A Lemon-Themed Destination Wedding in Capri, Italy

Jessica Delisa and Andrew Sasso first met at a mutual friend's party in the Hamptons in 2010. The Brooklyn-based pair hit it off, and then embarked on a whirlwind romantic journey that cumulated in a proposal at The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston (one of the couple's favorite spots) in January 2016. Andrew, a certified financial planner, hired a photographer to capture the moment. "When we went outside, the photographer asked if he could take a few test shots because he was waiting for a model," says Jessica, who works as a paralegal. Much to her surprise, however, Andrew popped the question during the photo shoot—and the couple now has that documentation of the milestone event.

The following summer, on June 1, 2017, Jessica and Andrew tied the knot in an intimate destination wedding at Villa Venere in Capri, Italy. They relied on the natural surroundings of the Italian city to create a picturesque and colorful lemon-themed celebration for their eight guests.

Wedding planner Ema Giangreco created the couple's stationery suite. It featured an illustrated lemon to hint at the wedding's citrus theme, which was inspired by the fruit that grows prominently on the Italian island.

Jessica and Andrew left a welcome note for guests, which thanked them for making the trek to Italy. The word "festeggiamo" at the top of the note means "let's celebrate!" in Italian. The sweet message was accompanied by a small sachet of lemon soaps.

Jessica and Andrew tied the knot at Villa Venere, a luxury villa in Capri, Italy. "We spent the first six months of our engagement looking at wedding venues throughout the New York area," says the bride. "We couldn't find the one for our budget and started looking outside New York. We kept going further and further away until it became an option to leave New York, then the tri-state area, then the country."

Jetting off to Italy wasn't as easy as the couple anticipated, though. While at the airport, Andrew was held up by security because his passport was set to expire within three months of their departure. Thankfully, the pair narrowly avoided a disaster. "We sent our entire family without him and he did a same-day rushed passport. He flew alone and arrived an hour before the rehearsal dinner!" says Jessica.

Located on the Amalfi Coast, Capri has an abundance of lemon trees, and the fruit reflects the island's culture and heritage. So Jessica and Andrew decided to incorporate a lemon theme into their wedding, in the paper goods, the items given to their guests, and the décor.

Andrew wore a J.Crew tuxedo, Charles Tyrwhitt shirt, Drake's suspenders, Thomas Pink bow tie, Tie Bar pocket square, John Hardy cufflinks, Zenith watch, and loafers from Saks Fifth Avenue. After trying on countless dresses, Jessica decided on the mermaid-style "Minerva" by Tony Ward, which she bought at Pinpoint Bridal in New York City. The dress features tulle fabric, a V-neckline, and a ruffled skirt. The original design came strapless, but the bride added some bold off-the-shoulder straps during alterations. Jessica completed the ensemble with a veil from Kleinfeld Bridal and a blue ring borrowed from her mother-in-law.

The bride wore strappy heels from Vince Camuto's Imagine collection. Before the ceremony, Jessica's mom wrote her new name, the venue, and the wedding date on one of the soles: "Jessica Sasso, Capri, Italy, 6/1/2017."

Jessica's engagement ring and wedding band came from a family jeweler. "I wanted Jess to have a ring that was simple but a little unique, and ended up deciding on a single stone and rose gold band," says Andrew. "My band is simple rose gold and matches her engagement ring." Jessica had dual wedding bands: one to signify the couple's legal marriage in City Hall back in the States, and one for the Capri ceremony. 

Capri Flor created Jessica's green-and-white bouquet, which included delphinium, roses, hydrangea, and Queen Anne's lace.

Jessica's sister, Stephanie, served as the sole bridesmaid. She wore a yellow gown by Dress the Population, which she paired with Persol sunglasses during the sunny, cloudless afternoon.

The couple's dog, Coco, flew across the world to attend the ceremony. According to Andrew: "It was important that our immediate family was there with us, and Coco is no exception. The florist was kind enough to provide him with some flowers (of which he was not a fan) and we already owned a white bow tie."

Jessica and Andrew wed on the cantilevered deck by the pool of Villa Venere. Capri Flor created a natural wooden arch to anchor the site, which was dressed up with greenery and white delphiniums.

Jessica's mother walked her down the aisle, accompanied by the couple's dog. Andrew says that watching his wife make her long walk around the villa and down the aisle was his favorite part of the day.

Ema Giangreco officiated the ceremony, which was set up with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

After the ceremony, guests dined on a terrace overlooking the islands of Procida, Ischia, Capo Miseno, and Mount Vesuvius. As for reception aesthetic, wedding planner Ema Giangreco wanted to emulate the Mediterranean colors of Capri—namely the blue and green of the sea. She also knew she had to bring in the area's natural lemon and rosemary scents to the dinner table. Capri Catering supplied menu items that highlighted Capri's traditions of food and wine, including pasta with monkfish and shrimp and tenderloin with Bordelaise sauce.

Capri Flor created centerpieces of greenery, white flowers, and lemons that spilled off of a colored glass platter.

Ceramica Artistica Solimene supplied the lemon-themed chargers. Handmade tiles, which were created by Ema Giangreco and displayed each guest's name, doubled as wedding favors.

Jessica and Andrew danced to two songs: "So High" by John Legend and a slowed-down cover of "Darte un Beso" by Prince Royce.

Capri Catering baked a coconut-flavored confection for the celebration, which, like the rest of the party, was covered with flowers, lemons, and fresh rosemary sprigs.

Photography, Koby Brown Photography

Location, Villa Venere

Event planning, stationery, and officiant, Ema Giangreco Weddings Inc.

Catering and cake, Capri Catering

Flowers, Capri Flor

Videography, Alberto D'Aria Videographer

Music, DJ Fabio Vuotto

Rentals, Ceramica Artistica Solimene (chargers)

Bride's gown, Tony Ward

Bride's accessories, Kleinfeld Bridal veil; Vince Camuto shoes

Hair and makeup, Lisa Semenzato

Bridesmaid's dress, Dress the Population

Groom's suit, J.Crew

Groom's accessories, Charles Tyrwhitt shirt; Drake's suspenders; Thomas Pink bowtie; Tie Bar pocket square; John Hardy cufflinks; Zenith watch; Saks Fifth Avenue shoes