Ischia is one of Italy’s lesser-known islands, especially in comparison to Capri. Made up of volcanic rock, this slice of paradise just 19 miles from Naples is easily accessible with a short ferry ride from the city. It’s no wonder why Payton and Branden sought out their dreamy, off-the-beaten-path destination wedding on Ischia. 

“My husband’s Italian roots made the choice of Italy easy,” the bride says. “We chose the Island of Ischia because it is undiscovered by mainstream tourism and tells the authentic story of the Italian history and culture. The entire Island has a magical feeling!”

Cocò Mare, a seaside restaurant and beach club, stood out as the ideal venue to the couple for its fantastic positioning on the island and its stone walls “that are remanence of the Castello Aragonese.” In fact, you can even see the ancient Castello Aragonese, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC to control enemy fleets’ movements, from the venue.

To prepare their 80 friends and family for the trip of a lifetime, Payton provided a vast amount of detail on the couple’s wedding website, ensuring all logistics were clear. Additionally, the couple utilized a mass texting platform to help provide extra guidance for the important auxiliary events.

The biggest challenge for the bride and groom? Communicating with a wedding team on a six-hour time difference, plus some language barriers. Thankfully, Stefania Silvestro offered Payton and Branden the expertise and organization skills needed to ensure no detail was left behind.

“Instead of traditional table numbers, our tables were named by different countries we have visited, accompanied by a favorite photo we took in that location,” the bride recalls. “This was a great way to add personality to each table and be a conversation starter for guests!”

A smaller guest count meant the couple had the bandwidth to spend a few moments of quality time with each of their attendees, but it also helped the couple allocate funds to extra pieces that made their day uniquely theirs. 

“My favorite part of our wedding experience was that it wasn’t just one day,” Payton says. “We kicked off wedding weekend with a boat day on the sea, followed by a welcome party at a local vineyard, then the wedding! By the time the wedding came around, our guests knew each other and it made that much better.” 

Branden and Payton’s best advice for couples in the early stages of the destination wedding planning process is to interview multiple planners to make sure the one you pick is a good fit. “The wedding planning process is supposed to be enjoyable,” the bride reminds us, “and I think cutting back on another place in the budget to make room for a planner is very important.”

With a mix of Tuscany in its stone walls and views like that of the Amalfi coast at Cocò Mare, Payton and Branden’s Ischia destination wedding inspires couples to search for a wedding location that can offer a taste of multiple beloved destinations in one.

Vendors: Photographer: Giuseppe Greco Photographer; Wedding Planner: Stefania Silvestro; Venue: Cocò Mare; Florist: Primula Ischia; Stationery: Gaetano Patalano; Cake: Buono; Hair & Makeup: Aglaia; Gown Designer: Pronovias; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Bob Goldfarb Custom Clothing