A sunny day at the edge of winter brings so much joy, don’t you think? Skies full of sunshine always make me smile – and today they’re turning my thoughts to sunny summer weddings. It’s a treat to be sharing this elegant photoshoot, sent in by Daniel Franchina Weddings, which is all about inspiring YOU to bring sunshine into your wedding styling! The pops of lemon and delicate blues on Riva Events’ cake and stationery are a wonderful palette reminiscent of Sicilian summertime. Paperpom PVM’s giant flowers as a backdrop are divine – they’re available for hire and very highly recommended! Gorse Hill Hotel lends a timeless feel and models Hailey and Andy are gorgeous and sophisticated as can be.

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“Sicily Meets Surrey” is a captivating styled photoshoot concept that brings the warmth, vibrancy, and elegance of the Mediterranean to the picturesque English countryside. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gorse Hill Hotel in Surrey, this project is a harmonious fusion of two distinct styles — Mediterranean charm and English sophistication. The result is a joyful celebration of culture, colour, and creativity, showcasing how effortlessly the essence of Sicily can meet the heart of Surrey.

Wedding supplier credits

https://riva-events.co.uk/
https://www.danielfranchina.co.uk/
https://www.wwedding.co.uk/
www.jurioluti.com
https://www.rubello.co.uk/
https://fratantoni.it/it/
https://www.byrebeccaeve.com/
http://www.emfd.co.uk/
https://www.gorsehillsurrey.com/

The project was born from a lively conversation between Irene, a talented photographer at Daniel Franchina Weddings, and Vanessa of Riva Events. Inspired by their shared passion for blending cultural elements, they envisioned a wedding aesthetic that captures the sunny, joyful vibes of Sicily while embracing the timeless elegance of England.

The Vision

The design beautifully integrates Mediterranean hues—vivid blues reminiscent of the Sicilian sea and vibrant yellows evoking fresh lemons—with the lush greens of the English countryside. This harmonious palette mirrors the natural beauty and energy of both regions. At its heart, the project celebrates the idea of connection: the union of two unique styles into a cohesive and breathtaking visual story.

The architecture of Gorse Hill Hotel provided the perfect canvas for this vision. Its elegant yet approachable design complements the Mediterranean flair, blending effortlessly with pops of colour, rustic textures, and artisan touches. Together, the setting and styling reimagine a wedding that is sophisticated, simple, and full of life.

The Styling
Key to the styling was the inclusion of artisanal Italian craftsmanship, most notably the exquisite maiolica ceramics provided by Fratantoni Ceramiche. Renowned for their hand-painted designs and vibrant patterns, these pieces brought authenticity and artistry to the tablescape, creating a striking visual connection to Sicily. The ceramics, exported globally, added an unmistakable touch of Mediterranean luxury to the shoot.

The décor was thoughtfully curated, featuring elements like olive branches, lemons, and soft linens that evoke the relaxed elegance of an Italian celebration. This was seamlessly paired with English florals, vintage-inspired glassware, and the natural greenery of the countryside to achieve a balanced, vibrant aesthetic.

The Experience
The collaboration involved a talented team of professionals, each contributing their expertise to bring the concept to life. From the creative styling to the meticulous attention to detail, every aspect was designed to capture the essence of joy, love, and culture that defines both Sicily and Surrey.
The result is a wedding inspiration that is as stylish as it is heartfelt—a perfect blend of Mediterranean warmth and British refinement. The shoot not only highlights the beauty of merging cultures but also serves as a testament to the magic that happens when creativity and craftsmanship come together.

The team produced a really insightful behind the scenes video, which shows just how much passion and pride goes into creating wedding inspiration like this. It’s a wonderful watch:

Wedding colour

Together, these colors created a wedding setting that felt like a love story between two worlds—the sun-kissed charm of Sicily and the serene beauty of the English countryside.

The venue

Gorse Hill in Woking is one of Surrey’s best wedding venues. Our elegant Edwardian Mansion in the beautiful Surrey countryside offers the perfect backdrop for your special day.

To find out everything you would need to know about the wedding facilities here at Gorse Hill, from rooms and ceremonies to packages and menus, please download our wedding brochure and do not hesitate to get in touch with our dedicated team for more information.

Wedding gown

The stunning wedding gowns from W Wedding London perfectly blend modern elegance with timeless sophistication. The first dress, with its sleek silhouette and daring thigh-high slit, exudes confidence and contemporary charm. The second gown, adorned with intricate lace and delicate floral details, brings a touch of romance and ethereal beauty. Both styles effortlessly complement the luxurious setting, making them perfect for a bride who wants to feel both glamorous and graceful on her special day.

Jurio Luti

For our Mediterranean Manor shoot, we had the pleasure of featuring a stunning men’s suit from Jurio Luti—a brand known for its timeless elegance and people-centered values since its founding in 2011.

To seamlessly blend the vibrant spirit of Sicily with the refined charm of the Surrey countryside, we chose a sophisticated color combination: rich dark blue and bold yellow.

Dark Blue – Classic and elegant, it added depth and refinement, perfectly complementing the natural greens of the countryside.
Yellow – A nod to Sicilian warmth, sunshine, and tradition, bringing a fresh and modern contrast to the look.

Floral and decor

For our Mediterranean Manor shoot, we designed stunning centerpieces that perfectly balanced elegance and simplicity, blending the warmth of Sicily with the charm of the English countryside.

Featuring soft white roses and fresh lemons, these arrangements beautifully complemented the Italian majolica tiles, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Every detail was thoughtfully curated—from the blue runners elegantly draped across the tables to the delicate tableware that enhanced the timeless aesthetic. The blue bows on the chairs added a subtle yet sophisticated accent, tying the whole look together with effortless charm. The result? A tablescape that felt warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, creating the perfect atmosphere for a Mediterranean-inspired celebration.