Erika + Sean by Marta Ilardo

We wanted an understated, intentional look that did not compete with the scenery.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re both New England natives who eventually ended up in Boston, where we each built careers in tech sales, and where our paths first crossed. Sean is from Connecticut, and Erika is from Cape Cod, and we share a love of good food, travel, and staying connected to friends and family.

We’re generally on the move. In the winter, we head up to Vermont or down to Florida; in the summer, we spend as much time as possible on Cape Cod or Nantucket. We both love the water and try to spend warm-weather weekends on the beach or out on the boat. When we’re not doing that, we’re usually planning a small getaway or checking out a new restaurant. Even though we both work from home, we’re rarely in “homebody mode” for long.

We’re very family-oriented and make a point to stay close to the people who matter most to us. At our core, we’re happiest when we’re active, outside, and experiencing something together.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met at work early in our careers. Sean still remembers the day Erika came in to interview and thought right away that she should get the job. There was an immediate attraction, but once we actually started working together, those first impressions became much clearer. Sitting across from each other every day, the connection grew quickly. Sean realised how beautiful, smart, hard-working, and confident Erika was, and how much he enjoyed making her laugh. There was an easy rhythm between us, with joking around, friendly competition, and a level of comfort that made the workday something we looked forward to.

Despite the spark, we kept things professional and remained friends as we each moved on to other companies. Then life created a long pause with new jobs, a pandemic, and a few years without crossing paths.

When we eventually reconnected, it felt immediate. The same connection we had from the beginning was still there, only with better timing and more clarity. What started as office banter and early attraction quickly became something real. We both knew that exploring it would be all or nothing, and it ended up being the best decision we made.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Villa Cimbrone is such a naturally stunning venue that our goal was simply to complement what was already there. It is truly one of the most beautiful properties we have ever seen, and being there in person is breathtaking. The dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, historic architecture, and the Terrace of Infinity create a setting that feels almost unreal. Having perfect weather made it even more special, especially with the sunset timing perfectly during cocktail hour after the ceremony.

We wanted an understated, intentional look that did not compete with the scenery. The florals were incredible and worked perfectly with the venue: elegant, soft, and beautifully integrated into the surroundings without overtaking the setting. From the ceremony design to the tables, everything felt cohesive and balanced.

The combination of the grounds, the architecture, and the thoughtful floral choices created a look that felt elevated but still true to the atmosphere of Ravello and Villa Cimbrone.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

One of the most enjoyable parts of planning was watching our ideas slowly come together, even though the process could feel overwhelming at times, especially with the distance factor. We tried to stay organised by setting aside time and keeping a system in place, but life happens. The true saviours of the process were our planners at La Calla. They kept everything on track without overwhelming us, and their balance of patience, consistency, and guidance made planning from across the Atlantic feel manageable.

Our biggest advice is to stay engaged with each other throughout the process. Couples will care about different details, but offering thoughtful input and support goes a long way. Try not to stress about every small thing, but do pay attention to what matters to you as a team. And above all, work with planners you trust. Having a reliable team, both in your partner and your vendors, makes all the difference and allows you to enjoy the experience instead of just getting through it.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

La Calla played an essential role in bringing everything together. Their knowledge of Villa Cimbrone, the flow of the property, and the local vendor landscape was invaluable. Laura and Marianna understood exactly how each element should fit within the venue, and their guidance made every decision feel intentional and aligned with the setting. Having a team so familiar with the nuances of Ravello and the Amalfi Coast made the entire experience smoother and allowed us to trust that everything was handled with care.

Our photographer, Marta Illardo, was another standout. We first discovered her through a wedding she photographed at Villa Cimbrone, and her style immediately resonated with us. She was the first vendor we booked, and she exceeded every expectation. Marta was by our side throughout the entire day, bringing a calm, positive presence and capturing moments in a way that feels natural and full of life.

The day itself went by in a whirlwind, and we are incredibly grateful that she memorialised it so beautifully. The photos are stunning, genuine, and something we will cherish forever.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

Sean had his tux tailored by Puritan on Cape Cod, where they added a special embroidery of our wedding date on the inside pocket. It was a subtle detail, but meaningful, and made the tux feel personal to the day.

I tried on so many dresses and went into the process not really knowing what I wanted. Ultimately, I needed something that would work for both the ceremony and the reception, but I was torn between a more traditional, princess-like silhouette and something sleek that I could move in. I ended up choosing the Kyha Salacea gown, a clean and fitted style, and paired it with an overskirt for the ceremony. It gave me the best of both worlds: classic and dramatic for the aisle, then simple and effortless for the rest of the night.

I also knew I wanted a veil with presence, something that felt fitting for Italy. I chose a cathedral-length Amsale veil with lace details that added romance and drama, maybe my favourite part of the entire look.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Erika’s engagement ring was custom-made with the help of our friend Stef Decker, who assisted Sean with the design and with selecting the diamond in New York. Sean’s mom accompanied him on the trip, which made the process even more meaningful and personal. The setting was then created around the stone to make something classic and true to Erika’s style.

Sean’s wedding ring is especially meaningful because it belonged to his late grandfather, Pop. Wearing it on the wedding day and carrying it forward meant a great deal. We chose Erika’s wedding band (JB Star) together after wandering into a jewellery store and finding something we loved by chance.

Having a ring designed with the support of friends and family, paired with a family heirloom and a band we selected together, made each piece feel deeply connected to our story.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

The venue was the biggest priority for us. If people were travelling all the way to Italy, we wanted the setting to feel truly special, and Villa Cimbrone delivered that instantly. Once we discovered it, we struggled to find anything that compared. It is a stunning property, and having food prepared by Michelin-star chefs made the experience even more memorable. It felt well worth the investment.

Music and entertainment were equally important. We love a good party and wanted the energy of the day to reflect that. We chose a live harpist and violinist for welcome drinks, the ceremony, and cocktail hour, a seven-piece live band for the reception, and a DJ with a saxophonist for the after-party. It created a fun, layered progression throughout the night and kept everyone on their feet. These choices added so much to the atmosphere and were absolutely worth spending a little more on.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

It is hard to pick just one moment because the entire day felt perfect and almost cinematic, but a few stand out. The ceremony was incredibly meaningful. Erika’s aunt married us, and we wrote our own vows. We have always been open with each other about our feelings, but sharing those words in front of the people who travelled so far to witness our marriage felt especially important. It made the ceremony feel personal and grounded in who we are as a couple.

Cocktail hour on the Terrace of Infinity was another moment we will never forget. The view is unmatched, and it was the first time we were able to interact with our guests after the ceremony, now as husband and wife. Experiencing that view and the sunset together with everyone created a shared moment that felt once in a lifetime. It was the perfect transition into the dinner and dancing that followed.

What does being married mean to you, and are there any special rituals you have that you would like to share?

Being married to us means having a true teammate and a relationship built on a strong foundation of friendship. It is the feeling of choosing each other intentionally and knowing we are moving forward with shared values and a shared sense of direction.

Since returning from Italy, Erika’s usual black coffee that Sean makes her each morning has officially become a cappuccino, which has turned into a small daily ritual we both enjoy. We also plan to return to Ravello for our first anniversary, and hopefully many more after that. It feels like a fitting way to honour where this chapter began and continue building memories in a place that now means so much to us.