Location: Sicilia, Italia
Setting: Villa
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 200
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Blended tradition with contemporary elegance.
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, where azure waves caress the golden sands of Scoglitti, destiny wove a tale of love that would span decades. Marika and Gianfilippo, two young souls who crossed paths in this enchanting Sicilian village, were merely teenagers at the time. Fate had other plans for them, and their story, though briefly interrupted, was destined to be rewritten.
Fast forward to 2016, when these two found their paths intertwined once more, and this time, there was no turning back. Love had reclaimed them, and together, they embarked on a journey toward a shared dream of becoming a family. As the years passed, their love deepened, and a vision began to take shape: a wedding that would reflect their Sicilian roots and the enduring love that had blossomed on this special island. This is a sentence we use too much in our lives.” shared Anaïs.
One year before the magical date of June 30, 2022, the couple set in motion their dream wedding. They longed for a celebration to honor the place where their love was born and they had grown up. They chose the idyllic setting of Villa Fegotto, a Sicilian gem steeped in history, with a manor house that had stood unchanged since the late 1800s. Their desire was clear — to have everyone who had played a part in their lives surround them on this momentous occasion. The guest list swelled to 200, a testament to the bonds they had forged.
The weeks just before the wedding day are always a bit stressful, so what’s better than a charming engagement session in one of the most fascinating cities in the world? In Syracuse, a fragment of eternity is frozen. Walking through the oldest part of the city, Ortygia Island, every corner tells gems of history, surrounded by baroque architecture, with a stunning view of the crystal-clear sea.
“We planned this little journey considering the couple’s wish to have an intimate engagement shoot while spending special time together and de-stressing!” explains Linda Puccio, who photographed Marika and Gianfilippo.
The groom-to-be is a Harley Davidson addict and that inspired the day’s mood.
It was a walk through the city center and the countryside on motorbike among prickly pears and dry-stone walls until the seaside. It was exciting to see their surprised reaction once at the hidden beach where they enjoyed a picnic on the sand, hand-in-hand, surrounded by spectacular cliffs.
From the design point of view, they just focused on simple floral decor and lots of cushions and fabrics to create a romantic atmosphere. Candles and lanterns turned on the magic of this refined soft rock session.
Marika and Gianfilippo’s wedding stationery was meticulously designed with a sage color scheme, romantic fonts, and silhouettes of lovers, all emphasizing the chosen style of the wedding.
Marika began her bridal morning surrounded by her closest friends, sharing the exciting and joyful anticipation of this special day for the bride. Marika opted for a delicate look for the wedding: cascading curls framing her shoulders and accentuated makeup highlighting her radiant beauty.
The First Look was one of the most beautiful moments at the wedding. Marika’s father was the first to see her in her wedding dress, and photographer Linda Puccio captured the emotional intensity of that moment. Marika’s father even shed a tear at the sight of her in the wedding gown. When the bridesmaids saw her in her wedding attire, their excitement knew no bounds.
Marika was a vision in her Sicilian-inspired wedding dress, adorned with exquisite flower embroidery. The dress, perfectly fitted with lace, created a romantic image, and the long veil added solemnity to the bride’s overall appearance.
Gianfilippo chose a classic tuxedo as his wedding attire—a white jacket with black lapels, a bowtie, and black trousers. The groom looked incredibly stylish and elegant.
With the breathtaking Church of San Bartolomeo, in Scicli, a UNESCO heritage site in the Val di Noto, as their ceremony backdrop. Minimal floral decor adorned the church, allowing its inherent beauty to shine.
The beautiful ceremony unfolded beneath the arches of the temple, where Marika and Gianfilippo exchanged vows in the presence of their closest loved ones, professing their love to each other. The atmosphere of love and happiness prevailed in that moment, and it was so touching that many, including the bride herself, couldn’t hold back their tears.
Photographer Linda Puccio managed to create incredibly heartfelt, warm, and atmospheric photos of this beautiful day. Her creative approach and professionalism ensured not a single important moment or detail was missed, capturing every emotion in the lens, and creating not just beautiful photos but genuine treasures and memories for Marika and Gianfilippo.
The essence of their design focused on romance. Every detail, from vellum paper to taper candles, was carefully curated to create an atmosphere of pure romance. As dusk descended, the dinner setting came alive with the ethereal charm of diffused lighting, chandeliers overhead, and taper candles casting a gentle glow on the tables. Flowers in the chosen color palette adorned the tables, adding a touch of natural elegance.
The culinary experience was a masterpiece, featuring traditional Sicilian dishes with a modern twist, meticulously prepared by a Michelin-starred catering service. Each bite was a testament to Sicily’s rich culinary heritage.
With the breathtaking Church of San Bartolomeo, in Scicli, a UNESCO heritage site in the Val di Noto, as their ceremony backdrop. Minimal floral decor adorned the church, allowing its inherent beauty to shine.
The welcome aperitif beckoned guests to unwind in cozy lounge areas illuminated by the soft glow of candles. While a Sicilian wedding was their heart’s desire, they also yearned to infuse it with modernity. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Sicily and the latest international trends, they crafted a vision that blended tradition with contemporary elegance. Their color palette, a delicate interplay of sage green, blush, and white, set the stage for an enchanting wedding. Ballet performers graced the event, mesmerizing everyone with their artistry, from lamp ladies to graceful ballet ensembles.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the evening was a surprise gift from the bride to the groom. Just days before the wedding, Marika penned a heartfelt letter to a renowned Italian singer, known for his appearances on XFactor. In a touching display of kindness, the singer not only accepted the request to sing the couple’s favorite songs but also graced the event with his presence, leaving everyone in awe.
The evening photos of the couple captured the incredible atmosphere of romance on that beautiful evening. They represent a magnificent work of art akin to poetry, immortalized through Linda Puccio’s lens.
The wedding reception took place in a warm atmosphere, with guests mingling and congratulating the newlyweds, making it a wonderful celebration of love.
Following wedding traditions, Marika and Gianfilippo cut the wedding cake, a culinary masterpiece. Then, the happy bride tossed her bouquet to her friends.
It was an incredibly heartfelt and touching wedding, filled with happiness, love, music, and laughter.
PHOTOGRAPHER Linda Puccio | VIDEOGRAPHY Gianluca Milazzo | WEDDING PLANNER Irene Fatuzzo Wedding & Event Creator | FLORIST Fioreria Florarte Di Cassibba | BRIDAL DRESS Kartika Sposa | STYLIST Luisa Sposa | BRIDAL SHOES Jimmy Choo | GROOM SUIT Barrano | MUA Roberta Carbonaro Makeup | HAIR Loredana & Orazio Parrucchieri | VENUE Villa Fegotto | CATERING Squiseating | RENTAL Oriana la Rosa | LIGHT Simone Dibenedetto | DANCERS Sphera Dance Company | SPECIAL GUEST Roccuzzo | BRIDE Marika Di Pietro | GROOM Gianfilippo Di Modica
