The morning sun warmed the terracotta rooftops of Positano, cascading golden streams down pastel-hued buildings toward the sparkling Amalfi coastline. I stood on the terrace, camera in hand, savoring the gentle hum of waves below. The rustle of bougainvillea and the quiet anticipation of a wedding day made me excited for what was to come. Even after years of photographing love stories, moments like these still catch my breath. They’re tangible reminders of why Italy remains my forever muse. If an Italy wedding is in your future (or even just your dreams), it would be my privilege to bring it to life for you. Learn more about my services and view a recent Italy destination wedding below.
The journey begins: planning a perfect experience
I often think of Italy as a great storyteller. Its cobblestone streets speak of history and passion. Its coastlines whisper romance, and golden sunsets seem to slow time, if only for a moment. Chelsea and Jamie connected deeply with this vision, trusting me to guide them from those initial hopeful conversations through every thoughtful detail. I dove into venue searching, planning, photography, and even itinerary building for their loved ones to enjoy the journey.
Together, we created intentional steps toward their wedding day, allowing Chelsea and Jamie to savor not only the event but the entire journey. From our initial conversations, I appreciated their desire to embrace the local culture, the romance of the Mediterranean landscape, and their wish to step gently into the rhythm of Italian life. Over months of thoughtful planning, we selected details that captured their shared story: a calm coastal palette echoing the colors of Positano, a cliffside villa for panoramic views, and hidden corners of the Amalfi Coast for their portraits that felt oh, so romantic.
Italy destination wedding feature: A poetic day by the sea
On the wedding day itself, Positano seemed to hold its breath with us. The setting reflected a perfect balance of serenity and joyful anticipation. As I photographed Chelsea preparing in her suite overlooking the sea, I paused, noticing how the morning light traced delicate patterns across her lace gown. Her white bouquet subtly highlighted her natural beauty. I couldn’t help but smile at how organically their vision had come to life.
Chelsea and Jamie shared a sweet, private first look on the upper terrace before heading down together for the ceremony. I love how they chose to do things their way by walking the “aisle” together. The ceremony took place on an intimate terrace with a few immediate family members. (My camera loved her darling daughter, and she loved it right back, showing off the cutest poses!). The villa-studded cliffs and foggy sea made for the most breathtaking ceremony moments!
Celebrating love with an Italian experience
Afterward, we wandered through Positano’s winding streets for their portraits, allowing moments of spontaneity and curiosity to guide us. Chelsea and Jamie strolled past whitewashed buildings and cute boutiques, laughing with familiar ease, their love framed naturally by the everyday beauty of the village.
Capturing these moments through my lens—quiet interactions, stolen glances, sunlit laughter—is one of my greatest privileges. My photography style is soft, romantic, natural, and always authentic. I strive to preserve the true color palette of Italy’s landscapes and architecture. In turn, you’ll get imagery that feels timeless yet fresh and distinctly European. Chelsea and Jamie’s wedding photos reflected the effortless beauty and gentle elegance of their day. We mirrored the heart of their love story with a candid, warm, and emotionally rich visual narrative.
The power of visual storytelling
As a full-service Italy wedding planner and photographer, I know the power of cohesive storytelling and intentional experiences. As you eagerly look forward to your wedding day, I encourage couples to dream beyond their vows. One of the best parts of a destination wedding in Italy is that you don’t have to follow a traditional wedding timeline. You can stay and chat a while on the terrace with an aperol spritz in hand or wander through the streets, stopping in for a peek at a boutique or an espresso break. Do you want to dine on fresh seafood and handmade pasta paired with famous Italian wines, or maybe dance beneath string lights as the sky deepens over the sea and the cliffs twinkle with lights? Positano, with its old-world charm and gentle sea breezes, begs you to pause and breathe deeply. These are nostalgic moments in the making.
My passion lies in creating these quiet yet extraordinary experiences for couples who dream of saying “I do” beneath Italian skies. Couples often come to me dreaming of Italy but unsure how to navigate planning from afar. This is exactly why I started Amore Vita. I serve as a personal concierge and trusted guide, turning distant dreams into lived experiences. My heart beats for every detail: venue searches through hidden villas and historic chapels, curating personalized itineraries, coordinating talented local vendors, managing timelines and budgets, and candidly photographing each authentic moment. My goal is always to create a fully realized experience that feels intimate and effortless, rooted deeply in the spirit of Italy.
From vision board to reality
If Chelsea and Jamie’s Positano wedding resonates with you, know that this experience is within reach. At Amore Vita, I specialize in thoughtful, personalized wedding planning throughout Italy—from the Amalfi Coast to Tuscany, Lake Como to charming rural villages—and crafting photography that captures your story with artistic intention. Whether it’s an intimate elopement, a romantic countryside gathering, or an elaborate coastal celebration, my heart follows wherever your love leads.
Enjoy a stress-free Italy destination wedding experience
Here’s How I Can Help:
Personalized Vision Setting—Initial consultations focused on capturing and refining your unique wedding vision and turning your dream wedding into a clear, actionable plan.
Expert Budget Management—Ensuring your money goes further without sacrificing style.
Customized Timeline Creation—Keeping planning simple, stress-free, and on track.
Venue Search & Negotiation—Discovering and securing your perfect venue (churches, villas, countryside locations, and more) at the best terms.
Trusted Vendor Recommendations—Connecting you with reliable, high-quality caterers, florists, musicians, and other providers.
Effortless Legal Paperwork Assistance—Guiding you smoothly through civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony processes.
Accommodation Coordination—Arranging comfortable, convenient villa rentals or hotel blocks for you and your guests.
Tailored Styling & Design—Crafting a beautiful, cohesive visual experience that reflects your personality.
Custom Vision Boards & Inspiration Guides—Visualizing your unique aesthetic and style.
Comprehensive Vendor Coordination—Seamlessly managing vendor communications and logistics the week before and day-of.
Detailed Wedding Week Itinerary: Comprehensive planning of your wedding week activities for maximum enjoyment and minimal stress.
Professional Photography Integration—Capturing every memorable detail of your special day. I have years of wedding photography experience under my belt, shooting weddings of all kinds in all places around the world.
Additional Day-of Coordination Support—Ensuring everything runs smoothly so you can fully enjoy your celebration.
Where does the next chapter of your love story take you?
It’s time to dream up your own Italian wedding. Begin a journey filled with discovery, joy, and effortless beauty, and connect with me to bring it to life. Follow along @thatsamorevita for inspiration, travel tips, and glimpses into the weddings I intentionally plan and photograph with each unique couple in mind. Or visit www.thatsamorevita.com to explore how together we can create your perfect Italian wedding experience.
Because the best love stories aren’t just told—they’re lived. Let’s craft a celebration that feels like home, even a world away—one that reflects your story, your style, and the timeless magic of amore.
Full-service Italy destination wedding planner & photographer
Hi there, I am Mariah, a Pittsburgh-based gal who was destined for Italy (I got married there myself). I live for love stories. Your day deserves more than a generic resort package, and I want to help you achieve an authentically Italian wedding experience.
