Hi everyone, how are you? In the world of weddings, each event brings new experiences, learning and connections. And that was exactly what I experienced when I participated in the Wedding Design Course (WDC) in Sicily, a course designed by Panta Rhei Wedding , curated by the renowned Luca Melilli and Franco Cannata . During this special edition, I was invited as a speaker to share my journey in Destination Wedding alongside five wedding planners from different parts of the world.
The event’s schedule was impeccable, bringing together professionals from the field for moments of immersion in the world of wedding design. In addition to the lectures, the students of the course were responsible for decorating every night of the event, including dinners and parties – an enriching experience for both them and us, who had the privilege of seeing the talent and creativity of these future event designers.
The journey began with our arrival in Catania, where we were welcomed with a special dinner at Maison 55. It was the first moment of interaction between participants and organizers, providing an immersion in authentic Sicilian cuisine. The warm atmosphere and hospitality were the perfect setting to kick off this unique experience.
Day 1
Our day began with a visit to Syracuse, where we visited the incredible Castello del Solacium and explored the historic center of Ortigia. Walking through its streets was like traveling back in time, immersing ourselves in Sicilian history and charm. After an intense morning of discoveries, we had lunch at the Area M restaurant , enjoying delicious, refined and authentic cuisine. We then embarked on a boat tour of the region, admiring the stunning landscape and the unique connection between sea and architecture. What’s more, the boat ride was quicker to the property we visited next, the Minareto Resort , with its privileged views of the bay. The afternoon continued with another visit to a charming wedding venue, the charming La Chiusa Country House , a perfect retreat for rustic-chic events. We ended the day at Braccialieri , a beautiful 19th-century Sicilian property.
Day 2
One of the most special moments was the WDC CONNECT , which took place the following day. I went on stage to share my experience in the world of Destination Weddings and share my vision for the future of the market. It was an incredible opportunity to inspire and exchange ideas with the students of the course, who showed great interest in learning about the sector and its global particularities. After the lectures, we had a B2B networking session with WDC partner companies. It was an enriching opportunity to learn about essential services for unforgettable events, such as catering, lighting, entertainment, photography, videography and stunning locations in Sicily. We ended the day with a wonderful themed dinner, inspired by the classic Italian film Gattopardo. The meeting took place at the Municipality of Catania , and at the entrance to the dinner we were welcomed by models dressed in traditional costumes from the time of the film.
Day 3
We said goodbye to Catania in the morning and set off for a visit to La Canonica degli Archi , an exclusive wedding venue, before heading to Taormina. The city’s historic center captivated us with its cinematic atmosphere, full of charming shops and breathtaking views. We had lunch at the Monsù restaurant , located in the elegant Palazzo Vecchio , where we enjoyed an impeccable menu. After lunch, we set off for our most impressive destination: Mount Etna . We checked into the hotel, which is located at the foot of the volcano, before enjoying one of the most extraordinary experiences of the event: a dinner inside one of Mount Etna’s craters ; you can even see the lava in the photos. Under the starry sky and at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, we enjoyed an exclusive menu prepared by chef Seby Sorbello . The organization was so careful that the organization built a structure for our dinner to take place. Amazing, right? To make the night even more magical, a live pianist played, creating an atmosphere that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The cold of the mountain was easily forgotten in the face of the grandeur of the experience.
Day 4
The day began with a moment of self-care at La Truccheria Cherie , where makeup artist Orazio Tomarchio provided us with an unforgettable beauty experience. We then explored the center of Catania and its vibrant street food scene, discovering the typical flavors of the region. In the afternoon, we stopped by the Toni Pellegrino salon , where we had our hair done, preparing for the big event of the evening: the gala dinner at Villa La Limonaia . Once again, the WDC students were responsible for the decoration, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. The dinner, led by chef Seby Sorbello, was the perfect end to this unforgettable experience.
Sicily welcomed us with its unparalleled beauty, rich culture and irresistible cuisine. I return home with the certainty that this event was a turning point for everyone involved and I can’t wait for the next editions!
Until next time, Sicily!
So, what did you think?
Kisses,
Simone.
Production: @pantarheiwedding | Catering: @sebysorbellocookingout |Entertainment: @notjustwedding | Service, Light Design: @leandroscorpolighting | Stationery: @letterink | Flowers forniture: @spina_flora | Rent: @geg_party_service | Bar: @emergencycocktail2.0 | Tensostruttura (Cena Etna): @promostandsrl | WDC: @weddingdesigncoursepantarhei | Photos: @alessandroagugliaro | Videos: @plances_film | Special tks: Elisabetta Caruso
