With sweeping views of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, this intimate weekend wedding in Positano brought together love, glamour, and unforgettable moments. Hosted at the breathtaking Villa San Giacomo and expertly planned by Elisa Prati Wedding Italy and Ferragne Wedding Events, the celebration was a perfect mix of Italian elegance and personal touches. From a private boat trip to Capri to a seaside disco inside a cave, every detail created a close-knit and magical experience for the couple and their closest loved ones.
Location: Positano, Italy
Style: Elegant, baroque, intimate
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 24
Setting: Villa and seaside restaurant
Season: Fall
Alyssa and Dan’s love story began on the island of Maui, where fate seemed determined to bring them together. Their paths crossed repeatedly in the most unexpected places—grocery stores, parks, and quiet corners of everyday life—until they finally connected on their first date during Lahaina’s famous Halloween festivities, known as Maui’s “Mardi Gras of the Pacific.” Their connection was instant, filled with laughter and an unshakable sense of familiarity. Within a year, their bond grew even stronger with the arrival of their daughter, firming the family they had begun building together.
Welcome Day
Couple's Morning
Alyssa and Dan began their wedding weekend with an early morning pre-wedding session on the iconic beach of Positano. Captured beautifully by Bre Jane Photography, the couple strolled along the quiet coastline and through the charming streets of the town as the first light of day illuminated Positano’s pastel facades.
Alyssa wore a chic white mini dress with statement sleeves, paired with bold white platform heels, embodying an effortlessly relaxed yet stylish look for the occasion. Dan complemented her perfectly in a sleek black ensemble, adding a touch of timeless sophistication. The peaceful, intimate session was the perfect way for the couple to connect and soak in the beauty of Positano before the celebrations began.
Rehearsal Dinner
As the sun dipped below the cliffs of Positano, Alyssa and Dan enjoyed a quiet moment by the pool at Villa San Giacomo, watching the sky turn into soft shades of pink and lavender over the sea. The breathtaking view set the perfect tone for the evening before they joined their guests for the rehearsal dinner.
Held on the villa’s picturesque terrace, the setting combined relaxed elegance with stunning Amalfi Coast views. A long table was beautifully arranged beneath lush greenery, glowing lanterns, and soft candlelight, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The vibrant lemon-printed tablecloth brought a playful touch of Italian charm, while the setting itself reflected the villa’s natural beauty.
The dinner was a joyful gathering of their closest loved ones, with laughter and conversation flowing throughout the evening. Guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts, spontaneous dances, and moments of celebration under the softly glowing lanterns. The couple also took a quiet moment together to capture beautiful photos, savoring the magic of the evening and the breathtaking views around them.
Bridal Morning
The morning of the wedding Alyssa began with writing her vows by hand. Surrounded by the rustic beauty, she savored the peaceful moment with a glass of espresso martini nearby. The soft light filtered through the historic space, highlighting her focus as she prepared to step into the day she had so carefully dreamed of.
Alyssa’s bridal look was an understated glamour with bold design. Her custom gown, created by Filomena Fernandez, evoked a modern silhouette inspired by Mugler, with sculpted detailing that framed her figure effortlessly. She paired the sleek gown with intricate jewelry by Dolce & Gabbana, including a statement necklace and matching earrings adorned with crosses and sapphire accents.
Her soft waves, styled by Alessandro Mancino Studios, cascaded gently over her shoulders, while her makeup featured a defined yet natural look, enhancing her timeless beauty. A bouquet of long-stemmed calla lilies added the final touch, completing a look that was both classic and daring, perfectly suited to the elegance of the Amalfi Coast.
Groom's Fashion
Dan’s morning began with a quiet moment with a glass of whiskey on the terrace, where he wrote his vows by hand too. Dressed in a tailored navy three-piece suit from Ted Baker, paired with a white shirt and black bow tie, his look was both timeless and refined. A sentimental bracelet made from their daughter’s beads added a personal touch to his ensemble. Surrounded by his closest friends, the morning was filled with laughter, toasts, and a calm sense of anticipation for the day ahead.
Ceremony
Set against the dramatic cliffs and sparkling sea of Positano, Alyssa and Dan exchanged vows in an intimate garden ceremony. The couple stood surrounded by 24 of their closest loved ones, with the view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno stretching endlessly behind them. Long white petals lined the grass, while Alyssa’s flowing veil trailed beautifully down the aisle. The couple chose a non-traditional ceremony, officiated by a close friend with Italian roots, making the moment feel deeply personal and heartfelt.
"It was important for them to have an intimate experience with the spectacular bird’s eye view of Positano, to give every one of guests the closeness of family along with the dramatic backdrop of the mountains and classic glamour of Italian elegance and history that the villa evokes.”
Private Moment
After their heartfelt ceremony, Alyssa and Dan took a quiet moment together, walking hand in hand through the winding streets on their way to the reception. As the sun set, the town’s golden glow and soft evening light created a romantic atmosphere. The couple paused along narrow alleys, under twinkling streetlights, and on stone staircases, savoring the fleeting beauty of the day.
Bre Jane Photography and Zeb Films followed them, capturing these intimate moments as the couple embraced, laughed, and stole kisses along the way. These photos and footage documented the stunning setting, the natural joy, and connection between Alyssa and Dan—memories that would last long after the evening had ended. “Our guests felt no need to take out their phones to take photos, which made everyone more present,” the bride highlighted.
"Our wedding party loved them, and we were at ease knowing we could trust them to capture everything beautifully for us."
Decor & Setting
The reception was a vibrant reflection of the couple’s vision for bold Italian glamour and baroque elegance. A long table stretched across the rooftop with breathtaking views of the coastline, surrounded by lush, colorful floral arrangements in shades of orange, yellow, blue, and purple by Starace Florist. Mirrored table runners added a sleek, modern touch, while hanging orchids and glowing chandeliers above the table created a sense of opulence. The blue and white Amalfi-style plates tied in perfectly with the setting, blending local charm and intricate design. “The bride, a tattoo artist, handmade and designed all of the paper goods including the save the dates, invitations, menus, gift tags and signs,” shared Elisa Prati, the planner.
"To emphasize this strong and sparkling choice of colors, we enrich the table with a long carpet of mirrors, and we put a touch of Amalfi Coast style throughout white and blue plates and vases."
Reception
As the sun set, the reception began at Rada Positano restaurant, located along the beach in Positano. Guests were treated to signature cocktails crafted by the bride herself, which added a playful touch to the festivities. Each drink, creatively named to match the energy of the day, reflected the couple’s love for whiskey and tequila, with options like “Love Potion No. 13” and “Superstitious Spirits.” The bride also hand-designed the cocktail menu, showcasing her artistic talent.
The wedding cake, inspired by Priscilla Presley’s iconic 1967 design, was a stunning nod to baroque elegance. Tiered with columns that floated the top layer, the cake stood illuminated on a glass table overflowing with fresh flowers and golden cherub accents. It was a beautiful focal point of the evening, adding a sense of fantasy and timeless charm to the celebration. Guests were also gifted bottles of Sicilian Zibibbo wine as favors, each one decorated with personalized tags designed by the bride.
The night ended with an unforgettable afterparty downstairs at Positano’s famed nightclub set inside a seaside cave. The dance floor came alive with energy as guests celebrated into the early morning hours, the disco beats echoing against the stone walls. It was the perfect finale to a day filled with love, creativity, and joy.
Post-Wedding Days
After the wedding, the newlyweds and their guests had a couple of days to rest, reconnect, and savor their time together. The first day was spent lounging beside the villa’s infinity pool, where everyone enjoyed downtime and sipped espresso martinis, a favorite treat served by their beloved butler.
The couple truly cherished having an intimate wedding and housing all of their guests in the same villa. “The benefit was that the bride and groom shared a lot of quality time together and with guests. The cohesiveness of events and ease of rendezvous added to the enjoyment,” the planner shared. Every meal was prepared from scratch by an amazing chef and shared together on the terrace. The bride added that waking up to a smorgasbord of pastries, fresh charcuterie, and champagne every day was divine.
On the last day of the weekend wedding, the newlyweds and their guests set off on a boat trip to Capri, embracing the magic of the Italian coast. Sailing past the iconic Faraglioni rocks, Alyssa and Dan shared quiet moments together, lounging on deck and sipping champagne as the gentle waves set the perfect rhythm. Guests relaxed under the sun, laughing and toasting to an unforgettable celebration. From the sparkling Mediterranean waters to the lively port of Capri, the day was filled with joy, connection, and the carefree spirit of la dolce vita.
Advice from the couple:
• Consider an intimate wedding and house all of your guests in the same villa. This allowed us to share so much quality time together and with our guests.
• Hire your photo and video team for more than just the wedding day. Time goes by so quickly, and it was incredibly special to have them capture all the unique moments and memories throughout the wedding week.
PLANNER Elisa Prati Wedding Italy & Ferragne Wedding Events | VENUE Villa San Giacomo | PHOTOGRAPHER Bre Jane Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Zeb Films | MUAH Alessandro Mancino Studios | DRESS Filomena Fernandez | JEWELRY Dolce & Gabbana | SHOES Miu Miu | SUIT Ted Baker | FLORALS Starace Florist | MUSIC Amalfi Coast Wedding Music Service | FAVORS Pomilia Calamia | RECEPTION VENUE Rada Positano
