Where Play Meets Poetry: A Vibrant Sicilian Wedding at Camparia Favignana

On the storied shores of Favignana, Savannah and Todd wed at Camparia Favignana, a restored tuna fishery steeped in Sicilian heritage. Framed by weathered stone and Mediterranean light, their ceremony unfolded beneath a sea-facing arch of bougainvillea, roses, and anthuriums.

Vibrant yet refined, the design drew from Savannah’s vision of a celebration that felt innately of the surroundings: a nod to the island’s architecture and atmosphere. The reception carried that ethos into an open-air courtyard where long tables were adorned with cherries, peonies, avocados, and apricots tucked between sculptural vessels and spilling florals in playful palettes. 

The bride wore a gown from Saint Bridal Couture with Badgley Mischka heels.

Our Story

Names / Todd Peterson & Savannah Colley

Location / Favignana, Sicily, Italy

Wedding Date / May 23rd, 2025

Guest Numbers / 50

How We Met

Todd and Savannah’s story likely began long before they even realized it. The two attended the same school from elementary through high school, crossing paths over the years but never truly connecting until their junior year. It was then that they developed a real friendship, bonding over shared experiences in past relationships. That connection quickly deepened, and before long, they began falling for each other. They spent the rest of high school side by side, and even as Savannah went off to college, their love only grew stronger with time.

Our Engagement Story

By the time Todd proposed, he had been part of Savannah’s life and family for seven years. Knowing her love for good Italian wine and meaningful moments, he planned a proposal at her favorite winery, Piccione, with the help of her best friend Riley. Todd was waiting at the bottom of a staircase overlooking the vineyard, surrounded by candles. After Savannah said yes, he led her to the wine cellar, where a surprise party with friends and family was waiting. Everyone had watched the proposal unfold through a large window. It was a joyful, emotional evening she’ll never forget.

What we love most about each other…

Todd’s favorite thing about Savannah is the way she challenges and encourages him every day to be his best self. She inspires him to live a life grounded in love, faith, warmth, and family. Savannah’s favorite thing about Todd is his unwavering patience and loyalty. He’s slow to judge and quick to forgive, helping her to embrace those same qualities within herself.

The Setting

Wedding Location

Savannah and Todd chose to celebrate their wedding at Camparia Favignana. Although they live in the U.S., Savannah’s family is Sicilian, and she had always dreamed of getting married in Sicily. Favignana, a beautiful island off the western coast of the region, was the perfect setting. Though small, the island is rich in character, with narrow cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and a relaxed pace that makes it feel like time stands still. It’s especially known for its historic tuna fishing industry, once among the most significant in the Mediterranean.

Camparia Favignana (formerly part of the Tonnara di Favignana) breathes life into that heritage. Set right along the water, this restored tuna-processing plant has been transformed into a breathtaking event space. Its rustic stone walls, soaring arched ceilings, and open-air courtyard honor the island’s past while creating an elegant, unforgettable atmosphere. Overlooking the sea, the venue perfectly captured everything Savannah and Todd envisioned for their wedding day.

Aesthetic

Savannah drew inspiration from the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Sicily when envisioning the aesthetic of the wedding. She was especially captivated by the bougainvillea that drapes across the island in vivid shades of pink and purple, and she wanted the celebration to feel like an explosion of that energy; colorful, lively, and full of warmth. She also placed deep trust in her vendor team, allowing them creative freedom to bring the vision to life. It was important to her to lean not only on their expertise in the industry but also their understanding of Sicilian culture. Above all, she wanted the day to feel like a true Sicilian wedding.

Preparation

Savannah and her bridesmaids spent the morning getting ready at Hotel Tempo di Mare, where they were joined by their makeup artist and hairstylist. They sipped prosecco and snacked on sandwiches as they got ready for the big day, sharing laughs and soaking in the moment. Just down the hall, Todd and his groomsmen had a similarly relaxed morning, enjoying cappuccinos and pizza as they prepared for the celebration ahead.

Photography

The day was beautifully captured by Eloise Lake, and Savannah and Todd couldn’t be happier with their decision. Savannah had been following Eloise’s work long before she and Todd were engaged, drawn to her ability to capture the romance and emotion of each moment. Her photos feel alive.
After working with her on their engagement shoot and again on the wedding day, Savannah felt even more certain they had chosen the right photographer. Not only are Eloise’s photos full of life, but she is too. Her warmth, professionalism, and energy left a lasting impression, with several guests commenting afterward on how much they loved her presence throughout the day.

Videography

For their wedding film, Savannah and Todd chose Sicily Wedding Film by Francesco Giorgianni. Savannah was immediately drawn to his cinematic style. His films feel like a beautifully crafted movie, capturing not just the visuals but the ambient sounds of the day. From the rustle of a dress to the laughter of guests, every detail brings the memory to life. Watching his work feels like stepping back into the moment, and that storytelling quality made him the perfect fit for their day.

“The couple’s archway overlooking the sea was beautifully adorned with magenta bougainvillea, pink roses, peonies, and anthuriums.”

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

Savannah wanted the wedding design to highlight the stunning architecture of the venue and the natural colors of the island. While she trusted her vendors’ expertise to bring the vision to life, her goal was for everything to feel effortlessly part of the surroundings, as if it had always belonged there, not simply set up for the day. The couple’s archway overlooking the sea was beautifully adorned with magenta bougainvillea, pink roses, peonies, and anthuriums. Along the aisle, delicate floral arrangements accented each row of chairs, adding just the right touch of color and elegance.

Reception Décor

The reception décor echoed the ceremony’s floral palette, incorporating similar blooms alongside fruits and pottery that beautifully complemented the long table centerpieces. Cherries, apricots, avocados, and candles were artfully arranged with the flowers, all set in elegant leaf-shaped vases. To add a personal touch, each guest received a handwritten note as a place card, expressing gratitude for making the journey to Sicily to celebrate the wedding.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Savannah partnered with Ester Porto of T.E.A. Eventi & Design to bring their vision to life. Ester’s deep knowledge of the island and its top vendors was invaluable throughout the process. She provided expert guidance, handled translations when needed, and communicated on Savannah’s behalf, ensuring every detail was seamless. Thanks to Ester, the entire planning experience was smooth and stress-free.

Flowers

Savannah drew inspiration from the natural colors of Sicily, wanting those bright, inviting colors to be reflected throughout the day. The draping of the flowers in the bridal party’s accessories echoed not only the local foliage but also the flowing lines of Savannah’s dress, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.

Stationery

Savannah preferred a minimalist approach to stationery throughout the day. Beyond the handwritten guest notes serving as place cards, there was little signage. For the invitations, Savannah and Ester collaborated on a design that highlighted the wedding’s color palette and featured a custom logo inspired by the arches found both at the venue and in Savannah’s dress.

Cake

For their wedding cake, Savannah and Todd chose a classic mille-feuille, a nod to timeless elegance with its delicate layers of crisp puff pastry and smooth pastry cream. The cake’s light, flaky texture and balanced sweetness perfectly complemented the day’s sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.
But the surprises didn’t end there: their amazing vendors went above and beyond by creating an entire Sicilian dessert spread, showcasing a variety of traditional sweets that delighted their guests and added an authentic, local touch to the celebration. This thoughtful dessert experience was the perfect way to honor the rich culinary heritage of Sicily while treating everyone to a memorable finale.

Food & Beverages

Food and drinks were handled in-house by the team at Camparia Favignana. Cocktail hour featured champagne and traditional Sicilian bites like arancine, panelle, and local cheeses. Guests enjoyed a two-course dinner with options like fusilloni with lobster, beef filet, or amberjack, as well as a vegan menu. A mille-feuille wedding cake and a Sicilian dessert spread brought a sweet and authentic close to the night, perfectly reflecting the couple’s love of local flavor and thoughtful detail.

“Camparia Favignana was everything we had envisioned – historic, romantic, and right on the water. It felt like it held the soul of the island.”

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Savannah wore the Salome gown by Saint Bridal Couture, paired initially with Badgley Mischka heels. For comfort later in the day, she changed into Miu Miu flats. The dress was chosen for several reasons, but most notably for the draped detailing in the skirt, which echoed the arches throughout the venue and subtly tied together the design and overall vision of the day.

Wedding Rings

The jewelry holds deep meaning for both Todd and Savannah. Todd is a jeweler, and Savannah spends her Saturdays working alongside him at the store, something they’ve loved sharing together. Her engagement ring features a 3.6-carat oval center stone flanked by six round side stones, totaling seven stones and seven carats to represent the seven years they dated before getting engaged. Her wedding band complements it with six half-carat round diamonds. Both rings are set with white gold prongs on yellow gold bands and are stacked with two yellow gold bands from Todd’s mother’s wedding set, adding even more sentimental value.

Todd’s ring was designed by Savannah and features a 1-carat east-west set oval diamond, bezel set in yellow gold.

Jewelry & Accessories

Savannah’s necklace was a surprise gift from Todd the night before the wedding, a 2-carat pear-shaped diamond set on a stiff gold chain. She also wore her great-grandmother’s class ring, adding a touch of family history. Her bouquet was wrapped with meaningful heirlooms: her great-grandmother’s rosary and pin, along with a Saint Christopher pendant and a Tiffany charm that served as her “something blue.”

Hair & Makeup

Savannah chose to wear her hair in a half-up, half-down style with soft curls underneath. With naturally textured hair, she wanted a look that would hold up if the weather turned humid or once the dancing began. The style was intentionally chosen so that if her natural texture started to show, it would blend effortlessly with the overall look.

For her makeup, Savannah wanted a look that would highlight her eyes. Her makeup artist, Giorgia Ruggierello, added a subtle touch of purple along the lower waterline to enhance the hazel tones in Savannah’s eyes and subtly tie into the wedding’s color palette.

The Details

Transport

The entire wedding party stayed at Hotel Tempo di Mare, just a short, flat five-minute walk from the venue. This allowed them to enjoy a scenic stroll through the piazza to and from the celebration, adding to the charm and ease of the day.

Honeymoon

For their honeymoon, Savannah and Todd took a round-trip journey through Sicily, immersing themselves in the island’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant towns. Their itinerary included stops in Sciacca, Noto, Ortigia, Taormina, and Palermo, spending a few days in each to truly experience the distinct charm of every region. From the baroque beauty of Noto to the coastal romance of Ortigia and the bustling energy of Palermo, each destination offered something unique. One of the most unforgettable moments came in Taormina, where they climbed Mt. Etna just two days before it erupted, adding a touch of adventure to an already magical trip. The trip was planned entirely for the couple using Patricia from Fora.

Wedding Songs

The ceremony music was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the couple’s personalities and the joyful spirit of the day. The groom and bridal party walked down the aisle to “Volare” by Jack Jezzro, a light, romantic nod to the Italian setting. Savannah made her entrance to “Annie’s Song,” originally by John Denver but performed by André Rieu, adding a sweeping, emotional touch. After saying “I do,” the couple made their exit to “I Do, I Do, I Do” by ABBA, an upbeat and celebratory choice inspired by Savannah’s deep love for Mamma Mia, making it a must-have moment.

Celebrant

The ceremony was led by Dario, a warm and thoughtful celebrant from Sicily. From the very beginning, he made Savannah and Todd feel completely at ease. His kindness and flexibility stood out. He was always available if they had questions or wanted to make changes, even in the final moments before the ceremony. His presence brought a personal, heartfelt touch to the day, making the experience even more meaningful.

Readings

Savannah’s matron of honor, Riley, read Union by Robert Fulghum.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

One of the most memorable moments for Savannah and Todd was simply looking around and seeing all of their favorite people together in one place. That feeling meant more to them than anything else. Being able to create lasting memories with the people they love most, through every part of the celebration, made everything truly worth it.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

If there’s one thing Savannah wishes she had known, it’s how quickly everything flies by. Every moment, whether joyful, emotional, or even a little stressful, passes in a flash. Her advice is to savor it all. From carefully placing stamps on your invitations to dancing with your friends on the big day, be present and soak in every part of the journey. It is all part of the magic.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Savannah’s advice to future couples is to let go of extremely detailed expectations. Share your vision, trust your vendors, and then allow yourself to enjoy the day. “We get so caught up in the Instagram of it all that we let it consume us,” she says. “Just be you and trust the people you hired.” In the end, everything always comes together, and the small things that might slip by are usually things no one else even notices. Let go, soak it all in, and savor every moment.

Sources of inspiration…

Savannah’s favorite movie in the world is Mamma Mia, a film she watched on repeat as a child, dreaming of a wedding just like it. That joyful, sun-soaked, coastal energy played a huge role in inspiring the feel of her own wedding day. From the music to the setting and even the spirit of celebration, Mamma Mia was woven into the heart of the experience, bringing a sense of magic and nostalgia to the entire celebration.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Camparia Favignana

Wedding Stylist & Planner / T.E.A. Eventi & Design – Ester Porto

Photography / Eloise Lake Photography

Videography / Sicily Wedding Film – Francesco Giorgianni

Bride’s Dress / SAINT Bridal Couture

Bride’s Shoes / Badgley Mischka, Miu Miu

Wedding Rings / Ellington Jewelers

Hair / Mood Hair Trapani, Hair by Emily Renee

Makeup / Giorgia Ruggierello

Stationery & Invitations / Canva

Florist / Maria Mannino Floral Designer

Cake & Catering / Camparia Favignana

Celebrant / Celebrante Sicilia

Honeymoon Planning / Fora by Patricia