Taormina, Sicily Destination Wedding with a Sicilian/Mexican touch
One of the highlights of last year was definitely photographing Veronica & Massimo’s epic intercultural destination wedding in Taormina, Sicily, a charming seaside town on the eastern coast of the island. Packed with surprises, traditions, rituals and countless fun, this weekend was one of the coolest things I've photographed.
Veronica is Mexican, Massimo is Sicilian. They both live in Miami now, so families and friends gathered from all over the world for this celebration. They incorporated lots of Sicilian details while keeping the Mexican traditions as well, such as local Sicilian musicians playing folklore music to lead the guests from the church to Piazza Duomo, the "majolica" tiles individualized with each guest's name on their dinner plate, and the Mexican ceremony of uniting the bride and groom with the "lazo".
The day started at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo where Veronica and Massimo got ready. Followed by church ceremony at Chiesa del Varò, and a "granita" break in front of Piazza Duomo. Then the day continued at the stunning garden of Belmond Villa Sant Andrea till the night ended.
Veronica's words are perfect to describe the soul I felt from this celebration: "we spent lots and lots of time planning this. To us, today could not be more perfect, because each and every one of you are here with us."
Invitation suite designed by Veronica herself:
“One of my favorite DIY details was the invitation suite. I wanted to set the tone for a Sicilian wedding starting with the very first impression guests had when receiving the save the date. A good friend of ours is an amazing artist (http://vanessacunto.com/design/) and she painted with water colors a map of Sicily with key symbols that was printed on white pearl linen coverstock. The invitations were also printed on the same paper and since Taormina is considered “the pearl of Sicily” this was a fun, subtle way to make the details extra Sicilian. My favorite part of the whole invitation suite were the majolica envelope liners with the bold colors that really stood out from the pearly white.”
Getting ready at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Ceremony at Chiesa del Varò
“Different Mexican traditions were used during the wedding ceremony. The “lazo” was used to unite Massimo and I together and to symbolize us become one; the 13 gold coins called “arras” that represented our promises to each other; the white bouquet of roses that were set before the Virgin Mary.”
Reception at Belmond Villa Sant Andrea
“The dancing began right at sunset and as soon as the night was dark enough, the DJ set cold flares and a medley of Mexican, Italian and American music while the hotel staff passed out sombreros, flower crowns, pizza hats, American flag headbands and other fun headpieces and noisemakers. Since our guests didn’t speak the same language, it was amazing to see everyone wearing silly costumes and dancing all together on the dance floor.”
—— Veronica
VEDNORS:
Photography: CHYMO & MORE Photography
Wedding planner: Bouquets & Bows
Church florals: Petali & Capricci
Reception florals: Sebastian Flowers
Videography: With this Ring Wedding Films
Ceremony venue: Chiesa del Varò
Reception venue: Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea
Bride’s gown: Bellisima Bridal
Bride’s shoes: Nina Ricci
Wedding band: Blue Nile
Earrings: Majorica
Bracelet: Cartier
Grooms attire: Angelotoma
Catering & Cake: Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea
