Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings A Stunning Destination Elopement in Ravello, Italy By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 11, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos 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." 01 of 20 Regional Save-the-Dates 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. 22 Creative Save-the-Dates to Kick Off Your Wedding 02 of 20 Textured Wedding Invitations 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. 20 Pretty Envelope Liners That Dressed Up Wedding Invitation Suites 03 of 20 Wedding Dress Rebecca Yale Photography The bride found and purchased her lace, drape-sleeved Reem Acra wedding dress just two weeks before departing for Europe. 04 of 20 Graceful Wedding Shoes 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. 05 of 20 A Stunning 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 . Glossary of Engagement and Wedding Ring Settings 06 of 20 A Full, Beautiful Bridal 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. 41 Stunning Ranunculus Wedding Bouquets 07 of 20 A Sharp-Dressed Groom 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. 08 of 20 Sweet Wedding Music Rebecca Yale Photography Italian musicians clad in suspenders and bow ties serenaded guests during the cocktail hour. What You Should Know Before Hiring a Band for Your Wedding 09 of 20 An Amazing First Look 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. 10 of 20 A Special Processional 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. How to Choose the Perfect Processional Music 11 of 20 A Breathtaking Ceremony 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. 28 Unique Ways to Seat Guests at Your Wedding Ceremony 12 of 20 A Luxurious Lounge Area Rebecca Yale Photography Family enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in a lovely lounge area while the couple took wedding photos. 13 of 20 A Decorative Gelato Cart Rebecca Yale Photography Guests also indulged in gelato served in cones and espresso cups from a vintage cart. Mobile Bars and Food Trucks That Can Roll Right Up to Your Party 14 of 20 A Gorgeous Reception Site Rebecca Yale Photography Dinner took place on the lawn beneath a romantic olive grove. 15 of 20 Creative Cloche Seating Cards 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. 13 Alternatives to Traditional Paper Place Cards 16 of 20 A Splendid Reception Table 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. 17 of 20 Perfect Place Settings 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. 21 Ways to Use Citrus in Every Element of Your Wedding 18 of 20 A Romantic First Dance 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. 19 of 20 A Delicate Wedding Cake 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. 52 Small Wedding Cakes with a Big Presence 20 of 20 Sources Rebecca Yale Photography Photography, Rebecca Yale PhotographyLocation, Belmond Hotel CarusoEvent planning, Amorology (main); Nomad Republic (assistants)Catering, The Belmond Hotel CarusoFlowers, Siloh FloralVideography, Rachel Heacox FilmsStationery and calligraphy, Lovely Paper ThingsCake, The Belmond Hotel Caruso (cake); Siloh Floral (décor)Music, Wedding MusicRentals, BBJ Linens (linens); Preludio Noleggio (general); Tableset (tabletop)Bride's hair and makeup, Ashely FierroBride's gown, Reem AcraBride's shoes, GucciEngagement ring, Melinda M. Wheeler Precious JewelsGroom's suit, Uncommon ManGroom's shoes, Gucci Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit