George and Joyce's Elopement in Ischia Italy 2020

George and Joyce’s irresistible Ischia elopement

Wedding Date: 12th July 2020

Venue: The Regina Isabella

Location: Ischia ( island in the Gulf of Naples)

For Swedish newlyweds Joyce and George, Ischia in Italy stole their hearts from the moment they touched down on the volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, during a trip abroad. This stunning part of the world boasts mineral-rich thermal waters, hot springs bubbling up at Maronti Beach and a wealth of history seen in the form of 18th-century buildings. And with all of this, Joyce and George were quick to select the location as the dream place for their wedding, in a bid to secure somewhere ‘between sea and nature.’

Yet, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Joyce and George’s spellbinding plans for a big July wedding with friends and family in tow were halted and, as a result, they decided upon a luxury Italian elopement with only those close to them attending the celebrations, in a bid to continue their dream of getting married in Italy. Off they headed to the transfixing Regina Isabella; a five-star hotel in Ischia which promotes luxury in all of its many offerings. Located in a tranquil bay and circled by private beaches and Mediterranean pinewoods, this hotel makes for the perfect spot for a wedding.

At Regina Isabella, undeniably one of the best wedding venues in Italy, Joyce and George lived out their symbolic ceremony on the 12th of July 2020, followed by a candlelit dinner, with a handful of guests. The ceremony took place on a sensational private beach enwrapped in beautiful natural surroundings. The hotel is well-equipped for such magical occasions and has a flower garden and charming bay for guests to wander to as well.

Joyce looked majestic in her Dea Atelier wedding dress which featured exquisite lace detail and a flattering plunge neck. Pops of colour were added to her outfit too, in the form of the florals she clutched onto and wore on her head, from Tommaso Castaldi by La Primula Cose Belle, the couple’s chosen florist. Joyce’s garland hosted flowers in colours of bright orange, dusky pink and light blue and her hair tumbled in loose curls down past her shoulders. To pull together the look, hair and makeup artists from Aglaia Beauty were on hand, and they created the most effortlessly beautiful glam for Joyce, with a statement plum lip shade complimenting the florals and dress.

Strolling along the beach towards her beau George to exchange vows, the setting was personalised to perfection with statement terracotta pots housing huge flower displays, adding a rustic edge to the ceremony. George couldn’t hide his smile as he waited for his bride in a flattering sandy-coloured suit from Scaglione Boutique, under which he wore a blue open shirt, and the magical moments were stunningly captured by one of our valued wedding photographer members Giuseppe Greco, who later snapped candid photos of the newlyweds against an ocean backdrop.

Next followed a stylish dinner at the hotel, which was brought to life by Joyce and George’s chosen florals for the occasion which sat in vases across the table, blooming in beautiful shades akin to the colours seen in Joyce’s garland. The setting featured an eclectic array of natural materials used in beautiful ways. There was terracotta, wood, glass elements and golden metal jars all adding detail to the dining set up. As well, to enhance the romance in the air, cerulean conical candles and worked glass candles lined the space, set against a powder blue backdrop and, altogether, the colours and materials expertly blended land and sea. Of course, the setting was a huge talking point as the table looked out over the water, with lights glistening across the island as night came.

Amongst the candlelight and the flowers, dinner was served! A moreish feast laid on by Executive Chef Pasquale Palamaro. Born on the island of Ischia himself, Palamaro is renowned for his seafood dishes, highly influenced by the territory, and, as a result, he was awarded a Michelin star in 2013. The divine menu was curated by Palamoro for Joyce and George’s special day and they feasted in the magical destination on dishes presented like works of art. For dessert, master pastry chef at Regina Isabella, Nello Iervolino, laid on a divine cake for the happy couple, on which he’d delicately hand-painted floral decoration. Suffice to say, it was the wedding cake of dreams for George and Joyce and atop sat flowers from their chosen florist, Tommaso Castaldi.

George and Joyce’s beautiful elopement in Ischia was brought together by some of the best wedding suppliers in Italy, as well as local, talented wedding planner and coordinator Stefania Silvestro, who is renowned for piecing together people’s dream weddings. Talented designer and illustrator Gaetano Patalano was also a noteworthy part of the big day as the designer, creating magic and bringing the stylish elopement to life with his artistic touch.

The Italy wedding was sensational and just as magical as ever, and the young couple’s vows to each other weren’t the only vows made that day, as they promised to return to Regina Isabella in the future, with family and friends in tow, to exchange wedding promises once more on the happy island that is Ischia.