A Stunning Destination Elopement in Ravello, Italy

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bride and groom face each other outside next to garden area — Rebecca Yale Photography

Although there was nothing traditional about Baptiste Bidonde's proposal to Jessica Ceresino, it was a moment that was completely "them." "Baptiste and I had been talking seriously about our future starting in early 2018," says Jessica. "We didn't know what we wanted or how the wedding would happen, but we were sure we wanted to be together forever." Fast forward to May of the same year, and inspired by a song she heard on a podcast, Jessica joyfully began the process of wedding planning—without a ring or a proposal.

"I told Baptiste that night when he got home, and he was excited, so we began planning and figured we'd get a ring at some point," says Jessica. About a month into making arrangements, Jessica realized that a large wedding really wasn't for them, so she asked Baptiste if he'd like to elope and just invite their parents instead. "That day we picked the Amalfi Coast, called [our planner] Heather at Amorology, and said, 'You're going to kill us, but can you help us plan for Italy instead?'" After selecting a stone and a setting for Jessica's engagement ring together, Baptiste got down on one knee just two months before the wedding and asked Jessica to marry him. "If you know us," says Jessica, "you know there's no other way that it could have gone."

On October 10, 2018, Jessica and Baptiste married at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in the beautiful city of Ravello with only immediate family in attendance: Jessica's mother and stepfather; her father and stepmother; and Baptiste's father and stepmother. The wedding took place on the grounds of the hotel overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast—and incorporated the beautiful lemons for which the city of Ravello is known.

The most special aspect of the wedding? The intimacy an elopement afforded the couple. "Baptiste is truly my best friend," says Jessica. "I really wanted to spend the whole day with him, and I did. We got to really enjoy each other—it was different but so perfect for us."

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Regional Save-the-Dates

olive oil save the dates wrapped in custom citrus design linens — Rebecca Yale Photography

Because the wedding was so intimate, the couple chose special save-the-dates designed by Amorology and brought to life by Lovely Paper Things: individual bottles of olive oil wrapped in linen cloths patterned with the citrus fruits for which the Belmond property is known.

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Textured Wedding Invitations

suede wedding invitation suit — Rebecca Yale Photography

As a nod to the groom's father, a successful rancher, the invitations, also by Lovely Paper Things, were beautifully debossed on smooth swatches of suede. Envelope liners featured a wicker-like pattern reminiscent of the reception chairs.

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Wedding Dress

The bride found and purchased her lace, drape-sleeved Reem Acra wedding dress just two weeks before departing for Europe.

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Graceful Wedding Shoes

block heel gold gucci heels — Rebecca Yale Photography

Although she originally intended to wear stilettos, Jessica found her Gucci wedding shoes the day before she left for Italy. "I am so glad I changed to a block-heel sandal because our entire wedding was on grass, and Ravello is all cobble stone streets," she says.

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A Stunning Engagement Ring

marquise-shaped diamond with white gold setting engagement ring — Rebecca Yale Photography

Jessica and Baptiste selected her marquise-shaped diamond—surrounded by a pavé halo setting of delicate white gold—together at

Melinda M. Wheeler Precious Jewels

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A Full, Beautiful Bridal Bouquet

citrus colored floral and greenery bouquet — Rebecca Yale Photography

The bride carried a lush bouquet by Siloh Floral, which was composed of ranunculus, dahlias, garden roses, and cymbidium orchids. It was accented with autumn eucalyptus, clematis vine, and autumn fern.

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A Sharp-Dressed Groom

groom accessories gucci shoes and tie — Rebecca Yale Photography

Baptiste wore a bespoke suit of lovely Italian fabric, as well as a tailored shirt and pocket square from Uncommon Man. His shoes—the bride's favorite detail—and tie were both Gucci.

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Sweet Wedding Music

Italian musicians wearing bowties and suspenders — Rebecca Yale Photography

Italian musicians clad in suspenders and bow ties serenaded guests during the cocktail hour.

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An Amazing First Look

bride and groom first look in Italian garden terrace area — Rebecca Yale Photography

The couple opted to see each other before the ceremony, an experience that drove home how significant the day would be. "It hit me that it was really real," says Baptiste, "and that I was so excited that she was who I got to spend my life with."

"There was something about seeing him all dressed up, me [being] in my dress, and the weight of what we were about to commit to, that made it such a sweet moment," adds Jessica.

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A Special Processional

Italian wedding processional outdoors — Rebecca Yale Photography

Jessica's father walked her down the property's outdoor stairway and aisle to live music played on a mandolin and guitar.

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A Breathtaking Ceremony

floral arch outdoor wedding ceremony on Italian coast — Rebecca Yale Photography

The couple exchanged vows in a concise ceremony beneath a beautiful floral arch, with Ravello's magnificent coastal scenery as a backdrop. The lime-colored poufs, which were used as seating for the half-dozen guests, were swathed in the same flowers that appeared in the altar structure.

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A Luxurious Lounge Area

outdoor wedding lounge area for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres — Rebecca Yale Photography

Family enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a lovely lounge area while the couple took wedding photos.

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A Decorative Gelato Cart

white vintage ice cream cart serving gelato — Rebecca Yale Photography

Guests also indulged in gelato served in cones and espresso cups from a vintage cart.

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A Gorgeous Reception Site

Italian olive grove reception dinner — Rebecca Yale Photography

Dinner took place on the lawn beneath a romantic olive grove.

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Creative Cloche Seating Cards

personalized glass cloche placecard — Rebecca Yale Photography

In lieu of traditional cards, each guest found a small glass cloche at their seat. They were personalized with each attendee's name and filled with lemons foraged from the property.

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A Splendid Reception Table

hanging lanterns over white and yellow reception tablescape — Rebecca Yale Photography

The pair hosted their immediate family members at an intimate table for eight. A linear floral arrangement ran the length of the table and featured dahlias, mums, amaryllis, delphinium, and garden spray roses, with accents of fresh oranges and lemons. A rich, lemon-hued runner added a pop of brightness to the neutral tabletop, while hanging lanterns gave the scene depth and light.

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Perfect Place Settings

white and gold place settings with citrus floral table accents — Rebecca Yale Photography

White-and-gold plates and flatware added a modern edge to the whimsical tablescape; contemporary, oversized wine glasses were the perfect fit for the group's appreciation for fine wines.

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A Romantic First Dance

bride and groom first dance in Italian olive grove — Rebecca Yale Photography

Jessica and Baptiste danced to the song "Meet in the Middle" by Diamond Rio because they loved the message in the lyrics. "Baptiste grew up on a Ranch in Wyoming, so it was a nod to his childhood, too," says Jessica.

"It was cool to hear that song played on a guitar and mandolin in Italy," adds Baptiste.

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A Delicate Wedding Cake

two tiered white frosted wedding cake with fall floral and citrus accents — Rebecca Yale Photography

Amorology kept the cake simple but lovely, with white icing decorated with fall florals and matching citrus fruits that echoed the clean lines and motifs used throughout the day.

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