Photo: Orsi Ungvari

From post-grad nights in New York City to a proposal at her favourite Hudson River lookout, Gina + Adrian’s story has always been tied to meaningful views. After falling in love with Italy while studying abroad and feeling continually pulled back to Positano, choosing the Amalfi Coast for their wedding just felt right. At Villa Oliviero, they gathered their closest people for a celebration that unfolded like the best dinner party they could imagine, complete with candlelit tables on the terrace and a ceremony where they saw each other for the first time at the altar, exchanging vows with the sea and skyline as their backdrop.

Love Story

“After attending the same college, we coincidentally found ourselves living the same post-grad New York City life — surrounded by the same friends, chasing the same excitement, and figuring it all out together. What started as a shared circle of mutual friends slowly turned into something more. We were regularly visiting my family at the Jersey Shore, and every time we drove out of Manhattan, I would always point out this one spot and say, “Quick - look! This is my favorite view!!!” Without me knowing, Adrian had been quietly planning something there all along. He proposed at my favorite view overlooking the Hudson, with the Manhattan skyline stretched out behind us. ”

Why Italy?

“After studying abroad in Florence, I fell completely in love with Italy, and Positano always seemed to pull me back. From the people to the views to the food, it felt emotional and nostalgic all at once. I had always dreamed of getting married in Italy for as long as I could remember, and there was no better place to bring together the people we love most.”

The Venue

“After seeing the incredible weddings hosted at Villa Oliviero, I knew it aligned perfectly with our vision: intimate, romantic, and surrounded by breathtaking views. Speaking with Alice Oliviero, the owner, sealed the decision — her calm, reassuring presence made us feel completely confident in choosing the venue.”

Stand Out Moment

“We chose not to do a first look, as it felt important to honour the tradition of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. It created a raw, emotional, almost cinematic moment I had envisioned since I was young. We also exchanged live vows, which heightened the anticipation even more. Hearing his words in real time completely took me by surprise — it was everything I hoped for and more.”

The Style

“I wanted everything to feel timeless and chic. Candles everywhere were one of my biggest requests — they filled the space with so much warmth and romance. When it came to fashion, one of my biggest wedding muses was the iconic Lauren Burke and Puth Brooke. Their effortless elegance and refined silhouettes were a constant reference point for me throughout the planning process.”

The Planning

“We had about 15 months to plan, which honestly felt like the perfect amount of time. For a destination wedding, I definitely recommend giving yourselves (and your guests) plenty of time to prepare. Once we locked in the big pieces — venue, planner, date, photographer — everything else started to fall into place, especially with the right planner guiding us!”

The Vibe

“I wanted the day to feel calm, joyful, and effortless — like the best dinner party we could have ever imagined, filled with laughter, good food, and the people we love most.

While my incredible team was getting me ready, I had to make a very serious mission across the entire villa with a towel draped over my head so the boys wouldn’t catch a glimpse. All of it was just to grab my iconic nude lip liner from our room — I wasn’t about to give away my wedding-day hair early!”

Best Money Spent

“The best money we spent was on our photographer and videographer — no question. I know it’s ‘trendy’ right now to skip a videographer, but the day flies by faster than you can even process. Having that raw footage to relive the emotion, the vows, the little in-between moments… I’m beyond grateful we didn’t pass on that.”

Advice For Couples

“As a destination bride, we didn’t visit our venue beforehand — and I’m so glad we trusted the process. When you truly trust your planner and venue, everything unfolds exactly as it should. Experiencing the space for the first time alongside our guests made the day feel even more magical — the surprise was indescribable in the best possible way.”

VENDOR TEAM

Gina + Adrian’s timeless coastal wedding in Positano

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Gina + Adrian’s timeless coastal wedding in Positano

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The 14th-century Veneto castle built for modern weddings