Chris & Joyce
Taormina, Sicily, Italy
A Bold Sicilian Affair of Color, Culture, and Unapologetic Glamour
Some weddings whisper tradition. Chris and Joyce’s celebration roared—with three days of spectacle, sophistication, and sun-drenched Sicilian magic.
With the talents of
Planning, Design: Lake Como weddings, Rachel Birthistle Studio
Photography: Greg Finck
Florist: Wildheart, Nikki Tibbles
Production: ingenius productions
Entertainment: Elanartists
Locations: Castelmola, Belmond Hotel Grand Timeo
Hair and Makeup: Jiyoungyangbeauty
Printed Goods: My Lady Dye and Letterink
Rentals: The Como Collection
Day One — La Piazza Comes Alive
It began in Castelmola, a jewel of a village clinging to the cliffs above Taormina. The couple, under the creative direction of Rachel Birthistle, transformed the piazzetta into a living canvas of Sicilian romance: vivid reds, artisanal touches, and echoes of Dolce & Gabbana’s iconic Mediterranean codes. Guests danced through cobblestone streets, sipped signature cocktails at a custom-designed bar, and savored every curated detail—from a bespoke gelateria to Sicilian food stations—all under a sky that stretched endlessly over the sea.
Day Two Wedding Day — A Fusion of Cultures, a Garden of Dreams
The wedding day unfolded at the legendary Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, where the morning began with an intimate tea ceremony—an homage to the couple’s Chinese heritage, blending seamlessly with the elegance of a Western ceremony. It was a rare, thoughtful fusion: age-old traditions intertwined with the bold spirit of the Mediterranean.
Later, the gardens bloomed into a kaleidoscopic Eden, where color-drenched florals framed their vows and a soft marine breeze drifted through golden hour cocktails, laughter, and elevated toasts. As night fell, the celebration soared: fireworks lit the sky, champagne cascaded in towering fountains, and the afterparty—an all-red, timeless club designed by Rachel—unfolded like a scene straight from a cinematic fantasy.
Day Three — Sea, Salt, and a Farewell Not Easily Given
The weekend closed at Tao Beach, where guests and the newlyweds gathered one last time to indulge in a seafood barbecue, refreshing swims, and the bittersweet pleasure of a perfect ending. No one was ready to leave; Sicily had offered not just a destination, but an unforgettable immersion into beauty, culture, and joy.
