When Elice spotted Nicholas (Nick) at the bar of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, she didn’t hesitate. “I told him right there he was my husband,” Elice recalls. “And he agreed!” That bold beginning paved the way for a union solidified on the coastal cliffs of Positano.  In fact, Elice and Nick chose Italy to honor the groom’s Sicilian roots and offer their guests an immersion into the culture of the Amalfi Coast.

Their planner, Events by J ROW, found the perfect spot nestled into the cliffs of Positano: Villa San Giacomo. With its sweeping terraces, old-world charm, and luxurious privacy, the villa spoke to everything the couple hoped for—tradition, intimacy, and accommodation for their closest family. “We were able to explain how we wanted something traditional and accommodating to all our immediate family members,” says Elice. “Our planner sent us some options, and we chose from there.”

Walking the grounds ahead of the big day sealed the deal. “The villa highly spoke of itself with no disappointment,” she says.

Their May wedding was layered with purposeful choices and subtle storytelling. From the outset, the couple leaned into timeless elegance, with traditional Italian touches and a deep reverence for family. Guests were welcomed with stationery and custom scarves designed by CeCi New York & Cartalia, adorned with the couple’s family crest—an heirloom detail that showed up again on petal cones at the ceremony.

The ceremony itself was heartfelt and personal, officiated by Nick’s mother. “It was very special and intimate,” Elice shares. Her own father wasn’t able to attend, so her stepson escorted her mother down the aisle—a touching symbol of family continuity and love. As they sealed their vows, the sounds of Positano faded into the background, replaced by laughter and the aroma of a freshly made Italian wedding cake. “It was made in front of us,” she says, “and that was a beautiful moment.”

Every element was curated to feel like an extension of their story. Elice wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown designed by Joshay’a Jarre, and Nick matched her elegance in a coordinating look by the same designer. The floral arrangements by Flora Garden Positano and decor by Allestimenti’ Le Rose elevated the space, yet never overpowered the natural beauty of the villa and the joy of the gathering.

Planning from abroad wasn’t without its hurdles, but Elice credits their planner for keeping everything on track—even across time zones. “She kept the communication and planning flowing,” Elice says. That consistency was key, especially as the couple continued to travel during their engagement.

In hindsight, Elice and Nick can’t imagine it any other way. “Had we done it at home, it would’ve been a lot more guests and less intimate,” says Elice. “But more so, we would’ve lost the authentic experience.”

Her advice to other couples planning a wedding abroad? Stay rooted in what really matters. “Most couples get sidetracked and begin to plan for everyone else,” she says. “At the heart of it all, it’s about you guys as a couple. It’s your moment. Keep someone in your corner to help you keep that in mind.”

And for Elice and Nick, their Dolce & Gabbana wedding on the cliffs of Positano was bold, beautiful, and entirely theirs.

Vendor: Photography: Claire Morris Photography; Planning: Events by J ROW; Venue & Catering: Villa San Giacomo; Florals: Flora Garden Positano; Stationery & Scarves: CeCi New York & Cartalia; Hair & Makeup: Alessandro Mancino; Attire: Custom Dolce & Gabbana by Joshay’a Jarre; Decor Rentals: Allestimenti’ Le Rose; Party Services: G&G Party Service