A destination wedding is not just about the ceremony — it’s about creating an experience that unfolds over several days.

And in Italy, one of the most beautiful ways to begin is with a poolside welcome party, followed by an evening aperitivo and dinner.

This wedding weekend in Sorrento started exactly that way: relaxed, sun-kissed, and effortlessly elegant.

Before dinner, guests gathered by the pool for a casual welcome party.

No formalities, no schedule — just music, drinks, laughter, and the first moments of being together in Italy.

Poolside welcome parties are especially popular for destination weddings because:

guests are often arriving earlier in the day

it helps everyone unwind after travel

the atmosphere is social, light, and joyful

For many guests, this moment becomes their first emotional connection to the wedding weekend.

As the light softened, the celebration naturally transitioned from the pool to an aperitivo setting.

Glasses were refilled, conversations deepened, and the energy shifted from playful to intimate.

This kind of flow — from pool party to welcome dinner — allows the celebration to feel organic rather than staged.

It gives space for real moments to happen.

Sorrento offers everything a destination wedding weekend needs:

Mediterranean light

elegant yet relaxed venues

sea views and historic surroundings

warm evenings perfect for outdoor celebrations

Whether by the pool or at sunset, the atmosphere feels cinematic without effort.

Photographing these moments is about observation, not direction.

Poolside gatherings and welcome parties are where people are most themselves — laughing, reconnecting, and fully present.

These images often become:

the most natural photos of the couple with their guests

a visual bridge between travel and wedding day

a complete story of the wedding weekend

For couples, they add depth to the final gallery — not just how the wedding looked, but how it felt.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, consider starting with a poolside welcome party before dinner.

It sets the tone, brings everyone together, and allows your celebration to begin slowly — exactly as it should.