouquet, sparking joy. This delightful tradition, where the bride shares her bouquet, added excitement to the celebration. The laughter and anticipation turned the toss into a heartwarming moment, making it a cherished part of the wedding festivities.

The night continued into the early morning hours when the villa’s inside turned into a nightclub fusion between NYC and Italy – featuring disco balls, feathers, a smoke machine, a cigar bar, digital violin players, and a sax with a DJ set. Mariele and Chris had a custom-made dance floor with their initials. The perfect end to a fairytale Italian wedding.