As usual, I was thinking about the moments of the past,
letting my memory rush over them like water
rushing over the stones on the bottom of a stream.
I was even thinking a little about the future, that place
where people are doing a dance we cannot imagine,
a dance whose name we can only guess.
"Nostalgia" - B. Collins
Ravello is a small, picturesque town nestled in the hills of the Amalfi Coast, and it is undoubtedly one of the most charming and romantic locations in Italy. With its stunning panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the southern countryside, it’s no surprise that Ravello has become one of the most popular destinations for wedding celebrations among couples worldwide: it offers the opportunity to exchange vows in a truly unique and memorable setting. My strong personal connection with the Italian South and the quest to create impactful narratives often led me to film on the Amalfi Coast. This intimate wedding in Villa La Rondinaia Ravello and Amalfi, where I enjoyed being Evelyn and Mario’s wedding videographer, was no exception.
Eve & Mario have travelled from California to the Amalfi Coast to celebrate their special day in Villa la Rondinaia, surrounded by an intimate group of friends and family. There were many difficulties and ups and downs for the couple while they planned this wedding, but their perseverance and strong belief in miracles helped them overcome all obstacles, no matter how big. It was such an unforgettable experience to meet the couple and their crew and to capture the celebration of their love in such stunning backdrops. First and foremost in the elegant and artistic Villa La Rondinaia, but also in all the other iconic locations, namely in Hotel Rufolo in Ravello for the rehearsal dinner and in the Duomo of Amalfi, where they had their wedding ceremony.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most acclaimed regions of Italy when it comes to destination weddings. With a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of the vintage Italian cinema, some of the most spectacular locations and an unforgettable local Mediterranean charm, it is impossible to not fall in love with this region.
There is a plethora of choices for hosting special occasion events, ranging from intimate elopements to bigger weddings, all around the Amalfi Coast, always with an emphasis on elegance, yet surrounded by the beauty of nature and a vintage Italian charm. I recently did a roundup of some of the best luxury venues to get married on the Amalfi Coast and Villa La Rondinaia in Ravello is definitely among the top venues when it comes to intimate luxury events, due to its’ rich artistic heritage, alongside a distinctive, elegant and sophisticated character.
Ravello’s small size and pedestrian-only streets create a sense of intimacy and seclusion that is perfect for a destination wedding. The town is not as crowded or as touristy as some of the other towns on the Amalfi Coast, which means that the wedding party can enjoy a more authentic and peaceful experience. Furthermore, Ravello is conveniently located near some of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in the region, such as the historic town of Amalfi, the picturesque town of Positano, and the breathtaking island of Capri.
Eve and Mario chose the majestic Duomo of Amalfi for their wedding ceremony and Villa la Rondinaia in Ravello for their wedding celebration. Literally perched on a cliff, Villa La Rondinaia is a stunning property with an artistic and romantic character. The late American author Gore Vidal once resided in this magnificent villa of the 1920’s which still radiates the elegance and charm for which he was renowned. The villa’s terraced gardens, immaculate infinity pool, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea make it the perfect setting for a dreamy wedding like Mario and Evelyn’s.
The rich history and elegant features of the Villa create a distinct, sophisticated character that allows for hosted wedding celebrations to be both intimate and luxurious. The villa’s lush gardens are adorned with fragrant citrus trees and colorful flowers, making for a natural and stunning backdrop. It’s dramatic position on the cliff provides a breathtaking view of the Tyrrhenian Sea as well as some of the most impressive sunsets on the southern Italian coastline. It also offers lavish, roomy indoor and outdoor areas that can be tailored to the particular requirements of the wedding party. Villa La Rondinaia is truly a one-of-a-kind and magical place to celebrate the union of two people, creating memories that can last a lifetime.
Having already filmed other weddings in the Amalfi Coast previously, the locations were very familiar to me. However, this was my first time filming an intimate wedding celebration in Villa La Rondinaia in Ravello. Connecting with a couple that gives you full creative freedom for their wedding film and being in such a signature location as Ravello appear to be the ideal working conditions for a wedding videographer in the Amalfi Coast. Right? What could go wrong?
Well, it has been a true roller coaster of emotions for the couple and their guests! First, the wedding was almost being cancelled two weeks before the actual date, because of bureaucratic delays in the emission of Mario’s Visa. Then the air company lost Mario’s luggage twice in a week, between connecting flights… Yes, the groom’s luggage containing his wedding tuxedo!
Thankfully, it all got sorted, eventually, after a few dramatic phone calls and visits to Consulates offices of several countries for the Visa and after the company located and sent the luggage, on the day before the wedding …
However, the icing on the cake was on the actual wedding day. We were all on a bus that transported the wedding party from Ravello to the Duomo of Amalfi for the wedding ceremony and the bus got stuck for 45 minutes, because a car broke down on the narrow country road. As you may know, two cars hardly even fit in these narrow windy roads of the Amalfi Coast. Hence, it was almost impossible to tow away the car, creating a crazy traffic jam. This all looked like a misadventure directly drawn from an Italian Fantozzi movie … There were one million reasons for this wedding to not happen! Yet everyone knew that somehow, magic would happen making the impossible possible again. It was set in stone that these two were going to get married in Villa Rondinaia, whatever it takes.
Hotel Rufolo in Ravello is named after the well-known Villa Rufolo, a historic villa from the 13th century that is close by and has breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the raw coastline. Tastefully furnished with antiques, and having rooms with private balconies one can relax and enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean. The hotel offers a restaurant serving delectable regional cuisine, a restaurant with panoramic views of the garden, and a pool with a sun terrace. At a walking distance from Villa la Rondinaia, the hotel’s location is ideal for exploring the picturesque village of Ravello, and it’s also conveniently close to both Positano and Amalfi.
This is where Eve and Mario held their pre-wedding dinner. It was a casual event with a few speeches, where everyone was going through all the difficulties the couple had faced while planning this wedding, and how everyone felt now relieved.
The Duomo of Amalfi is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Amalfi Coast and a must-see for any visitor to the area. The cathedral, which is located in the heart of Amalfi town, was built in the 9th century and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years. The facade of the cathedral is a stunning example of Italian Romanesque architecture, with intricate carvings and mosaics reflecting the region’s cultural and artistic heritage. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with stunning frescoes, marble columns, and a magnificent bronze door dating back to the 11th century. The ornate bell tower, which stands over 50 meters tall and offers breathtaking views of Amalfi and the sea, is undoubtedly the cathedral’s highlight.
Eve’s and Mario ceremony took place in the majestic cathedral of Amalfi. The perfect backdrop for their exchange of promises. The couple going up the Duomo staircase and its’ 62 white marble steps was an impressive highlight to capture, reminiscent of all the difficulties that they had faced.
The wedding day continued in the terrace of Villa la Rondinaia, first with a signature cocktail and traditional local mandolin sounds, and then with a delicious gourmet dinner under the sounds of the impressive acoustic cover band Knight’s Club. The night ended excitedly with some dancing by the pool and more cocktails…
The whole event from start to finish was elegant, beautifully conceived and felt quite emotional. I felt really blessed to meet these two beautiful souls, and to tell their story as their wedding videographer in Villa la Rondinaia in Ravello.
Planning your wedding from abroad can be a very challenging task. Especially when it comes down to popular wedding destinations. When you plan a destination wedding in Ravello, Amalfi, Sorrento or Positano, finding the best team of professionals to help you enjoy your day to it’s fullest is essential. In particular, your wedding planner, photographer, and videographer should always be the priorities in your vendor list.
Working with the whole team from Boutique Weddings, that designed this event was an absolute pleasure. I cannot recommend them enough as your luxury wedding planner in Villa La Rondinaia in Ravello or, generally speaking, in the Amalfi Coast and the rest of Italy.
We also had a perfect coordination and connection with Erin and Ben, from Chrisman Studios, Eve and Mario’s wedding photographers. Their quest for refined, creative looks and light, as well as the different angles and composition lead to some of the most creative looks and storytelling through images. As a destination wedding videographer in Villa la Rondinaia, Ravello I am always very glad to have so nice collaborations. Working with vendors who exhibit a high level of creativity, professionalism, while also being respectful and flexible is something that allow us, content creators, to be more creative and focus on our craft.
Are you planning to get married in Villa la Rondinaia or in another luxury Villa in Ravello, Amalfi, Positano or Sorrento? I would love to be your wedding videographer in Amalfi Coast.
Having my base in Greece, I work in Italy very often, because I am just one short flight away from your dream wedding venue. If you resonate with the style of my work and my creative approach let’s create some magic for your wedding videography in Villa Rondinaia in Ravello, together!
I cannot wait to hear more about you, your partner and your common plans. Let’s start creating your most beautiful memories today!
Your Story is Poetry.
