Perched above the sea in the heart of Amalfi, the historic NH Collection Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi provided the perfect setting for Carleen and Matt’s destination wedding. Blending the timeless character of a former 13th-century monastery with the beauty of the Mediterranean, their celebration was intimate, sophisticated, and filled with deeply personal touches that honored their families.
The wedding began in the peaceful cloister, where the ceremony was transformed into an elegant garden-inspired setting. Two statement floral urns framed the altar, while delicate greenery climbed around the chairs and petals lined the aisle. Soft candlelight, natural foliage, and understated floral details complemented the historic architecture without competing with it, allowing the beauty of the convent to remain at the center of the design.
Before the ceremony, Carleen shared a particularly meaningful moment with her mother as she prepared in the bridal suite. Her mother helped button her wedding dress and gave her a blessing before the bride made her way to the chapel to await her entrance. These quiet moments with family became some of the most intimate memories of the day.
The ceremony was deeply personal and family-centered.
Rather than a traditional ceremony, Carleen and Matt chose a symbolic celebration built around four pillars of marriage: Passion, Loyalty, Communication and Laughter, each represented by a loved one. The ceremony also included a heartfelt blessing from Carleen’s mother, the exchange of vows and rings and a beautiful wine ceremony hosted by her aunt. The celebration concluded with the breaking of the glass and a joyful Tarantella Napoletana, bringing an unmistakably Italian touch to the newlyweds’ first moments as husband and wife.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to leave their wishes for the couple using a charming combination of Polaroid photographs and handwritten messages in the guest book. Meanwhile, Carleen and Matt left the hotel in a vintage car for an unforgettable portrait session through Amalfi. Against the colorful architecture, narrow streets, Piazza Duomo, and the Mediterranean coastline, the vintage car added a cinematic quality to their photographs and created the perfect opportunity for the couple to enjoy a few quiet moments together.
The celebration continued with cocktails on the Belvedere Terrace, where guests enjoyed an abundant selection of Italian-inspired bites while taking in the spectacular views. The relaxed atmosphere gave everyone the chance to reconnect before returning to the cloister for dinner.
For the reception, the restaurant was transformed into an elegant candlelit dining space. A long table for more than forty guests followed the design of the ceremony, with high glass vases filled with greenery and delicate white flowers alternating along the table. Hanging candles added warmth overhead.
Dinner was accompanied by heartfelt speeches, laughter, and candid moments shared among family and friends. The menu celebrated the flavors of the Amalfi Coast, with dishes including lightly smoked beef carpaccio, gnocchetti with scallops and zucchini, sea bream with citrus sauce, and a delicate lemon-inspired dessert. Local Costa d’Amalfi wines completed the experience.
As the evening unfolded, the couple cut their beautiful lemon cream wedding cake before moving into the most celebratory part of the night. Their first dance was followed by heartfelt dances with their parents and an energetic after-party, with DJ music and an open bar.
From the intimate blessing shared between mother and daughter to the family-centered ceremony, the vintage car ride through Amalfi and the candlelit dinner, Carleen and Matt’s wedding beautifully combined Italian heritage, contemporary elegance and the people who mattered most to them.
A celebration that felt unmistakably Amalfi, while remaining completely their own.
Planning, Design and Coordination Amalfi Soirée | Photography Amalfitana Photographer
