June 11, 2025
Annette Ambrose Photography shares her journey from wedding photographer to bride during their Italian Summer Wedding in Positano, Italy
An Amalfi Coast Destination Wedding at Hotel Marincanto
Hi, I’m Annette: Arizona-based wedding photographer and newlywed.
After years of capturing love stories behind the lens, it was finally my turn to walk down the aisle. And wow, nothing prepares you for the emotion of living it yourself. We celebrated our love with an intimate destination wedding in Positano, Italy. It was truly everything I dreamed of and more.
While it is still fresh in my mine, I’m sharing every detail: what we did, what I’d recommend, and what made it all so special.
Everything YOU Need to Know About Having an Italian Summer Wedding
Why We Chose to Get Married in Positano
We both craved something more than just a venue. We wanted an experience. From the moment we considered Italy, Positano was the place that kept calling us back. The cliffs, the color, and the romance; every corner is like a cinematic dream.
Hotel Marincanto sealed the deal for us. Its postcard views, private beach access, and charming villas made it the perfect home for our wedding weekend.
Bonus Consideration: Positano quiets down at night, so even though it’s a popular town, we still got those magical, intimate moments with just our people.
Planning a Destination Italian Summer Wedding in Positano
As a photographer, I know how overwhelming wedding planning can feel. However, planning from across the world adds a whole new layer. We kept things simple and meaningful. We didn’t have a formal wedding party, but we involved our sisters in special ways, and every detail reflected what mattered most to us.
The best part? We planned the celebration we wanted.
This wedding was OURS not one for Instagram, but one for our hearts.
Our Wedding Vision: Colorful, Coastal, and Full of Heart
We described our theme as “Romantic Italian Summer,” blending citrusy joy with Mediterranean elegance. Think bold yellows, pinks, reds, and oranges against sea-blue skies and white stone walls.
Our florals, designed by Flora Garden Positano, were grounded at the ceremony to keep the view open—and then reused at the reception for sustainable beauty.
The vibe was playful, elegant, and full of color, lemons, and love.
Getting Ready in Suite Incanto
We booked the Suite Incanto Villa at Hotel Marincanto, and it was truly the best decision. Not only did it offer an incredible terrace for our ceremony and reception, but it also gave us enough space (and natural light!) for getting ready. I stayed in the top villa with a stunning balcony, and the girls got ready in the lower suite. It was spacious, calm, and photo-friendly.
If you’re eyeing this venue: Villa 1 in Suite Incanto is the spot.
An Italian Wedding Ceremony with a View: Saying “I Do” in Positano
Our ceremony took place on one of Hotel Marincanto’s iconic open-air terraces. It is the kind of spot you see on postcards and dream boards. With pastel buildings cascading down the cliffs behind us and the Mediterranean Sea shimmering below, it didn’t need much else to feel breathtaking.
Still, we added a few thoughtful touches to make it uniquely ours.
Grounded Florals & a Picture-Perfect Aisle
As a photographer, I’m picky about how a ceremony looks and feels—both in real life and in photos.
We chose to do ground florals only, with two large arrangements marking the beginning of the aisle. I wanted to preserve that open view behind us, and grounded florals were the perfect way to frame the space without competing with the natural beauty of the coast.
Music, Emotion, and Personal Touches
A local violinist played as I walked down the aisle, which felt like something out of a movie.
The moment was soft, intimate, and emotional. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. For the first looks earlier in the day? Me, the groom, and my dad were so emotional. Those moments still hit me every time I look at the photos.
Our ceremony was officiated by my husband’s sister, which made everything feel even more personal. With just 20 of our closest people seated in front of us, it wasn’t just about the vows. It was about celebrating our story with the people who’ve lived it alongside us.
The Petal Toss Exit
One of my favorite parts? The petal toss aisle exit.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, please add this to your list. Walking back up the aisle, hand in hand as husband and wife, with petals floating through the air? Pure magic.
The photos turned out even better than I imagined, and it was such a fun, joyful way to wrap up the ceremony.
Golden Hour Boat Ride = A Must for Your Italian Summer Wedding
One of the most magical moments of the day came just after the ceremony.
We slipped away for a quick boat ride during golden hour. The views of Positano from the sea? Unreal.
I arranged a private 40-minute ride with a local connection, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. This little escape gave us a moment to breathe, reflect, and capture some of my favorite portraits ever.
A Reception Under the Stars at Hotel Marincanto
After our dreamy golden hour boat ride, we returned to one of the most magical parts of the day: our intimate reception dinner.
We chose to host it in Suite Incanto at Hotel Marincanto, a tucked-away villa space that allowed us to keep things private, cozy, and truly ours. With space for 15–25 people, it was exactly what we needed to share this moment with the people closest to us.
The Table, the Meal, the Atmosphere
We set up one long rectangle dinner table, because I’ve always believed that shared tables create shared memories. The layout encouraged everyone to mingle, talk, and laugh together. No one was tucked into a far corner or stuck at a separate table; it felt like one big, joyful conversation that never had to stop.
The food? A multi-course Italian dinner that felt more like an experience than a meal.
Between each course, we had toasts and small speeches from family and friends that kept the energy flowing and the emotions high. Everyone was relaxed, present, and genuinely enjoying every second.
Local Music That Made the Night
Instead of a DJ, we brought in a live local Italian band. It was easily one of the best decisions we made.
They played everything from soft romantic background music to upbeat Italian favorites, all with a mix of piano, tambourine, and guitar. It added so much personality to the night and gave our celebration the exact kind of timeless, romantic vibe we were going for.
I’ve never been a big dancer or fan of traditional dance floors, so we skipped the usual reception format. Instead, we leaned into that slow, joyful, dinner-party energy. There were lots of smiles, some spontaneous dancing by the table, and a whole lot of wine and Aperol Spritzes flowing.
Late Night Fun in Positano
After dinner, the younger crew (myself included) made our way down the stairs—literally—to Positano’s only beachside nightclub: Music on the Rocks.
It was such a fun way to end the night.
I even changed into an after-party dress for the occasion.
If you’re the type to want to dance it out under the cliffs, this spot is a must.
My Top Tips for Planning a Destination Italian Summer Wedding
Here’s what I’d tell any bride planning a destination wedding—especially in Italy:
- Hire the Photographer You Trust: I flew in my dear friend Alana Torraca because I knew she’d capture the day exactly how I envisioned it. Your photos are forever—don’t skimp here.
- Go Local With Music: Our live Italian band was everything. They created such an atmosphere, and it felt uniquely Italian.
- Keep It Intimate: Fewer guests means more connection. We included our families and closest friends—and made every minute count.
- Maximize Your Venue: Suite Incanto was our ceremony, reception, and getting-ready space. It checked every box and made logistics a breeze.
- Book the Boat Ride: It doesn’t have to be long. Even 30–40 minutes gave us dreamy portraits and a quiet moment together.
Final Thoughts from the Italian Summer Bride
If you take anything from this, let it be this: PLAN THE ITALIAN SUMMER WEDDING YOU ACTUALLY WANT. Forget expectations and trends. Choose joy, meaning, and each other.
For us, that meant Aperol Spritzes, bright florals, lemon trees, ocean air, and our closest people.
We did it our way, and it was perfect.
And if Positano is calling your name? Answer it. You’ll never regret it. 🍋
With love,
Annette Ambrose
Arizona Wedding Photographer & Very Happy Bride
📸 @annetteambrosephotography
Vendors
Hair: Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Wedding Hairstylist | @pieromansiamalficoast
Makeup Artist: Zoe Graham | @amalfimakeup
Venue: Hotel Marincanto | @marincanto_romantichotel
Dress: A&be Bridal Shop @aandbe_bridalshop
Photographer: Alana Torraca Photography | @lanadelmarphoto
Florist: Flora Garden Positano | @floragardenpositano
Boat Company: Positano Luxury Boats | @luxuryboatspositano
Planner: Carla Alcamisi Events | @carlalcamisievents
Signage: Aster & Palm | Taylor Wiley | @asterandpalm
