Vanessa & Ryan

A RUSTIC Sicilian wedding with elegance, heart & soul

Tonnara di Scopello, Sicily

Vanessa and Ryan are travellers at heart. Vanessa is an international Qantas pilot, Ryan is former Special Forces, and Sicily felt like a natural extension of how they live. Warm, energetic, down to earth and full of life. They came to Sicily to celebrate. The focus was on time with family and friends, beginning with welcome drinks the day before and rolling effortlessly into the wedding day.

Their ceremony took place by the sea and was emotional and heartfelt. Afterwards, guests enjoyed oysters by the water while a saxophonist played as the afternoon light softened. Dinner unfolded along two long tables at the water’s edge, festoon lights glowing overhead. Dessert followed with custom cannoli made to order, beautifully Sicilian.

Then came the dancing.

Vanessa and Ryan had been waiting for this. Their first dance was a showstopper, full of twirls and lifts, and set the tone that the fun had only just begun. Vanessa later changed into a cowgirl outfit, boots, skirt and hat, a nod to her Queensland roots. The grand finale was the rave cave. Accessed from the sea, it felt cinematic and completely unexpected. The dancing went off, and I couldn’t help joining in.