Oh dear readers do we have an absolute treat for your eyes today with this gorgeous Celtic wedding, captured so wonderfully by Gianluca Sammartano within the grounds of an ancient Abbey in Sicily.
I have adored putting this real wedding together. Not only are Julia and Roy, the gorgeous couple, beaming in each and every image but, it also comes with great inspiration for so many aspects of your wedding day. From staying true to what you both truly want from the day to brilliant couple portrait ideas, and special moments such as the bridesmaid’s bringing Julia her wedding dress (the images of this are a delight). There is plenty to inspire you throughout and, above all, you can clearly see that Julia and Roy had so much fun which is exactly how it should be on your wedding day.
Like so many 2020 couples, Julia and Roy were forced to revisit their plans after the world went into Lockdown back in March 2020. They kept things simple, reduced their guest list and pushed forward with a small micro-wedding in August. They held a handfasting Celtic ceremony in the woods followed by a relaxed meal with all of their guests. Julia says…
Our marriage was by no means “conventional”. But it was deeply ours, no one chose for us, to make a good impression. Unfortunately, here in Sicily couples often suffer this pressure and marriage becomes a stress. We have removed all unnecessary frills, a little for our taste and a little for the Covid situation. Maybe without the pandemic we would have had more guests, a bigger cake, catering, a band. But despite the difficulties we are delighted with how it went because there were only the things that really matter, us, our love, the things we believe in and the people we love. nothing else is needed.
Julia and Roy
Love love LOVE!
From going barefoot (a girl after my own heart) too the majestic images around the ancient Abbey, there is so much to love about Julia and Roy’s wedding so pour youself a cup of something nice (mines a red wine) and allow yourself to be swept up on the natural beauty of this romantic free-spirited day.
Happy Thursday Lovers!
An Ancient Abbey…
The location we chose for our Celtic wedding is an ancient abbey in the middle of the Sicilian wood of Contessa Entellina in the province of Palermo is called Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco. We chose this place thanks to our dear friend and photographer Gianluca, because it reminded us of the medieval atmosphere and those ancient times when among the working class getting married was simply a family party, in the woods near home, with the people you love, simple food and good wine.
The abbey is so particular and full of beautiful details that it made no sense for us to add anything else, it would have been a waste. we simply put pillows of wildflowers, lavender, herbs, craspedia etc. in the center of the tables and on the sides two large candelabra. Plates, glasses and cutlery we chose the ones we liked best among the possibilities offered by the florist who also took care of this.
Simple, Cheerful and Antique…
We wanted a wedding just like us, simple, cheerful, antique flavour, absolutely no luxury, glitter, Barbie style wedding starlight or suffocating pink everywhere as weddings usually are here. Tacky and just show how much money you have, we hate these things.
Our wedding doesn’t have a theme, but rather a style, simple and natural. We chose the various “pieces” simply following our tastes from time to time, what we liked best and that made us feel at ease.
Bespoke Artisan Wedding Dress…
For my dress I went to a stylist because I wanted my dress to be designed and handcrafted by an artisan. I chose Morena because she really has an impeccable style and all of her dresses are very beautiful and well made. I wanted mine simple, comfortable, soft and flowing. And with that lace detail in the back I immediately fell in love with it.
I was wearing my own pair of laced sandals that I already had and I was barefoot most of the time hahaha I don’t like heels.
I wore simple jewellery that I already had and only use for important occasions.
Relaxed Groom Style…
My husband bought some light trousers and a soft white shirt to stay comfortable and cool and he was as beautiful as a pagan farmer on the day of the feast, my Lancelot.
Natural Makeup…
I honestly had no idea who to contact for makeup and hair because I really wanted something simple but luckily Valentina, the wedding planner, let us meet Irina, a very sweet and talented make-up artist and hairdresser who made me bright with a very natural make-up,
Dresses To Suit Everybody…
My dear best friends went all together in a dress shop and guided by the advice of the wedding planner they chose a dress that would suit everyone, simple and romantic. They chose themselves what to wear in complete autonomy, I wanted everyone to be happy, comfortable and at ease.
Handfasting Within A Circle of Flowers…
For the ceremony we created a circle of flowers and candles in the woods, behind it our celebrant and on the sides our dearest friends. We entered the circle and celebrated the ritual of handfasting. We exchanged promises and rings and with a kiss we sealed our love. The music was simply the sound of the trees, the singing of birds and the joyful applause of our friends.
Memories of the Mind…
Gianluca is a very dear friend of ours, but we didn’t choose him just for this. We chose him because he has the style we were looking for, his “scenes” are so natural that they seem like memories of the mind. The tones and colours of his photos are beautiful and unique. In addition, he recommended a wedding planner who has the same way of seeing things as we do, she accompanied us during the preparations supporting us and advising us at every step without ever being intrusive.
Good and Fresh…
Our cake was a simple tart with cream and fruit, made by a local pastry shop, very different from sugar paste cakes that do not belong to our tradition and for us have a too cloying taste, certainly the appearance was not flashy but it was exactly what we wanted, good and fresh.
Any Advice?
Just be yourself and choose everything you really want to do.
As you may have noticed, our marriage was by no means “conventional”. But it was deeply ours, no one chose for us, to make a good impression. Unfortunately, here in Sicily couples often suffer this pressure and marriage becomes a stress. We have removed all unnecessary frills, a little for our taste and a little for the Covid situation. Maybe without the pandemic we would have had more guests, a bigger cake, catering, a band. But despite the difficulties we are delighted with how it went because there were only the things that really matter, us, our love, the things we believe in and the people we love. nothing else is needed.
The Line Up…
Photography: Gianluca Sammartano; Venue: Abbazia Santa Maria del Bosco; Bride’s Dress: Morena Fanny Raimondo; Bridesmaid Dresses: Your Style; Wedding Planner: Valentina, My Wedding In Sicily; Videographer: Mauro Messina; Bride’s Makeup: Irina Sicily; Flowers: Aɳɳα Dι Fɾαɳƈσ; Stationery: Chiara Neve;
