Frances Heath Photography: Hotel Santa Caterina - Amalfi

Raffaella and Chris' intimate Amalfi wedding was so much fun. It was a day filled with laughter, love, and meaningful details and events that were truly important to them both.
I am also a strong believer that weddings are about BOTH the bride and the groom, and I loved that in a very natural way, I got to spend lots of time with Chris and the groomsmen capturing their day.
The boys started the day with a surprise getting ready session in the morning. Raffaella's brother organized a team of barbers from the Italian town where their family was originally from (before moving to the USA). In true Italian style he also arranged a giant tray of pastries for everyone, homemade espresso, turning the morning into an event in itself. The bride's brother also had pocket squares and fabric to decorate Raffaella's bouquet made from their late father's suit. Anyone would be lucky to have as thoughtful a brother as Raffaella's.
    I then met Raffaella and the moms at the beautiful Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi where their team Piero Mansi and Zoe Graham were pampering them.
We did a first look with Chris and his mom while Raffaella finished getting ready. It is important to note that this was a quick part of the day, it only took 5/10 minutes, but I can guarantee that making time for special family members both makes them feel like an important part of your day and creates pictures that you will keep coming back to look at again and again. So when you are planning your getting ready locations it is best to keep them separate enough that you don't have to worry about being seen by your partner, but close enough your photographers can pop in and out for important moments.
   Then Raffaella and Chris did a first look, and we hoped into a powder blue vintage Fiat Jolly. The cutest wedding car ever.
The Amalfi coast florist team decorated the car with colourful blooms matching Raffaella's bouquet. We headed into the center of Amalfi for golden hour pictures at the Amalfi duomo and the piazza. Another one of my favourite locations on the Amalfi coast for bold architecture and the most beautiful golden light.
   Just before sunset we joined the guests back at the Hotel Santa Caterina for a garden ceremony officiated by Raffaella's brother.
Raffaella's mom walked her down the aisle as the harp and violin music floated through the garden creating a dreamy atmosphere.
The mothers shed a few happy tears, Raffaella and Chris exchanged vows and rings, and everyone threw rose petals to celebrate the happy couple.
   After the ceremony delicious cocktails and canapès were served in the garden during the sunset hour. We cut the cake covered in colourful fresh flowers, and did a first dance before moving to the Al Mare restaurant for an intimate candlelight dinner.
   I feel so honoured to have met Raffaella and Chris (as well as their lovely families) and to have had the privilege of capturing their perfect Amalfi Coast wedding.