Anna & Luigi: a dream wedding at Tonnara di Scopello. Here's the full story!

Under the creative direction of Sofia Gangi, Eventi & Co.

The first time I met them on a video call, I was immediately moved: their connection, their tenderness, the way they held hands while reviewing my ideas together…

Luigi and Anna embody my vision of love — romantic, deeply felt, and just a touch “old-fashioned.”

Straight from Milan, this wonderful couple chose Sicily as the setting for their destination wedding, falling in love with everything this land has to offer — every gust of scirocco or maestrale, whether in the city or by the sea, every flavor, and every spark of irreverent local folklore.

As a planner and a Sicilian who chose to stay and put down roots here, these experiences give me life — and in the uncertain world of 2021, still shadowed by the pandemic, Anna and Luigi were a breath of fresh air. For me, they were a true hymn to joy and beauty.

A vibrant, playful, deeply in-love couple, whose charm was perfectly matched by the setting we selected to frame their union: the picturesque village and iconic Tonnara di Scopello.

Like something out of a film set — as you can see from the photos — the Tonnara offers the possibility to stay with family and friends, experiencing the event with the ease and comfort of being at home.

To reflect the elegance of this wedding, touched with a sense of Sicilian soul, we chose a vintage Mehari for Anna’s arrival at the garden church, an open-air space in the heart of Scopello. A floral arch, a summer explosion of color, greeted guests and the couple along a pathway already lush with greenery, to which we added only a few rustic olive trees. Anna carried a naturally untamed bouquet — the perfect contrast to her exquisite Rebrodé lace gown.

The ceremony, rich in emotion, was celebrated by Father Steven, who traveled from South Africa to bless the marriage of his beloved friends. It was also made special by the heartfelt prayers written and read by their loved ones.

Then, off to the Tonnara of Scopello to bask in the breathtaking beauty of the sea, rocks, and sunset — the dreamlike backdrop every couple longs for. A quiet, intimate moment for romantic photos in the golden hour… lasting memories of a once-in-a-lifetime day.

The Tonnara was dressed in full celebration, just as we had envisioned it — tailor-made for Anna, Luigi, and their guests, and alive with extraordinary energy.

Following a lively seaside buffet illuminated by vintage string lights and accompanied by a jazz manouche trio, we revealed the beautifully styled reception space within the historic baglio. Long, imperial tables were adorned with an explosion of seasonal blooms: coral charm peonies, dahlias, chamomile, hypericum, craspedia, carnations, limonium…

A refined and elegant concept, full of personality and style.

The couple made their grand entrance to the upbeat sound of Rihanna’s “We Found Love”, played at full volume — met with a sea of waving napkins and an overwhelming sense of joy and spontaneity.

Surrounded by the warmth of their families and lifelong friends — who organized touching surprises and emotional tributes — the evening was filled with stories, heartfelt toasts, unexpected video montages, tight hugs, and endless love. Thanks to the synergy between me and my incredible team, we made sure every surprise went off without a hitch.

The cake-cutting moment was intimate and cinematic, set on a small pier with crashing waves and the glow of guest anticipation. A final Sicilian flourish: a majestic traditional cassata wedding cake, generously adorned with candied fruit and intricate decorations.

And then — the party. What we lovingly call “the cave” became the scene of an unforgettable afterparty, complete with an Ibiza-style DJ set, a live saxophonist, curated cocktails flowing freely, and — in true Palermo style — late-night street food to keep the energy high.