An Enchanting Amalfi Coast Villa Wedding Among the Clouds

A quiet grandeur framed by a dramatic setting for Berna & Joseph's wedding

High above the Amalfi Coast, where stone pathways replace streets and time slows to a quiet, deliberate rhythm, Berna and Joseph’s wedding unfolded as an intimate dialogue between place, history, and design. Hosted at the storied Villa Cimbrone, the celebration embraced the villa’s centuries-old soul, allowing its gardens, and chambers to shape the flow of the weekend. Guests arrived on foot, ascending into a world removed from noise and urgency, where each setting revealed a new mood. The event design felt instinctive and layered – Moorish arches softened with budding florals, candlelit crypts glowing like Renaissance paintings, and terraces opening to cinematic coastal views. Berna’s bridal look echoed the architecture itself: a lace couture gown by our member Galia Lahav, Gothic in spirit yet effortlessly modern, finished with a cathedral veil that slowed her steps and heightened each moment. Rooted in tradition yet intentionally unhurried, the atmosphere was defined by presence, beauty, and a reverent sense of time – less a single day, and more a living, breathing experience.

An Enchanting Amalfi Coast Villa Wedding Among the Clouds

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We met five years ago on a tiny island in Miami—the same one where Joseph grew up. I had just moved from Turkey to take a position in interior architecture, and by complete chance, my design studio was located on that same island. It’s a quiet place, not known for many businesses or much foot traffic, which made the coincidence all the more striking. We soon discovered we were also neighbors downtown. Our first date was at an art museum. Things fell into place so naturally, it felt like we’d been in each other’s lives for years.

^{The Proposal}

He’d planned a dreamy end-of-summer getaway to Lake Como—just the two of us, the water glittering, and no real agenda. One evening, after visiting yet another beautiful villa, back at our hotel, he stopped by the lake, turned to me, and proposed. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

^{The Engagement Ring}

When Joseph decided to propose, he already knew exactly what he was looking for. “Because of Berna’s eye shape, I felt a pear-cut diamond would suit her perfectly.” He worked closely with Material Good to source a beautifully proportioned stone and designed a minimalist setting: a floating pear diamond on a simple gold band.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

After reading how so many brides describe their wedding day as a blur, we were determined to do it differently. From the beginning, we set the tone: to move slowly, to be present, to savor each moment. That intention shaped everything—from the fashion to the music we paired with each of the villa’s settings. We wanted the day to feel layered, deeply personal, and rich in its timelessness. Our mantra was simple: take it slow.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

The decorative details were guided entirely by the villa’s settings—we treated each scene less like a backdrop and more like a character. We weren’t interested in imposing a theme. Instead, we focused on atmosphere and symbolism, allowing the history of each space to lead. Rather than trend-driven décor, we focused on details that supported tone and movement. Nothing was static. Guests transitioned through cloisters, gardens, terraces, and chambers, with the décor shifting gently in parallel. Every element—from texture to sound—was part of a considered progression.

^{The Location}

Villa Cimbrone felt like a place with soul. Perched at the tip of Ravello, high in the hills above the Amalfi Coast, it’s only accessible on foot—no cars, no noise, just stone paths and silence. Each of our guests made the climb to stay in the villa with us for the weekend, which made it feel as though we had an ancient city to ourselves.

An Enchanting Amalfi Coast Villa Wedding Among the Clouds

We were drawn to the villa’s architectural richness and emotional weight. Every space carried a story—each one a reflection of a past century. We didn’t need to over-style it; we simply built on the atmosphere already there and enhanced it with our own personal touch. Ravello gave us the intimacy and pacing we had been searching for. Each space shifted in tone and meaning, allowing the weekend to unfold like the story we had imagined.

^{The Ceremony}

The tea room, with its Moorish architecture and arabesque mosaics, offered a different kind of intimacy—romantic and grounded in history. We stood beneath a Moorish arch, half-draped in green-blushed buds just shy of bloom, symbolic of loyalty, longevity, and new beginnings. From farther back, a giant umbrella tree shaded our guests. The scene reminded us of a Claude Lorrain painting—both earthly and timeless.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

The rose garden, dating back to the 11th century, smelled sweet and ancient. Walking through it to the ceremony felt like moving through time—it lasted only minutes, but it felt like hours. Exactly what I hoped for. The Infinity Terrace, carved into the cliffs and lined with Roman statues, opened to a view Gore Vidal once described as the most beautiful in the world. That was our aperitivo hour.

^{The Reception}

We hosted dinner in the crypt—an architectural masterpiece. Embracing its natural mood, we kept the space dark and glowing. Hundreds of candles lit the arches, and the scene came together organically, like a Renaissance painting.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

The ceremony in the tea room was the moment that stayed with us most. Looking into Joseph’s eyes, hearing the music, and seeing our families beside us—it felt surreal. We were both moved by how beautifully our vows came together—personal, honest, and full of care. They captured something essential, and we find ourselves repeating them in our minds again and again. But more than anything, what made the day so precious was watching two families from different parts of the world come together—and knowing that we were becoming a family, too. Standing there as husband and wife, surrounded by the people who shaped us, in a place that felt truly meaningful, was something we’ll never forget.

An Enchanting Amalfi Coast Villa Wedding Among the Clouds

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

For the ceremony, I wore a handmade lace couture gown by Galia Lahav. The light lace was ideal for the Amalfi summer, and the gown mirrored the villa’s Gothic details so effortlessly that it felt less like a choice and more like fate. I felt a connection. The gown combined a sculpted corset, draped cat-eye cups, and crystal straps with a sweeping customized floral lace train that moved with pure elegance. Its floral lace and ornate embellishments caught the light with romantic precision—delicate, yet striking.

I’ve always loved the poetry of a long veil, and the cathedral length felt especially right. It slowed my pace and gave presence to each step, allowing me to fully take in the moment while making a statement. I paired it with lace Manolo Blahnik heels and diamond ring and earrings from Material Good. At our welcome dinner the night before, my parents and Joseph surprised me with a tennis necklace. For the second look, I went full bloom in a 3D rose mini by Nicole + Felicia. Glamorous and sculptural, it was a playful contrast to the weight of the day—and a tribute to my middle name, Gülşah, which means Queen of Roses in Turkish. I wore it with custom crystal René Caovilla heels.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

Don’t get lost in the small details. This day is yours, and it will be unforgettable no matter what. Choose a venue that speaks to your heart—somewhere that feels like an extension of your story—and let your focus be on the moments that matter most. Planning is a guide, not a rule; let it serve the celebration, not overshadow it.

^{For on The Day}

Wake up slowly, without rushing, and let each moment linger. Share a relaxed breakfast with your partner, laugh at every little surprise, and trust that everyone around you is there to bring your vision to life. After hair and makeup, steal a moment for a first look, savoring the quiet intimacy of being just the two of you. Throughout the day, stay close, dance freely, laugh wholeheartedly, and soak in the rare magic of seeing your families and friends come together in joy.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Step away from screens, messages, and social media. Let yourself float in the first days of married life, reliving the laughter, the tears, and the magic. Time moves quickly, but allow yourself to feel it fully. Cherish these memories, replay them in your heart, and be proud of every single moment—this is your love story, lived in real time, and it’s extraordinary.