Like the plot from a hospital drama, physicians Mehdi and Taryn’s relationship grew from work friends into a romantic partnership. After tying the knot in the incomparable town of Ravello, Italy, the couple is sharing their experience planning a destination wedding from afar.

“We chose Ravello, Italy, for its breathtaking views, romantic atmosphere, and reliably incredible food and drink,” Taryn says. “We love Italian culture, and after seeing the gorgeous venue, it felt like the perfect backdrop for our wedding story.”

Recommended to them by their wedding planner, Belmond Caruso’s sweeping coastline views, lush gardens, stunning infinity pool, and countless olive trees gave the couple complete confidence in their choice.

To honor the natural beauty of the setting rather than overwhelm it, Taryn and Mehdi embraced a soft, romantic sunset palette with florals that complemented the surrounding greenery and coastline. “We credit our planner for having an amazing vision to elevate an already gorgeous space while retaining a very intimate and down-to-earth feel,” the bride says.

Although they did a Zoom walkthrough of the venue, Mehdi and Taryn’s first time visiting Belmond Caruso in person was upon arrival for the wedding. Fortunately, with a stellar planner at their side, the logistical challenges of a destination celebration didn’t weigh heavily on them.

“There were some issues in navigating transport,” Mehdi says, “since almost all of our guests were traveling from Toronto, Canada, to Ravello and many were not staying at the Belmond. But we were fortunate to have an incredible planner who guided us every step of the way.”

The ceremony, overlooking the rugged coastline of the Amalfi Coast, honored Taryn’s Jewish background and Mehdi’s Persian heritage.

“We are both secular but wanted to incorporate elements from both of our backgrounds,” the bride explains. “We did a honey ceremony for the Persian tribute, and my husband broke the glass, as is tradition in Jewish weddings. We also did a Hora afterward, which is customary at Jewish weddings!”

Their reception, set under twinkling lights draped across a canopy of olive trees, created the perfect environment for an intimate celebration. After a champagne tower, plenty of dancing, and plenty of laughter, Mehdi and Taryn settled into newlywed life.

When asked to share the most helpful tools in their Ravello wedding planning process, the couple encourages others to hire a wedding planner with experience in the destination, or even better, at the specific venue. “She had planned events at the venue before,” Taryn says, “and became our guide on everything, particularly with vendors.”

Want to follow in Taryn and Mehdi’s footsteps but feel unsure about all the moving pieces? Here’s what the bride wants to leave you with:

“We were worried about having a wedding so far away and so logistically challenging to get to as Canadians, but people will show up for you to celebrate your love!”

Vendors: Photographer: Sacia Matthews; Planner: Rachael Ellen Events; Venue: Belmond Caruso; Florist: Il Florista Amalfi Coast; Cinematography: Aleksandr Romanov; Beauty: Beauty Livery; Paper Goods: Iris & Marie Press; Wedding Dress: Ines di Santo; Groom’s Suit: Harry Rosen