Under Sicilian Skies: Catherine and Allan's Breathtaking Wedding Day at Radicepura

Love Story

In the pulsing heart of New York, two souls found each other amidst the ethereal melodies of Flying Lotus. Catherine and Allan's love story began like a dream in the Brooklyn Mirage, a fitting name for what would become their shared reality. As seasons changed and the world stood still, their love blossomed in the quiet moments of an unexpected retreat. From the chaos of a global pause emerged a certainty: their hearts had found their home in each other. Now, in the artistic embrace of Williamsburg, they write the next chapter of their serendipitous tale, proving that even in the most unexpected times, love finds a way to flourish.

Just a few days shy of their four-year anniversary, Allan planned a surprise that would change their lives forever. During a stay at Villa San Andrea near the picturesque waters of Taormina, Allan proposed in the historic Greek Amphitheater. "Allan suggested we stop by for a tour before going to dinner in town," Catherine explains. "When going around the amphitheater, he took me to a corner of the amphitheater that was in the shade, looking over a viewpoint, and asked for a photo. When I turned around he was down on one knee!" The proposal was a complete surprise, and they celebrated the moment with local spritzes and pasta at the iconic San Domenico Palace.

Catherine and Allan envisioned their dream wedding as a celestial celebration by the sea, under the starlit skies of Sicily. "Catherine's family is from Krakow, Poland, and we knew we wanted to get married in Europe to ensure family from Poland could all make it. Allan's family from his father's side hails from Sicily from back in the day - Amico is a Sicilian last name. The symbolism of getting married someplace with such romance, adventure, and also meaning, really captured our hearts. We also worked with almost all local vendors, to bring authentic touches to our Sicilian wedding," the couple shares.

Their wedding theme was elegantly timeless yet strikingly modern, deeply rooted in their shared passions for love, literature, music, and wine. "As a nod to Catherine's work in music, and love for music, live music was incorporated into every night," Allan reveals, detailing nights filled with live performances—from an electric saxophonist at Tao Beach Club to a dynamic 10-piece band from London named Urban Dynamite. Allan's meticulous curation of wines added a personalized touch to each dinner, highlighted by a Balthazar bottle of 'Mille e Una Note,' symbolizing the unity and lasting memories of their wedding weekend.

Inspiration for the wedding came from their desires to blend music, wine, and heartfelt words into every detail. "We both wrote our own vows and spent a lot of time reading through poems and lyrics in both English and Polish to get to the right mix of words. Our wedding program had a lot of bespoke passages read by family and friends to bring the ceremony to life," Allan explains.

Their wedding, planned over a year and celebrated with 140 cherished guests, was not just a day but a profound expression of their journey together. "We were also incredibly lucky to have over 15 speeches throughout the wedding weekend, including from our parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and family. We will continue watching those speeches for years to come, as they made us laugh, cry and feel truly cherished and lucky to be all together for such a special weekend," Catherine recalls with emotion.

Morning details

As dawn broke on their wedding day, each detail whispered of love's careful curation. From the delicate strokes of Veronica Di Salvo's Sicilian-inspired calligraphy to the golden bands that would soon adorn their fingers, every element was a testament to their journey.

Their rings, crafted by hands that had already woven family history, were more than mere metal and stone. "Catherine loved vintage style rings with a gold band. We used a family jeweler of Allan's who had also designed Allan's brother's wife's ring, to create a custom engagement ring and diamond wedding band with a vintage yet classic feel," the couple explains. Allan chose a classic gold band.

Catherine's choice of jewelry for the wedding events also reflected her exquisite taste. "Catherine wore Oscar de la Renta Earrings for the welcome party, and beautiful floral drop earrings for the ceremony," they share, revealing the bride’s knack for coordinating details that enhance the overall elegance of her bridal look.

Bride getting ready

Catherine's preparation for the big day was a whirlwind of excitement and fashion. " went to 20 different bridal stores and boutiques throughout New York City over the course of 3 months, with my mom coming to visit and looking with me around Christmas time in NYC," she recalls. "As these things go, the Jesus Peiro dress was actually the second one I tried on, and I kept thinking about it anytime I tried on another dress!" The gown that captured her heart was discovered at Lovely Bride in Tribeca.

The morning of the wedding, Catherine, along with her bridesmaids and close female family members, got ready in the opulent manor at Radicepura. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and the sweet scent of flowers as they helped each other with final touches. Catherine's bridal look was perfected with accessories that matched the elegance of her dress: a delicate veil from Rime Arodaky and sleek Jimmy Choo shoes.
The floral arrangements were equally stunning. "For the bridal bouquet we used light orange dailies, eucalyptus, peach & yellow garden roses and we brightened it up with red berries," she explains. These were expertly put together by Sebastian Flowers, known for their exquisite arrangements across Florence, Rome, and Sicily.

Each bridesmaid wore a dress in a shade of gold, personally selected to complement the wedding's overall aesthetic.

Groom getting ready

Allan's morning was equally memorable, filled with camaraderie and laughter. Getting ready with his groomsmen at Infinity Suites was a blast, especially when they tossed Allan into the infinity pool! His sharp tuxedo from Suit Supply was the epitome of modern elegance.

First Look

The first look between Catherine and Allan was a moment suspended in time. As Allan awaited his first glimpse of Catherine in her bridal attire, the air was thick with anticipation. The moment their eyes met, Allan was utterly spellbound. "Starstruck and in awe, truly speechless. She looked amazing," he recalls, the emotion evident in his voice.

Catherine, adorned in her exquisite dress, felt a surge of emotions as she approached Allan. "I was nervous and excited, and remember thinking he looked so handsome," she reflects. The lush surroundings of the manor's gardens, bathed in soft sunlight, created the perfect backdrop for this intimate exchange, capturing the essence of their profound connection and the day that would mark the beginning of their lifelong journey together.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

Their photographer, Christophe Serrano, captured the essence of their love in the picturesque settings of Taormina and the lush gardens of Radicepura. "The couple photos had to be natural, candid, and convey all the refinement of our couple's styling as well as the ambiance of the surroundings. During the welcome dinner, we enjoyed the magic of Hotel Timeo, with its charming Italian balconies and the typical stone streets of Taormina,” says Christophe.

Christophe Serrano loves working with light in a romantic atmosphere while employing fashion-like framing. Highlighting the bride's look with her Balmain ensemble in an editorial approach was a real pleasure for the photographer. The next day, the gardens of Radicepura showcased a mix of exoticism with its palm trees, an old country house that exudes Italian charm, and gardens with very modern and architectural ponds. “A backlight, the late afternoon light, and Mount Etna erupting in the background—a perfect setting to stage our couple and symbolize their love," the photographer adds.

Ceremony

The ceremony at Radicepura Botanical Garden was nothing short of magical, filled with moments that Catherine and Allan will treasure forever. As Catherine walked down the aisle to the timeless notes of Pachelbel's "Canon in D Major," a profound sense of history and emotion enveloped the air. Having both her mother and stepfather walk Catherine down the aisle was incredibly meaningful for the bride. It showed the deep bond she shares with her mom.

The ceremony itself was a beautifully orchestrated blend of tradition and personal touches. "Our officiants did an amazing job putting together an original ceremony, that incorporated original live music written by Conrad, who is a composer. They even had our guests do a group vow along with us, as they traced the history of the region and Mount Etna all the way to our present day romance," the couple explains.

In a poignant moment, the guests joined the couple in a group vow, weaving their collective voices into the narrative of Allan and Catherine's love story, against the backdrop of Mount Etna. "The clouds parted and Mount Etna became visible as a main backdrop of our ceremony. Since she had erupted a week earlier, the volcano was still smoking and looked quite magical," they recall, still awed by the memory.

The ceremony's details were thoughtfully chosen to reflect the couple's personalities and passions. Allan's nieces, Isabella and Liliana, along with Catherine's niece, Kora, served as flower girls, each adding a sprinkle of joy and youthfulness to the procession. Allan's nephew, Callum, took on the role of ring bearer with great pride. The seating chart, elegantly handwritten on a mirror, and tables named after different bottles of wine, highlighted Allan's deep appreciation for viniculture, seamlessly integrating it into their special day.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The wedding venue at Radicepura was carefully chosen after Catherine and Allan visited over 20 potential sites across Sicily. "We fell in love with Radicepura's beautiful florals, views of Mount Etna, and the many different hideouts and places guests could adventure and roam throughout the wedding," newlyweds explain, their voice filled with the excitement of that discovery.

The decor of the venue echoed the soft, pastel hues, featuring light pinks, gentle yellows, and vibrant oranges, all beautifully complemented by the bright coral peonies and lush pomegranates that adorned the tables.

Personalization was woven throughout the celebration, from the culinary choices to the smallest decor details. The highlights were: The Mr. Augustus cocktail, dedicated to the couple's dog that was the iconic Italian Negroni with a twist "Sbagliato". They even included custom napkins printed with Augustus's face, adding a personal touch that delighted guests. As midnight approached, the menu shifted to comfort foods that honored their backgrounds: Buffalo Chicken wings, nodding to Allan's New York roots, and Polish Pierogi, a recipe straight from Catherine's grandmother's kitchen, serving as a flavorful tribute to her heritage.

Reception

As the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere turned festive with the sounds of Polish music, honoring Catherine's heritage. The evening also featured a significant symbol—the Balthazar bottle of wine, which represented the international roots of their guests, underscoring the unity of friends and family gathered from around the globe for their wedding.

The first dance was to the timeless melody of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," a song that perfectly captured the depth of their feelings.

The culinary offerings were a highlight of the evening, starting with a vibrant Mediterranean cocktail hour that included an array of antipasti, a mozzarella and Sicilian cheese station, and a seafood live cooking station. Dinner featured an Italian risotto and a Mediterranean catch of the day served in a sophisticated champagne sauce, complemented by an assortment of fresh bread and Sicilian wines, curated to enhance the flavors of each dish.

The wedding cake, crafted by Chef Seby Sorbello, was an exquisite live berry millefeuille, which served as the centerpiece of a lush dessert buffet that included Sicilian classics such as cannoli, pistachio ice cream, and refreshing sorbetto.

The reception was a true reflection of Catherine and Allan's life together—filled with personal touches and heartfelt tributes to their cultural backgrounds.