Photography: Viktoria Vasilenko
MUAH: Lidiya Malinovskaya
Video: Bogdan Semelyuk
Event Planner: @wowitaly_events

They say that our sense of smell can easily bring us back to the past. We suggested that our bride, Anastasia, choose a special fragrance—one she would wear only during the preparation period and on the wedding day itself. Now, some time later, all she needs to do is open the bottle, and the sea breeze of Taormina and the scent of blooming orange trees instantly transport her back to that very terrace. This simple detail became the first piece in the puzzle of their perfect day, where every element was chosen deliberately, not “just because it’s tradition.”

The Perfect Compromise

Anastasia and Alexey’s story began in 2016 in Vladivostok—a seaside city that taught them to love endless horizons and salty winds. Over nine years together, they traveled across almost all of Asia and conquered mountain slopes, as winter sports play a special role in their lives. Yet the idea of a wedding remained on hold for a long time. For Alexey, who had experienced loud banquets with traditional rituals and exhausting games, weddings were associated with stress and performing for an audience. Anastasia, like many girls, dreamed of a white dress and truly wanted a celebration.

Sicily became their perfect compromise. Anastasia had always dreamed of Italy, especially of visiting Florence and seeing original Renaissance masterpieces. Alexey, on the other hand, valued silence and complete privacy. They decided to escape from everyone and create a celebration not “just for the sake of it.” Wanting a relaxed atmosphere with touches of romance, Alexey supported his beloved’s dream of a wedding in Italy. Together, they chose Sicily and Taormina—a seaside town, much like the one where their story first began.

A Morning in the Rhythm of Sicily: Relaxation, Jacuzzi, Prosecco, and No Rush

Their wedding day in Taormina didn’t begin with an alarm clock, but when the sun was already high in the sky. We intentionally planned the timeline to eliminate any rush. The setting was a historic villa with a spacious terrace overlooking the sea. While the city below went on with its daily rhythm, the couple started their day in a jacuzzi with a glass of champagne, soaking in the coastal views. Anastasia chose a light, airy décor palette—against the vibrant, expressive backdrop of Sicily, an abundance of white and clean lines looked especially elegant.

A Ceremony on the Terrace, Where the Only Things in Frame Are Love and the Sea

The ceremony took place right there at the villa. The ideal seasons for Sicily are spring and autumn, and in October Taormina still feels like summer—warm, but not overwhelmingly hot. Beautiful weather and breathtaking views create truly perfect conditions for photography.

The couple exchanged rings and deeply personal, heartfelt vows. Despite the “just the two of us” format, they preserved meaningful traditions: a champagne tower and a real wedding cake were part of the celebration.

After the ceremony, the couple headed down to the sea. Taormina is a city like a living film set, preserving the authentic atmosphere of old Italy. Strolling through narrow streets, they stopped at a legendary bar made famous by scenes from The Godfather. There, surrounded by traditional Sicilian mosaics, they enjoyed Prosecco and tasted the iconic granita, sealing the flavor and memory of the day.

Listening to Yourself Is the Most Important Tradition

The day ended with a quiet dinner at a restaurant overlooking the city lights. When we asked the couple what they would one day tell their future children about this day, they replied: “It was a romantic celebration for two—the birth of our family in a beautiful place.”

This wedding became proof that you don’t have to follow traditions if they don’t feel true to you. If your comfort lies in silence and your romance in the absence of an audience, allow yourself the luxury of being authentic. On this day, only two people truly matter—and Italy becomes the perfect setting for your own personal film.