Paula Matarrese & Bruce Sands
Ravello wedding on September 2nd, 2006
When Bruce and I decided to get married, being of Italian heritage with a love of the food and culture, I knew I wanted to get married in Italy.
It first seemed a daunting task, but after a few conversations with Laura, I knew I was in good hands. I had contacted several other agencies but none matched the promptness and thoroughness of Laura. She gained my confidence immediately and soon I was letting her make decisions with absolute confidence, which completely took the stress off me.
I had wanted a simple ceremony by the water and an intimate atmosphere. Laura had suggested Ravello and it was right on the money. Ravello was quaint and not very touristy.
Upon our arrival to Ravello the day before the wedding, we were greeted by Anna, the coordinator there.
She walked us through what would happen on our wedding day, handled the paperwork, and put the finishing touches on our plans. We knew exactly what was going to happen the following day.
After months of anticipation, finally our wedding day arrived. As we walked into the beautiful piazza in Ravello, the locals greeted us with “auguri”.
We toured the beautiful gardens of the Villa Ruffolo on our way to the Municipio. We even took a ride on a vintage Vespa!
The ceremony was simple and heartfelt.
After the ceremony, the Registrar presented us with a beautiful picture book of Ravello which we will always treasure for our memories there.
As we left the Municipo and began our walk to the reception, we stopped briefly by the Palazzo Sasso for a champagne toast on the hotel’s garden terrace which offered a beautiful touch of elegance to our wedding and even more stunning views of Amalfi.
The dinner reception at Mama Agata’s country villa was the perfect place for our 14 guests. Again Laura, was completely correct in suggesting this venue to us.
We were greeted with guitar and mandolin music, bellinis and snacks as we relaxed in the lounge chairs set out for us.
When dinner was served we dined on the outdoor terrace with amazing views of the coast and Mama Agata’s gardens.
Mama grows all her own food so her meals are 100% natural and fresh. The attention to detail was incredible.
Chiara (Mama’s daughter and manager) coordinated the flowers and table linens perfectly with the monogrammed napkins I brought along.
Dinner was served slowly – a four course meal with every dish better than the previous! Each meal was spaced in perfect timing while we enjoyed the local wines, music and conversation. It was so traditional and so Italian!
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly with Mama, Chiara, and Gennaro, (the sommelier and Chiara’s husband) sitting and talking with the guests like they were family.
I am so glad we choose Mama Agata’s over an impersonal hotel service.
But the crowning moment was our wedding cake . It was a pear-ricotta cheesecake and our guests still talk about it to this day. Chiara served it with a blush champagne of her choice and it was heavenly. We wanted to stay there forever. Maybe someday we will.
Paula & Bruce
Wisconsin, USA
