During the summer, inspired by the artistic elements of Luchino Visconti’s masterpiece, “Il Gattopardo”, in English “The Leopard,” I embarked on a creative journey to curate a styled shoot that would capture the essence of Sicilian heritage and the allure of Palermo as an enchanting wedding destination. I was captivated by the film’s portrayal of opulent estates, lavish banquets, and the sweeping landscapes of Sicily. To pay homage to this timeless classic, I aimed to infuse every aspect of our styled shoot with a sense of Sicilian grandeur and elegance, and I chose the historic Villa del Gattopardo, nestled in the heart of Palermo. This stunning venue has undergone a recent renovation, re-emerging as a symbol of timeless beauty and aristocratic taste.
Collaborative creativity brought this vision into reality. I was very fortunate to collaborate with a talented group of wedding professionals, each of whom brought their unique expertise to the project. Villa del Gattopardo provided the perfect backdrop for our creative endeavour. The moments were expertly captured by the talented photographer, Joana Senkute Photography, while the enchanting floral arrangements were crafted by the brilliant florist, The Way to Bloom. Our bride’s beauty was enhanced by the Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, Bridal by Barbara Ayisi, and every moment was artfully captured by the videographer, Luca La Spisa.
At the heart of the styled shoot were the bride and groom, who exuded sophistication and charm in their attire. The bride wore two magnificent gowns by Andrea Sedici, reminiscent of Sicilian nobility, which were gracefully supplied by the bridal boutique, Majorca Showroom in Palermo. Over the course of her preparation, the bride wore Intimissimi bridal lingerie, ensuring her bridal ensemble was as exquisite as it was elegant. For the bride’s superb finishing touches, Laurel Lime Bridal provided stunning hair accessories and jewellery, adding a touch of glamour to her look. Her bridal shoes, a perfect blend of style and comfort, were provided by Bella Belle Shoes, ensuring she could dance the night away in perfect style. La Profumoteca also played a fragrant role in our couple’s preparations, providing the perfect perfumes for the bride and groom as they readied themselves for the day.
The lovely little church, located on the grounds of the Villa, where the ceremony unfolded was adorned with beautiful flower arrangements that added to the romantic atmosphere. Our photographer and videographer skilfully captured every moment, ensuring that the shoot would be etched in our memories forever. The Sicilian sun cast a golden glow over the proceedings, enhancing the villa’s beauty and the couple’s radiance. Adding to the ambiance, the enchanting melodies of the harp, played by Stefania Lo Castro, added a magical touch. To complete the luxurious experience, a vintage Alfa Romeo provided by A.G. Service added a touch of classic elegance, whisking the bride and groom away in style.
Sicily’s renowned cuisine played a delightful role in our styled shoot. The tablescape was a work of art, adorned with a rich lace tablecloth, antique crockery and lush floral arrangements. The delectable wedding cake, a masterpiece from Dolce Hobby and Cake, stood as a true testament to the artistry of confectionery. Additionally, the stationery, including invites, vow books, menus, and place cards, was beautifully crafted by Softly Spoken Calligraphy, adding an extra layer of finesse to the overall design. Adding to the sweet notes of the celebration, the delicious artisanal pastries by I Peccatucci di Mamma Andrea graced the table as guest favours.
As the styled shoot came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of Sicilian heritage and the collaborative effort that made this project possible. Villa del Gattopardo, with its recent renovation, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Sicily, and “The Leopard” served as an everlasting source of inspiration. This project not only celebrated timeless beauty but also showcased the wonders of a wedding in Sicily, particularly in the enchanting city of Palermo. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and unmatched beauty, Palermo is a place where dreams come true, and love stories are written in the most charming of settings.
The Team:
Coordinator / Wedding Planner & Stylist: Maila Enea Weddings & Events
Venue: Villa del Gattopardo
Photographer: Joana Senkute Photography
Florist: The Way to Bloom
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Bridal by Barbara Ayisi
Videographer: Luca La Spisa
Bridal Attire / Veil: Majorca Showroom, Andrea Sedici and Flora Bridal
Harp: Stefania Lo Castro
Female Model: Aisha from L.L.B. Team
Male Model: Alessio Enea
Vintage Car: A.G. Service
Jewels / Hair Accessories: Laurel Lime Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Stationery: Softly Spoken Calligraphy
Cake: Dolce Hobby and Cake
Perfumes: La Profumoteca
Lingerie: Intimissimi
Wedding Favours: I Peccatucci di Mamma Andrea
