Some weddings feel like they were plucked straight out of a fairytale – and this one, set high above the Amalfi Coast at Villa Eva in Ravello, Italy, was just that. But for me, it was more than just a dream location or a stunning couple. It was personal.
The bride was someone I grew up looking up to – literally. She was my babysitter when I was little, the kind of girl who seemed to carry sunshine with her wherever she went. She was a great older girl role model for me; she obeyed her parents, she was sweet, kind and uplifting to me even though I was younger and never made me feel like a tag along or less then. When she reached out to ask if I’d photograph her wedding in Italy, I nearly burst into tears. To be chosen as her photographer, all these years later, for one of the most important days of her life? That was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
As a Central Florida wedding and lifestyle photographer, I’ve captured love stories in orange groves, on sandy shores, and under moss-covered oaks. I’ve even traveled to North and South Carolina and been blessed to do other out of state weddings. But this wedding was a first in a big way – it was my first INTERNATIONAL destination wedding! And what better way to start than with two amazing souls, in a place as romantic and timeless as Ravello?
From Babysitter to Bride
Watching Carolyn – someone who once watched me – walk down the aisle was emotional in the most beautiful way. I remember her kindness and warmth from my childhood. Riding her horse while she walked me around their property with a lead line – watching her practice pointe ballet moves (she was always dancing) and seeing that same light in her eyes on her wedding day was surreal. She’s still that same gentle, grounded person, who uplifts everyone around her and now she’s found someone who matches her heart.
The groom is just as wonderful and everything he says sounds like a country song hahah. Together, they make the kind of couple that makes you believe in soulmates – genuine, thoughtful, the best of friends and full of life. Though they now live in North Carolina, their love for travel and culture made this destination wedding in Italy feel perfectly “them.”
Me, A Central Florida Photographer Goes TO EUROPE
Traveling from Central Florida to Italy with my camera gear, my 1 year old, my videographer husband + his gear and my mom in tow was an adventure in itself. A whole separate blog could be written for our experiences we got to have as we stayed in Rome a few days before heading to Ravello but I’ll save that for another time.
I remember being in photo class in high school and a classmate asking me what I would like to do, if I could do anything with photography. I didn’t know the “kind” of photography at the time because back then I just knew I really loved photojournalism; Documenting things in a non obtrusive way… which is so fitting for me now that I’ve fallen in love with lifestyle photography and specifically taking that into the wedding industry – go figure. But my answer was: “I’m not exactly sure yet but I’d love to travel really far to do it, like Greece or Italy or something.” Can you even believe that? And the Lord delivered on that desire of my heart. Even when I had very little faith for it to happen because it just seemed so far fetched to even think about – but my God really figured out a way. The Lord never ceases to amaze me of how he works things together for my good in my business. It’s truly astounding the things he will bring you to (and through) when you put all your faith in him.
Villa Eva, with its soft evening light and scenic coastal views, gave me the creative spark every photographer dreams of. This entire trip is a far off dream most people have but especially photographers. I will never lose the gratitude in my heart for being able to take it. I know how blessed I am and if I never shoot another wedding this far away again I can die happy knowing this was my one and only.
Shooting this wedding reminded me why I love this job so much. Whether it’s a backyard celebration here in Florida or a cliffside ceremony halfway across the world, the beauty is always in the people – and this couple and family made it unforgettable.
A Destination Wedding Weekend on the Amalfi Coast
This celebration was more than just a wedding day – it was a full wedding weekend full of unforgettable moments. It all began with a warm and welcoming rehearsal dinner at Da Salvatore, a charming cliffside restaurant with sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. Guests gathered for heartfelt toasts, delicious Italian food, of course a serenata of music and dancing which heightened the excitement for the big day ahead and all the kids just absolutely loved it including my little Eden.
The next day, Carolyn and Anthony said “I do” in a stunning garden ceremony at Villa Eva overlooking the cliffside and surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery. Tucked away in the charming village of Ravello, the venue felt like something out of a movie, every where you turned something beautiful was there – lush greenery, sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and the kind of old-world magic that makes your heart skip a beat. Villa Eva offered not only beauty but a feeling, a sense of being suspended in time. And that’s exactly what their wedding felt like: timeless. It was the perfect setting for Anthony & Carolyn whose love is rooted in both adventure and authenticity.
One of the most emotional moments of the day was the couple’s intimate first look, where they read private vows to each other before the ceremony. It was quiet, personal, and so deeply moving – a reminder that the most powerful parts of a wedding are often the ones shared just between two people in love.
Thoughtful Touches & Italian WONDER
Carolyn and Anthony thought of everything when it came to making their guests feel loved. Each guest found a handwritten note waiting at their dinner seat – a personal touch that made everyone feel deeply seen and appreciated. During cocktail hour, an on-site artist sketched and painted guests from photos, giving everyone a beautiful keepsake to take home.
Later in the evening, the couple surprised guests with bagged midnight snacks to take back to their hotels – because all that reception dancing into the early morning really works up an appetite! Speaking of dancing, their first dance was nothing short of spectacular – elegant, choreographed, and completely swoon-worthy. As I knew it would be knowing Carolyn the dancing queen. Every inch of this wedding, every moment of the day was an all encompassing cinematic adventure. My only wish was that I could have somehow extended the hours of the day so I could have photographed it longer. I already want to go back and soak it all in again.
To wrap up the weekend, everyone gathered the day after the wedding for a fun and interactive pizza-making class on the rooftop of Hotel Bonadies, where laughter and spritz flowed freely as guests became honorary Italian chefs for the day.
A Husband-and-Wife Creative Team
This wedding also marked another milestone for me: working internationally alongside my husband, who is an incredibly talented videographer. He captured the magic of the weekend through film, including cinematic drone footage for the first time and emotional highlights of the ceremony and celebration. Getting to create side by side in such a dreamy setting made the experience even more special.
And a huge shout out to the second photographer I found in Italy to work with, Mariia! of mchierchia_photo she went above and beyond everything I asked of her and I cannot thank her enough, it was such an honor to work alongside her!
For Couples Dreaming of a Destination Wedding
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Europe or somewhere closer to home but still want that travel-inspired, heartfelt aesthetic – I’d love to be there for you. My passport is ready, my heart is all in and thanks from the push from Carolyn and Anthony – we can also shoot drone footage now!
From intimate elopements on the Amalfi Coast to full wedding weekends in Tuscany or Greece, I bring the same warmth, intentionality, and storytelling approach to every celebration. And whether you’re in Central Florida, North Carolina, or anywhere else, we’re just one (or two) flights away from wherever your love story takes you.
To the beautiful couple: thank you. Thank you for this experience that we will never forget. Thank you for trusting us, for bringing us across the world to witness your day, and for letting us capture the kind of love that stays with you long after the private last dance.
Here’s to you, your love, and all the places your story will go next.
With so much love, be blessed xo
Taylor & Shuli
Wombs to weddings Photography
Central Florida Wedding + Destination Lifestyle Photographer
Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding abroad like this one or a one-of-a-kind celebration closer to home, I would be honored to capture your story. Let’s bring your vision to life, wherever your heart leads you.
✨ Click here to get in touch with me → wombstoweddings.com/contact ✨
Vendors from the day
Lead Photographer & Videographer | Wombs to weddings Photography
Second Photographer | mchierchia_photo
Wedding Planner | Aurora Petris
Wedding Venue | Villa Eva
Hair & Make up | Ruslanaregi
Florist | Lilla florals
Sketch Artist | Buongiorno Ravello
stationary | Auca design