Catholic Wedding in Sicily

Stephen & Amanda

Stephen and Amanda are from two different continents, so it was important for the couple to find a location that would not only be perfect geographically but also provide their international guests with an experience of a lifetime. This location was one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and romantic islands, Sicily.

The couple chose the city of Ragusa, as their wedding location. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the island, the old town, Ragusa Ibla, is one of the most picturesque hill top towns in Sicily. Dominated by the impressive Cathedral of San Giorgio, a wide array of Baroque architecture and breathtaking views, the location ticked all their boxes.

Combining unparalleled knowledge of Sicilian wedding traditions, and that of international norms (American Bride and Irish Groom!) Emma and Simona very quickly understood what we were looking for, and then just made it happen! To top all of this off, on the wedding day itself, they took all of the stress away and without them, our wedding day could not have been the incredibly beautiful and memorable day it proved to be. 

Their wedding was expertly planned with the help of Sicilian Wedding Day, who completely understood the couple and combined all their wishes into a truly memorable day. Enjoy getting swept away in the images, captured by Gianmarco Vetrano before reading more about their wedding!

From the Bride & Groom…

Very simply, our dream wedding in Sicily would not have happened without Sicilian Wedding Day. Emma and Simona were so committed to making our wedding day so special, and so tailored to our wishes, looking back it is actually hard to believe!

We married in Ragusa Ibla in September and began working with Sicilian Wedding Day as early as 18 months before. From day one, Emma and Simona were the ultimate professionals, assisting initially in venue selection, right through to flower arrangement and music selection.

Sicilian Wedding Day listened to what we wanted, brought forward ideas and provided constant advice, including on the quite complicated documentation process. Contact was excellent throughout, and although we were fully aware that Emma and Simona had a busy summer of weddings across Sicily, we were always made to feel like their only clients. This was their greatest quality; they made it all about our day.

Marrying in Sicily was one of the best decisions we ever made, but the next best was seeking the assistance of Sicilian Wedding Day. Emma and Simona, we cannot thank you enough for giving us the best day of our live.

From Sicilian Wedding Day…

Stephen and Amanda decided to have their Catholic wedding in Sicily, as it’s a place that both they had both fallen in love with. Their first trip together was spent travelling the island; since then they have returned to their favourite spots over and over again. It is where they got engaged (Stephen flew Amanda to Palermo and proposed in front of the Teatro Massimo!) and because of this it has always been a special place for them.

Advice…

Our advice for couples considering a wedding in Sicily…

1). Where possible visit the shortlist of reception venues in person and don’t rely on photos or websites. Often the place you think is ‘the one’ doesn’t end up being the final choice.

2). Do not underestimate the documentation process and the help that a planner in the town/country can offer you. It really is invaluable to have someone who knows the various systems to guide you through it and make things as stress free as possible.

Extra Activities…

The couple arranged a brunch after the morning church ceremony at a nearby small bed and breakfast.

Wedding Ceremony…

Stephen and Amanda had a Catholic wedding in Sicily, the ceremony with mass was conducted by an English speaking priest. The ceremony was due to start at 11.00am (but the bride was a little late!)

Wedding Venue in Sicily…

There were two venues on the wedding day. The first, Giardino sul Duomo, was the location for the post ceremony brunch. The second (DonnaFugata Golf Resort and Spa) was the location for the evening reception. Stephen and Amanda visited both venues prior to their wedding.

On the Day…

11.00am Catholic wedding ceremony in the cathedral

12.30pm – 3.00pm  Brunch at Giardino Sul Duomo

4.00pm Guests arrival at DonnaFugata Resort

4.30pm Welcome Drinks

5.00pm Aperitivo with music provided by Jazz group

6.00pm – 9.00pm Seated dinner

9.00pm – Dessert buffet and wedding cake by pool

9.30pm till late – Dancing (DJ) and open bar

Unique Ideas & Personal Touches…

The maid of honour (bride’s sister) hand wrote in calligraphy the table place cards.

Wedding Attire…

Bride’s dress:

• Maggie Sottero: Melanie (Ivory with gold underlay)

Bride’s accessories (shoes, jewellery, etc):

• Shoes: Dune London
• Jewellery: All Fields Jewellers (necklace & bracelet)

Groom’s attire:

• Navy blue 3 piece suit from Abrahams Tailoring & Ready to Wear, Dublin, Ireland.

Groom’s accessories (tie, cufflinks, etc):

• Grey knitted tie from Topman (online).
• Tag Heuer Carrera watch from Fields Jewellers, Dublin.
• Cufflinks from Fields Jewellers, Dublin.

Bridesmaids & Ushers Wedding Attire…

Bridesmaids’ dresses:

• Jenny Yoo: JY514 (Blush)
• Jenny Yoo: JY515 (Blush)

Groomsmen attire:

• Navy blue 3 piece suit from Abrahams Tailoring & Ready to Wear, Dublin, Ireland

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The Perfect Partners

Wedding planner: Sicilian Wedding Day // Wedding Photographer: Gianmarco Vetrano // Ceremony Venue: Cathedral – Ragusa Ibla //Reception Venue: Giardino sul Duomo, Ragusa Ibla and Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, Ragusa //  Ceremony Musician: Musica per gli sposi //  Wedding Band / DJ: Musica per gli sposi // Flowers: Michelangelo Finocchiaro // Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas // Caterers for Brunch: MAD Restaurant, Ragusa Ibla