Barefoot and Beautiful: A Portofino Wedding Along The Mediterranean Sea
There’s a magic energy in today’s Portofino wedding with stacked pastel architecture, a dreamy boat sendoff and a sexy, yet demure lace gown you will not believe. One thing was clear from the moment we laid eyes on this gallery – destination weddings can’t be beat. I mean where else can you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Northern Italy, barefoot, with blissful scents of carbonara and artisan pizza wafting through the air, only moments after you say “I do”?
These delightful images from storytelling wedding photographer, Elisabetta of Lilly Red Creative, will impress a great deal of wanderlust on you. She has a knack for capturing those raw, authentic moments that make a wedding day so special.
A day cultivated by Italian wedding planner, Martina of The Marthy’s Vintage Garden, there is no shortage of beauty and grace in the designs from the day. From the triangular ceremony backdrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to the darling place settings decked with colorful illustrations of Portofino, we’re in utter bliss even from another continent.
Speaking of Elisabetta and Martina’s amazing work, we’re still reeling over this woodland rehearsal dinner inspiration with some serious creative spunk.
Chiara Sperti Floral Events arranged the elegant blooms that decorated Monique’s striking bouquet, the sweet bud vases along the tablescape and so much more. Love, love, love!
Aren’t you obsessed with Monique’s bold, yet naturally glowing bridal style from Daniela Zeqo?
From the bride, Monique: When I reflect on our life collectively, I think of family. And then I reminiscence about our friends BECOMING family. Italy is a place which narrates my heritage, but our vision for our wedding was much deeper. We were in search of a place that connects past with present, old with new. And as we unite as husband and wife, the people at the Belmond Splendido created this consummate, magnetic union we never expected. Throughout our days and nights together with our guests, the love of the Italians had a way of bringing us together, where family and friends were blended as one. It was a true unity of old and new, American and Italian, friends becoming family…and one we will never forget…
From the photographer, Elisabetta of Lilly Red Creative: When Monique sent me a message for the first time, she was still deciding between either Portofino or Lake Como to get married. I knew her heart was all for the pesto region. She fell in love with this place, on the top of the hills surrounding Portofino. With stunning views of the bay and some of the most beautiful views that you have ever seen in your entire life. They got married at Splendido, a venue not only with a stunning view, but with curated gardens that are full of olive trees and colorful flowers, typical of the Ligurian region.
There were lots of lovely little details to photograph. Starting from the handwritten stationery, entirely by Martina, She used a gold touch and design to draw a map of the location, a piece of art that became a keepsake for Monique.
The bouquet was made by tones of pink and violet and you can find the same colors in the ceremony. Overlooking the Tigullio Bay, an iron triangle was made to define the ceremony spot.
Be still, our hearts! These soft, textured ribbons from Allegoria Textile Design are totally sublime.
Monique wore a sophisticated Sarah Seven dress, brought with her from San Francisco (where they are from). Also perfect for sunset photos taken walking on the colorful, little streets of Portofino. With them, it felt like to be in a Dolce Gabbana campaign, ending with a boat ride in the sea and along the coast where they stopped to wave to all their guests an the Splendido mountain while cruising in the boat.
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Lilly Red Creative
Planning + Stationery: The Marthy’s Vintage Garden
Floral Design: Chiara Sperti Floral Events
Venue: Belmond Hotel Splendido
Ribbons: Allegoria Textile Design
Dress: Sarah Seven
Hair + Makeup: Daniela Zeqo