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An Earthy & Opulent Wedding in Rural Sicily

An Earthy & Opulent Wedding in Rural Sicily

Where timeless elegance meets Wabi-Sabi minimalism, a perfect blend of luxury and local tradition in Italy

Olivia and Leo's love story began across continents, sparked by a match on Hinge during the pandemic that blossomed into a whirlwind romance. Once the couple decided to tie the knot, it was only natural that their wedding would reflect their love for a refined and timeless style. Set at the beautifully restored Dimora delle Balze in Sicily and beautifully captured by photographer Vladimir Zakharov, the celebration was infused with personal touches that mirrored their shared aesthetic. From the tree-lined path Olivia walked down, to the heartfelt vows exchanged under the 19th-century arched gates, every moment felt deeply intimate. Their reception, complete with a champagne tower and endless dancing under shimmering disco balls, radiated joy and warmth, while an Aperitivo featuring Sicilian delicacies and a traditional Millefoglie cake added a touch of local charm. Every detail, from the carefully selected gowns to the thoughtful incorporation of Italian elements, created a day that was authentically them—a celebration of their unique journey and the love they share.

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

To preface, our love story began in the most contemporary of ways: a match on Hinge during the pandemic, separated by 5,457 miles. Leo was working in Copenhagen and had a trip planned to San Francisco, where I was living at the time. After 13,252 minutes of FaceTime calls—yes, we calculated—pixels on a screen no longer sufficed. As the pandemic intensified, U.S. borders closed while Europe miraculously remained open, so I booked the next flight to Denmark.

The first time we met in person was at the Copenhagen airport. I walked through the baggage claim doors, and there he was—tall, dark, and handsome, just like in the movies. And, of course, he swooped me up as if it had all been perfectly choreographed. In that moment, everything we had built virtually became real—and even better than we had imagined. It was like time stood still, and in that whirlwind of a moment, a British boy fell for an American girl, and our wild adventure began.

^{The Proposal}

I was completely caught off guard—I had no idea our summer getaway to Greece would turn into an engagement celebration. Leo had been secretly orchestrating this moment for six months, with the ring box hidden right under our bed. How it was never found remains a mystery.

His plan was to propose on August 3, exactly one year from our first meeting at the Copenhagen airport. He rented a gorgeous Grecian hilltop villa, complete with ancient olive groves, stone walls, and the symphony of cicadas in the background. In front of the villa was a magical little garden with a stunning view of the island, where he casually suggested we “take some photos” before our anniversary dinner.

Just as the photographer murmured her cue, there he was, down on one knee. The tears came instantly, and amid laughter and sobs, I managed a joyful “Yes.” True to form, Leo had prepared every detail, down to the cliffside dinner afterward, where the ocean stretched below, the sun was setting, and champagne was flowing. It remains one of the most unforgettable nights of my life.

^{The Engagement Ring}

Leo teamed up with the fabulous Or & Elle in Belgium to design a bespoke ring. Featuring a flawless 3.0-carat oval diamond centerpiece set in a four-prong 18k yellow gold band, the ring includes a hidden halo around the diamond that adds the perfect touch of sparkle. The best part is how much this ring reflects how well Leo knows me. Sure, I might have dropped a few subtle hints, but the final design was all him. He nailed it in every way.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are and our appreciation for understated opulence and the beauty found in simplicity. Just like in our home—and with starting our Mediterranean-inspired home decor brand, Laolla Home—we’re always searching for the perfect intersection of raw, natural materials and timeless elegance, with a nod to antique, historical charm.

Every detail and decision was carefully curated against the soft, timeworn textures of our venue. We wanted each piece to tell a story of refined taste, craftsmanship, and the way we live our lives—authentically and always inspired by nature and artistry. Our vision was for our closest friends and family to feel welcomed into a space that felt more like a home than a hotel, where the atmosphere was serene, intimate, and genuine—because for us, that’s what true connection and celebration are all about.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

With guidance from our wedding planner, we handpicked vendors for their artistry and devotion to their craft. Intrecci Floral Design created the most stunning arrangements that felt like living art. Our London-based photographer, Vladimir Zakharov and his team, captured every moment with such style and elegance. Villa Arredi di Casa’s Domenico handcrafted the most beautiful ceramic Bomboniere pinecones, providing a perfect personal and traditional touch for our guests. Leandroscorpo's lighting and sound design set the entire atmosphere, making the evening feel so magical. Every vendor involved played an essential role, and we couldn’t be more grateful to them for sharing in our vision and helping bring it to life. Their creativity and dedication made our day truly unforgettable.

^{The Location}

In true fashion, we chose our venue sight unseen. Dimora delle Balze, a beautifully restored 19th-century masseria, instantly captivated us. Our menu tasting was our first visit, and it confirmed everything we had envisioned. The chef used fresh, local produce from their orchards and gardens, and every detail of the property spoke to our shared love of timeless elegance and Wabi-Sabi minimalism. The setting felt like an idyllic escape—a perfect blend of luxury and local tradition. Needless to say, Dimora delle Balze will always hold a special place in our hearts.

^{The Ceremony}

Under the dappled light of golden hour, I walked down a tree-lined path as strings played a reimagined version of The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want.” Surrounded by our loved ones and the scent of rosemary, we exchanged vows beneath the 19th-century arched gates of the masseria, framed by breathtaking, otherworldly florals. It was an incredibly intimate and emotional celebration of our love—exactly how we envisioned it. Every detail felt like a dream, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect moment.

^{The Reception}

After a quick outfit change, we entered the reception to The Clash’s “Train in Vain,” riding high on love and gratitude. We kicked off the night with a champagne tower and danced until morning under shimmering disco balls. Every moment was filled with laughter and joy—a celebration beyond anything we could have imagined.

^{The Special Touches}

We wanted to infuse our wedding vision and design with traditional Sicilian elements. One of our special touches was hosting an Aperitivo between the ceremony and reception, featuring stalls filled with curated local delicacies and traditional cuisine. It was the perfect way for our guests to experience the rich flavors of the region. One unforgettable highlight was watching our chef assemble a traditional Italian Millefoglie cake, layer by layer, right before our eyes.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

After trying on countless dresses, I ended up ordering my gown sight unseen. It arrived three sizes too large, but our tailor in Rome worked her magic, and it turned out flawless. I wore the "Arta" dress by Chosen by Khya, complete with their flowing tulle train and gloves. My veil was a handcrafted, floral-embroidered piece by Lamnhi Bridal in Vietnam. For my outfit change, I wanted to highlight an up-and-coming designer—the fabulous New Arrivals by Ilkyaz Ozel. I chose their breathtaking *Hemingway* dress in Palais de Tokyo, and let me tell you, it was a showstopper in every sense of the word! I must also mention our ridiculously talented hair and makeup team, Veronica Manco and Federica Loiodice—two of the kindest, most genuine women who truly completed the entire look.

^{The Groom Looks}

For Leo’s groom look, he wanted something that felt both modern and timeless, blending his style with the atmosphere of our venue. He wore a custom ivory double-breasted tuxedo jacket by Rome-based Sartoria Carbone, featuring satin lapels, his initials embroidered on a custom dress shirt, and a matching bow tie for our one-year-old son, Miles. Leo completed the look with velvet slippers by Bowhill & Elliott, a brand that has been handcrafting shoes since 1874 in Norwich, England—his hometown.

Our Advice

^{For The Planning Process}

Leo and I genuinely had a blast planning our wedding! From the very beginning, we had a clear vision of the special moments we wanted to create together. It was all about embracing our love story and infusing it into every detail. Up until the seating chart—which, let’s be honest, took us WAY too long—we enjoyed the entire process. Start by reflecting on who you are as a couple and the unique bond you share. Then, decide together on the moments you want to cherish the most. Design your vision around those key elements. If you get stuck, take a look at the life you’ve built together to inspire your vision. Remember, it’s about crafting a day that feels authentically you. And when it comes to those super stressful, inevitable challenges, just take a deep breath and laugh together; after all, this is a celebration of your love.

^{For On The Day}

As most brides will tell you, just enjoy the day! Every moment goes by so fast—too fast! After spending months and months planning, make sure you take the time to relish the beautiful moments you've designed. One thing I highly recommend is reading your vows aloud. Even if it's a condensed version, it gives your loved ones a glimpse into your love story and how your lives intertwine. We initially weren’t going to do this, but I’m so glad we did; it added such a personal touch to the ceremony. Also, don’t forget to take a moment for yourselves amidst all the excitement. Step back to soak in the atmosphere, share a quiet word, reconnect, and remember why you’re celebrating in the first place.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Once the wedding day has come and gone, take time to reflect and savor the memories. As you step into this next chapter, remember that marriage is an ongoing journey of building and growing together, much like the work we pour into building our brand and business, Laolla. Give yourselves the space to create, side by side, as you continue shaping a life that reflects who you are as a couple.