Everyone loves a wedding, but in a small sicilian town like Scicli a marriage is much more than just a union between two lovers…..it holds promise for the future, hope that a new family will take root here and continue on with a traditional framework for modern life.

The Bride Arrives at Church

We knew something important was about to happen when we walked into the main square and found it full of flower trucks, elegantly dressed people, and ever so many regular folks like us gathered around the entrance to the monumental Chiesa di San Giovanni.  The bride arrived and entered the church to a roar of applause from all the folks outside.  As soon as she was in, everything quieted down and the sounds of the wedding march began…..but they were not emanating from an organ, they were played out with trumpets.  A truly goosebump-inducing experience, especially since the entire piazza had fallen silent.

Chiesa di San Giovanni

As the outside crowd dispersed and the ceremony began, I popped into a back corner of the entry and took a photo of the beautiful cathedral with its solemn event unfolding.

Mr. & Mrs. Greet the Crowd

A few hours later, after a high mass and photo moments, the new couple proudly walked hand-in-hand down the main street with all of their friends, neighbors and the odd tourists like us cheering them on and taking photos.  Not everyone got to experience the wonderful wedding lunch that followed, but we all felt like we were part of the event and we shared in the love that was overflowing in the piazza that day.

Getaway Car

We didn’t see their getaway…..the party went on for hours, long into the night……but the getaway car was parked in the square, ready to speed them off stylishly into their future.
Three cheers for love……