Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings A Whimsical DIY Destination Wedding in Italy By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 20, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Shelli and Christopher W. Scott Chester Photography The Georgia-based, travel-loving couple of Shelli and Christopher, met in high school, yet it took a road trip ten years later, for Cupid's arrow to finally hit. After reading an essay by John Steinbeck about Positano, Italy, they chose it for their intimate June 1, 2011, destination wedding, that combined their worldly style with nostalgic flair and DIY details. 01 of 16 The Invitation Suite W. Scott Chester Photography The couple incorporated traditional Positano elements and bright colors in their stationery suite. Jay Hornsby of the Belligerent Monkey did the illustrations and design, and Thomas Printers letterpressed the finished product. Blue-and-white baker's twine bound all the pieces together. See More Destination-Inspired Wedding Invitations 02 of 16 Rehearsal Dinner W. Scott Chester Photography A separate note invited guests to the rehearsal dinner. The illustration of the Italian town combined with typography gave guests a preview of the celebration's whimsical vibe. 03 of 16 DIY Design W. Scott Chester Photography Shelli and Christopher's DIY decor was inspired by the colors of a 1958 Rand McNally atlas. The bride made it a garland that combined aqua, teal, red, and yellow hues and retro gingham, and conveyed the vintage travel theme perfectly. Get More DIY Decoration Ideas 04 of 16 The Fashions W. Scott Chester Photography The bride donned a French-tulle J.Crew dress and vintage 1950s jewelry that belonged to her great aunt. Christopher sported a J.Crew suit, Kenneth Cole shoes, and a gingham shirt. 05 of 16 An Unexpected Surprise W. Scott Chester Photography Even a torrential downpour couldn't dampen the couple's special day. Though the ceremony was moved indoors, the weather cleared just in time for the newlyweds to pose for photos with the photographers of W. Scott Chester Photography. Shelli believes in rain on your wedding day being lucky. Nine months to the day of the wedding, her daughter, Lumen, was born. 06 of 16 The Groom's Gift W. Scott Chester Photography Christopher had two neckties made out of vintage Liberty of London fabrics by This Humble Abode. For a sentimental touch, Shelli had them embroidered with their wedding date and initials. He wore one for the ceremony, then changed into a different shirt and the second tie for the reception. The bride's costume change came later in the evening, when she swapped her gown for a tea-length BHLDN dress. 07 of 16 The Ceremony W. Scott Chester Photography The casual ceremony, held in a town hall, was presided over by the mayor of Positano. It was performed in Italian, and then translated for guests. In the days leading up to the wedding, the couple and a few of their friends drove to the U.S. consulate in Naples to complete their marriage documents. Of course, they also stopped for Margherita pizza (the best ever, according to the couple). 08 of 16 A Wedding Keepsake W. Scott Chester Photography The mayor presented the newlyweds with a hand-painted tile in honor of their marriage. 09 of 16 The Location W. Scott Chester Photography The reception, which took place in the garden of the villa the couple stayed in for the week, overlooked the cliffside town of Positano with picturesque views of the Amalfi coast. 10 of 16 Pretty Picnic W. Scott Chester Photography With the weather iffy, the outdoor reception picnic, complete with vintage quilts and playful melamine pieces, was moved inside. All of the fun details, like the gingham-wrapped silverware made the indoor party even cheerier. The meal, catered by Ristorante Saraceno d'Oro, included ravioli ricotta with spinach and mushroom sauce, pasta with shellfish, and grilled chicken, swordfish, and eggplant. Get More Picnic-Inspired Wedding Ideas 11 of 16 Playful Details W. Scott Chester Photography Shelli and Christopher decorated the reception area with a few vintage pieces they brought over from the States, including an old radio and a few antique cameras. 12 of 16 Wedding Guests W. Scott Chester Photography Twenty of the couple's closest friends and family members journeyed to Italy for the destination celebration. 13 of 16 The Happy Couple W. Scott Chester Photography The newlyweds shared a moment while looking out over their beloved city. 14 of 16 Lemon Libations W. Scott Chester Photography Bottles of Limoncello, made specifically for the wedding were given as favors. To create their paper tags, the couple punched letterpressed tags, embellished them with vintage stamps from a kit Shelli bought in Scotland, and strung them with baker's twine. Get More DIY Favor Ideas 15 of 16 The Cake W. Scott Chester Photography The pair chose a traditional lemon-and-vanilla cake baked by Gambardella Pasticceria, a local bakery in nearby Minori. To crown the sweet treat, the couple had Goose Grease create an original topper fashioned in their likeness. See More Cakes 16 of 16 Sources W. Scott Chester Photography Photography: W. Scott Chester Photography Event planning: La Calla Catering: Ristorante Saraceno d'Oro Cake and limoncello: Gambardella Pasticceria Engagement ring: Melanie Bilenker Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit