I have a confession to make. I’ve traveled to 30 countries around the world, I’ve been to places like Rwanda, Palestine, Japan or Tanzania, but I’ve never been to Sicily. This is because, at times, we tend to look for beauty in exotic and remote places, forgetting about the incredible beauty that you have just around the corner. Since everyone had always spoken to me in enthusiastic terms about it, however, Sicily had permanently entered the list of my next destinations, and so, when Claudia and Dean contacted me for their wedding at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, I must admit that I couldn’t wait to leave!
Claudia and Dean are two young American guys living in California, where they both work in the entertainment industry. A couple of great taste that for their wedding could only choose a prestigious location like the Grand Hotel Timeo, a structure in the heart of the beautiful Taormina, which overlooks the coast towards Mount Etna.
It was in one of the beautiful rooms of the hotel that Dean decided to get ready together with his groomsmen, and then walk to the church, amidst the astonished looks of the many tourists and curious inhabitants of Taormina. Claudia’s Italian origins, on the other hand, had the better of it, and that’s why for the preparation she chose her father Giuseppe’s house, a jewel just a stone’s throw from the church.
The bride’s dress, besides being wonderful, had a very special meaning. It was designed by Veni Infantino, not only brilliant designer of wedding dresses of the prestigious Ronald Joyce house but also Claudia’s mother! Talk about lucky.
The ceremony took place in the church of San Giuseppe, a few meters from the famous Clock Tower, the iconic symbol of Taormina. After much laughter and a few tears, the bride and groom and their guests made their way to the hotel in a wonderful procession, preceded by a typical Sicilian band. A funny and folkloristic moment that I will keep with me as one of the most beautiful memories of this wedding.
The party continued at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, among emotional speeches, Sicilian wines and delicious fish dishes. The wonderful voice of Luke Burr, friend and client of the groom, accompanied the very elegant dinner on an imperial table with breathtaking views of the Sicilian coast.
Once the dinner was over, all the participants moved to villa Mon Repos, so they could go wild with dancing until late at night.
I have to admit, it wasn’t an easy wedding: cancelled flights, unlikely parking lots and tourists popping up everywhere. Despite the difficulties and unexpected events, however, it was a wonderful experience that enriched me as a professional and in which I put all of myself. So my thanks go to Claudia and Dean, for choosing me for this wonderful wedding at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina.
VENUE: Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – WP: Liz Bouquets and bows – VIDEO: Lamberto Pizzutelli Films – DRESS: Ronald Joyce Bridal
