Intimate Italy Wedding in Amalfi at NH Collection

Melissa Baran

Updated Sat, December 8, 2018 at 5:00 PM UTC

Not only are we getting a look into this stunning Italy destination wedding planned by Wanderlust Wedding (can you even with that charming ceremony backdrop?!), but we're also chatting with the Bride herself today! From planning, dress shopping and flower selection to the most memorable moments and a bit of advice, she's walking us through the entire fete from start to finish. Cozy up to Jeremy Ferrero's images and get ready to take notes!

How did you meet?

I (Melanie, the bride), was featured in a photo shoot for a digital marketing podcast. The photographer brought along his best friend, Tyler (the groom). In between posing for photos along Atlanta’s beautiful Jackson Street Bridge, we got to talking and the rest is history. The photographer ended up being the best man in our wedding.

Can you tell us about the proposal?

While on vacation in Belize, Tyler planned a surprise romantic dinner on the beach. The idea was to propose during the dinner. However, the day before the big dinner, after kayaking and riding bikes into town for a delicious lunch, we were laying in hammocks talking about how amazing the day had been. He decided not to wait for the surprise dinner and instead made an excuse to run back to the villa and get the ring. He set a GoPro against a palm tree on the way back. I sat up in the hammock when I heard him come back and he was on one knee. My hair was messy, I was sweaty and wearing an old, ugly bathing suit cover up, but none of it mattered. It was the perfect moment and he captured it on video. Every time I watch it I relive one of the greatest moments of my life.

How did you find your wedding dress?

I’m far from traditional, so I originally set out for something that wasn’t very “bridal.” However, upon choosing the historic venue, it was important to me to capture the old-world romanticism that makes Italy so enchanting. I tried on some beautiful dresses, but the typical big, white, embellished princess dresses felt stuffy, uncomfortable and disingenuous. When I tried on the Steven Birnbaum dress that ultimately became the one I chose, it just felt like me. Romantic without being stuffy. I have no idea how he made a lace bridal gown so comfortable, but wearing it was effortless.

What was the inspiration behind your wedding style?

I can’t take a whole lot of credit for this one, because Lisa and Franck of Wanderlust Wedding pretty much did everything. I showed them a few photos of things I thought looked nice and I asked that they capture the romantic, historic feel of the location. Trusting their vision was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – I was determined to enjoy being engaged and not get caught up in the stress of wedding planning. This was captured so well by our photographer, Jeremy, whose ability to become invisible with the camera to capture authentic moments was wonderful.

Why did you choose the location?

Italy was our dream wedding destination. The beauty, culture and history of the country meant that there was no shortage of breathtaking venues. The most important focus for us was to find somewhere overlooking the ocean that had historic significance. When our wedding planners, who live in France and know Italy well, sent us pictures of a 13th century cloister from a Capuchin monastery overlooking the Amalfi coast, we knew this place was special. We travelled to Amalfi and the first time we saw the venue I was nearly moved to tears. The 800 year old ruins built into the steep Amalfi cliffs offering peeks of the Mediterranean sea were more than we could have ever dreamed. The monastery, which in recent years was thoughtfully transformed into a hotel, retains its historic integrity and charm while accommodating modern luxuries. Our cocktail hour and dinner was held on the “walk of the monks” overlooking the gardens and famous Amalfi coast. The food, sourced from the centuries-old gardens once tended by monks, was to die for. It still feels like a dream.

Did you have any DIY elements?

We created our own place cards and invitations. Everything else was handled by Lisa and Franck with Wanderlust Wedding. They were so amazing, I can’t say enough good things about them.

Can you tell us about the flowers you chose?

With the stunning location, we wanted to make sure that the flowers enhanced the beauty of the location rather than distract from it. We opted for mostly white flowers and greenery. Peonies, white roses, sprigs of olive branches and eucalyptus were used.

Favorite detail of the day?

There are so many. The hanging candle orbs over the romantic table setting made the already amazing dinner location magical. Above all, seeing the outpouring of emotion and love on the faces of those we care for was beautiful.

What advice do you have for other couples planning their wedding?

There will always be elements out of your control, especially if you get married on another continent. Like international travel, if something goes wrong, it will just become part of the story. We were extremely lucky that everything came together so perfectly, but the day was so peaceful for me because I stayed in the mindset that no matter what happened, we would still be married, in Italy, surrounded by people we love.

Additionally, on the big day, things happen so quickly. There is almost a shock when you are living the moment you’ve dreamed of for so long and you will be whisked around from one thing to another. Try to stay present, be intentional in building the memories of the day. I cherish the fact that our wedding planners and photographer encouraged us to take moments for ourselves throughout the day so that we could take it all in.

Most memorable moment?

This is impossible! There are so many. During the ceremony, when our officiant spoke to how overcoming a recent loss had made us so much stronger, Tyler pointed to initials of the one we lost embroidered on his cuff, only I could see it. It was such a beautiful, thoughtful moment.Having a small, intimate wedding also meant that I truly got to create memories with those who had flown thousands of miles to share in this moment with us. Being surrounded by so much love with the opportunity to genuinely enjoy their company was incredible.

Any other details you'd like to share?

When Tyler and I first met, we bonded over our love for Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy. We found out that we ended up being married in the place that the work was first translated from Italian, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

What was your honeymoon plan?

Since our destination wedding was a honeymoon in itself, we decided to space out the actual honeymoon by about 8 months. We’re headed to Africa for three weeks in January!

Any you would change? Or do differently?

Honestly, no. Everything – perfect and imperfect – led to the most wonderful day of our lives.

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