Doria Castle

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

When Kaylee met Joseph, she was fresh off a Dewey Beach Cruisin’ Tikis booze cruise, and Joseph was working a double at the Lighthouse Bar. She ordered a skinny orange crush, blew off his flirtations, was ridiculed by her friends for turning down the “cute, tall, blonde,” returned to his bar the next day, and the rest is history.Since that fateful August 2022 evening, Joseph and Kaylee have grown a lot. They shared an apartment, rescued a cat, and have spent the past year traveling the world together.Joseph proposed on a private balcony in Italy two blocks from the Pantheon underneath city lights and stars. The couple looks forward to many adventures ahead, and are so excited to celebrate their marriage with all the people who have been there for them along the way.

He Met Her at a Bar

Our Wedding

Join us for a weekend of celebration on the Italian Riviera

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Time: 6-8 PMAddress: ***CHANGED!! Terrace of the Grand Hotel Portovenere | Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 5, 19025 Portovenere SP, ItalyDress: Garden Party CocktailIn town early? Join us for aperitivo on the ocean-facing terrace of the Grand Hotel Portovenere.Drinks: Selection of Franciacorta Prosecco, Local red &amp; white wines, Aperol spritz, negroni, soft drinks** 2 drinks per person included, additional is 10 Euro eachSmall Bites: Fried calamari, stuffed anchovies, saffron and scamorza arancini, seasonal vegetables, dry snacks

Aperitivo at the Grand Hotel

Friday, June 12, 2026

Time: 8:30-9:15 AMAddress: Piazza Bastreri, 16, 19025 Portovenere SP, ItalyPlease join us for a casual breakfast in the main piazza of Porto Venere. Enjoy one of the regional pastries of Liguria alongside a cappuccino or shakerato before a day of adventures.

Breakfast at Bar Cremeria Cicciotti

Time: 9:15-10 AMMeeting point: Bar Cremeria Cicciotti – walk follows breakfastKaylee has been visiting Portovenere since she was 19 and will be leading a brief tour of town to kick off your time here! Walk past all of the best restaurants, the historic UNESCO sites, and end the tour up by the castle where the wedding will be happening on Saturday.

Walking tour of town and up to castle

Time: 11 AM - 3 PMAddress: Banchina Traghetti, Portovenere, Liguria 19025, ItalyPlease join us for a beach trip to a small island 10 minutes off the coast. The boats run every 15 minutes so feel free to join us when you feel like it, if you feel like it. Palmaria island has walking trails, a bar with sandwiches and cocktails, and a stunning beach with chairs and umbrellas. Choose your own adventure on the island or stick around town!

Beach Trip to Isola Palmaria

Time: 7-10 PMAddress: Al Gabbiano–Via Calata Doria, 36, 19025 Porto Venere SP, ItalyDress: CocktailWelcome to Portovenere! Please join us for a regional dinner at Al Gabbiano on the water before the big day.

Welcome Dinner

Saturday, June 13, 2026

*NOTE: PLEASE SEE THE "WEDDING DAY" TAB OF THIS WEBSITE FOR THE FULL RUN OF CEREMONY. 5 PM - 11:45 PMDoria CastleVia dei Mulini, Portovenere, Liguria 19025, ItalyCeremony followed by receptionARRIVAL TIME: The wedding will begin promptly at 5 pmDRESS CODE: Dress code is formal, black tie optional. Men are expected to wear suits and ties while women should wear floor- or midi-length formal dresses.PROCEEDINGS: The ceremony will be followed by aperitivo, a 3-course sit-down dinner, and an after-party with an open bar and live music. All events will take place in the Castle.GETTING THERE: The Castle is in the pedestrian zone of Portovenere. From the main square, there is a 0.3 mile, 150-foot paved walk that takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. We advise guests to wear comfortable shoes on the walk and change into appropriate footwear at the Castle. A designated walking shoe storage area will be provided.

Wedding

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Guest Departure

Schedule

4:30 - 4:55 PM

Guest arrival to Castle Doria. The Castle is in the pedestrian zone of Portovenere. From the main square, there is a 0.3 mile, 150-foot paved walk that takes roughly 15-20 minutes to complete. We advise guests to wear comfortable shoes on the walk and change into appropriate footwear at the Castle. A designated walking shoe storage area will be provided. The wedding will begin promptly at 5 pm. We recommend getting to the Castle no later than 4:50.

5 - 5:30 PM

Traditional civil ceremony conducted in Italian with English translation in the Castle's Giardino Ipostila.

5:30 - 7:15 PM

Aperitivo (Cocktail Hour) in the Castle's Ampitheater featuring the following food and beverages: Brut prosecco, Aperol spritz, Perroni beer, N/A tropical fruit cocktail, wine selection, still &amp; sparkling water, and soft drinks Rustic StationPlatters of traditional cured meats: Tuscan DOP prosciutto crudo, rustic salami, sweet Colonnata lard, Bologna mortadellaSgabei (fried bread dough) with soft cheeses (stracchino and gorgonzola)Grilled vegetables and delicate oil-preserved treats, including mint-scented peppers, zucchini with curly parsley, and eggplant with small rosemary crostini Seafood StationMarinated anchovies, Ligurian styleWarm salad of squid and cuttlefish served on radicchio leavesFish mousse on crispy crackers Fried Station(Cooked on the spot and served in bamboo boats or cones):Vegetables and greens in light tempura (crispy onions, carrots, peppers, zucchini, eggplant)Frisceu with olives and peppers (traditional Ligurian fritters)Crispy seafood: baby squid, mussels, whitebait fritters, and Frisceu with shellfish BakeryCascade of traditional white bread and multigrain breadA selection of focaccias: rosemary and classic

7:30 - 9 PM

Plated dinner service and speeches. Il Primo Piatto (First Course): Trofie with Traditional Genoese pesto and cherry tomatoes Il Secondo (Main): Crispy Suckling Pig Saddle with apple reduction and soy sauce I Dolci (Dessert)Traditional Italian wedding cakeANDCoffee beverages BeveragesWhite wine: Muri Grandi dei Colli di Luni – Federici Winery – La Baia del SoleRed wine: Forlino dei Colli di Luni – Federici Winery – La Baia del SoleWater (still of sparking)Soft drinks

9 PM - 12 AM

Cake cutting, followed by first dances and an Open-air party in the castle's Sala Ipostila with an open bar, music, and dancing under the stars. CocktailsLord Byron's Spritz: Champagne, aperitif, vodkaLigurian Gin &amp; Tonic: Italian gin, tonic, lemon wedgeTony's Negroni: Equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, Campari, citrus twistMediterranean Margarita: Tequila, triple sec, succo di limone, simple syrup, citrus wedgeSex on Palmaria Beach: Vodka, peach schnapps, sugo d'arancia, sugo di fruta di bosco

Wedding Day

Portovenere is a small village on the Ligurian coast of northwestern Italy. It’s known for Porto Venere Regional Natural Park, a protected area with trails and dive sites. The park encompasses Palmaria Island, dotted with beaches and caves. The Gothic-style Church of St. Peter sits atop a rocky headland. Nearby is the centuries-old Castello Doria, an imposing clifftop fortress with views of the Gulf of Poets, where Kaylee &amp; Joseph will celebrate their marriage. Kaylee travels a lot and considers herself an amateur travel agent. She recommends the following websites, apps, and tools for your itinerary planning: <a href="https://www.google.com/travel/flights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Google Flights:</a> Best for cross referencing flights across Airlines <a href="https://www.rome2rio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rome2Rio: </a>This website will tell you how to get from one destination to the other with a range of transportaion modes (walking, driving, public transport, and flying). <a href="https://www.trenitalia.com/it.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trenitalia: </a>All train travel across Italy can be booked via Trenitalia. The app is very user friendly and train fares are inexpensive, regional tickets are usually under Euro 20.

Portovenere has a handful of nearby airports. We suggest flying into one of the following. Distance reflects the time it takes to get to La Spezia Centrale by train. If you are flying from the Philadelphia area, I recommend searching a variety of airports as Philadelphia and Baltimore tend to have steep fares. Newark New Jersey (EWR), New York (JFK), and DC Ronald Reagan (DCA) have less expensive trips and are all within 3 hours of Philly. Cheapest: Rome/FCO (3.5 hours)For many, Rome is the least expensive and often most direct airport. Rome is roughly three and a half hours by train (direct) to the wedding location. It is how Kaylee &amp; Joseph are traveling to Italy! Closest: Pisa/PSA (45 minutes to La Spezia by train)If you are looking to get as close as possible to the wedding, Pisa is a great option. Pisa is a regional airport that does not offer direct flights from the USA, however it offers plenty of layover options in major European cities. Other Options: Genoa/GOA (1 hour)Florence/FLR (2.5 hours)Milan/MXP (2.5 hours)

Step 1: Planes

From the airport, take the train to La Spezia Centrale. Tickets can be purchased on the Trenitalia app.

Step 2: Trains

A shuttle runs every 30 minutes from La Spezia to Portovenere. Tickets can be purchased in the train station Tabaccheria for 2.50 Euro. The shuttle picks up on the corner of Viale Giuseppe Garibaldi &amp; Corso Cavour. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi for roughly 40 Euro. There are no Ubers or Lyfts in Liguria.

Step 3: Automobiles

Portovenere is a UNESCO world heritage site and does not allow vehicle traffic in the old town, no exceptions. All recommended accommodations are a short, mainly flat walk from the pedestrian drop off point, but we recommend comfortable shoes and light suitcases.

A Note on Walking

Getting There

Portovenere has a range of accommodations from seaside apartments, to budget rooms, to luxurious bayside escapes. We recommend booking a room at the Hotel Paradiso or the Hotel Genio early as the wedding party will be staying between these two hotels. Accommodation is not provided unless otherwise specified by the bride or groom. There is no hotel block.

Kaylee is a freak in the (Excel) sheets. She spends most of her day to day formulating columns and whatnot. She saved some choice hotels and vacation rentals here. Check them out before they're gone!

Accommodation Spreadsheet

The Paradiso Hotel is located right on the Gulf of Portovenere with the view of the Palmaria Island and the Apuan Alps, which frame this picturesque locality. It is a 10-minute walk from downtown. Note that a lot of the wedding party is staying here or within a block of here.

Hotel Paradiso

Albergo Genio in Portovenere offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and garden or mountain views in the heart of downtown. Each room includes a balcony or terrace, work desk, and free WiFi.

Albergo Genio

The Hotel Belvedere is a 5-minute walk from the main piazza and offers boutique rooms overlooking the Gulf of Poets.

Albergo Belvedere

Bayside hotel with a full-service spa and a steam room. The Grand Hotel is the most expensive option, but perfect for any guests looking for 5-star accommodations.

Grand Hotel Portovenere

AirBnB

Booking.com

Hotels

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Dress Code

Joseph and Kaylee live a very jet-set, minimalist lifestyle. They do not have a registry and do not want material gifts. Instead, they kindly request cash to fund their adventures, honeymoon, a future home, and the beautiful life ahead of them. If you wish to bring anything to Italy, please keep it small enough to fit in a carry-on backpack. Kaylee and Joseph are packing far too light to carry a Dutch oven with them on their honeymoon. Your presence, however, is the greatest gift of all.

Gifts

“Portovenere is a medieval fishing village situated in north Italy, just south of the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera in the Gulf of Poets. Its picturesque harbor is lined with brightly colored houses while narrow medieval streets lined with shops lead up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle.”-cinqueterre.eu.com

Portovenere is the gateway to Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre National Park is next door (and you should visit!), but stunning hikes can be found right outside town. Check out the AllTrails link for information.

Hike Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere

Swim in the crystal clear waters of Byron's Grotto. Follow the simple footpath down to the water at low tide and enjoy this small paradise.

Swim in Grotta di Lord Byron

Take a 5-minute boat ride to the small neighboring island. Here, you can enjoy the beach, grab a bite to eat, and go for an easy hike around the island.

Lounge at Isola Palmaria

Joseph and Kaylee embarked on the private boat tour linked below while celebrating their engagement. They highly recommend this sunset tour with prosecco and snacks provided.

Cruise Around the gulf of poets

Take the ferry to Cinque Terre to see the fabled villages built up into the hillsides. Ferry tickets can be purchased day of from the Porto Venere boat terminal. We recommend a full day (or 2!) to really take your time, hike, eat, and see the 5 lands.

Visit Cinque Terre

The Nessun Dorma Pesto Class was one of Kaylee &amp; Joseph's favorite activities while abroad. Take the ferry to Manarola and enjoy an afternoon filled with wine, free snacks, and pesto by the sea.

Make Pesto at Nessun Dorma

If you're looking for an intimate dinner experience, Torre di Venere is the couple's favorite restaurant in Portovenere. Share the fresh catch, delicious appetizers, and locally made white wine.

Dine at Torre di Venere

Things to Do

Dining in Portovenere

The coastal Ligurian region has a flourishing seafood industry, while jagged cliffs challenge local farmers to create a vibrant produce scene among the rocky seaside. Some stars of the sea include anchovies, mussels, sea bass, octopus, and cuttlefish. Plenty of native variations of white and red fish also populate the surrounding water. Among land, don't miss dishes featuring local produce and other treats such as basil, olives, lemons, limoncello, pesto, and white wine. In Italy, the only way to eat is local.

Il Colazione

The Italian breakfast is always sweet, and coffee is integral. Check out the local bars in town for a pastry and a café. Bar Dav'VeroMoonBar Cremeria CicciottiBar Zurigo

Small Bites & Street Food

Although lunch is traditionally the largest meal of the day in Italy, we have always preferred a small lunch and a larger dinner. Here are some of the best places in town for a quick bite. Focacceria Stefanini CensoplanoAnciùaFocacceria ... fatti una pizza

La Cena

Portovenere has outstanding dinner places featuring local ingredients and house wine. Our advice: head to Via Giovanni Capellini for off-the-beaten-path trattorias with better food than the more tourist-focused, Gulf-side establishments. Torre di VenerePorto 82 Risto-PescheriaLa Medusa ristorante

I Bar

Portovenere doesn't have much by way of nightlife, but there are some beautiful lounges and places to grab an after dinner digestivo. Here are some of the best. Casamare PortovenereAl GabbianoDoriaBar Cremeria CicciottiEnoteca bar "La Piazzetta "

Dining

Italy is a long plane ride. We encourage all of our guests to take advantage of the journey and travel beyond our wedding day. Luckily, Kaylee and Joseph have traveled across Southern Europe and have plenty of recommendations for you to expand your stay abroad.

From La Spezia, follow a train route to... 1. Florence: Italy's renaissance hub, spend 2 nights here exploring the art and museums around town.2. Venice: Head North to see Italy's city on water. Take a boat through the Venetian lagoon to see other pedestrian islands like Burano and Torcello.3. Lake Garda: Lake Como's less touristed sister, Lake Garda is a stunning oasis inland.4. Milan: Before catching a flight from Milan, be sure to check out the world class shopping in Italy's most metropolitan city. Or 1. Florence: Italy's renaissance hub, spend 2 nights here exploring the art and museums around town.2. Rome: Kaylee &amp; Joseph got engaged in Rome, but even before that day it was one of their favorite cities in the world. Spend plenty of time checking out ancient history and try all of the fantastic restaurants Rome has to offer.3. Naples: Home to some of the best food in Italy, spend a night in Naples exploring the old town and day tripping to Pompeii &amp; Mt. Vesuvio.4. Sorrento: Sorrento is a stunning seaside destination. Take in the breathtaking views, relax on the beach, and take a ferry to nearby Capri.5. Naples: Head back to Naples and catch a flight from there.

Italy By Train

Kaylee was lucky enough to spend a week traversing Switzerland by train on time off from teaching ESL abroad. Here is her recommended Swiss travel route by car. 1. Zermatt: Start your Swiss adventure by crossing the border and checking out the tallest mountain in Europe; the Matterhorn. 2. Kandersteg: Spend some time taking in the Alps' beauty and going for a hike. Spend an overnight in the mountains at the lodge or rent a tent.3. Interlaken: If you've ever dreamed of going skydiving, this is one of the most popular destination in the world for the sport. Alternatively, spend some time hiking, paddling on the lake, and dining at Interlaken's stunning establishments.4. Bern: Kaylee spent a beautiful week in the less-traversed Swiss city. Take some time here to go river swimming and check out the bear sanctuary. 5. Lucerne: One of Switzerland's most photographed cities, take a walk among the city's ancient walls, enjoy the lake, and take the cable car into the mountains. 6. Zurich: Before flying out of this international hub, spend some time in Switzerland's largest city.

The Swiss Alps

Portovenere is one of the Southernmost points on the Riviera. Travel your way up the West coast and check out some more of the beautiful seaside towns that Southern Europe has to offer. 1. Portofino: This is a luxurious destination just two hours from Portovenere. Some of its most famous vacationers include Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.2. Monte Carlo, Monaco: Spend the day walking one of the wealthiest towns in Europe. Gaze at yachts going by and check out the world-famous Casino de Monte Carlo featured in James Bond.3. Nice: Lounge on the beach, explore the nearby park, and stay in the gorgeous old town. Nice is very nice. 4. Cannes: Every May Cannes hosts one of the largest film festivals in the world, but this destination is a fantastic stop for film buffs year round. Check out up and coming cinema and enjoy this seaside destination. 5. Marseille: Marseille is France's second largest city beside Paris. Spend some time checking out the town and indulging in their culinary scene (champagne and lavender infusions are a must) before flying home.

The French Riviera

One month before Joseph met Kaylee, he accompanied his dad on a trip to Barcelona. He loved the city so much, and both him and Kaylee cannot recommend Spain enough to their guests. 1. Madrid: Fly into Madrid and start your journey at this inland city. 2. Bilbao: From Madrid, head North to Bilbao in San Sebastian, which Anthony Bourdain credits as one of the best food regions in the entire world. Eat at a Michelin guide restaurant and enjoy the surrounding hillsides. 3. Andorra de la Vella: On your way South, take a quick stop in Andorra to cross another country off your list. Andorra de la Vella is an ancient city inside the minuscule nation. Tramp the cobbled streets and experience the quiet. 4. Barcelona: End your trip at Joseph's favorite city in Spain, Barcelona. Don't miss the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, which will be complete for the first time in almost 250 years in 2026.

Spanish Cities

Ireland is the perfect layover stop between mainland Europe and the US. Take advantage of this, rent a car, and drive through the lush country for a few days. 1. Dublin: Start your journey in Ireland's largest city. Don't miss the Jameson Distillery, Guinness Brewing, and the historic pubs and bars scattered across the city. 2. Belfast: Stay for a night in Northern Ireland to visit one of the only cities in Western Europe with an active border wall between Protestant and Catholic facets. Walk the muraled wall, take the black cab tour, and visit the Titanic museum. Drive North for an hour to visit Giant's Causway before leaving. 3. Galway: A colorful city on the sea, Galway is a hub for live music and arts in Ireland. Check out the vibrant nightlife scene and enjoy the many dining options here. 4. Dingle: The Dingle Peninsula is a jagged coastline overlooking the Atlantic. Visit the old town, hike along the sea, and try some of the local seafood. 5. Cork: Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and worth a stop on any road trip. It is rich with museums and history. 6. Dublin: Catch a flight out of Dublin for cheap fares and short journeys.

Irish Road Trip

Portugal has a growing tourist scene, but today remains one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Southern Europe. Lisbon is another fantastic layover city on the way back to the USA Take advantage of the stop and enjoé Portugal. 1. Porto: Start your journey by catching a cheap flight into Porto, Portugal's most colorful city. Enjoy some port wine and plenty of seafood while you visit. 2. Nazaré: Nazaré has some of the biggest waves and most robust surfing cultures in the world. Even if catching monster waves isn't your thing, spend some time in this beach town to witness some of the largest waves in the world as a whole. 3. Lisbon: End your journey in Portugal's largest city, Lisbon. Lisbon's historic center is famous for it's ancient streetcar line, city markets, and so much more.

Historic Portugal

The Mediterranean is (in our opinion) one of the most stunning destinations in the world, it's why we chose it as our wedding destination! Take a flight to one of the many nearby islands and spend some time enjoying the sun before you head home. Majorca: Kaylee spent a week in Majorca two summers ago. Stay in a hotel along the coastline and enjoy some of the adventure activities abundant on the island.Ibiza: If you like to party, Ibiza is known for having one of the best nightlife scenes in the world. Relax on the beach by day., and check out the many nightclubs in the evening.Sardegna: If you haven't gotten your fill of Italy, head South o this quiet island below the nation's boot. It has some of the most pristine beaches in the entire world and delicious local food, especially dishes that feature pork. Sicily: Kaylee &amp; Joseph spent 3 weeks exploring Sicily in the summer of 2024 and fell in loe with the island. One of their favorite destinations included Siracusa, particularly Ortigia Island. Don't miss Taormina, where season 2 of White Lotus was filmed.

Mediterranean Islands

Other Trips

Southern Europe has so much to offer, this list could go on and on. Below are some other itineraries that are definitely worth considering. Croatia: Trieste (Italy) &gt; Pag &gt; Zadar &gt; Trogir &gt; Split &gt; Hvar &gt; Dubrovnik &gt; Kotor (Montenegro)Greece: Athens &gt; Mykonos &gt; Paros &gt; Naxos &gt; SantoriniAustria: Vienna &gt; Hallstatt &gt; Salzburg &gt; Innsbruk

Long Layover Cities

Optimize your layover by spending a night (or 3) in one of these incredible cities that often act as gateways back to the US. Paris, FranceLondon, UKDublin, IrelandLisbon, PortugalMadrid, SpainZurich, SwitzerlandAmsterdam, NetherlandsReykjavik, Iceland

Travel Recs

If you can't make it to Italy or simply don't want the party to end, join us for a laid back stateside celebration where the couple first met in Dewey Beach, Delaware.

The After-After Party

September 2026, Date TBD6 PM - 11:30 PMWest Street Beach AccessWest Street, Dewey Beach, DE 19971 Join us for a stateside beach party to celebrate the wedding of Kaylee &amp; Joseph! When:&nbsp;September 2026, 6 PM (Date TBD)Where:&nbsp;West Street Beach Access,&nbsp;Dewey Beach, DEWhat:&nbsp;Laid back beach bonfire celebrating the marriage of Joseph &amp; KayleeAttire:&nbsp;Beach semi-formalGifts:&nbsp;Your presence is the greatest gift. However, for those who want to provide a gift, we kindly request cash to fund our future adventures.Plus Ones:&nbsp;All plus ones are welcome, just let us know in your RSVP.Hotels:&nbsp;We do not have a hotel block, but recommend making all arrangements for lodging at least two months in advance.RSVP coming soon

Joseph & Kaylee