Here, emotions run high, plates clink over lunch at mom’s house, and, like nowhere else, people take their time doing business while having heartfelt conversations…

For example, negotiations with the venue to host Antonina and Oleg’s symbolic ceremony took us 5 hours.

And it’s hard to even call them negotiations. More like a monologue by the hotel owner about life, family, and, as an afterthought, about our business for which we had gathered.

When we politely declined a drink while signing the wedding contract, the venue owner simply got offended! Refusing hospitality in Sicily (even if you’re at work, even if you’re driving) is considered impolite 🙂

I also want to mention the florist, who gave us a bundle of olive branches from his own garden and even went to another city for the most beautiful and photogenic lemons (since September is not lemon season in Sicily).

 

And it’s hard to forget the moment when all the hotel staff gathered to admire Antonina and Oleg’s wedding vows ceremony — it was so touching, gentle, heartfelt, and sincere…

What made it even more special was that, on this day filled with sincerity, smiles, and love for life, the most important people in Antonina and Oleg’s lives – their mothers – were present.

They, following the Sicilian tradition, also took part in the ceremony and gave incredibly moving words.

Love is not a cheerful thoughtless bow

Nor reproaches that hit the ribs.

Love is having a talent,

Perhaps the greatest and kindest…

Would you like more sketches?

The driver of the Rolls-Royce, a native Sicilian, stopped a police car in Taormina and asked for permission to drive the newlyweds from Belarus through the city’s main PEDESTRIAN street. Should I even mention that they gave him a green light?

Welcome to Sicily! 🙂

When asked, “Francesco, will you go home after you drop the newlyweds off at the hotel?” the Rolls-Royce driver indignantly replied, “Girls, what do you mean?! I’m going to Taormina! They have such dances on the main square!” No need to add that Francesco is 65, right? 🙂

 

Antonina and Oleg’s ceremony was a wedding of inspiration, a wedding that brings smiles and love, the most miraculous medicine in the world…

Here’s what Antonina wrote to us about her feelings on that day:

We want to express our sincere gratitude to Marina for organizing our special day in the colors, style, and atmosphere we had wished for. We also thank our photographer Yana for the beautiful works. This day was rich, magical, and memorable. We relaxed and celebrated. The only worries we had were when giving vows to each other, and they were pleasant ones. We confidently recommend this agency! We wish you prosperity and success!

 

Antonina and Oleg, thank you for your trust, for your feelings, and for your happy eyes, both on the wedding day and during the preparation days.

Take care of your love! And we will be planning and dreaming about celebrating the anniversary of your wedding with the sun in your hair, your feet sinking in the sand, and the scent of lemons filling the air…

Chin-chin!