Sicilian Heritage in Every Detail: Giulia & Antongiuseppe Country-Chic Wedding at Commenda di San Calogero

Love Story

Giulia Arena and Antongiuseppe Morgia’s love story is rooted in their shared Sicilian heritage, but it blossomed in Milan during their university years. They met in a small student lounge between classes, and from that moment, they were inseparable. "We felt in love very quickly and this year it’s 10 years we are together!" Giulia says.

Giulia was the one who proposed to Antongiuseppe one evening by the sea, presenting him with a watch inscribed with the words "Marry me!" But for this couple, love has always been a journey taken together, full of surprises and adventures. Their shared passion for the sea—whether it’s diving or sailing—remains at the heart of their relationship and, naturally, their wedding vision.

Giulia and Antongiuseppe’s wedding was a heartfelt homage to their Sicilian heritage, carefully planned to capture the essence of the island. "We wanted to make an emotional trip around our Sicilian origins," Giulia explains. Every detail, from the venue to the menu, was meant to evoke the spirit of Sicily, ensuring that their guests experienced a true Sicilian celebration. The chosen venue, Commenda di San Calogero, offered the perfect setting for their vision of an Italian, country-chic wedding,where the rustic beauty of the island blended with timeless elegance.

Their inspiration came directly from the locations they chose, especially the grandeur of Ortigia Cathedral. "Probably the mood of the location and the cathedral themselves. Both have their own souls and this inspired us a lot," Giulia shares. The couple wanted to reflect the natural beauty of Sicily, incorporating the region’s history and landscapes into every aspect of the day.

One of the key moments they will always remember is the feeling of running out of the cathedral after the ceremony. Later, during the dinner, they shared deeply personal promises with each other, which became one of the most emotional highlights of the entire day.

Their wedding was more than just a day of love—it was a journey through their roots, their relationship, and their future together, all told through the language of their beloved Sicily.

Morning details

The morning of the wedding was full of sentimental touches, starting with the invitations, which were designed by Giulia herself. The couple opted for thin, simple francesine rings—yellow gold for her and rose gold for him.

Giulia wore a pair of earrings that held special meaning, a gift from Antongiuseppe from years ago, adding an extra layer of significance to her bridal look.

Bride getting ready

Giulia’s wedding day began in the most traditional and charming way, at Palazzo Artemide in Ortigia, a hotel situated right in front of the cathedral. Following Italian custom, she had spent the night there before the wedding, surrounded by the history and beauty of Siracusa. The hotel served as the perfect backdrop for her getting-ready photoshoot, capturing the anticipation of the day ahead.

Giulia’s wedding dress was a labor of love. "I designed a custom-made with some Sicilian details with the Ateler Emè team!" she shares. Every detail of the gown was carefully considered to reflect both her roots and her modern style, blending timeless elegance with the essence of Sicily. The dress perfectly embodied the spirit of the island, subtly nodding to its culture while maintaining a chic, contemporary look.

For her final look, Giulia chose custom-made Casadei shoes, which featured the playful inscription "oggi il ritardo è giustificato!"—a charming touch that brought humor to the day. Her bouquet was a simple yet fragrant arrangement of small white flowers and sprigs of rosemary, created by PANTA RHEI.

As the final touches came together—her custom dress, shoes with a playful twist, and a bouquet that carried the scent of the Mediterranean—Giulia was ready to step into her role as a bride, embodying the spirit of Sicily in every detail.

Groom getting ready

Meanwhile, Antongiuseppe prepared for the big day at their home in Siracusa, a place where they both feel most connected to the sea. His tuxedo was designed by Niccoló Zaffarano, chosen for its classic elegance.

First Look

The first look took place in the Ortigia Cathedral, a grand and historic venue that set the stage for one of the most emotional moments of the day. As Giulia walked toward him, Antongiuseppe’s first words were, "She’s so beautiful." For Giulia, the moment felt surreal. "Here we are, it’s going to be the most important moment of our life and couldn’t be different," she thought. It was a moment that captured the weight and significance of the day, full of love and anticipation.

Ceremony

The ceremony was held in the magnificent Ortigia Cathedral, with Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" playing as Giulia walked down the aisle. Their personal promises were the emotional highlight of the ceremony. The cathedral’s grandeur added to the weight of their vows, making it a ceremony that none of their guests will soon forget.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After the ceremony, the couple gathered with their friends and family for a lively photoshoot outside the cathedral. "It was so emotional and funny, with all of our friends and relatives in front of the cathedral, it was such a mess of love!" Giulia exclaims. The vibrant atmosphere, full of laughter and joy, created the perfect setting for candid photos filled with pure happiness.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Commenda di San Calogero was the perfect canvas for their Sicilian-inspired celebration. The couple chose a natural color palette with plenty of white, the soft green of olive branches, and a pop of yellow from fresh lemons. "We wanted a very natural palette," Giulia explains. The decor felt deeply connected to the land, echoing their love for Sicily’s rustic beauty.

Reception

Their first dance was to "Il cielo in una stanza" by Gino Paoli, a song that holds a special place in their hearts. The reception was a vibrant celebration of Sicilian traditions, with special touches like arancini served at 2:00 AM to keep the party going. The wedding cake was a magnificent Cassata Siciliana, created by chef Seby Sorbello. "It was huge," Giulia laughs.

Looking back, the couple reflects on how their team of vendors made the day so seamless. "It's the best team we could choose, and the first reason why we had the best wedding we could imagine!" Giulia and Antongiuseppe agree. The day was filled with love, laughter, and a celebration of everything that makes Sicily feel like home.