In Love With Italy ~ KISS THE BRIDE MAGAZINE

Sorrento Photoshoot by Natalie Pluck Photography

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The beauty of the Sorrentine Peninsula is nothing short of spectacular; we took four days out to explore Ravello, the Amalfi coast, Positano and Sorrento with our guide Cheryl Pagano of Bella Sposa. The extraordinary landscapes are incredible: in one direction you face lush green mountains, turn to see dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking azure blue seas and then wander down tiny medieval alleyways taking in fragrant lemon gardens in abundance.

We start in the Ancient town of Ravello, a popular destination for aristocrats and artists, perched on a mountain ledge 350m above the sea, providing panoramic views to take your breath away. We chose the beautiful Claire Pettibone Gown ‘La Perla’ from Kathryn S Trueman in Morpeth – instantly transforming Mara into a medieval princess. Working her magic with the brushes was professional makeup artist Nicole Storey, based in Positano; she finished off the look with a long single plait and complimented this with the Aurelia headpiece from What Katy Did Next. Hard at work was cameraman Daniel from Shoot Me Now Films capturing the space and movement that a camera just can’t.

Positano

Gem of the divine coast is beyond expectations. Cheryl guided us through the tiny secrets where our newlyweds received a lot of attention. Wearing the exquisite Noguera Yolan Cris from Kathryn S Trueman featuring an embellished illusion bodice and the finest floaty skirt delicately rippling in the sea breeze. On the pretty beaches of Positano, Mara is transformed into a Greek Goddess. The gold beads from the gown from Bexbrides shimmered in the sun; Nicole teased loose locks and worked in gold leaf hair combs from What Katy Did Next. Vyncent is suitably suave in this laid back look; where we teamed the ivory jacket and waistcoat combo with French navy chinos from Dandy Threads in Guisborough.

Amalfi Coast

Taking in the Amalfi Coast and racing back to catch the best sunset of the week, we jut had time to discover this beauty spot: a stunning backdrop for your wedding photographs. Mara wears the exquisite Yolan Cris Olivia gown in Champagne from Kathryn S Trueman‘s exquisite boutique in Morpeth. Stocking coveted designers from across the world, we were really spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the gowns to accompany us on this shoot.
We absolutely loved our shopping trip! Kathryn and her team were incredibly helpful and as brides popped in and out, it was plain to see the outstanding attention they received. Also, there is no doubt that this is a high-end, luxury bridal boutique and I half admit to expecting to be treading on egg shells when I first visited but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I was immediately welcomed and the atmosphere was warm, inviting and quite down to earth, I would highly recommend. Kathryn continues to bring fantastic designers to the North East, making her the go-to bridal boutique for beautiful couture labels offering brides something that bit more special.

Bella Sposa

Cheryl Pagano from Bella Sposa is not only English speaking she is a local girl from the North East, who married her Italian sweetheart and now calls Sorrento home! In fact, it’s obvious during our visit that she is part of the rich tapestry of this family orientated community; highly regarded, knowledgeable and well liked gives her the edge when it comes to planning your wedding. I have no doubt that whatever your big day plans include, Cheryl can source pretty much everything.
Tour operator packages sold in masses may seem a bit lacklustre when it comes to the personal touches you would expect back home but Cheryl is completely independent of these and not only will she be able to make the most out of your budget but will help you pick it with personal touches too.

We talk to Cheryl about some of the venue options to consider, whether it’s Classic Italian Elegance, Chic and Boutique or a rustic family restaurant, there really is something for everyone’s taste and budget.
“I have to say for the ceremonies, I do love the Cloisters of Saint Francis. This venue dates back to the 8th century so it has such an authentic and romantic feel to it. Although Sorrento is home to me, I do love Positano and the view from the terrace of the town hall there can only be described as breathtaking”

“As for reception venues, I love the modern feel of The Vista Sky Bar at The Hotel Mediterraneo and hearing the guests synchronised reaction of “WOW” when they arrive. The Hotel Mediterraneo offers a stunning pool area, relaxed garden area, 7th-floor restaurant looking out to Mount Vesuvius and not to mention their new sky bar that offers 360-degree views of Sorrento!”
“I also really like villa weddings as they allow bridal parties to have complete privacy and to really let loose on the decoration side of things. Villa Antiche Mura is a personal favourite of mine as it is also where I got married. It is only a short drive from the Cloisters and literally sits on the cliff edge looking out to the Bay of Naples. There is also some great hotels here but I tend to only work with ones that can give my couples exclusive areas.”

Contact Cheryl Pagano:

0039 339 2240 680

www.weddingplannersorrento.co.uk

From the ancient Cloisters of Saint Francis with the sweeping arches to the back streets of Sorrento in two dashing Fiat 500’s to the bay of Naples where we took a private boat courtesy of the Hotel Meditteraneo. Tessa looked completely elegant in her Rembo Styling Joya gown with a statement blue headpiece from What Katy Did Next and blue Aruna Seth shoes. In complete contrast, Mara wore a customised vintage gown from Bexbrides to give us that ‘Free-spirited’ Boho vibe. Both looks including hair were styled perfectly by Argentinian makeup artist Jimena Puy.