ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (to Italy/Sicily) As of 5/1/22, you are no longer required to provide a Passenger Locator Form. However, you still MUST present one of the following: 1) Proof of primary vaccine series VALID ONLY FOR 9 MONTHS FROM DATE OF SECOND DOSE, OR 2) Proof of booster (unlimited validity), OR 3) Negative rapid test within 48 hours or PCR within 72 hours of entry to Italy, OR 4) Proof of recovery within 180 days RETURN REQUIREMENTS (to US) 1) Negative test result on a molecular or antigen nasal swab no more than 1 day prior to departure is required. We are arranging for the hotel to process rapid tests on Sunday at a cost of €33 per person. We will provide more details on the exact time and testing location once confirmed. Note that clinics are closed on Sunday, so if you plan to return to the US on Sunday or Monday, you MUST take this rapid test, or arrange for a remote video test, but we do not have experience with these so we can't provide additional information or assistance if you choose not to do an in-person test.
Both Nathaniel and Paula hold Sicily very near and dear to their hearts. Paula's beloved grandparents, Diana and John Branciforte, are of Sicilian descent, and by sharing our vows in their ancestral homeland, we can feel closer to them, despite their absence. Our day will be made more special through her deep spiritual connection to Sicily. For his part, Nathaniel has a deep spiritual connection to scampi crudo, arancini, and nocciola gelato.
We ask that all guests refrain from taking pictures or videos during the ceremony, and silence their phones. It is extremely important to us that all of our guests experience this moment with us without distraction, and that we are likewise able walk down the aisle and look out in to the crowd of our loved ones and see your faces, not your phones. For anyone interested in photos and/or videos of the ceremony, we will gladly have our photographer and videographer share them with you.
Black-Tie Optional. Tuxes and gowns are strongly preferred, but not strictly required.
Riviera Chic: Slacks and a button-down or blazer for men, dresses and blouses for women. Think Paula, but less extra; or Nathaniel, but better-dressed.
Come as you are. Beachfront chic or hungover casual are both perfectly acceptable.
The temperature typically ranges from mid 70s during the day to low 60s at night. The days are bright and sunny from 6am to 8pm, and rain is uncommon.
If you have any food allergies, please let us know in your online RSVP.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children at the weekend’s events. If you are staying at the Belmond and would like assistance finding a sitter, please email alessandra.marisca@belmond.com. Otherwise, we recommend that you contact your accommodations and ask for guidance and recommendations.
We’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty, so the best present you could give us is your presence on our special day. However, if you would like to give us a gift, a little something towards our honeymoon fund will take us a long way.
1) Some countries will not allow entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months, so depending on your travel plans, you may need to renew your passport extra early. 2) We've had mixed experiences with checked luggage in Italy, so to the extent possible, you may wish to carry-on your luggage--or at least the essentials (tuxedo, jewels, sunglasses, snorkel, etc). 3) There is no Uber or comparable ride-sharing service in Sicily. If you need to travel outside of Taormina, you will need to either rent a car, hire a taxi, or take a bus and/or train. Taormina itself is a town easily explored on foot. If you want to travel between the beach and the hilltop town, a cable car runs every 15 minutes from the hilltop to sea level at a cost of €3 for a one-way ticket. The Belmond offers complimentary shuttle service between their hilltop and beach hotels for guests. Taxis are also available, but only at specific pickup spots (see our Google map for pickup spot near Corso Umberto)