A Stunning Sicilian Wedding at Chiesa di San Giovanni alle Catacombe

Sicilian grandeur and the romance of summer wove through every element of Dario and Laura’s wedding in the storied city of Syracuse. The open-air Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe, with its centuries-old ruins, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history, where the couple exchanged vows beneath ancient stone and sunlight filtering through timeworn arches.

At the Castello del Solacium, the reception unfolded beneath an overhead installation of draping lights, while long imperial tables were dotted with soft greenery and ivory blooms. The venue’s untouched beauty remained the focal point, its regal architecture illuminated by flickering candlelight and simplistic, yet well appointed details.

The bride wore a delicate lace gown from Giuditta Sposi with Jimmy Choo heels.

Our Story

Names / Laura & Dario

Location / Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Wedding Date / 22 July 2024

Guest Numbers / 96

How We Met

We met in Paris while studying at the Sorbonne University. I’m from northern Italy (Veneto), and Dario is from the south (Sicily). Everyone used to joke about how we came from opposite ends of the country, with supposedly different cultural backgrounds. In reality, we had more in common than people expected. At first, we were just friends, but over time, our connection grew, and things naturally evolved into something more.

Our Engagement Story

At the time, we were living in Bangladesh and had planned a vacation to Sri Lanka. In the first few days of our trip, I noticed that Dario kept wearing a K-Way despite the heat and sunny weather, and I couldn’t understand why.

We went on hikes in Sigiriya, and later that evening, we climbed to the top of Pidurangala, a breathtaking rock formation surrounded by lush greenery. And there he was… still with that windbreaker! I kept asking, “Why did you bring it? It’s so hot!” Little did I know that he had hidden the engagement ring inside and was waiting for the perfect moment to propose.

Finally, at the top of Pidurangala, with an incredible view all around us, he asked me to marry him. What touched me the most was how he phrased it — he didn’t say Will you marry me?, but rather, Shall we get married? It felt like the decision was made naturally, in that moment, together. Needless to say, Sri Lanka now holds a special place in our hearts.

What we love most about each other…

What I love most about Dario is his ability to remain calm and objective in any situation. He is incredibly adaptable, rational, and a great communicator — qualities that make him someone I can always rely on. His practical approach to life perfectly complements my emotional and intuitive nature. He gives me a sense of security and stability that allows me to fully trust him.

I also love Dario’s sense of adventure. He is always ready to plan new trips and explore new places, and this adventurous spirit has led us to create unforgettable memories together. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend getaway or an elaborate vacation, his enthusiasm for exploring the world brings out the best in our relationship.

What I admire most about Laura is her deep intuition and emotional intelligence. She has this beautiful nurturing energy that makes me feel taken care of and supported.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We have always been in love with the city of Syracuse, with its unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and Sicilian cuisine. The atmosphere has always enchanted us, offering a good mix of exploration and relaxation. It seemed like the perfect balance for our friends, who travelled from all over the world to join us. Additionally, the accessibility of the location made it an ideal choice, allowing everyone to easily experience the magic of Sicily.

Aesthetic

When Dario proposed, he said, “What I envision for our wedding is Sicilian elegance that remains timeless.” This became the guiding theme for the entire planning process.

And the choice of our wedding planner, Simona Parisi, made all the difference, as everything she created was perfectly aligned with our vision. We also wanted the colours to reflect natural, elegant tones that wouldn’t overwhelm the true colours of Sicily — subtle yet timeless, just like the island itself.

Preparation

On the morning of our wedding, after a quick breakfast with some friends, we decided to take a moment to ourselves and go for a swim in the beautiful sea of Syracuse. It was the perfect way to relax, clear our minds, and enjoy some quiet time together before the excitement of the day. It helped us forget the tension and focus on the happiness of the moment.

Photography

I had been following Alberto Cosenza and Beatrice Sirni on Instagram long before we started planning our wedding — and even before Dario proposed. I had always been drawn to their elegant yet discreet style, which was exactly what we wanted for our day. We were looking for photographers who could capture the emotions and special moments without being intrusive, and their work perfectly embodied that balance.

After following them for so long, when we started organising the wedding, I had no doubts — they were the perfect choice. They documented our wedding beautifully, preserving the essence of the day in such a timeless and meaningful way.

“We opted for a classic yet timeless aesthetic, choosing a color palette of greens and whites for the flowers, which added subtle elegance and enhanced the atmosphere without overpowering the architectural details of the spaces.”

Style Notes

Ceremony & Reception Décor

We had two stunning venues for our wedding: the open-air Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe, dating back to the 6th century AD, and the beautiful Castello del Solacium. The church, with its ancient charm and serene atmosphere, needed little adornment — its historical beauty spoke for itself. The Castello del Solacium, with its majestic architecture, also required minimal decoration to shine in its own right.

Our goal was to ensure the décor complemented the beauty of the venues rather than overshadowed them. We opted for a classic yet timeless aesthetic, choosing a color palette of greens and whites for the flowers, which added subtle elegance and enhanced the atmosphere without overpowering the architectural details of the spaces.

Since our wedding was in the evening, one of the standout features was the lighting above the imperial tables. The cascades of lights created a magical glow over the scene, leaving everyone in awe and adding an extra layer of enchantment.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Our wedding planner, Simona Parisi, was incredible. We trusted her completely, allowing her to bring our vision to life — and she delivered exactly what we had in mind. From the very beginning, Simona understood our desires and seamlessly translated them into every detail of the wedding. Her expertise, creativity, and attention to every little detail were essential in making our day perfect. Even the flowers, bouquet, and stationery were conceived by her and her amazing team, who brought everything together flawlessly.

Favors

For our wedding favors, we really wanted to incorporate a Tunisian touch, given that we currently live in Tunisia. The favors consisted of small ceramic fish — symbols of unity and mutual respect between spouses — handcrafted on the island of Djerba by women artisans from Guellala. In addition, we included natural, handmade soap, produced with love by a friend who started a small business of organic and plastic-free solid cosmetics during the pandemic.

To complete the set, we had small gift bags made in Tunisia, featuring our initials and the Arabic word “حب hobb”: love.

Food & Beverages

During cocktail hour, we served a selection of refined Sicilian classics as starters, accompanied by a true Italian aperitivo — Aperol Spritz above all! For the reception, we chose a traditional sit-down dinner featuring risotto, busiate pasta, and fresh Sicilian fish. To top it all off, we cut our round millefoglie cake — filled with fresh summer fruits — alongside a buffet of Sicilian pastries.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Having always adored Grace Kelly’s dress, I knew mine would be high-necked and have sleeves (despite the 38-degree heat in Syracuse on July 22nd!). I chose a delicate tulle dress, embellished with floral lace that made it even more romantic, and paired it with a set of Jimmy Choo shoes — which were later swapped for a pair of Superga to dance the night away!

Hair & Makeup

Considering the heat and my dress, there was only one option: a low chignon was the way to go! For my makeup, I wanted a fresh and natural look — soft eye makeup and a bronzy glow for that perfect sun-kissed effect.

Groom’s Attire

Timeless elegance in a classic navy tailor-made suit, paired with a tie by E. Marinella, shoes by Velasca, and finished with a Panama hat.

The Details

Entertainment

Our ceremony was beautifully accompanied by a harpist, setting the perfect romantic tone. For the reception, we had live music by the Sventuras Band, whose soulful blend of jazz, swing, and rock’n’roll added a vibrant vintage touch to the evening. They played our song — Fly Me to the Moon — live, making the moment even more special. Later, a DJ took over for the party, keeping the energy high.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

A truly memorable moment was when Laura’s 90-year-old grandmother took a plane for the first time in her life to attend the wedding — and then danced with such enthusiasm on the dance floor!

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

The immense energy and joy that the love and support of friends and family can bring. Their enthusiasm and presence reminded us of the importance of cherishing these relationships, and the fact that so many of them travelled to be by our side on this special day is something we will never forget.

Sources of inspiration…

Pick the right team and fully trust them! Having the right vendors by your side makes all the difference, allowing you to enjoy the journey and focus on what really matters on your special day.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Chiesa di San Giovanni alle Catacombe & Castello del Solacium

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Simona Parisi Brilliant Wedding

Photography / Alberto Cosenza

Bride’s Dress / Giuditta Sposi

Bride’s Shoes / Jimmy Choo

Hair & Makeup / Tailor You – Beauty Personal Design

Florist / Intrecci di Fiori e d’Arte

Cake & Catering / La Torre Catering

Entertainment /  Sventuras Band

Favors / C’bel Organic Skincare & Haircare

Lighting / Simone DiBenedetto Lighting Designer