Intimate Jesse and Lauren’s Destination Wedding in Sicily, Italy

Lauren and Jess had always been destined for each other. They had met at a basketball game eight years ago and had started dating three years ago. It wasn't long before they moved in together, and they quickly became inseparable.

And so, when Jess proposed on a hike in Interlaken, Switzerland, Lauren wasn't at all surprised. Jess had planned a surprise trip to Europe, and Lauren had a feeling that something special was about to happen.

“We relocated for jobs together, bought a house together, and always knew we would eventually get married.”

Lauren and Jesse had always known that they wanted a wedding that reflected their love for each other and their desire for something timeless and intimate. After 8 months of planning, they finally arrived in the picturesque town of Silily, Italy with 30 of their closest friends and family members to celebrate their big day. Sicilian vibes inspired them most during the preparation.

“We always wanted an intimate wedding abroad to travel & celebrate with our closest friends & family.”

“Our welcome night was the best night we’ve ever had. Sicilian street food, mariachi band, beautiful colors and fruit. It was incredible.”

Morning details

Lauren and Jess knew that their wedding invitations would set the tone for their special day, and they wanted them to be perfect. They turned to a local Charlotte vendor, Tied & Two, to design their invitations, knowing that they would be in good hands. The invitations were beautifully crafted, incorporating classic elements with a touch of Italian charm, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration.

As a lover of all things classic and timeless, Lauren knew exactly what she wanted for her bridal bouquet - an arrangement made entirely of peonies. The lush blooms in shades of soft white perfectly complemented her wedding dress and added a touch of romance to the overall aesthetic. The bouquet was expertly crafted by a local florist in Sicily, and Lauren couldn't have been happier with the result.

Bride getting ready

Lauren's wedding dress was a dream come true. She had always envisioned a timeless and elegant gown, and when she tried on the Ines di Santo dress in Mark Ingrham, New York, she knew it was the one. It was the first dress she tried on, but she didn't need to look any further. The delicate gown perfectly complemented the Italian-inspired theme of the wedding, and Lauren felt so stylish on her special day.

To complete her bridal look, Lauren added a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, which were her dream shoe for as long as she could remember. The white heels perfectly matched her dress, and she felt like she was walking on air as she walked down the aisle. The addition of the Jimmy Choos added a touch of luxury to her bridal look, and Lauren knew that it was the perfect finishing touch.

Groom getting ready

Jesse prepared for the big day in the grounds around Zash. The atmosphere was relaxed, but the excitement was building as he got dressed in his Indochino tuxedo, specially designed for the occasion. Jesse felt confident and stylish in his perfectly tailored suit, and he couldn't wait to see Lauren.

Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was held on the picturesque grounds of Zash hotel, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning architecture. As Lauren made her way down the aisle, the sweet melody of Miley Cyrus' "Adore You" filled the air, setting the tone for a romantic and emotional ceremony. Jesse’s' eyes were fixed on Lauren as she approached him, and their first look happened in that magical moment. With their closest family and friends gathered around them, Lauren and Jess exchanged vows and made their commitment to one another official. It was a moment they would both cherish for the rest of their lives.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After their beautiful ceremony, Lauren and Jesse decided to take advantage of the stunning surroundings for their wedding photoshoot. They chose a classic car as their prop, which perfectly complemented the timeless elegance of their wedding day. They also used the hotel grounds as the backdrop for their photos, showcasing the stunning modern villa that they had fallen in love with. The photos turned out beautifully, capturing the essence of their special day and the beauty of their surroundings.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The wedding venue was everything they had hoped for and more. The old-world charm of the villa set against the backdrop of the stunning Italian countryside was the perfect setting for their classic and elegant wedding.

Lauren and Jess chose a classic and timeless color palette of white, green, and grey for their wedding day. The lush greenery of the hotel grounds provided the perfect backdrop for the neutral color scheme, allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine through. The crisp white accents added a touch of elegance, while the subtle hints of grey added depth and sophistication to the overall aesthetic. The color palette perfectly reflected the couple's classic and timeless style and created a beautiful and cohesive look throughout the entire day.

Planning a destination wedding in Italy can be a daunting task, but Lauren and Jess were determined to make their dream wedding a reality. To help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, they hired the expert team at White Emotions as their wedding planners. With their extensive experience in planning weddings in Italy, the team at White Emotions provided invaluable support throughout the planning process, ensuring that every detail was taken care of and that the day went off without a hitch. Thanks to their expert guidance, Lauren and Jesse were able to relax and enjoy their special day, knowing that everything was in capable hands.

Reception

“We wanted Italy to be incorporated along with timeless elements”

The wedding reception was held under the stars, with long tables adorned with elegant floral arrangements and flickering candlelight. The Sicilian-inspired menu was a hit with everyone, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy as guests toasted to the happy couple.

The reception was a culinary experience to remember, with the Michelin-star chef crafting menus that tantalized the taste buds of all guests. The mix of Italian and personal favorite cocktails added a personalized touch, with the groom opting for a classic Paper Plane and the bride choosing an Espresso Martini. To top it off, the wedding cake made by the same chef at Zash was the perfect sweet finish to the exquisite meal. The entire reception was a luxurious and sophisticated celebration of love, food, and drink.