Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings This Couple Planned and Designed Their Own Destination Wedding on the Amalfi Coast By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on November 2, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Julia Kaptelova Photography For Lauren Ferrell and Max Bobinski, a destination wedding in Italy was the only choice for their nuptials. "Max's late grandmother, Lola, grew up in Salerno, 30 minutes south of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, which made the location significant to us," says Lauren. "We also think it's the most gorgeous place on the planet. After a trip to Ravello with friends after college, we always dreamed of a wedding there." Since Max and Lauren are both designers, they took on the majority of the work themselves and spent the year before the wedding creating the invitations, menus, program cards, matchbooks, and a myriad of the other big-day details. "I handmade my veil and spent countless hours hand stitching lace trim around the edge," says the bride. "I wanted something special that could be passed down to my sisters and future children." The couple's goal was to host a classic, fun celebration that was true to them and the surroundings. "It was important to us to really bring Italy and the Amalfi Coast to life for everyone traveling so far," says Lauren. "This included local music, style, food, and venues." The planning process was a lot of work—but overall smooth for the hands-on pair. "For destination weddings, having someone on the ground is key, especially when you don't speak the language," says Lauren. "Lucy Kiely from The Amalfi Experience answered our every question and email with care and consideration. We would not have had it any other way." The duo decided to keep the color palette neutral so that the colors of Italy would come through and tie in with the coastal view. The flowers were white, and small pops of red, green, and yellow were dispersed throughout the décor to blend in with the city itself for a truly Italian look and feel. In addition to designing the aesthetics of the wedding, the couple wrote a personal letter to every guest who traveled to attend their June, 7, 2019, nuptials. "This was one of our favorite things we decided to do," says Lauren. "As the bride and groom, you really don't have time to have a personal moment with each guest individually. This gave us the opportunity to tell each person how much they meant to us and how grateful we were for them coming." 01 of 19 A Breathtaking Destination Julia Kaptelova Photography Ravello, Italy, set the scene for the couple's gorgeous destination wedding. 02 of 19 Stunning Custom Stationery Julia Kaptelova Photography Every piece of big-day stationery was custom made by the couple and printed by Element Script House. "We drew much of the inspiration from a book we found on vintage Italian graphic design," says Lauren. "I learned how to do calligraphy and did every invitation myself—a lot of work, but satisfying in the end!" The Most Popular Invitation Printing Methods, Explained 03 of 19 Striking Silk Organza Julia Kaptelova Photography After trying on more wedding dresses than she could count, Lauren fell in love with a beautiful silk organza gown by Vera Wang. "I wanted something that was classic, but still a little fun, and this was everything I envisioned," she says. "The long train was elegant for the ceremony but took on a totally different look for the after-party." She donned a bolero that matched the lace on her veil during the service. 04 of 19 Perfect Peonies Julia Kaptelova Photography The bride carried a classic bouquet of white peonies, accented with leaves from local olive branches, from Armando Malafronte. Leftover lace from her handmade veil was wrapped around the stems. 64 White Wedding Bouquets 05 of 19 Timeless Style Julia Kaptelova Photography Max wore an elegant black tuxedo for a timeless look. His boutonnière was composed of a single ranunculus blossom accentuated with olive leaves. 06 of 19 All Dressed in White Julia Kaptelova Photography Lauren's bridesmaids matched the bride in long white gowns with different necklines by BHLDN. 07 of 19 Cool Cocktails Julia Kaptelova Photography Max and one of his groomsmen indulged in a pre-wedding toast with fruity drinks. 08 of 19 An Unforgettable First Glimpse Julia Kaptelova Photography Lauren and Max shared their first look in a private garden at Belmond Hotel Caruso overlooking the Amalfi Coast. "It was picturesque and romantic," says Lauren. "Something we'll never forget." It also took pressure off the day. "We were able to relax and have fun with our bridal party for longer than if we had waited until the church," adds the bride. Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic 09 of 19 A Walk to Remember Julia Kaptelova Photography The bride, escorted by her father and followed by her bridesmaids, enjoyed a picturesque walk on cobblestone streets to the ceremony. 10 of 19 A Memorable Mass Julia Kaptelova Photography Their nuptial mass was held in the dramatic sanctuary of the The Duomo di Ravello, built in the 11th century and located in the town's main square. 11 of 19 Banded Together Julia Kaptelova Photography The couple exchanged Cartier wedding bands during the service. 12 of 19 A Moment Alone Julia Kaptelova Photography Lauren and Max took a moment after the ceremony to celebrate their new status as husband and wife. 25 Unique Couple Portrait Ideas to Inspire Your Wedding Photos 13 of 19 An Exceptional Cocktail Hour Julia Kaptelova Photography Guests were greeted with classic Aperol spritzes in Belmond Hotel Caruso's beautiful garden overlooking the sea during the cocktail hour. "The tables had white hydrangea arrangements as a nod to my late mother, who had passed not long before the wedding," shares Lauren. "That was her favorite flower." At the bar, colorful local drinks were served in vintage serving bowls and encircled by floral arrangements. 14 of 19 Elegant Reception Tables Julia Kaptelova Photography Long floral runners overflowing with white flowers decorated the reception tables. Custom menus with each guest's name in calligraphy doubled as place cards, and candlelight added a romantic vibe. Lush Wedding Garlands Guaranteed to Elevate Your Reception Tables 15 of 19 Glasses Raised Julia Kaptelova Photography The wedding party toasted the happy couple with delicious red wine. 16 of 19 A Little Sparkle Julia Kaptelova Photography Loved ones waved sparklers as the couple made their entrance to the after-party following dinner. 17 of 19 An Italian Sweet Julia Kaptelova Photography The couple's traditional Italian millefoglie wedding cake was a showstopper: "The pastry chefs came out to finish decorating with berries as we were about to cut it," says Lauren. The Best Wedding Cake Alternatives 18 of 19 A Stolen Kiss Julia Kaptelova Photography Lauren and Max stole a kiss during their first dance to "A Sunday Kind of Love" by Etta James. 19 of 19 Sources Julia Kaptelova Photography Photography, Julia Kaptelova PhotographyCeremony Venue, Duomo Di RavelloReception Venue, Catering, and Cake, Belmond Hotel CarusoWedding Planning, The Amalfi ExperienceVideography, Valerio MaglianoFlowers, Armando MalafronteInvitation and Stationery Design, Lauren and Max BobinskiInvitation and Stationery Printing and Favors, Element Script HouseBride's Gown, Vera WangVeil, Lauren BobinskiJewelry, Mureta's AntiquesShoes, Jimmy ChooHair, Piero MansiBridesmaids' Dresses, BHLDNGroom's Attire, Romualdo SartoriaGroom's Shoes, Church'sWedding Bands, CartierGuest Book, Aldo FefeMusic, Wedding Music Italia Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit