Why Sicily is the perfect inspo for carefully curated wedding colors

Sicilian destination wedding

Groom Luciano came to the Bahamas in November 2021 as part of the launch team for an Italian restaurant. What was meant to be a three-month stay turned into a deeper connection with the islands—and fate introduced him to Tara at the gym in December of 2021. After a few gym encounters, he finally approached her, and by the end of February, they had their first date at Blue Sail. Their shared love for travel, ambition, and family brought them closer, and during a visit to his hometown, Sciacca, in August of 2022, Tara fell in love with his family, culture, and hospitality. Luciano proposed in October of 2023 on a secluded beach at Old Fort Bay after paddling there by kayak. His words, "Are you sure you want to spend forever with me?" captured the heartfelt simplicity of their love as he proposed with a stunning 3.2-carat oval cut with a pavé band. When they started searching for venues, Luciano's parents visited Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco on their behalf and immediately fell in love with it. The abbey’s historic charm, castle-like architecture, and breathtaking surroundings made it impossible to say no, and it was the perfect choice to bring their dream of a Sicilian wedding to life in a fairytale-like ambiance.

vintage inspired wedding dress

Bridal style: Historic elegance

Bride Tara wore the Preston dress by Wona Concept that was created for their Alma De Oro Collection. Hair and makeup by Adjoa's Paradise complemented the elegant look.

floral bridal headpiece

Emerald green bridesmaid dresses

The bridesmaid dresses were designed by Phylicia Ellis. Tara chose an emerald green because it felt like a classic Sicilian color that exuded elegance and perfectly complemented the vibe of the space.

garden wedding

Venue: Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco

The venue, Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco, is a former Benedictine abbey located in the heart of the Sicilian countryside. It dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in history, offering an enchanting blend of Sicilian charm and timeless elegance. Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views, it provides a magical and serene atmosphere that perfectly matched the couple's vision for the day, all captured by Anna Vlasiuk Photography.

blue hydrangea bouquet

Bouquet: Blue hydrangeas

The bride carried a bouquet of blue hydrangeas tied together with a satin ribbon from Centro Fiori di Scalici Mariella.

cathedral wedding

cathedral veil with rhinestone hairpiece

emerald green bridesmaid dresses

Incorporating heritage traditions

When planning the wedding, Tara knew she wanted to incorporate elements of her culture to make the day truly special and personal. One of the standout features was her Junkanoo headpiece, which is not only a vibrant symbol of her Bahamian heritage but also a significant part of their local celebrations. The intricate design and colorful feathers were a nod to the traditional Junkanoo festival, and wearing it made Tara feel deeply connected to my roots.

white wedding reception decor

lemon name cards courtyard wedding reception

Mediterranean wedding decor

Delicate lemon details

For the reception place settings, Brilliant Wedding Sicily designed each seat to feature a real lemon with name tag atop an all-white place setting complemented by gold flatware.

uplighting for courtyard wedding

Cake cutting with sparklers

Luciano and Tara wanted the cake to be elegant and timeless, reflecting the overall theme of the wedding. Because of this, they opted for a vanilla three-tier white cake accented with white roses and delicate greenery from La Torre Catering d'Autore.

Italian courtyard wedding

Junkanoo music and dancing

The wedding was also infused with the lively sounds of Junkanoo music. This upbeat and rhythmic genre created an electric atmosphere, inviting guests to celebrate in a way that felt both joyful and familiar. The music served as a backdrop to the ceremony and reception, bringing everyone together and encouraging spontaneous dancing. Blending these cultural elements into the wedding honored the bride's heritage while creating an unforgettable experience.

Italian wedding traditions

After-the-fact advice from the bride

"The best advice I can offer to couples planning their wedding is to make as many decisions as possible early on while the excitement is still high. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of planning, but as the big day approaches, decision fatigue can set in. By tackling choices early, you’ll save yourselves from feeling overwhelmed later on. Additionally, it was crucial for us as a couple to have people who truly knew both of us at our wedding. Being selective with the guest list allowed us to create an intimate atmosphere filled with love and support. This thoughtful approach not only enhanced our celebration but also helped us stay focused on what really mattered: celebrating our love with those who mean the most to us."

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