When Jaimie Brown hosted an event at a college football game and John Dewberry, founder of The Dewberry Hotel in Charleston, attended as an honored alumnus, neither realized that day would lead to the start of a new relationship. A romance blossomed, and before long John was ready to pop the question. He decided to propose on Jaimie’s birthday at sentimental location, the Baltard Cliffs in Ireland. “John had once told his father before he passed away that if he ever met the woman of his dreams, he would propose to her on these cliffs,” the bride muses.

As an ode to their destination engagement, the lovers of travel decided to tie the knot during a destination wedding in another European region. “We considered Ireland and France as well, but it was the warm culture of Italy that captured us both,” Jaimie explains. “While considering other destinations in Italy, friends insisted that we travel to Ravello, and we just found it to be the most romantic corner of the universe!”

Traveling from all over the world, 120 friends and relatives received Italian-inspired welcome baskets upon arrival and gathered to witness a Christian ceremony. “John and I both felt strongly that we wanted to take communion during the ceremony,” Jaimie says. “The chalice we drank from was handmade in Jerusalem [and] given to John and myself from my parents.”

“It is hard to believe, but John and I both still talk about how the whole four days full of celebrating our love was better than either one of us had ever imagined.”

Embracing Italy’s natural landscape, the lovebirds hosted their alfresco reception at a garden with a breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast. They elected simple blooms that gorgeously enhanced the organic ambience. “We added a layer of milk white and light cream hydrangeas and cabbage roses to the garden to give it that extra lush layer for the ceremony and dinner spaces,” Jaimie reveals. “Adding to the reception intimacy was a full canopy of live olive tree branches that featured tiny twinkle lights and hanging globe candles. This element helped the space come to life when the sun went down and created a magical ambience,” the bride reflects.

Following the nuptial traditions of their locale, the couple had an Italian wedding cake in addition to the main confection, as well as a dessert table of confetti, better known in the United States as Jordan almonds. “These candies represent the bittersweet life of a married couple,” Jaimie tells. “The sugar coating is added to the bitter almonds in the hope that the newlyweds will have more sweet times than bitter during their lifetime together.” Guests enjoyed the sweets along with late-night dancing amidst the gorgeous décor.

The bride confides that there is nothing the couple would change about their special day. “It is hard to believe, but John and I both still talk about how the whole four days full of celebrating our love was better than either one of us had ever imagined,” she shares.

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