I S A B E L A N D R O B E R T
It was love at first sight for Isabel and Robert but the fairytale didn’t stop there! In a romantic ceremony amidst ancient Italian ruins, the couple were wed on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast surrounded by an intimate group of their closest family and friends.
The Spark That Started It All…
The couple met during unexpected circumstances whilst both working at sea. “It was love at first sight when I saw those bright orange overalls!” the bride tells us. Meeting during a fire evacuation drill, Isabel held the door open for Robert while he hosed down an area. Whilst neither one of them saw it coming, it sparked something between them.
The Hunger Of Love…
The pair fell for each other quickly. For Isabel, the moment of realisation was when she was sick. “He was so caring. My mum told me once that the true measure of any relationship is not during the good times, but if they are there for you in the crappy times of life”. For Rob, the love was simple to explain. “It’s like when you’re hungry…you just know” he explained.
Under The Lemon Tree…
The proposal took place whilst on a trip to Western Australia’s Margaret River for Isabel’s birthday. After days of decadent wine tasting, the couple set off for a picnic with a range of cheese, sweet treats and hand picked wines. After Rob insisted on finding the perfect spot, they settled for an old overgrown garden, right underneath a lemon tree. Robert then got on one knee and asked Isabel to marry him.
A Wedding Abroad…
The couple opted for a relaxed wedding, still ensuring they would enjoy the special atmosphere of a large formal wedding. After writing a list of their wedding priorities, the couple decided to exchange vows in beautiful and romantic Italy. “We wanted an intimate affair, both adventurous and memorable, not just for a day, but a holiday to celebrate with family and friends,” the couple explained.
Pretty In Pink…
After a pre-wedding trip with friends down to the Amalfi Coast, the big day finally arrived. Isabel and her bridesmaids, best friend, Marina and sister, Grace, got wedding ready at the beautiful Villa Scarpariello. The divine medieval castle offers a dreamy array of pink hotel rooms which provided the girls with the most romantic setting to prepare for the ceremony.
Bridal Party Of Princesses…
Isabel’s gown was an absolute vision of feminine romance. With intricate appliqué, hand-beaded lace and a soft satin mushroom coloured underlay, the wedding gown was like something out of a fairytale. However, wearing the dress wasn’t quite as effortless as Isabel made it seem! The bride joked during her vows, “I promise to always hold grand ideas of adventure and always be impractical – like wearing an 8kg wedding dress in the highest heels for a hot Italian wedding”. Isabel’s bridesmaids accentuated the wedding vision of elegance and romance in dusty lilac maxi dresses.
Captivated By The Coast…
The ceremony was held in Scala, a rustic town on the Amalfi Coast, with a beautiful backdrop of the old church ruins of Basillica Sant’Eushachio. The outdoor ceremony achieved the perfect combination of formal and informal that Isabel and Rob had been hoping for. Isabel recalls how the guests and wedding party walked to the ceremony along a pathway that “zigzagged through lemon groves with spectacular views along the way”. After the walk, guests were cooled with prosecco and lemon granita refreshments before witnessing the beautiful moment when Isabel and Rob became husband and wife.
Getaway Car…
Tying the knot in Italy meant that the newlyweds had to get an Italian car for the big day! The couple chose an Alfa Romeo 1963 to complement their charmingly classic wedding photoshoot. “We had fun with this,” the bride shares, “Dressing up in a headscarf and Italian driving gloves for the windy jaw-dropping roads”.
CANDLELIT DINNER…
The reception took place at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in a picturesque private garden overlooking the sea. The venue exuded romantic charm with floral centrepieces of peonies and roses and candle lanterns. The newlyweds decided to keep their reception design simple as the stunning location and views were decoration enough!
In The Shade Of The Olive Trees…
The night started with a cocktail hour with brightly coloured drinks accompanied by the sweet sounds of a Neapolitan quintet before everyone was settled under the olive trees for dinner. Isabel and Rob had a small guest list which made the whole evening feel intimate and relaxed. “We were all on holiday and laughed a lot during the speeches and exchanging of stories,” says the bride.
Good Fortune…
The wedding cake was a traditional Italian cake made by the Belond Hotel Caruso which was topped with an adorable antique bride and groom topper. Isabel and Rob thoughtfully crafted handmade fortune cookies to give to their guests as wedding favours. “We had fun writing and deciding everyone’s fortunes on the night,” says Isabel.
Sublime Sunset…
The gorgeous Amalfi Coast offered the perfect backdrop to get romantic shots of the newlyweds. As the sun began to set, the couple was enveloped in an ethereal glow that captured the magic of their Italian love affair perfectly.
Shake Your Tambourine…
After a relaxed reception dinner accompanied by a mix of Italian acoustic and old romantic songs, the guests headed to the Piano bar to drink cocktails and take over the dance floor. Other holidays makers heard the wedding party having so much fun and decided to join in themselves! “I’ll never forget spinning around in my dress listening to everyone dancing and singing ‘I-I-Isabelleeeee’ with Italian accents and tambourines,” says Isabel.
Advice From The Newly Weds…
After enjoying a dreamy honeymoon in the Greek islands, Isabel and Rob have settled into married life. They are also ready to share the lessons they’ve learned throughout the journey of becoming husband and wife. “My advice during wedding planning is to first come up with some top wishes and some things you’re willing to compromise on,” shares Isabel. “Some advice I found helpful was that you can’t please everyone so you may as well please yourself! But at the end of the day, don’t worry about things that don’t happen according to your wedding plans. Just relax and enjoy the day because sometimes the beauty is in the unplanned bits.”
If you’re having a glamorous wedding overseas, check out these tips for planning your dream destination wedding.
Photographer: Andrew Bayda / Ceremony Venue: Basillica Sant’eushachio / Reception Venue And Cake: Belmond Hotel Caruso / Bridesmaids Dresses: Evolution Clothing / Groom: Ted Baker / Wedding Dress: Steven Khalil/ Flowers: Malafronte