Berna + Joseph’s cinematic celebration at Villa Cimbrone
Photo: Haute Weddings
With a story rooted in serendipity, Berna + Joseph met on a small island in Miami, where he grew up and she had just moved from Turkey to begin her career in interior architecture. From an art museum first date to an engagement at Lake Como, their journey felt instinctive from the start. Though they had planned to marry in Como, they followed their hearts to Villa Cimbrone instead, choosing its cinematic cliffs and Gothic beauty as the backdrop for an intimate celebration where two families met for the first time and their mantra to slow down and savour it all shaped every detail. Now, Berna shares her advice on how to approach your own wedding day with the same sense of presence and intention:
“Wake up slowly, without rushing, and let each moment linger. Trust that everyone around you is there to bring your vision to life. Steal a moment for a first look, savouring the quiet intimacy of being just the two of you. Throughout the day, stay close, dance freely, laugh wholeheartedly, and soak in the rare magic of seeing your families and friends come together in joy.” ~ Berna, Bride
The Engagement
“He’d planned a dreamy end-of-summer getaway to Lake Como. Just the two of us, the water glittering, and no real agenda. One evening, after visiting yet another beautiful villa, in our hotel, he stopped by the lake, turned to me, and proposed. It couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Why Italy?
“We’ve always been drawn to Italian sensibility, the culture, art, architecture, history, the landscape. Italy felt right for us. Somewhere between the U.S. and Turkey, and somewhere unforgettable. You can’t just pull up to the venue, you have to walk. It felt like stepping back in time.”
The Planning
“We had nine months from our engagement in Como to our wedding day, more than enough to plan exactly what we envisioned. We always knew we wanted something intimate and intentional. Something that would create lasting memories not just for us, but for our guests too.”
Stand Out Moment
“The ceremony in the tea room was the moment that stayed with us most. Looking into Joseph’s eyes, hearing the music, and seeing our families beside us, it felt surreal. We were both moved by how beautifully our vows came together. Personal, honest, and full of care. They captured something essential, and we find ourselves repeating them in our minds, again and again. But more than anything, what made the day so precious was watching two families from different parts of the world come together and knowing that we were becoming a family, too. Standing there as husband and wife, surrounded by the people who shaped us, in a place that felt truly meaningful, was something we’ll never forget.”
The Venue
“Villa Cimbrone felt like a place with soul. Perched at the tip of Ravello, high in the hills above the Amalfi Coast, it’s only accessible on foot, no cars, no noise, just stone paths and silence. Each of our guests made the climb to stay in the villa with us for the weekend, which made it feel as though we had an ancient city to ourselves. We were drawn to the villa’s architectural richness and emotional weight. Every space carried a story—each one a reflection of a past century. We didn’t need to over-style it; we simply built on the atmosphere already there and enhanced it with our own personal touch. Ravello gave us the intimacy and pacing we had been searching for.
Each space shifted in tone and meaning, allowing the weekend to unfold like the story we had imagined.”
The Vibe
“After reading how so many brides describe their wedding day as a blur, We were determined to do it differently. From the beginning, we set the tone: to move slowly, to be present, to savor each moment. That intention shaped everything, from the fashion to the music we paired with each of the villa’s settings. We wanted the day to feel layered, deeply personal, and rich in its timelessness.
Our mantra was simple: take it slow.”
The Dress
“For the ceremony, I wore a handmade lace couture gown by Galia Lahav. The light lace was ideal for the Amalfi summer, and the gown mirrored the villa’s Gothic details so effortlessly, it felt less like a choice and more like fate. I felt a connection. It slowed my pace and gave presence to each step, allowing me to fully take in the moment while adding a statement. I paired it with lace Manolo Blahnik heels and diamond ring and earings from Material Good. At our welcome dinner the night before, my parents and Joseph surprised me with a tennis necklace.”
The Style
“The decorative details were guided entirely by the villa’s settings, we treated each scene less like a backdrop and more like a character. We weren’t interested in imposing a theme. Instead, we focused on atmosphere and symbolism, allowing the history of each space to lead. Rather than trend-driven décor, we focused on details that supported tone and movement. Nothing was static. Guests transitioned through cloisters, gardens, terraces, and chambers, with the decor shifting gently in parallel. Every element, from texture to sound, was part of a considered progression. We were clear on the brief, and our dream planner — Hanna Terzio at Love Story Italy — delivered exactly what we envisioned.”
Advice For Planning
“Don’t get lost in the small details. This day is yours, and it will be unforgettable no matter what. Choose a venue that speaks to your heart, somewhere that feels like an extension of your story, and let your focus be on the moments that matter most. Planning is a guide, not a rule; let it serve the celebration, not overshadow it.”
Post-Wedding
“Step away from screens, messages, and social media. Let yourself float in the first days of married life, reliving the laughter, the tears, and the magic. Time moved quickly, but allow yourself to feel it fully. Cherish these memories, replay them in your heart, and be proud of every single moment—this is your love story, lived in real time, and it’s extraordinary.”
VENDOR TEAM
Photographer: Haute Weddings | Venue, Cake + Catering: Villa Cimbrone | Planner: Love Story Italy | Videographer: Les Vaques | Florist: Armando Malafronte | HMUA: Alessandro Mancino Studios | Ceremony Dress: Galia Lahav | Reception Dress: Nicole + Felicia | Accessories: Material Good | Groom Suit: Tom Ford
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
