Jessica & Chris · Grand Hotel Timeo
Jessica and Chris brought an intimate group of family and friends to the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina for a wedding that felt as personal as it was cinematic. Perched above the Bay of Naxos with Mount Etna on the horizon, the hotel's gardens and terraces gave every part of the day, from morning preparations to the final dance, a sense of theatre without ever feeling staged.
Jessica wore Alexandra Grecco, paired with feather-trimmed heels and a tulle veil, while Chris chose a sage green three-piece suit that matched the surrounding gardens. Before the ceremony, the couple rode through the streets of Taormina on a custom Christian Dior Vespa, a detail that became one of the most memorable threads of the entire celebration.
The ceremony took place at sunset beneath a floral arch overlooking the coastline, followed by a candlelit dinner under the hotel's illuminated portico. We photograph a maximum of ten weddings each year, and Sicily remains one of our favourite places in Europe to spend one of them.
Read what Jessica said about her day with us
“The Lopes Photography surpassed all of our expectations for our destination wedding in Taormina, Sicily. From the very first meeting, you could immediately feel the high level of professionalism Savannah and Rui demonstrated in their work. Throughout the entire process, from meetings to questionnaires, they were very collaborative and informative, going far beyond the realm of photography. They assisted in shaping our vision for our wedding, provided valuable input on shoes and jewelry, and helped finalize the wedding timeline.
What truly stood out was their continuous communication and dedication. On the wedding day itself, their presence was not just professional but also super enjoyable. Amidst our nerves, they managed to create a comfortable atmosphere, allowing us to be ourselves in the moment. In addition, both Savannah and Rui have an amazing eye for photography, and they truly captured all aspects of our wedding in exceptional fashion.
And finally, the speed at which we received our memories was remarkable, and our super8 video remains a cherished keepsake that we continuously revisit. The Lopes Photography is undoubtedly a top-notch choice for those seeking more than just photographers; they are true partners in curating unforgettable wedding memories.”
— Jessica & Chris
The Super 8 Film — Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina
At Grand Hotel Timeo, Super 8 felt like an old cinema. The hotel's terraces and gardens, the Dior Vespa winding through Taormina's streets, the candlelight at dinner: all of it carried the kind of grain and softness that makes a wedding feel like a memory rather than a recording, even on the day itself.
Vendor Credits
Photography ⎜ The Lopes Photography — thelopesphotography.com
Venue + Catering ⎜ Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo — belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/taormina/belmond-grand-hotel-timeo
Floral Designer ⎜ Sebastian Flowers Italy — sebastian-flowers.shop
Music ⎜ Musica Esposi — instagram.com/musicaesposi
Celebrant ⎜ Wedding Sicily — weddingsicily.com
Custom Embroidered Napkins ⎜ Baltic Bloom Embroidery — instagram.com/balticbloomlinen
Cake ⎜ Monsucre Patisseria — instagram.com/monsucre.pastisseria
MUA ⎜ Benny Makeup Artist — instagram.com/benny_makeup_artist
Hair ⎜ Rosario Danna — instagram.com/rosario_danna__
Bride’s Pre-Wedding Look
Bride's Pre-Wedding Dress ⎜ Amanda Uprichard — amandauprichard.com
Bride's Pre-Wedding Shoes ⎜ Alohas — alohas.com
Headband ⎜ Shashi NYC — shopshashi.com
Groom’s Pre-Wedding Attire
Groom's Pre-Wedding Outfit ⎜ Club Monaco — clubmonaco.com
Groom's Pre-Wedding Shoes ⎜ Gucci — gucci.com
Vespa ⎜ Christian Dior (dior.com) + Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo
Bride’s Main Look
Wedding Dress ⎜ Alexandra Grecco (alexandragrecco.com) via White Satin Bridal — whitesatin.ca
Veil ⎜ Amelie George Bridal — ameliegeorgebridal.com
Shoes ⎜ Andrea Wazen — andreawazen.com
Bracelet ⎜ Numbering — numberingwebsite.com
Engagement Ring ⎜ Philippe & Co — philippeandco.ca
Groom’s Attire
Suit ⎜ Harold (haroldclo.com) via Harry Rose Inc — harryrosen.com
Shirt ⎜ Eton Shirts — etonshirts.com
Pocket Square ⎜ Tom Ford — tomford.com
Shoes ⎜ Magnanni — magnanni.com
Planning a Wedding at Grand Hotel Timeo? Questions We're Often Asked
-
Venue hire at the Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo for an intimate destination wedding typically starts in the region of €15,000 to €25,000, depending on guest count, season, and the spaces reserved. As photographers who have worked there, we are happy to share planning insights during a call.
-
Yes. The hotel's gardens and terraces, with views over the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna, can be reserved for ceremonies and receptions for couples staying at the property. Most international couples coordinate logistics with a planner experienced in Sicilian luxury hotels.
-
Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable weather, with September bringing softer light and fewer summer crowds. Jessica and Chris married in August, when the gardens were in full bloom against the coastal heat.
-
Yes. Taormina's combination of historic hotel architecture, dramatic coastline, and golden Sicilian light gives plenty of room for both editorial portraits and candid documentary photography. The Lopes Photography has photographed destination weddings across Sicily and mainland Italy.
If you are planning a destination wedding at Grand Hotel Timeo or elsewhere in Sicily, we would love to hear from you.