A Sicilian Wedding in Italy’s Ancient Town of Modica

Returning to the ancient city of their engagement, Virginia and Florian were wed inside a Baroque church dating back to 1308 in Italy’s Modica. Soaring ceilings, colossal columns, and opulent interiors set the scene for the quintessential romantic Sicilian ceremony.

For a timeless countryside reception, the couple invited 100 guests to a historic stone farmhouse, La Chiusa Country House. The 1872 masseria is a sun-drenched series of beautifully worn, interconnected spaces surrounded by olive groves, pomegranate and carob trees.

The Sicilian wedding was captured by local photographer Antonio La Malfa.

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Our Story

Names / Virginia & Florian

Location / Sicily, Italy

Wedding Date / September 17th, 2022

Guest Numbers / 100

Our Engagement Story

He proposed to me during our first trip to Sicily after Covid. I was organizing a shoot for our homeware brand Studio Sicily and on the set table was a box. When I opened it, turned around and he was kneeling. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It really meant so much to me because he’s not naturally romantic.

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The Setting

Wedding Location

We fell in love with this location through photos. We had not seen it in person. It had everything I was looking for – simple elegance. A charming masseria surrounded by olive and carob trees.

Aesthetic

Our inspiration came from the venue – the centrality of the baglio, Modica stone, and the open space of the Sicilian countryside.

“A charming masseria surrounded by olive and carob trees had everything I was looking for – simple elegance.”

Photography

I loved Antonio La Malfa’s elegance and sense of nostalgia – everything looked like a treasured memory with him.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

Our wedding ceremony was styled with simple and ethereal elements in order to keep the focus on the beautiful architecture of the church. We decided to use eucalipt and olive leaves for the ceremony because of the soft texture. Also, it’s a really strong flower and can resist in the high September temperature of Sicily.

Reception Décor

For our reception we had teste di moro with white peonies and olive branches, a few stylish elements, as in my bouquet, and a handmade doily under each guest’s plate.

“Our wedding ceremony was styled with simple and ethereal elements in order to keep the focus on the beautiful architecture of the church.”

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Simona was our wedding planner. She worked with us to help plan our dream day. We planned our wedding in one year and we were in constant communication with her. She took care of everything, met with suppliers, did trials, and finalized all details so that the day would run smoothly when it came. We basically just had to show up and say yes!

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Stationery

Fonts, colors and details followed the main style with particular attention on choosing a fine paper with a luxurious texture that was pleasant to touch. Our invitation was calligraphed by Veronica at Verygraphy.

Favors/Bonbonniere

Favors were artisanal handmade ceramics to tie in with the table decor and the overall style. The intention was to gift something to use but also to be preserved in time and shown in a corner at home.

Cake

Our wedding cake was a 3-layer tiered cake, covered with a cream blanket decoration. Inside, it was vanilla sponge cake, Italian chantilly, strawberry drawstring.

Food & Beverages

For the aperitivo, we set up a cocktail-style setting with finger food, traditional food corners, and lounge areas in the garden to enjoy the relaxed summer day. Sicilian “Bancarelle” were the stars.

Then we had a setting for dinner. Risotto was chosen as the first course, and two options for the main course; one with meat and one with fish. Overall the menu was refined Italian food made with genuine, raw materials, and ingredients of excellent quality.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

A bustier dress with a sweetheart neckline, embroidered top sloping downward onto the wide blush silk skirt, made in Italy. I bought it in Milano, at Le Spose di Giò atelier. I fell in love with my shoes which were made in Italy by Alaïa, bombe sandals with heel and ankle cuff, adorned with carefully hand-applied ball and pyramid studs.