A thoughtful combination of both of their upbringings and traditions.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Sam and Kayli met while studying design at a university in Iowa. They quickly formed a connection and eventually moved to New York City, where they both launched their own businesses and adopted three pets. They share a love for creativity, travel, and culture. Italian culture holds a special place in their hearts, as they had both visited or lived there individually and later traveled together. When it came time to plan their wedding, Italy felt like the perfect location, meaningful to them and conveniently located between their families.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
They met at school in Iowa and connected instantly through their shared field of study and creative interests. One of their first conversations was about a recent month-long trip Kayli had taken to India. That conversation sparked a strong connection that quickly grew into a lasting bond.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.)
It was incredibly important to the couple to blend both of their cultures for their families, who were meeting for the first time at their wedding. They wanted to illustrate what their life would be like together, and for their future kids: a thoughtful combination of both of their upbringings and traditions. The floral design included bright hues of classic Indian celebrations paired with softer colors of pink and peach common in Western weddings.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you?
Architectural and landscaped beauty played a huge role. Their venue, Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, offered breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and a romantic, historic setting that required little added styling. The location itself was a major visual element, enhanced by intimate gatherings and candlelit dinners.
Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?
Their wedding planner Mart-Mari Walker helped them select their wedding venue on the Amalfi Coast, chosen for its architectural and landscaped beauty, both features being passions for the couple. From its historic perch in Ravello, Villa Cimbrone had a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast, and Kayli and Sam chose the venue sight-unseen based on photos and reviews! Mari helped them navigate all of the ins and outs of planning a long-distance wedding, including transportation for key guests up and down the coasts, and villas specifically chosen for the guest groups (each with a Welcome to Italy basket!).
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
The couple held a traditional South Indian wedding ceremony at one rented villa, where guests from both families wore kurtas, lehengas and saris. Then the big event came! The couple wore a white wedding dress and black suit, but emphasized both Hindu and Catholic traditions in their ceremony, including the saptapadi (seven steps) around a beautiful candle flame while wearing jaimalas, and a special reading from 1 Corinthians 13:4, which was read in both English and Telugu, the language spoken at home by Sam’s family members. An outfit change later in the evening featured a custom-made sequined Lehenga for Kayli and a groomkurta for Sam in green, both tailored in India.
What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on?
The venue and cultural details were major priorities. They chose Villa Cimbrone sight-unseen for its stunning views and significance, and spent thoughtfully on floral design and attire that would beautifully reflect both cultures. Music was another major investment: a bespoke playlist of American, European, and Indian hits that kept the dance floor packed until sunrise.
Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?
The boat ride up the Amalfi Coast with guests and the afterparty at a local wine bar where everyone danced until sunrise were unforgettable highlights. The intimate dinners and opportunity for their families to bond over the week also created lasting memories.
BRIDE Kayli GROOM Sam LOCATION, CATERING AND CAKE Villa Cimbrone, @villacimbrone PHOTOGRAPHER Monika Frias, @latxina PLANNER Mari Walker from Mart Mari Bridal House, @mmbridalhouse on Behalf of Chancey Charm , @chanceycharm FLORIST Ravello Wedding Flowers, @ravelloweddingflowers CELEBRANT Groom’s cousin and the Bride’s brother ENTERTAINMENT Wedding Music FURNITURE HIRE FG Eventi, @fgeventi SOUND, DANCEFLOOR AND AV LIGHTS LK Event, @lkevent_wedding STATIONERY AND SIGNAGE Bride, Kayli BRIDE’S MAIN OUTFIT Second hand dress and had it altered MAKEUP Bride, Kayli BRIDE’S PARTY OUTFIT Rekha Chowdary , @rekhachowdaryofficial
