After a beautiful adventure in Positano and Capri, we traveled to Ravello to conclude the last 5 days of the trip. Nick and I stayed at The Belmond Caruso in a stunning suite. Our family stayed at Palazzo Avino. We were excited to explore the town and host two more events before the big day! The day before the rehearsal dinner we hosted a hummingbird-inspired dinner at Palazzo Avino.

Ravello Gifting

When our family arrived, they received another welcome note and itinerary for the wedding events. The itinerary came with the most exquisite 3-dimensional butterfly box, complete with our custom pattern by Cecile’s Paper Co. Inside the box were butterfly-shaped John Kelly Chocolates and a note explaining their significance to Nick and me. Nick had gifted them to me for our first Valentine’s day together and said that he always hoped to give me butterflies! This was the perfect way to tie in the meaning of butterflies to us and it would come full circle when we released butterflies at the ceremony! 

We also had a bottle of wine waiting for them. My dad surprised us with a Trip to Napa last February to Caldwell Winery where Nick and I actually were able to create a barrel of wine together! We made the most delicious cabernet sauvignon. We named the wine La Luna Rosa, which means Pink Moon in Italian. Courtney designed the most beautiful foiled rose gold label with our love story on the back! 

The Significance of Hummingbirds

My grandmother, K-mom, passed away in April 2020. In the midst of the pandemic, we were not able to hold a memorial service for her. Those of you that have been following along know that she loved hummingbirds. Nick and I see her from time to time and on big occasions like the day he proposed, the day I found my wedding gown and even our wedding day!

Hummingbirds are often symbolized as messengers from your guardian angels. We like to think that this hummingbird-inspired dinner was a way to honor all of our loved ones who weren’t able to be with us in person but weree there with us in spirit.

Palazzo Avino Restaurant

Palazzo Avino’s restaurant is situated on a stunning terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. When Nick and I saw the space, we knew we had to host an event here. The restaurant also happens to have a few Michelin stars so the food did not disappoint! We feasted on black truffle pasta, eggplant parmesan, and seabass! By the end of the evening, it started to rain but the staff had a covered awning all set up prior. We were very grateful for their professionalism!

Hummingbird Dinner Design

For the Hummingbird dinner design, I wanted to create an abundant garden of florals with the tablescape so it would feel like the hummingbirds were flitting around a real bed of flowers. I was inspired by the beautiful flower table created by my friend Joy Proctor years ago and we put a twist on it by doing bright flowers and hummingbird place cards hanging over each guest’s plate. Courtney with Cecile’s Paper Co. once again worked her magic to create beautiful hummingbird embroidered napkins with the illustration from our custom pattern. We had beautiful menus so guests could follow along with the dinner served. Everyone received a hummingbird cake for dessert and we packaged it up in our branding!

View more behind-the-scenes and design elements in-depth, go to “Hummingbird” highlight stories on my Instagram.

Hummingbird Dinner Fashion

Sticking with the theme, Gabrielle selected a spectacular light pink lace Dolce and Gabbana dress with feathers! I wanted to wear pink at every opportunity and this evening was no different! The feathers were a wonderful way to honor my grandmother and represent hummingbirds! It also a perfect segway into the rest of the week’s attire and my wedding gown 😉

At the last second, I bought a stunning Dolce and Gabbana coat (similar) that had a floral pattern. The coat paired perfectly with the dress and also played perfectly with the flower-covered dinner tablescape! Gabrielle completed the ensemble with Nicola Bathie Earrings and Aquazurra heels.

The last statement piece for my attire was the incredible custom clutch created by Bella Rosa Collection. The founder and designer, Maria, reached out to me to create something special and meaningful for this evening. Gabrielle and I worked with her to design a pink hummingbird and butterfly clutch. I will be sharing more about the collaboration soon since she ended up designing all the bags for my wedding week!

You can see a video and BTS reels from the night on my Instagram!

VENDOR CREDITS:

Photography: Rebecca Yale

Fashion Styling: Gabrielle Hurwitz

Planner: Callista and Co.

Gifting: Cecile’s Paper Co.

Videographer: Miguel Garcia Studios

Flowers: Malafronte

Dress: Dolce and Gabbana (Similar)

Coat: Dolce and Gabbana (Similar)

Earrings: Nicola Bathie

Shoes: Aquazurra

xo, Sarah