This destination wedding in the famous Italian island of Capri is like a fairy tale come true – an all-white theme with accents of gold, the warm summer sun, breathtaking views of the sea, and the culinary prowess and hospitality that only Southern Italians know how to offer…
Today we want to take you through the behind the scenes of this incredible event, entirely planned and styled by us at Capri Moments, destination wedding planners in Capri, and photographed by international wedding photographer Gianluca Adovasio.
Sandy and Pablo got in touch with us on a winter day in January. We usually plan weddings with a 12-month lead time, but this occasion was set to be different right from the start! The task at hand was daunting, but incredibly exciting. This couple wanted a wedding that oozed sophistication and understated luxury with nods to their Italian and Mexican heritage. No mean feat when you have just a few months to plan it all, but with our knowledge of the territory and a passion for challenging briefs, we were able to gift them the experience of their dreams.
Sandy and Pablo had already had a chance to visit Capri during an earlier holiday. Of all of the places they visited, the one that truly touched their heart was Anacapri – the island’s second city, located on a breathtaking vantage point. We might be a bit biased, because as ‘anacapresi’ ourselves, we love our town and firmly believe it is the most beautiful part of this incredible island. Planning a wedding in Anacapri couldn’t have made us happier!
This couple’s celebrations started the day before the wedding – of their 100 guests, they picked 20 of their closest friends and family for an informal dinner in one of the island’s local restaurants – a true feast of traditional ‘partenopean’ cuisine!
After an entire 24 hour of preparations, setting up, installing and styling with our team, the magic begun…
The setting chosen by Sandy and Pablo for their outdoor ceremony was the terrace of the famous hotel and Capri wedding venue Capri Palace. With a roof-top overlooking the sea and the nearby island of Ischia, this spot offered our couple the most perfect private, unspoilt backdrop they desired.
The guests entered the ceremony area by passing through an outdoor corridor lined with small lemon trees. On the other side, a frame with the words “Once upon a time,” hand scripted by calligrapher Cecilia Boschi, an all white and green set up awaited – with faux grass, draping chiffon, a crystal chandelier and an abundance of flowers, this perfect ceremony spot offered a front row seats to Sandy and Pablo saying “I-Do” in front of the Mediterranean Sea!
The bride’s bouquet was a simple composition of symphoricarpos, commonly known as snowberry. The altar and the aisle were decorated with peonies, hydrangea, dendrobium orchid, lisianthus, hypericum berries, viburnum and dianthus green trick – all rigorously white and green, for a clean and sophisticated wedding look that enhanced Capri’s surroundings and views rather than detract from them.
Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed an aperitif on the roof top. Now, we don’t always share the menu with our follower, but we strongly feel that Capri is the best wedding destination for foodies, so for all you lovers of good Italian food, here’s what Sandy and Pablo selected for their first aperitive (yes, ‘first’, because there was a second, and a wedding dinner, as well as a Temptation Room full of tempting desserts, of course!):
- a cold canapé of parma ham & melon, red prawns & caviar, and bonito fish, ricotta & caviar; followed by an eggplant & smoked provola cheese bruschetta, and a salame & artichoke in olive oil one
- a hot canapé including slices of traditional margherita pizza
- a vegetarian corner with paper cones of deep fried buttered vegetables and a range of traditional Neapolitan delicacies, like potato croquettes, arancini, cheese-filled ravioli, ‘ascolana’ olives, eggplants and bread balls and battered seaweeds
- and lastly, a fish corner with paper cones filled with deep fried squids, prawns, silver garfish and anchovies.
After this delicious aperitif, it was time to head out to the reception venue.
Sandy and Pablo chose the beautiful Il Riccio – Capri Palace’s beach club. Il Riccio is no ordinary wedding venue. In addition to being a one Michelin star restaurant, it boasts two amazing terraces with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Our couple wanted to recreate a romantic, candle lit garden atmosphere. Once the brief was clear, our team set out to transform the terraces into the most magical reception backdrop.
We are incredibly proud of the work we have put into styling this venue so that it reflected the couple’s vision to the smallest detail… We have put together a video to show you the transformation: https://vimeo.com/239665167
The bride and groom arrived by boat and were welcomed by their guests cheering them from the terrace.
The reception started with cheerful celebrations led by a traditional local folk music band called Scialapopolo and was followed by another rich aperitif on the upper terrace.
As the sun set over the sea the guests were asked to move to the lower terrace where a candlelit dinner awaited; and when we say “candle lit” we truly mean it. From the tables tea lights to the ceiling glass bubbles – we counted approximately 300 candles! The perfect atmosphere for a sunset dinner overlooking the sea.
Each table was decorated with green and white flowers and a touch of blue to recall the coastal theme of Il Riccio. On every chair the guests found a personalised tote bag, which they will later fill with all sorts of wedding favours: from hand made leather sandals created on the spot by a local leather artisan for the ladies, to bowties for the gents, small limoncello bottles and pouches of traditional Italian almond ‘confetti’.
During dinner we had the perfect opportunity to surprise the guests with a traditional Mexican mariachi band – everyone joined in the fun, including of course the groom!
After a change of dress, the band escorted the couple and their friends to the upper terrace, where they enjoyed the live making of the cake, and an evening of dancing and drinking under the stars.
The full gallery of this wedding is here: http://caprimoments.com/en/portfolio/weddings-on-capri/wedding-at-il-riccio-sandy-pablo/
We hope you have enjoyed the chronicle of this incredible wedding. We feel that Capri is the most incredible Italian wedding destination. From breathtaking venues to spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, unparalleled hospitality, delicious food and traditional music – a wedding abroad in Capri will gift you and your guests with the most memorable experience.
This is what Capri Moments is all about. We don’t believe in cookie cutter weddings. We only do bespoke celebrations with the highest level of attention to details. If this is what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
See you in Capri!
CREDITS
- Photo: Gianluca Adovasio
- Florals: Oltre il Giardino
- Getting ready and ceremony venue: Capri Palace
- Reception venue: Il Riccio
- Calligraphy: Cecilia Boschi
- Bridal Gown: Carolina Herrera
- Grom Attire: Isaia
- Stationery: Smythson
- Dj set: Fabio Vuotto
- Lights: Fx Treme
- Festive local folk music band: Banda di Scialapopolo
If you are looking for a wedding planner agency please contact us. Let's organize your wedding together!
Leave A Comment