Ashley and Tommy met during their first week of medical school. They struck up a conversation at the first mixer and then proceeded to stay by each other’s side and chat the rest of the night. Tommy’s family has land in the north Georgia mountains that they spent time picnicking and camping at while they were dating – it had quickly become one of their favorite spots. During their third year of medical school, the couple decided to go up there to watch the sunset and camp. Little did Ashley know Tommy had a ring with him that night. Before long they were inviting their guests to witness them exchanging vows in Sicily at a stunning destination wedding in Tonnara di Scopello, planned with the help of Sicilian Wedding Lab and captured by Anna Vlasiuk Photography and Serena Catanzaro Films.
Destination wedding: Why Sicily?
It was always Ashley’s dream to be married in Italy, as her dad’s family is from southern Italy. It became Tommy’s dream, as well, when they first started talking about getting married. They started looking in southern Italy and Sicily, wanting to be somewhere relatively warm in the winter month of December. After a few months of research, they found Tonarra di Scopello and fell immediately in love with it!
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Guest planner: The bride’s grandmother
The couple’s colors were white and dark green, with gold and pale rose accents. The vision was simple elegance. They felt strongly that they didn’t need to add much of anything to the venue and wanted the colors and design to complement the timeless beauty of Tonarra. Ashley planned most of it with her grandmother and Ksenia of Sicilian Wedding Lab. Her grandmother had planned events for the White House years ago and is masterful with design and ideas, so it was so special for Ashley to have the time with her to plan.
Inspiration: From present to past
Ksenia’s expertise with planning events in Sicily, and specifically at Tonarra, as well as her knowledge of the local culture, was invaluable. Because of this, the experience of being at Tonarra di Scopello felt like being transported to a beautiful time in the past.
It (literally) takes a village
Each space within the village brought new experiences, feelings, and memories, and the bride and groom loved that all of their guests could stay there for the long weekend.
Traditional Sicilian catering
All of the food was catered by Catering Rosanero who incorporated local and traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Creating an unforgettable celebration
One of the most special moments for the bride and groom was walking into the courtyard after taking photos post-ceremony. The saxophonist and drummer were playing, and they danced as everyone joined them and enjoyed the delicious appetizers and live cooking stations! It was such a special way to start the celebration.
Making time for private moments
After the cocktail hour, Tommy and Ashley had a moment for just the two of them inside at the seated dinner before the guests were seated. They felt it was the most romantic moment they had together as they walked into the room full of candles and white and blush roses on the long tables.
Disco balls and cave dancing
Dancing in the cave until midnight with their best friends and family was the most fun and memorable way to end the celebration!