Jessica + Sabino’s micro-wedding in Sicily
Photography: Gap Gitto Antonino
With a shared passion for travel, US couple Jessica and Sabino wanted to offer an intimate experience for their closest guests to celebrate their wedding. Few places are as breathtaking in autumn as Sicily, and with Jessica’s Sicilian heritage and a desire for a wedding that felt more like a getaway, they chose Monaci delle Terre Nere. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Etna, it was the perfect setting for their dream celebration where they embraced authentic Sicily.
The Welcome Event
“The pre-wedding dinner to welcome all the guests was held in a beautiful garden with a view of Mount Etna and details made from lava stone. The couple's aim was to help all the guests get to know each other and begin to experience a Sicilian wedding, through local food and wine, good music, and a warm atmosphere.”
~ Tania, Planner
The Engagement
“We were engaged in March 2023 in the Dolomites in Italy. It was snowing and we did a snow shoe hike at Tre Cine de Lavaredo. Sabino got down on one knee, and sank into the snow. It was a beautiful private proposal.”
The First Look
“We had some time just to talk and enjoy each other and feel a pause in the day. I think we both felt very present throughout the ceremony, dinner, and the reception. Those few moments before everything started really gave us time to reflect on what the day was about and remember to cherish every moment.”
Why Italy
“Italy has always been a special place for us throughout our relationship. There's nowhere else with so much beauty, history, and amazing food. We wanted to give our guests the experience of a wonderful vacation in a unique location. Travelling is something we love doing together, and we knew that a small, intimate wedding in such a beautiful setting was exactly what we wanted.”
Stand Out Moment
“Watching my wife walk down toward me with the volcano in the background amidst the vineyard scenery surrounding us was truly a one of a kind experience. The wedding planners, the décor, and venue could not have created a more magical setting for us to get married. It was beyond anything either of us could have imagined.”
The Venue
“It was important for us to be able to have all our guests in one location and give them a relaxing and wonderful experience. We wanted the venue to feel authentic and to have the entire space for ourselves and our guests. There was something so beautiful and authentic about Monaci Delle Terre Nere. It’s luxurious, every villa is unique, the food is wonderful and the views were incredible.”
The Style
“From the very beginning we knew that Jessica and Sabino wanted to live and let the guests live a real Sicilian wedding experience. We planned a romantic, elegant and ethereal set-up under a wonderful Olive grove with a fairytale vintage starry sky. As the wedding was set in October, close to Etna Mount, we created a mood that could embrace the autumnal atmosphere of Sicily with new items such as sculptural and stiff elements, eclectic candelabras and small glasses lamps.”
~ Tania, Planner
Advice For Future Couples
“Find a wedding planner you trust especially if planning an event internationally. I cannot stress enough how helpful they were navigating the details while we were on the other side of the world. It let me focus on what I envisioned for the day and not worry about the logistics of vendors and small details. I encourage couples to also be honest about the wedding they want. Weddings come in all different sizes, locations, and traditions and it is ok to focus and commit on what you want have envisioned for you and your partner.”
VENDOR TEAM
Wedding Planner: Sicilian Wedding Event | Venue + Catering: Monaci Delle Terre Nere | Photographer: Gitto Antonio Photographer | Stationary: Elisa Collica | Floral + Design: Noidue Wedding | Videographer: Gilda Fontana | HMUA: Beauty Personal Design | Music: Marsoul | Saxaphonist: Sergio Battaglia | Lighting: La Lucerna | Rentals: Marletta Noleggi
Dreaming of a Sicilian wedding? We’re showcasing the finest venues and top local vendors to bring your Sicilian wedding dreams to life, explore them in our Sicily Edit today.
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