A surprise sunset beach proposal led to this gorgeous southern Italy wedding day, complete with Georgia's stunning Matera wedding dress from wed2b. So, read on for lots of lovely Italy wedding ideas for your destination wedding…

Key takeaways

  • Georgia and James married at Palazzo Belmonte, a historic venue in southern Italy with sea views.
  • They got engaged during a surprise sunset proposal on a secluded Italian beach (30 April 2024).
  • Georgia wore Matera by Sofia Cruz — a simple off-the-shoulder mikado gown from wed2b.
  • Personal vows, live music and sunset dining made the day feel intimate and emotional.
  • Their best advice: plan early, stay flexible, and take quiet moments together during the day.

How Georgia and James First Met

James and Georgia were high school sweethearts and have been together since they were 15. “We went to the same school and we met at a party on the 5th July 2013,” says Georgia. “We’ve been inseparable ever since. Our first date was at an Italian restaurant in the town where we live, which is very fitting as we have just got married in Italy!”

Bridesmaids getting ready together on the wedding morning. Bride filming wedding morning moments with her bridesmaids

A Beautiful Beach Proposal in Italy

Georgia’s family are Italian and her mum and dad have a home there. So, the Italian theme continued with a super romantic beach proposal while the couple were on a family holiday.

The Sunset Moment

“It was the 30th April 2024, the last day of our holiday,” says Georgia. “James asked if I wanted to go and see the sunset at the beach, as we love watching sunsets. So, we went with one of my sisters to a beautiful secluded beach. My sister asked me to walk along the sand, so she could take a photo of me. Then, when I turned around, James was on one knee. I was so shocked!”

Groom getting ready with his dad on the wedding morning. Close-up of the bride on the morning of the wedding.

Celebrating with Family Afterwards

After the surprise proposal, the newly engaged couple went to meet Georgia’s mum, dad and other sister for pizza. “That’s where I got the lowdown on all the secret planning that had happened!” she laughs.

Groom posing with fathers and family members before the ceremony
Bride posing with bridesmaids and both families before the ceremony

Finding the Perfect Dress at wed2b Birmingham (Shirley)

One of Georgia’s work colleagues recommended wed2b to her after she bought her dress there. “She told me what an amazing experience she'd had,” she says. “ Also, I had seen the wed2b dress I eventually bought online. It was the first one I’d loved and I couldn’t believe it was the one I ended up buying.”

Bride walking with her dad before the ceremony. Back view of the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony

The Experience

Her experience at wed2b was everything she hoped it would be. “My experience at wed2b Birmingham (Shirley) was amazing,” says Georgia. “I had the most wonderful time with my mum, nan and sisters. Everyone was so friendly, excited for me and so supportive. I didn’t feel pressured or rushed. It was the experience everyone dreams of. I couldn’t have left the store any happier.”

Why Georgia Chose Matera

Georgia knew the second she put on Matera by Sofia Cruz that this was ‘The One’. The elegant off-the-shoulder gown in luxe Mikado was exactly what she had been looking for. “I wanted a simple wedding dress and, having seen Matera online, I always had it in the back of my mind, even when I was shopping at other stores,” she says. “When I got to wed2b, the lady who helped me suggested this dress straight away. It was just perfect and I knew the second I put it on that this was ‘The One’. I wore it with my Nonna’s veil, which went with it perfectly.”

Wedding venue architectural archway detail. Wedding post box decoration for cards and notes

The Wedding Day at Palazzo Belmonte, Southern Italy

Thanks to Georgia’s family connections, the couple knew they wanted a southern Italy destination wedding and chose Palazzo Belmonte, a beautiful historic palace with stunning gardens and panoramic views. “It was the first venue we found,” says Georgia. “I wanted to get married close to my family in Italy and this was ideal. It had everything we wanted and when we visited it brought us to tears. It is the most beautiful Italian wedding venue I have ever seen.”

Bride walking down the aisle with the groom waiting ahead

Getting Ready with Family

The bride spent the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids, her mum and her nan. “We got ready in my Nan’s room at the palazzo,” says Georgia. “The weather was perfect, everything we could have wished for. I didn’t even have to bury a sausage!”

The Emotional Aisle Moment with Her Dad

“My wonderful Dad walked me down the aisle,” says Georgia. “He was so emotional all day. The first look pictures with him are ones I will cherish forever.”

Black and white close-up of the groom tearful during the ceremony

Ceremony Music & Personal Vows 

The couple also had their own personal vows, which had everyone in tears. "I walked down the aisle to ‘Intermezzo’ and when we walked back down the aisle we had 'Friday I’m in Love’ by the Cure. My husband picked all the music and everyone said how perfect it all was.”

Bride and groom kissing during the ceremony as bridesmaids watch

Celebrating in the Italian Sun - Cocktails, Canapés & Sea Views

Straight after the ceremony there were family photos in the courtyard of the historic palace. This was followed by cocktails and canapés by the pool bar, where guests could enjoy the sea view while a saxophonist played. 

Bride and groom kissing outside the wedding venue building. Bride and groom walking together wearing sunglasses after the ceremony

A Pasta Feast and Lemon Cake

Later guests enjoyed pasta - and lots of it! “The food we served was all from the surrounding area and dessert was the most amazing lemon wedding cake,” says Georgia. “One of my favourite moments was sitting at dinner watching the sunset with my husband and just not believing this was our wedding day, as it was just so perfect.”

Close-up of wedding dress detail on the bride’s arm. Close-up of the bride’s veil fabric and details.
Bride and groom posing together at sunset. Bride and groom holding each other in front of the sunset.

First Dance to ‘How Long Will I Love You’

“Our first dance was to the song ‘How Long Will I Love You’ by Ellie Goulding,” says Georgia. “This is from our favourite film, About Time, and means a lot to us both. It makes us cry every time we hear it!"

Bride and groom close-up with the veil over both at sunset. Veil portrait of the bride and groom with sunset light behind them

Styling, Colours & Personal Touches

The venue was so beautiful that the couple kept their Italian wedding styling very minimal and simply let the backdrop shine. 

The main details were:

  • White flowers
  • Pink bridesmaid dresses
  • Personalised fans, napkins and stirrers
  • Sugared almond favours (an Italian wedding tradition)
Father of the bride giving a speech as the bride becomes emotional

Favourite moments from the day

“The moment I’ll never forget from my wedding day was seeing my gorgeous husband crying his eyes out as I walked down the aisle,” says Georgia. “Also, watching my beautiful bridesmaids walk in before me. They are the most beautiful girls inside and out and it meant the world to have them all beside me that day.”

Evening wedding reception with guests seated at tables. Bride and groom pouring champagne into a glass tower
Bride and groom cutting the wedding cake

Georgia’s Advice for Planning an Italy Destination Wedding

  • Just to take it all in: “We had so many times during the day when we just sat and watched everyone having a great time and took in the views. I am so grateful we did, as they are some of my favourite memories.” 
  • Try to not have too high expectations: “Things will go wrong and you just have to go with it.” 
  • Only one thing really matters: “At the end of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life and that’s all that matters.”
Bride hugging friends on the dancefloor during the reception
Bride and groom sharing their first dance

Meet the Suppliers Behind This Italy Destination Wedding

FAQs About Planning an Italy Destination Wedding

Can you legally get married in Italy as a UK couple?

Yes, a UK couple can legally marry in Italy. However, it involves specific paperwork that can take up to 4-6 months, involving local town halls and potentially a wedding planner.

What time of year is best for an Italy destination wedding?

The best time of year for an Italy destination wedding is typically May, June or September, when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds than the peak summer months.

How do I pick a dress for a wedding in Italy?

The main things to consider when choosing a destination wedding dress are the style of your venue and the weather. Read destination wedding dress guide for everything you need to know.

How much planning time is needed for a destination wedding?

Start planning a destination wedding 12 to 18 months in advance, so you can secure your favourite suppliers, navigate legal requirements and give guests time to arrange travel and time off work.

How do I choose an Italian wedding venue?

Consider your budget, your preferred location and the look and feel you want for your big day. Enlist the help of an Italian wedding specialist too, who can help with sourcing the venue and suppliers, as well as advising on legal requirements and navigating language barriers. 

Read more: Real wedding stories UK

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