A Love Story with Sicilian Roots: A Dream Wedding in Sicily at Commenda di San Calogero.

Mar 144 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Giulia Arena and Antongiuseppe Morgia’s love story is rooted in their shared Sicilian heritage, but it blossomed in Milan during their university years. They met in a small student lounge between classes, and from that moment, they were inseparable. "We felt in love very quickly and this year it’s 10 years we are together!" Giulia says.

Giulia was the one who proposed to Antongiuseppe one evening by the sea, presenting him with a watch inscribed with the words "Marry me!" But for this couple, love has always been a journey taken together, full of surprises and adventures. Their shared passion for the sea—whether it’s diving or sailing—remains at the heart of their relationship and, naturally, their wedding in Sicily vision.

Giulia and Antongiuseppe’s wedding in Sicily was a heartfelt homage to their Sicilian heritage, carefully planned to capture the essence of the island. "We wanted to make an emotional trip around our Sicilian origins," Giulia explains. Every detail, from the venue to the menu, was meant to evoke the spirit of Sicily, ensuring that their guests experienced a true Sicilian celebration. The chosen venue, Commenda di San Calogero, offered the perfect setting for their vision of an Italian, country-chic wedding in Sicily, where the rustic beauty of the island blended with timeless elegance.

Their inspiration came directly from the locations they chose, especially the grandeur of Ortigia Cathedral. "Probably the mood of the location and the cathedral themselves. Both have their own souls and this inspired us a lot," Giulia shares. The couple wanted to reflect the natural beauty of Sicily, incorporating the region’s history and landscapes into every aspect of the day.

One of the key moments they will always remember is the feeling of running out of the cathedral after the ceremony. Later, during the dinner, they shared deeply personal promises with each other, which became one of the most emotional highlights of the entire day.

Their wedding in Sicily was more than just a day of love—it was a journey through their roots, their relationship, and their future together, all told through the language of their beloved Sicily.

Giulia’s Traditional Sicilian Wedding Day at Palazzo Artemide

Giulia’s wedding day began in the most traditional and charming manner, at Palazzo Artemide in Ortigia, a beautiful hotel located right in front of the Ortigia Cathedral. Following Italian wedding customs, she spent the night there before the big day, surrounded by the history and beauty of Syracuse. The hotel provided the perfect backdrop for her getting-ready photoshoot, capturing the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead.

A Custom-Made Wedding Dress with Sicilian Flair

Giulia’s wedding dress was a true labor of love. "I designed a custom-made gown with some Sicilian details together with the team at Atelier Emè!" she shares. Every aspect of the gown was meticulously designed to reflect both her Sicilian heritage and her modern, elegant style. The dress blended timeless sophistication with the essence of Sicily, subtly incorporating the island’s culture while maintaining a chic, contemporary look.

Playful Details and Mediterranean Influences

For her final look, Giulia chose custom-made Casadei shoes that featured the playful inscription “oggi il ritardo è giustificato!” (“today, the delay is justified!”), adding a touch of humor to the day. Her bouquet, crafted by PANTA RHEI, was simple yet fragrant, with small white flowers and sprigs of rosemary, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to her wedding.

With every detail in place—from her custom dress to the playful shoes and fragrant bouquet—Giulia was ready to step into her role as a bride, embodying the spirit of Sicily in every element of her celebration.

A Stunning Wedding Ceremony at Ortigia Cathedral

The wedding ceremony took place in the magnificent Ortigia Cathedral, where the emotional sound of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" echoed as Giulia walked down the aisle. The couple’s personal vows became the emotional highlight of the ceremony, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. The grandeur of the cathedral only added to the significance of their vows, making the moment even more unforgettable. It was a ceremony filled with love, beauty, and memories that their guests will cherish for years to come.

Joyful Photoshoot After the Wedding Ceremony at Ortigia Cathedral

After the ceremony, the couple celebrated with their friends and family in a lively photoshoot outside Ortigia Cathedral. "It was so emotional and fun, with all of our friends and relatives in front of the cathedral—it was such a beautiful mess of love!" exclaims Giulia. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter and joy, created the perfect backdrop for candid wedding photos, capturing pure moments of happiness and emotion.

Sicilian-Inspired Wedding Venue & Decor at Commenda di San Calogero

Commenda di San Calogero served as the perfect setting for their Sicilian-inspired wedding celebration. The couple chose a natural color palette, featuring plenty of white, the soft green of olive branches, and a vibrant pop of yellow from fresh lemons. “We wanted a very natural palette,” Giulia explains. The wedding decor felt deeply connected to the land, reflecting their love for Sicily’s rustic beauty and timeless charm.

Sicilian-Themed Wedding Reception with a Cassata Siciliana

Giulia and Antongiuseppe’s first dance was to “Il cielo in una stanza” by Gino Paoli, a song that holds a special place in their hearts. The wedding reception was a vibrant celebration of Sicilian traditions, with unique touches such as arancini served at 2:00 AM to keep the party going. The highlight of the evening was the magnificent Cassata Siciliana, expertly created by chef Seby Sorbello. “It was huge,” Giulia laughs.

Reflecting on the day, the couple is grateful for their team of wedding vendors, who made everything run smoothly. “It’s the best team we could have chosen, and the main reason we had the most amazing wedding we could have imagined!” Giulia and Antongiuseppe agree. The day was filled with love, laughter, and a true celebration of everything that makes Sicily feel like home.