David and Mel’s Intimate Destination Wedding on the Coast of Southern Italy Featured Custom Fashion, Elegant Details, and Stunning Views

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, David and Mel tied the knot in an intimate destination wedding on the coast of southern Italy.

The couple, who initially connected on Bumble, shared their first date over lunch. They felt an immediate spark — so much so that they planned to have dinner together the very next day. “We have been inseparable since,” they share.

In September of 2024, the couple gathered their closest friends and family for a stunning and intimate destination wedding in Reggio Calabria, a picturesque coastal city in the south of Italy.

Captured by MunaCoterie member Stanlo Photography, David and Mel’s nuptials were a true display of romance, elegance, and opulence. Ornate chandeliers and luxurious floral arrangements adorned the outdoor ceremony space, which had a perfect view of the city’s coastline. With endless rows of string lights, lush florals, plenty of dancing, and a firework show to end off the night, the reception was the perfect cap to the couple’s big day.

Keep reading to learn more about the couple’s intimate destination wedding!

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• Couple: David & Melvinque (Mel) Bailly
• Occupations: David – Construction Company Owner | Mel – Stay-at-Home Wife
• Wedding date: September 11, 2024
• Wedding location: Altafiumara Resort and Spa in Reggio Calabria, Italy

Quick Facts:

• Gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen: We decided not to have bridesmaids and groomsmen. Our kids wanted to be a part of the wedding in some way so we made sure they matched our theme!
• Gifts for one another: We got each other stunning watches. We did not plan to get each other watches, but I love that we did. I got David a Breitling Superocean watch and he got me a Cartier Tank Louis watch. We exchanged them during our welcome dinner evening.
• Ceremony entrance song: “Perfect For Me” by Bradley Marshall
• First dance song: “Forever After All” by Luke Combs

How did you meet?

We met on the Bumble dating app. After we matched, we immediately started getting to know each other. We met up for lunch on a Wednesday afternoon and dinner the following evening. We have been inseparable since.

Tell us about the proposal.

We were celebrating our one-year anniversary at home in the beautiful Bahamas.  On our way to dinner, David pulled up to a completely different restaurant on the beach and said, “We have some time to spare, so let’s have a celebratory glass of wine before driving to the other end of the island for our anniversary dinner.”

We walked in with our hands interlocked. We passed the bar and proceeded to the beautiful pier down the steps. I asked, “What’s going on?” I looked up and at the end of the steps was a photographer waiting. I smiled and David told me he wanted to surprise me with a photo session. We walked onto the pier and began taking photos.

A few laughs and “I love yous” later, the photographer told me to step forward and pose with my legs crossed as David stood behind me. After getting some shots, the photographer told me to turn around and my husband was on his knee, looking into my eyes, saying how much he loves me, and asking me to marry him. I of course said YES!

Afterward, we definitely had that celebratory drink he talked about, and then we drove to the actual restaurant that was planned, and I was greeted by friends and family. It was beautiful, emotional, intentional, and well-planned out by my husband. It is a core memory for us and we think about it all the time.

Describe your wedding attire. What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?

We would describe our wedding attire as formal elegance.  My dress was custom-made and not the traditional color that brides normally wear. David’s suit was also an untraditional color and was perfectly tailored to his body.

Wedding shopping for my dress was a bit difficult because it was custom and made in Turkey. We had a language barrier once we arrived at the initial fitting in Istanbul. However, everything else was a bit easier and not so stressful. We tried to just take in all the moments of planning and preparing for our wedding.

What is your best memory from your wedding?

David: My favorite memory from our wedding was seeing my beautiful bride for the first time that day. She looked exactly like what I call her every day, my princess. It was amazing to see how gorgeous her dress turned out because it was one the most stressful parts of planning our wedding for her.

Mel: I have so many favorites but my most favorite one from our wedding was during our first dance. David whispered in my ear, “Baby, I told you that I was going to marry you, and I told you that we would play this song for our first dance. I love you.” It was a full-circle moment for me, and I hold onto that moment dearly.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?

We would say to do it your way! Weddings are already stressful by nature, but live in the moment and remember that your wedding isn’t about anyone but you and your spouse.

Want more intimate destination wedding inspiration?

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Vendors:

• Photographer: Stanlo Photography
• Videographer: Wedding Key Studio
• Makeup: YS Beauty Co
• Hair: Eugenze Hair
• Dress: Bridal Vanesa
• Venue: Altafiumara Resort and Spa