Set against the rugged Sicilian coastline in the historic village of Scopello, Alex and Bree’s wedding was an intimate spring celebration filled with elegance and intention. With guests gathered at the breathtaking Tonnara di Scopello, the couple embraced a vision of ethereal, timeless minimalism—think crisp white florals, delicate chandeliers, and candlelit tables inside a centuries-old museum. From a saxophone-led entrance to cannoli towers and dancing by the sea, every detail reflected a modern take on Italian romance.
Location: Scopello, Sicily, Italy
Style: Ethereal, timeless, minimalistic
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 65
Setting: Resort
Season: Spring
Alex and Bree had known each other for years before they started dating—he was her brother’s best friend, and they had spent countless weekends and holidays together, both at home and abroad, just as friends. “I think that’s what makes us work so well—we’ve always shared such a strong friendship,” Bree said. Their relationship felt natural from the start, and since Alex was already close with her family, becoming an official part of it only made things more special. He proposed during Bree’s birthday weekend at Halcyon House in Northern NSW, the same time of year he had asked her on their first date five years earlier. “It was such a private, personal moment, and it felt so perfect to us,” she shared.
Bridal Morning
Bree’s morning began in a sun-drenched room overlooking the sea, surrounded by her closest friends and the calming sound of waves outside the balcony. She wore a flowy white robe with ruffled sleeves, toasting champagne with her bridesmaids, who each held unique bouquets of white florals chosen to reflect their own style. Bree made it a priority that they felt completely themselves, saying, “It was important to me that everyone felt comfortable and confident on the day.” The energy was relaxed and joyful, filled with laughter, sentimental glances, and a quiet moment with her mother as she received a keepsake handkerchief stitched with a heartfelt message.
For the ceremony, Bree wore a custom strapless A-line gown designed with Guipurean Bridal, created in collaboration with the designer from the ground up. “I’d always dreamed of a dress with a grand presence—there’s no other moment in life quite like this to wear something so bold and special.” The dress featured detailed embroidery with pearls, crystals, and delicate organza petals that shimmered in the light.
She paired it with her longtime favorite Jimmy Choo Saeda Ivory heels and kept her accessories minimal, choosing elegant Swarovski earrings and her Hearts On Fire wedding ring. Her makeup and hair, styled by BLBS Management, featured soft glam and an elegant updo for the ceremony, allowing the craftsmanship of the gown to take center stage. Holding a bouquet of fresh white roses, Bree looked radiant, calm, and completely in her element.
Groom's Fashion
Alex chose a classic black tuxedo from Hugo Boss, paired with a crisp white shirt, a black bow tie, and a white rose boutonniere to match Bree’s bouquet. The look reflected their shared love for timeless, minimalist elegance. He completed the ensemble with a sleek Cartier wedding band, keeping every detail sharp and refined for the occasion.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in front of the weathered stone façade of the Tonnara church, a setting that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. Originally planned by the water, the ceremony was relocated at the last minute due to weather—a seamless pivot executed by Barbara of Amuri Events & Wedding Planner that turned out even more beautiful than the original plan.
Bree and Alex stood on the church steps surrounded by clusters of white hydrangeas, roses, stabilised amaranthus, and spider chrysanthemums by Paolo Papa, which added a soft, sculptural touch against the rustic stone backdrop. Ghost chairs and white parasols were set neatly for guests beneath strings of exposed bulbs, giving the spring setting a warm, glowing atmosphere.
Before the ceremony began, guests were treated to gelato and welcome drinks, setting a relaxed tone for the afternoon. As everyone settled in, two flower girls in white cotton dresses and braided hairstyles led the procession with quiet charm. Bree followed shortly after, walking down the aisle with both her parents by her side. “Walking together felt incredibly special—a way to honor their love and support while starting this new chapter in my life,” she shared.
The couple stood together on the church steps to exchange their vows, surrounded by friends and family. It was an emotional moment, grounded in simplicity and honesty. When they sealed it with a kiss, guests tossed handfuls of white petals into the air, creating a scene straight out of a film. Their smiles said it all—pure joy, total presence, and the beginning of something unforgettable.
"Due to an unpredictable weather forecast, we moved the ceremony in front of the Tonnara church, and it turned out to be even more beautiful than we imagined and better than Plan A."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Bree and Alex stepped away for a few quiet moments alone, walking along the edge of the rocky Sicilian coast with the sea at their side. It was a pause in the day that allowed them to breathe, reflect, and take in the reality of being newly married. Libby Willis, known for her luxury fashion background, captured the intimacy of this moment with a natural, editorial touch—effortlessly balancing emotion and elegance in every frame.
"The location was classic and quintessentially Italian, full of charm and rustic character."
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour unfolded by the sea, with guests gathering between the historic stone buildings and the dramatic coastal cliffs. Fabrizio Torrisi played live saxophone as guests sipped margaritas, martinis, and negronis under string lights. The mood was lively and relaxed, with the natural beauty of the venue setting the tone.
A gelato bar by Squiseating offered refreshing flavors, while Bree and Alex took a moment to pour champagne into a coupe tower with the Faraglioni rocks as their backdrop. The scene felt effortless and cinematic—exactly the kind of celebratory energy they had envisioned.
"We always envisioned a minimalist wedding, so we opted for timeless elements like white florals and string lights to create a fairy tale feel."
Decor & Setting
The reception took place inside the museum of the resort, where the centuries-old stone walls and arched ceilings created an intimate, atmospheric setting. Long tables were dressed in white linen and topped with single-stem white roses, crystal glassware, and tall candles that flickered gently throughout the night. Overhead, chandeliers added a soft glow, elevating the minimalistic floral design with a sense of refined elegance. Barbara of Amuri Events & Wedding Planner curated every detail with precision—balancing simplicity and sophistication while letting the beauty of the venue speak for itself.
The vision for our wedding came to life with the help of Barbara from Amuri Events and the many local vendors she connected us with. Honestly, we couldn’t have done it without her.
Reception
Dinner inside the museum was filled with emotion, laughter, and moments that Bree described as giving her goosebumps. Guests waved their napkins in the air, toasted with crystal glasses, and shared stories at candlelit tables. Instead of a traditional cake, the couple served a tower of vanilla and chocolate cannoli, a sweet nod to Sicilian flavors.
Bree changed into a sleek Katherine Tash silk dress for the reception—fitted, elegant, and perfect for dancing.
The couple shared their first dance to Texas Sun by Leon Bridges, a song they’d loved since the beginning of their relationship. With the old stone walls around them and candlelight flickering, it felt personal and full of heart.
As the night continued, guests danced surrounded by fog and laser lights, with a saxophonist and a DJ keeping the energy alive well into the early hours.
“My feet have never hurt more from all the dancing. If we could have, we would’ve danced until the sun came up.”
“Barbara's knowledge of the venue and what would work best there was incredible–we’ve never trusted anyone more. Everyone absolutely loved working with her, and she brought such a collaborative approach to the day.”
Advice from the couple:
• Your wedding day should be a true reflection of you as a couple–authentic, meaningful, and unapologetically yours.
Don’t feel pressured to follow traditions or clichés that don’t mean anything to you. The little details won’t be what you remember in 20 years to come. What makes your wedding unforgettable is the love and energy of having everyone you care about in one place.
So, enjoy all the planning, savor every moment, and focus on celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you.
PLANNER Amuri Events & Wedding Planner | VENUE Tonnara di Scopello | PHOTOGRAPHER Libby Willis | VIDEOGRAPHER Giulio Cantarella | FLORALS Paolo Papa | MUAH BLBS Management | CEREMONY DRESS Guipurean Bridal | RECEPTION DRESS Katherine Tash Bridal | JEWELRY Swarovski | BRIDE RING Hearts on Fire | HEELS Jimmy Choo | GROOM RING Cartier | SUIT Hugo Boss | CATERING Squiseating | SAXOPHONIST Fabrizio Torrisi | LIGHTING Wedding Lights | BRIDE Bree Winkler
