Amalfi Coast, Italy
A medieval fairytale on Italy’s coast.
The styled shoot at Villa Cimbrone at southern Italy was like a medieval fairytale with knights and carefree princesses who live their magical moments in their own imaginative fairy world. With my hand on camera I felt like an observer who “steals” discreetly some of the glamor and style of a mythical couple who exchanged vows, had their dinner at the amazing veranda Terraza Dell' Infinito with endless view to Amalfi coast and got lost in some dreamy gardens.
The steps of our team with Thanos Asfis and Anna Roussos being constantly behind their photographic cameras, followed the mazy crossings of a dreamy English style botanical garden, guiding us to the medieval villa Cimbrone, a luxury hotel at Ravello of Campania region at a styled shoot which will remain unforgettable.
Among blossomed flower beds with roses and oleanders, arches covered with leaves, fountains, romantic kiosks and glowered statues, we spent three days that seemed like a charming trip to the past.
The organization of the shooting by destination wedding planning boutique agency, Lily of the Valley, exceeded every expectation. Vintage aesthetics combined with “golden” details, velvet garments, art de la table with renaissance and antique style and a whimsical flower decoration by Armando Malafronte that really rocked!
In the centre of this world, there was a noble and charming “knight” and a flirty girl who carried us away at the footpaths of their imagination, bathed in the glowing Mediterranean light in one of the most romantic places in the world.
The prolific and contradictory novelist Gore Vidal had once said about this place that “it has the most beautiful view in the world” and we totally agree.
When your gaze wanders over the vastness of the sea
Perched atop the cliff of Amalfi coast stands the wonderful little village of Ravello, a must see destination that remains rather quiet and low profile. Pinnacle of this area is this 12th century medieval structure just outside the village where we stayed and worked for three whole days. Villa Cimbrone, after changing hands among strong Italian families from 11th up to 14th century, was turned into a luxurious hotel just after the Second World War from Vuilleumier family, who thanks to its enthusiasm and dedication, highlighted the historical value of the building as well as the gardens surrounding it. The vivid atmosphere of the hotel and the beauty of the location have attracted politicians and aristocrats, people from the arts and culture, like the writers Forster, D.H. Lawrence, Eliot, Virginia Woolf and others. At these labyrinthal gardens of the hotel, Churcill had smoked his cigar, Agnelli family toasted with champagne, the Dukes of Kent spent time of relaxation, and Greta Garbo had a real romantic story with famous conductor Leopold Stokowski.
Planning & styling: @lilyofthevalley_weddings
Photography: @annaroussos @thanosasfis
Venue: @villacimbrone
Bridal dress: @madebride
Muah: @alessandromancinohd @ombrettater_makeupartist
Shoes: @bellabelleshoes
Florals: @malafrontefiori
Jewelry: @mindylamjewelry
Stationary: @loveme_do
Art de la table: @white_lilac_rentals
Cake: @pavlovs_lab
Groom's attire: @kourlas_athens
Cufflinks: @giannetos_since1907
Groom's watch: @michelherbelin
Lingerie: @thelaceatelier
Rentals: @andreariccioweddingsolution
Models: @korlanmadi @paul89ferrari
