Few places in Italy can boast as many wonders as the Amalfi Coast. This extraordinary stretch of coastline in the province of Salerno, Campania, is famous for many reasons. Its extraordinary natural beauties led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Indeed, the landscapes it offers are unique, to say the least: the blue Mediterranean Sea is overlooked by steep cliffs on which several towns such as Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi stand perched.
Choosing this place for your elopement means choosing a unique place in the whole world, where the land embraces the sea, giving breathtaking scenery not only for the bride and the groom but also for photographers and video makers like me who thus have the opportunity to capture unique and inimitable images.
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The History of Amalfi: a window to the Mediterranean Sea
In antiquity, the coast was part of the Roman Empire, traces of which are still preserved. Even today one can observe patrician villas from those very years, tireless witnesses of a glorious and flourishing past. With the expansion and affirmation of the Eastern Roman Empire, Amalfi acquired increasing importance, but at the same time it always kept itself autonomous from it, thus developing trade routes with Africa and Arab territories that inevitably influenced its history and culture.
In the 9th century it became independent in all respects, becoming the first – in time and importance – among the maritime republics (some important Italian port cities that had great political and economic importance since the Middle Ages). Going around these places and being able to see them from above in the footage taken with my drone gives me the feeling of being able to travel through time and see the historical beauty of this land intact.
Read also: Between Sky, Sea and Mountains: Elopement in Amalfi Coast
Positano: a mosaic of colors between land and sea
Of all the resorts on the Amalfi coast, Positano is undoubtedly one of the most prominent. Couples who choose this place for their elopements and weddings come from all parts of the world to enjoy its marvelous beaches, the incredible views of the sea from a privileged vantage point and for the typical houses that develop vertically giving an incredible visual effect: this mosaic of colorful buildings standing out from the blue sky and limestone rocks is a unique spectacle that will leave you speechless.
I love to work in these places and fill my videos with panoramic shots made with my drone, the only ones that can restore the beauty and complexity of this view by giving an overall view from the sea to the coast: a viewpoint that is usually reserved only for those who can fly.
Exploring breathtaking views along the Sentiero degli Dei
For those who, like Alec and Yin, are not satisfied with only seeing this view from afar, the very famous Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods) starts right from Positano: an 8-kilometer trail that runs high and connects the town of Agerola with Positano. This path offers those who will take it a peculiar view of the lush nature overlooking the sea and also passes through several villages of the famous coastline.
This path is also rich in history: did you know that until the early 19th century this road was the only one that connected these towns together? But it has even more ancient origins, in fact, its name comes from the legend that Greek gods walked this very path to go save Ulysses from the Sirens.
There is something incredibly romantic about traversing a path like this with one’s life partner-a path that can seem rough but gives incredible views and emotions. Alec and Yin chose to walk it before exchanging their wedding vows, recording their adventure with a video camera that captured the most exciting moments of that day and that I decided to include them in their elopement video.
From the Amalfi Coast to the Faraglioni of Capri
Alec and Yin had also the opportunity to take a boat ride under the Faraglioni of Capri, and it was an experience they would never forget. The Faraglioni are three stacks of limestone that rise out of the sea, located just off the coast of the island of Capri. They are a natural wonder that has fascinated visitors for centuries.
As they sailed under the towering stacks, Alec and Yin couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer size and beauty of these natural wonders. The limestone cliffs were a brilliant white and the sea was a deep blue, creating a stunning contrast. They could see the various layers of rock that made up the stacks and the way they seemed to be carved by the forces of nature.
They also had the chance to see the various sea caves that have been carved into the limestone. These caves are another natural wonder of the area, and they were able to see how the sea had carved out these intricate structures over time.
Read also: Elopement in Capri: A magnificent sunset at the Faraglioni of Capri
An exclusive stay at Villa San Giacomo
After this adventure, the newlyweds were able to recharge their batteries and relax at Villa San Giacomo: a historic and luxurious villa with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Built in the 1700s by wealthy merchants who stayed there with their business partners to discuss business and engage in negotiations, this place retains the opulence of those times. The villa offers its guests wonderful panoramic terraces directly overlooking the coast, from which one can see the neighboring islets and the town’s large beach.
Inside, the villa is a combination of refinement and elegance, with opulent salons and luxurious bedrooms embellished with works of art, fine decorations and traditional Neapolitan furnishings. Alec and Yin chose this enchanting place to prepare for their big moment: under the warm Mediterranean sun they took their time to write their love vows, inspired by the wonderful setting they were in, and to make themselves beautiful for their partner.
Read also: 7 Best Wedding Venues in Amalfi Coast
The exchange of pledges in front of Positano
The big moment has arrived: Alec and Yin embark on a splendid motorboat that will take them right in front of Positano: this fantastic coastal town overlooking the sea. Right here, cradled by the gentle waves of the sea and illuminated by a soft and warm light, the spouses exchange their promises of eternal love.
Having the pleasure to share this special moment with them trying to capture their every emotion with my videos to deliver to them and their loved ones who were not there at that moment an eternal memory that can encapsulate all the magic of this enchanting place. Alec and Yin are a wonderful couple and tremendously in love.
When I do videos for weddings and elopements and deal with a couple like this my job is incredibly easier and more inspiring. I want their complicity to emerge from my footage and their togetherness to be evident to those who will see the videos as I saw it as I accompanied them on this wonderful day.
Read also: Everything you Need to Know if you Want to get Married in Italy