In a delightful twist of fate, Stephanie and Thomas—a charming couple from the USA—reached out to me with a vision for an unconventional wedding, set against the backdrop of a charismatic venue. The centerpiece of this celebration would be Stephanie’s stunning black wedding gown. Their elopement was to unfold in December, a month when Sicily’s weather dances unpredictably; warmth may grace the day, yet sudden storms might also sweep in. Thus, we sought a venue that offered sanctuary from unexpected rain during their vows. The Godfather villa (Castello degli Schiavi) emerged as their enchanting choice, exuding a magnetic atmosphere steeped in Sicilian history and cinematic allure. Its grand archway promised not only shelter but also an exquisite canvas for decor.
This marked the couple’s inaugural visit to Sicily, and they yearned for an experience that would etch itself in their memories for eternity—and indeed, that was destined to unfold (a little spoiler awaits).
I crafted a mesmerizing vision for their wedding ceremony backdrop, intertwining shades of bordeaux, red, green, and white through an array of roses. The bride’s desire for abundant candles inspired a unique arrangement, forming a reversed heart shape to accentuate the ceremony’s authenticity, complemented by standing cherry and wine-hued anthuriums. We embraced the natural beauty of the villa’s frontal facade, transforming it into a living archway adorned with cascading greenery and various shades of red.
To complete the concept, a vintage black car and a hand-painted certificate symbolizing the unity sand ceremony, reflecting the essence of Etna and the Sea against the backdrop of Taormina and the villa, added a touch of elegance.
However, an unforeseen Plan B materialized just a day before the wedding, as the couple found themselves stranded at Munich airport due to inclement weather, unable to reach Sicily in time. Yet, amid this tempest, I orchestrated a seamless rescheduling of all vendors, including the venue, and assisted them with accommodation at the luxurious Isola Bella Infinity suites. My heartfelt gratitude goes to them for this opportunity. The timing was fortuitous, as the low season allowed flexibility that would be nearly impossible during the bustling peak months—a reminder of both the blessings and challenges of winter weddings in Sicily.
I shall forever cherish this remarkable couple for the chance to unleash my creativity in crafting a mysterious, unconventional wedding with an authentic setup. Their unwavering love and resilience in the face of flight cancellations left an indelible mark on my heart. Despite the hurdles, they arrived in Sicily for just one day, and I endeavored to make it truly unforgettable.
The couple’s feedback:
Ph : Tatiana Costantino