A Wedding Love Story
by Janine & Derek

On December 5^th, 2015 we connected on Bumble and decided to meet that night. Janine jokingly asked how Derek felt about ‘long-distance’ relationships, her living in the UES, and him in the West Village… so we agreed to meet in the middle at a swanky wine bar in Gramercy called Casa-Mono. Janine thought Derek was handsome, charming, polite (a Canadian), and quite obviously, tall (6’4”). Derek was immediately drawn to Janine’s intelligence, witty banter, sophisticated and striking features but throughout the evening developed a sense of her high emotional IQ and caring/loving nature.

After clearly hitting it off, we decided to meet up with a few friends that were in the area and spent the rest of the night hopping around the city. Before going our separate ways, we had already made plans to meet again the next day. We saw each other just about every day we could after that … we were inseparable.

Fast forward to spring 2018, we went ring shopping together at [Kwiat Jewelers, Madison avenue NYC for a shape, fitting and all of the 4 Cs. July 3^rd, 2018 we had planned a spontaneous trip to Tulum, the ring, a stunning and flawless 3.5 Carat Radiant cut, was ready the day before and Derek worked with the Papaya Playa Project’s guest ambassador to plan the perfect proposal. Flowers, Dom Perignon, a hidden photographer were set up on a tree-top balcony suite overlooking the ocean. Derek got down on one knee and forgetting just about all of his lines, popped the question and Janine said ‘Yes’!

We decided we wanted to get married in Italy but found it challenging for all of our family and friends to attend. One of Derek’s best friends and Janine’s sister already had dates slated the next summer. After much back and forth, we decided to do it our way and have the best of both worlds, an epic, romantic elopement in Positano on July 3^rd (1 year to the date after the proposal) and a bigger celebration on the rooftop of the William Vale hotel in Brooklyn on Aug 3^rd with family and friends, overlooking the Manhattan skyline where it all started. Both were amazing and we wouldn’t change a thing about our decision.

In Positano, we worked with a wedding planner SPOSIAMOVI (Valentina) that we found through social media, specializing in Amalfi coast weddings. Janine sent vision boards and they made everything come to life. We flew to Italy, wedding dress (Alon Livne) and tux (custom by Cielo, owner, and designer Stephanie Higgs has also fitted LeBron James) in tow, and arrived at Covo Dei Saraceni where we spent a few days acclimated before the big day. We got ready in our own rooms, Janine had hair and makeup done by Beauty Livery and though it was just the two of them, their families were there in spirit with parents sending flowers, champagne, and best wishes.

Hotel Covo dei Saraceni Wedding Photos, Positano Italy

The bride got ready in the master bridal suite at Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. The bridal suite had a seashell theme with a terrace that overlooked the Amalfi Coast and the Tyrrhenian Sea / Mediterranean Sea.

The designer wedding shoes were the ALEXANDRE Birman 100 Crystal Clarita Sandal. The groom also prepared at Hotel Covo dei Saraceni. His room also had amazing views of the streets below and the homes that line the Amalfi Coast.

The ceremony was held on top of a small intimate terrace, covered with petals and a beautiful floral arch, where we exchanged our handwritten vows and shed a few tears of happiness. After magical I-Do’s, we hopped on a boat for a sunset cruise along the coast and then back to Rada for dinner on a private terrace. We cut the cake and had our first dance to a live violinist, who played Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. The celebration continued as we danced the night away at Rada’s Music on the Rocks in our own booth with more champagne. The entire evening was filmed by FADE productions (Fabio) and photographed by Josh Wong, who traveled from NYC and would also be capturing our wedding at The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn, NY.  

After a beautiful boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, the couple headed back to the restaurant for candle lit dinner.

Straight from the Amalfi coast, we left for a mini-moon in Capri to relax, take in the sun, grottos, and amazing food… while reflecting on our amazing journey.

We planned to do a full honeymoon in 2020 but COVID has delayed our travels. Perhaps our next vacation will be a baby-moon instead. Regardless, our adventures together have just begun and we couldn’t be more excited.

A Destination Wedding Trip Around the World in Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Destination Wedding Details: Positano, Italy Amalfi Coast

Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Rada Restaurant
Wedding Coordination & Event Design: SposiamoVi Wedding Planners
Wedding Photography: Josh Wong Photography
Florals: Rosalinda Rellino
Wedding Dress: Alon Livne
Reception Dress: Dany Mizrachi

About Josh Wong Photography:

Josh Wong is not your typical cookie-cutter wedding photographer. As a photo artist, He loves real, raw, and organic moments and is not into cheesy wedding photographs. As an in-demand renowned fashion photographer, Josh loves merging the fashion editorial style and organic candid moments to create imagery that is intimate, edgy, high contrast, and editorial looking. This unique vision has attracted corporations and celebrities such as Victoria’s Secret, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez. He prides himself in this rare photographic combination and is how Josh separates himself from the rest.

If you are interested in hiring Josh, please contact him below. Once he is booked, that’s it.

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