Laura Salvatori and Muneeb Yusuf were good friends throughout law school before they officially started dating. “Our friendship was a great foundation to start a relationship on. We had seen one another in so many aspects and operating under diverse circumstances,” the bride tells. While taking a horse-and-carriage ride in Central Park during the couple’s weekend getaway to the “Big Apple,” Muneeb surprised his sweetheart with a stunning diamond engagement ring. “A New York-based engagement photographer, Ash Fox, was there to capture it all. [I] was so happy she had worked out that day,” muses the bride.

The duo spent a year planning their luxe soirée with Las Vegas wedding expert, Andrea Eppolito of Andrea Eppolito Events. “She provided so much support, guidance, and her incredible experience planning weddings in order to help us make the choices that made the most sense for us in all respects,” Laura confides.

Envisioning an Italianesque theme, they elected a luxe hotel for their nuptials. “[It has] a beautiful terrace overlooking a large piazza with stunning fountains, adjacent to some of the most beautiful gardens in Las Vegas.” A string quartet played classical music throughout the ceremony, setting the ambience for the rest of the elegant evening.

During cocktail hour, guests indulged in an array of Italian marketplace treats, such as caprese salad skewers, miniature meatballs, and gelato. They found their place cards attached to fresh lemons as a nod to the lush landscape of the Amalfi Coast. Lemons were also placed in the floral arrangements and atop the gorgeous greenery on each table. “In addition, our menu was printed on mini bags, which held the bread for each guest’s place setting, topped with a small olive branch. It was a gorgeous presentation,” Laura remembers. From the décor to the sfoglia cake and tunes by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, the couple’s fête truly embodied an Italian spirit.

Affirming she would not change anything about her special day, Laura is extremely grateful to have worked with Andrea Eppolito. “We found a true friend in our planner,” she attests. “We very much looked forward to planning every moment of the wedding because we loved working with her and speaking with her over the course of an entire year.”