Rae and Matthew’s Seaside Wedding in Sicily
There are days in Sicily that feel suspended between sea breeze and sunlight, and Rae and Matthew’s intimate seaside wedding ceremony was one of them. As a wedding photographer in Sicily, I often say that the island teaches you to slow down, to let the day unfold naturally, and to trust in the rhythm of its warmth. This wedding was a perfect reflection of that spirit.
I landed in Sicily two days before the ceremony, giving myself time to reconnect with its familiar light and tempo. That evening I watched the sun sink into the sea, painting the sky in soft pinks and golds. After a quiet night’s rest, I woke ready for Rae and Matthew’s intimate celebration in Sant’Elia, one of those seaside corners that seem to exist outside of time.
Rae, also known as Désirée, had contacted me months earlier, and it still makes me smile to remember that I was in Noto, another beautiful town in Sicily, photographing a couple when her message arrived. Two different places on the same island, both carrying the essence of Sicily: its light, history, and quiet charm. From baroque streets to fishing villages, the island always finds a way to tie stories together.
The ceremony in Sant’Elia took place by the sea, surrounded by their closest friends. There was no grand setup or exaggerated décor, only the sound of waves, the warmth of the sun, and the laughter of the people they love. Rae and Matthew reminded me of the beauty of keeping things humble even when you have the resources and time to make them luxurious, gorgeous, and all that jazz. They chose warmth over spectacle, sincerity over perfection.
As they exchanged their vows, their words carried a quiet strength. Listening to them while photographing those moments was a pure joy, both to my eyes and my ears. There was something timeless about the way they looked at each other, something that film photography translates so well. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find the gallery that includes both digital and 35mm film photographs, where light breathes differently, texture replaces pixels, and every frame feels timeless.
Their coziness, their open-minded energy, and the way they simply were made my work effortless. I will miss these two and our long conversations under the Sicilian sun that October day in Sant’Elia.
Sicily has always been a place that feels like home to me. Every time I return, it is not just another job, it is a chance to reconnect with the island’s soul. Its geography, light, food, and stories never fail to inspire me.
For anyone dreaming of a destination wedding in Sicily, let Rae and Matthew’s story remind you that you do not need grandeur to make your day unforgettable. Sometimes all you need is love, sea, and a few friends who truly matter. If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Sicily who captures your day in a natural, documentary way on film and digital, with honesty and soul, I would be happy to tell your story too.
