A Sicilian Wedding at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo Complete With Coral Peonies and Pomegranates

Catherine and Allan’s wedding at Radicepura was a masterclass in blending natural beauty with sophisticated elegance. The venue’s lush gardens and dramatic Mount Etna backdrop set the stage for a stunning affair, with the design focusing on enhancing the natural surroundings. The ceremony space featured a minimalistic yet elegant setup with a white floral arch, allowing the breathtaking views to take center stage. The reception area continued this theme with long tables adorned with light pinks, gentle yellows, and vibrant oranges. These hues were beautifully complemented by high candle holders, cut fruits, and flowers in matching colors, creating a cohesive and captivating look​ The overall vibe of Catherine and Allan’s wedding was a harmonious mix of relaxed luxury and intimate celebration. The couple aimed for an atmosphere that was both grand and personal, ensuring their guests felt pampered while also being part of an exclusive, close-knit gathering. The live music, combined with the gentle evening breeze and the soft glow of string lights, created a magical ambiance that was both enchanting and welcoming. This balance of elegance and comfort made for an unforgettable experience for everyone involved​ Catherine and Allan’s vision for their wedding was clear from the start: to create a celebration that was as memorable for its emotional significance as for its visual impact. They wanted every detail to reflect their personal style while also celebrating the natural beauty of Sicily. This vision was evident in their choice of venue, decor, and overall planning. The use of natural elements, combined with a sophisticated color palette and carefully curated details, resulted in a wedding that was not only visually stunning but also deeply personal and meaningful​

Catherine and Allan's love story is one for the books, and their proposal was nothing short of magical. Allan, known for his thoughtful and romantic gestures, planned an unforgettable proposal that captured the essence of their relationship. While vacationing in Sicily at Villa San Andrea, Allan decided that this picturesque location would be the perfect backdrop for his proposal. He chose a secluded spot with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, ensuring the moment would be both private and breathtaking. As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, Allan led Catherine to the chosen spot. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Sicily, Allan got down on one knee and asked Catherine to be his wife. His heartfelt words and the stunning scenery created a moment that felt straight out of a fairy tale. Overwhelmed with emotion, Catherine said yes, and the couple celebrated their engagement with an intimate dinner overlooking the sea, savoring local Sicilian cuisine and toasting to their future together. Their proposal story reflects the deep love and thoughtfulness that would later be woven into every detail of their wedding day. Allan's careful planning and the romantic setting made the proposal a memory that Catherine cherishes dearly, and it set the tone for the beautiful journey they would embark on as a married couple.

Catherine's journey to finding her perfect wedding gown was filled with excitement and an array of fashion choices. She vividly remembers the extensive search, visiting 20 different bridal stores and boutiques across New York City over three months. During the festive season, her mother joined her in the search, adding a touch of holiday magic to the experience. Despite trying on numerous dresses, it was the second gown she tried—a stunning creation by Jesus Peiro—that captured her heart. This beautiful dress was discovered at Lovely Bride in Tribeca, and Catherine couldn't stop thinking about it throughout her search.

On the morning of the wedding, Catherine, her bridesmaids, and close female family members gathered in the luxurious manor at Radicepura to get ready. The atmosphere was brimming with laughter and the sweet scent of fresh flowers. Catherine's bridal look was completed with a delicate veil by Rime Arodaky and elegant Jimmy Choo shoes, perfectly matching the sophistication of her gown.

The culinary offerings were a standout highlight of the evening, beginning with a vibrant Mediterranean cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed a delectable array of antipasti, a dedicated mozzarella and Sicilian cheese station, and an engaging seafood live cooking station. For dinner, the menu featured a sumptuous Italian risotto and a Mediterranean catch of the day, served in an elegant champagne sauce. This was beautifully complemented by a selection of fresh bread and a curated assortment of Sicilian wines, chosen to enhance the flavors of each dish.

The ceremony space was adorned with a floral arch of elegant white fabric and white flowers, Peche, Light Rose..., simple yet elegant, perfectly framing the breathtaking view and allowing the natural beauty of the venue to shine through. For the reception, the long tables were decorated with tall candelabras, cut fruit and flowers in the wedding colours, adding a touch of romance and sophistication to the evening. This combination of natural elements and chic design created a harmonious and enchanting environment for the celebration. The floral arrangements played a crucial role in bringing Catherine and Allan's vision to life. The bride's bouquet was a stunning mix of light orange dahlias, eucalyptus, yellow and peach garden roses, and bright red berries, expertly arranged by Sebastian Flowers, a florist renowned for his exquisite creations in Florence, Rome and Sicily. These arrangements not only added vibrant splashes of colour, but also a touch of fragrance and freshness to the décor. Each bridesmaid wore a dress in a shade of gold, chosen to complement the overall aesthetic and reinforce the visual harmony of the event. The opulent Radicepura manor house, where Catherine and her guests prepared for the big day, was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of flowers, setting a joyful and festive tone for the day.

The wedding cake, crafted by Chef Seby Sorbello, was a stunning live berry millefeuille, serving as the centerpiece of a lavish dessert buffet. This sweet spread included Sicilian classics such as cannoli, pistachio ice cream, and refreshing sorbetto. Additionally, the celebration featured a high-end alcohol bar with a selection of premium whiskies and rums, as well as a cigar station offering quality cigars, providing guests with a luxurious and indulgent experience.

As the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere turned festive with Polish music, honoring Catherine's heritage. The evening also featured a significant symbol—the Balthazar bottle of wine—representing the international roots of their guests and underscoring the unity of friends and family gathered from around the globe for their wedding. The first dance was to the timeless melody of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," a song that beautifully captured the depth of their feelings. The culinary offerings were a highlight of the evening, beginning with a vibrant Mediterranean cocktail hour featuring a variety of antipasti, a mozzarella and Sicilian cheese station, and a live seafood cooking station. Dinner included Italian risotto and a Mediterranean catch of the day served in a sophisticated champagne sauce, complemented by a selection of fresh bread and Sicilian wines, curated to enhance the flavors of each dish. The wedding cake, crafted by Chef Seby Sorbello, was an exquisite fresh berry millefeuille, the centerpiece of a lush dessert buffet that included Sicilian classics such as cannoli, pistachio ice cream, and refreshing sorbetto. The reception was a true reflection of Catherine and Allan's life together—filled with personal touches and heartfelt tributes to their cultural backgrounds.

The first look between Catherine and Allan was a moment suspended in time. As Allan awaited his first glimpse of Catherine in her bridal attire, the air was thick with anticipation. The moment their eyes met, Allan was utterly spellbound. "Starstruck and in awe, truly speechless. She looked amazing," he recalls, the emotion evident in his voice. Catherine, adorned in her exquisite dress, felt a surge of emotions as she approached Allan. "I was nervous and excited, and remember thinking he looked so handsome," she reflects. The lush surroundings of the manor's gardens, bathed in soft sunlight, created the perfect backdrop for this intimate exchange, capturing the essence of their profound connection and the day that would mark the beginning of their lifelong journey together.

The ceremony at Radicepura Botanical Garden was a magical affair, filled with moments Catherine and Allan will cherish forever. As Catherine walked down the aisle to the timeless melody of Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major," a profound sense of history and emotion filled the air. Having both her mother and stepfather accompany her down the aisle was deeply meaningful, highlighting the close bond she shares with her mom. The ceremony itself was a beautifully orchestrated blend of tradition and personal touches. "Our officiants did an amazing job crafting an original ceremony, incorporating live music composed by Conrad, who is a composer. They even involved our guests in a group vow, tracing the history of the region and Mount Etna all the way to our present-day romance," the couple explains. In a poignant moment, the guests joined the couple in a group vow, weaving their collective voices into Allan and Catherine's love story, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Etna. "The clouds parted, revealing Mount Etna as the main backdrop of our ceremony. Since it had erupted a week earlier, the volcano was still smoking and looked quite magical," they recall, still awed by the memory. Every detail of the ceremony was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the couple's personalities and passions. Allan's nieces, Isabella and Liliana, and Catherine's niece, Kora, served as flower girls, adding a touch of joy and youthfulness to the procession. Allan's nephew, Callum, proudly took on the role of ring bearer. The seating chart, elegantly handwritten on a mirror, and tables named after different bottles of wine, showcased Allan's deep appreciation for viniculture, seamlessly integrating it into their special day.

The adventure began with a sumptuous welcome dinner in the heart of Taormina at the Belmont Grand Hotel Timeo, a renowned establishment where Italian charm meets refinement. The cobblestone streets of the old town, panoramic sea views, and the captivating scents of lush gardens created a breathtaking atmosphere to celebrate love. The dinner, graced with exquisite Sicilian dishes and local wines, was the perfect prelude to this extraordinary wedding. The bride, a vision of elegance, chose a Balmain ensemble with a 1960s flair, complemented by a Chanel handbag and Jimmy Choo shoes. Her stunning outfit harmonized perfectly with her groom’s beige suit. The couple, whose love story began in New York, chose Sicily as the ideal place to say “I do.” Their desire to marry in this corner of paradise was fueled by the wild charm of Taormina, a Mediterranean gem. Nestled on the hills, the town offers picturesque streets, ancient churches, and breathtaking vistas. For them, it was a place where Italian romance merged with natural beauty. As a wedding photographer, my approach was decidedly focused on fashion and editorial. I wanted to capture the timeless elegance of this special day and the palpable energy of this radiant couple. Every moment, every smile, and every detail had to be artistically immortalized. The splendid backdrop of Taormina, with its narrow streets, sea views, and historic buildings, provided an incredible canvas for my work. The captured images were a fusion of classic beauty and Sicilian authenticity. I would like to warmly thank the outstanding wedding planner, Alessandra of “Wedding Sicily,” who played a key role in making this perfect day a reality. Her passion, expertise, and attention to detail made this wedding an unforgettable experience. One poignant aspect of this adventure was the memory of Orazio, the late friend and wedding planner who had initially booked my presence for this event. Orazio was a true ambassador for Sicily, determined to make this island a top destination for international weddings. Thinking of him, we can only remember his enthusiasm and dedication. This American wedding in Sicily was an unforgettable experience, a celebration of love that transcended borders and cultures. Italy once again proved that it is the perfect setting for epic love stories. The streets of Taormina, the smiles of the newlyweds, and the magic of the moment will be etched in our memories for years to come.