Silicon Valley romance merged with Italian heritage to create three days of pure coastal magic. Villa Cimbrone‘s historic gardens, where centuries of love stories have unfolded, provided the perfect setting for Vivian and Mike’s multicultural celebration. From intimate mozzarella-making demonstrations in a local trattoria to dancing under the stars in an ancient crypt, each moment honored Mike’s Italian roots and shared a California love story.
Location: Ravello, Italy
Style: Romantic, elegant, fun
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 95
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Love can bloom anywhere—even in the digital age. For Mike, a Silicon Valley engineer with Italian roots, and Vivian, a pharmacist developing groundbreaking medications, a Bumble match turned into an unbreakable connection. After their first date, they never looked back, sharing a love of travel that eventually led them to plan their dream celebration in Italy.
Location & Planning
After falling in love with Positano during a memorable trip, Mike and Vivian knew the Amalfi Coast would be their perfect wedding destination. Emma Events helped them discover Villa Cimbrone, where every corner offers breathtaking views and centuries of romance. Under her thoughtful guidance, the couple’s guests traveled from around the world to experience a wedding and an authentic Italian celebration where Vietnamese traditions met Amalfi Coast charm.
"It was so much fun to work with Emma, our planner, to develop the wedding of our dreams. I think the best part was being able to create a memorable wedding weekend in the Amalfi Coast where guests could enjoy the wedding and also feel like they were on vacation!"
Welcome Celebrations
The festivities began at Trattoria da Lorenzo in the charming village of Scala, where guests were immersed in authentic Italian culture. Live mozzarella-making demonstrations, fresh pasta tutorials, and artisanal sandal fittings set the tone for a weekend that would blend tradition with modern love. Emma Events ensured every detail celebrated both the region’s heritage and the couple’s story.
"It is always very important to accurately plan the welcome event as it is the first moment in which all your guests gather together for you! It needs to be curated and full of nice things to do in order to get the right start for the wedding celebration."
Bridal Look & Groom's Fashion
Vivian embodied timeless elegance in her Monique Lhuillier gown, paired with Stuart Weitzman heels that would carry her through the villa’s historic gardens. Alessandro Mancino Studios created a look that would withstand both the coastal breeze and hours of celebration.
Mike made a bold statement in a custom green tuxedo from Tailor’s Keep, complemented by Salvatore Ferragamo shoes – a perfect nod to Italian craftsmanship.
First Look
Before their guests arrived, Vivian and Mike shared their first look in a hidden corner of the Mediterranean gardens. When Vivian appeared, her elegant silhouette framed by centuries-old Italian statues, time seemed to stand still.
The couple’s first embrace was backdropped by the endless blue of the Amalfi Coast below while soft afternoon light filtered through the gardens—a perfect moment when heritage, romance, and natural beauty merged into something magical.
Ceremony
The Garden of the Two Fountains provided a dramatic setting for their vows, with the Amalfi coastline stretching endlessly behind them. Malafronte enhanced the natural beauty with subtle floral touches, while Letters to Rose created ceremony programs that reflected both the setting’s elegance and the couple’s modern style.
Each part of the celebration revealed a new facet of Villa Cimbrone’s magic. Cocktail hour occurred on the Infinity Terrace, perhaps the most breathtaking viewpoint on the entire Amalfi Coast. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the Mediterranean, guests enjoyed aperitivos while Anna Roussos captured countless moments of joy against the iconic backdrop.
Decor & Setting
Malafronte crafted an environment that celebrated Villa Cimbrone’s timeless elegance while adding contemporary magic. In the historic crypt, where centuries of celebrations had unfolded, delicate floral arrangements grew naturally from ancient stone, their soft colors catching the light from LK Event‘s carefully positioned installations.
G&G Party Service created intimate dining vignettes that honored the space’s architecture—long tables dressed in elegant linens caught the warm glow of countless candles, while modern touches like crystal chargers and metallic accents brought fresh energy to the historic space.
Reception
The Amalfi Coast celebration transformed the villa’s lush gardens into a dreamy, romantic backdrop. Vibrant florals, custom stationery, and energetic performances infused the evening with joyful experiences. Guests were delighted with a menu showcasing the region’s renowned culinary heritage.
Evening Celebration
As the sun set, everything was ready for an evening filled with music, laughter, and cherished memories. From Vietnamese ballads to American classics, each song of the night celebrated the couple’s unique journey and had guests dancing until the early hours.
Advice from the couple:
• Choose a location with meaning beyond its beauty – our connection to Italian heritage made every moment more special.
• A destination wedding allows you to give guests an unforgettable experience, not just a celebration.
• Take time during the planning process to include authentic local experiences that your guests will never forget.
PLANNER Emma Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Anna Roussos | VIDEOGRAPHER Luigi De Gregorio | VENUE Villa Cimbrone | FLORALS Malafronte | MUAH Alessandro Mancino | DRESS Monique Lhuillier | SHOES Stuart Weitzman, Salvatore Ferragamo | SUIT Tailor’s Keep | LIGHTING LK Event | RENTALS G&G | STATIONERY Letters to Rose
