Today's real wedding takes the idea of a marriage celebration to new realms of spectacular.
Maryla and Giuseppe own destination wedding planning company, Art of Perfection Events with offices in New York, Connecticut and Italy. And when it comes to perfection, the couple left no detail to chance for their own stunning wedding in their hometown of Monte Di Procida in Naples, Italy.
With pictures from one of our favourite Italian photographers, Francesco Di Tito, this is one wedding that needs to be seen to be believed.
Maryla was a stunning and stylish bride in not just one, but two breathtaking dresses by couture designer, Sarah Jassir (who was in attendance to see her bride go down the aisle). While her groom Guiseppe, wore sharp Italian tailoring by Gucci.
And the wedding was just as chic as the couple themselves; a luxe sunset beach club backdrop, an abundance of opulent blooms, a swinging wedding cake, carnival dancers, cocktails and dancing in the pool. Parties don't get much more fun than this one – and each element was soundtracked to great an ambiance that was just right.
While normally, we're beside ourselves swooning over the pretty pictures, we urge you to read Maryla's words as well. She describes in detail her and Giuseppe's dreamy love story, and how she conceived their incredible wedding…
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Every summer for as long as I could remember my parents flew me to Italy to visit family. I have always lived this love affair between the two countries.
Eight years ago “Peppe,” the boy I had admired for years from Monte di Procida, my parent’s hometown finally asked me on a date.
Guess what I did… played hard to get! His Italian charm and ways with words led me to quickly give in. Our first date was magical.
I was picked up on his blue Vespa and while the wind blew through my hair and I held on to him tightly I thought, “I could really get used to this!” And so I did.
Our Wedding
Giuseppe and I own an event planning company that specializes in destination weddings in Italy.
Art of Perfection Events marries passionate travelers who appreciate the romance and authentic atmosphere Italy has to offer.
Like those travelers, Giuseppe and I wanted to relive our love story on the day of our wedding. I had planned my wedding since I was a little girl.
My dream was to marry in the same church my parents got married in, use the same “Maggiolone” car and to walk the narrow streets of the rustic town followed by friends, family and townspeople who, by tradition, congratulate the couple by throwing rice and money. A wedding in Italy is a town affair.
The memory of our wedding day is still a very prominent thought in my mind. Honestly, I cannot believe I pulled it off!
It was difficult to be both Wedding Planner and Bride. As a planner, I sought perfection, while as a bride, I wanted to experience the day to the fullest. I didn't want it to end.
I get goose bumps thinking about the emotion of the whole day.
Friends joked, saying that they couldn't believe I was so relaxed, knowing what a control freak I am. I had promised myself that the day of my own wedding I would stop being “planner” and enjoy all the attention for once!
Of course, I couldn't do this alone and I owe it to my wonderful team of APstaff and vendors for their heartfelt dedication.
The Ceremony
The theme of our wedding revolved around experiencing the love and feeling of the “Heaven” Giuseppe and I feel when we are together. I chose to let my guests experience “Paradiso,” Heaven for a day.
The day began with a world-wind of whites, creams, pale pinks and earthy greens. Fluffy baby's breath created the aura of airy clouds and the impression of being in heaven during the church ceremony.
The Cocktail Hour
The reception was at Sohal Beach Club, a beautiful venue overlooking the Islands of Procida and Ischia. I created the gates of heaven at the entrance of the venue, with an underpass of wisteria to guide guests into their first stop, the cocktail hour.
My musical guru's at Alma y Musica helped me create a different atmosphere in each location of the beach club.
The cocktail hour had a hip, jazzy, English speaking band, that set the Buddah Bar, sunset beach club tone. The lead singer looked like Pink!
The Reception
Leading into the dining area was the seating chart, where each guest took a key to their seat in Paradiso. Guiding their way were the sounds of an electric violin.
Imperial tables with cascading flowers in shades of pink and green embellished the dinner table, candlelit by hundreds of candelabras and sparkly chandeliers.
The electric violin turned saucy with the voice of lead singer Rosa Benincasa, renowned Neapolitan singer, whose performance got everyone from the youngest to the oldest guest on the dance floor, which is atypical of traditional Italian weddings where food is normally the main event.
Not to say that the food was not, Sohal Beach Club created a phenomenal fresh seafood-based meal with all of the traditional fixings Giuseppe and I love. Food is always important to an Italian couple.
The After Party
Next up, the swinging wedding cake, hanging from the twirly vines of the garden of Eden. A gospel band dressed in white serenaded the guests who surrounded us with sparklers in hand.
Lights began to dim and change to deep reds and purple shades. A spicy Cuban band began to jam as a group of colorful Brazilian dancers made their way to the dance floor.
You can only imagine the look on the men's faces. Usually, they can't wait to go home – This time they didn't want to leave!
I am known as the “party-girl,” who knows how to throw events that will be remembered.
The Brazilian dancers ended their routine when a human trapped in a life-size balloon rolled into the pool and began to walk on water.
The attraction was perfect to set the odd, inferno, feeling that led to the after-party in the “after-life.”
A final band took the stage, friends that did not come to the reception joined the party and the bar kept pouring our signature cocktails.
Until, my brother pushed my husband in the pool, suit and all. It was like a domino affect.
I was pushed in next and the rest of the guests jumped in with their gowns, dress shirts and bow ties after me.
I can remember looking up at the twinkling lights, like stars over the pool with the splashing water and everyone dressed in their best having the time of their life dancing in the pool.
It is an image I can never forget.
Advice for Other Couples
The only advice I can give as a former bride myself, is enjoy every moment of your wedding.
So many times we get caught up with the details and forget the reason we are getting married in the first place.
Let a professional handle it, enjoy your partner, your family and friends and never forget those amazing moments.
Now, our wedding seems like a good dream. But I know it really happened! Italy is a magical place full of surprises.
Pretty wild, right? But so insanely beautiful too! I'm just obsessed with Maryla's wedding dress, and that sunset is just spectacular. Anyone else dreaming of an Italian beach club wedding now?
I just love seeing wedding planners' weddings, they're always so creative and unique.
Thanks so much to the talented Francesco Di Tito, and of course our gorgeous couple, Maryla and Giuseppe for sharing their Naples wedding with us.
And that's not all, pop back tomorrow to see their incredible wedding film by another of our faves, Marco Caputo Films.
Getting married abroad? Be inspired by more spectacular destination weddings.
