For Marie and Ben, adventure has always been at the heart of their relationship. Their love story spans continents—from the lush jungles of Sri Lanka to the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand—but it was the magnetic pull of Sicily that ultimately led them to exchange vows in the shadow of Mount Etna.
Their Sicilian elopement was the perfect blend of intimacy and natural wonder. With no guests, no fuss, and scenery doing the storytelling, they crafted a celebration rooted in simplicity and intention. The venue, a countryside dimora tucked in the hills near Taormina, offered everything they’d hoped for—a peaceful ceremony with a touch of adventure, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
Featured Vendor:
Benni Carol Photography
Why They Chose a Sicilian Elopement
Long before wedding planning began, Marie and Ben had already fallen under Sicily’s spell. During a three-week trip a few years prior, they explored the island’s hidden corners, including a spontaneous visit to Stromboli during an eruption cycle—an unforgettable experience that sealed their decision. “It was during this trip we both agreed that Sicily was special and somewhere we wanted to tie the knot.”
When envisioning their day, they knew exactly what they wanted: to feel removed from the noise of the world. “Somewhere with a sense of escape,” they shared. “We won’t have any guests, and scenery is important to us, so anywhere with a lovely backdrop.”
Planning a Day That Felt Like Them
That vision gave their photographers and planners—Italian sisters Benni and Carol of Benni Carol Photography—clear direction. “We knew exactly how to proceed,” the sisters told us. The location they found brought everything together: a quiet property with its own vineyard, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the countryside with Mount Etna rising in the distance.
Marie and Ben had discovered Benni and Carol through a simple online search, and the connection was instant. “We specialize in planning and photographing elopements all over our home country, Italy,” Benni explains. “And adventurous celebrations like Marie and Ben’s are what we love most.”
Junebug Tip: Start your wedding planning with a mission statement. For Marie and Ben, it was simple: they wanted a peaceful, quiet celebration with a sense of escape. Defining your day’s purpose early on can help you make aligned decisions throughout the planning process.
The Intimate Ceremony
From the start, Marie and Ben imagined a ceremony surrounded by natural beauty—whether it was a volcano on the horizon or a courtyard with weathered stone. Benni and Carol found a location that brought both to life: a peaceful terrace with hand-built stone walls overlooking vineyards, with Mount Etna right in view.
The setting felt timeless and calm—everything they had hoped for. With only the Sicilian countryside as their witness, they exchanged vows that were deeply personal and quietly powerful. The moment was organic and unhurried, reflecting their desire for a ceremony that felt truly like them.
The Post-Ceremony Adventure That Made It All Unforgettable
After the ceremony, the couple shared a private lunch in a quiet garden corner of the property. A tasting menu of regional Sicilian dishes was paired with wine from the estate’s vineyard.
Then, in true adventurous spirit, Marie and Ben traded their formal shoes for hiking boots and met a local guide for a private trek on Mount Etna. The trail took them far from the tourist routes and into silence, giving them uninterrupted space to reflect and explore. As the sun sank behind the volcano, they opened a bottle of the same estate wine and toasted to their new beginning.
Advice for Other Couples
Marie and Ben’s biggest takeaway? Trust your team. “Put yourself in the hands of people who know the destination. Trust your elopement planner and photographer, and let yourself enjoy the adventure.”
Their Sicilian elopement is proof that when the setting is this spectacular and the celebration this personal, very little else is needed—just a love for the journey and for each other.
The Wedding Team:
Photography + Elopement Planning – Benni Carol Photography
Ceremony Venue – Dimona Cottanera
Floral Design – Petali e Capricci Weddings
Officiant – Rita Celebrante Laica
Hair Stylist – Paolo Costarelli
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