Wedding Project Renata and Selim

RENATA and SELIM

Where the Sicilian sun makes our shadows dance.
where history whispers
through ancient walls and love lingers in the air we made a promise.
For today. For tomorrow.
For always.

Renata and Selim’s RSVP website

Website

Required Documents & Application Timeline
Civil Marriage at the Comune of Noto, Sicily
Contact person: Signora Midolo (0931830032 + 101)
(address: via A. Vespucci, 37 - Noto)

PROCEDURE FOR CIVIL WEDDING AT THE TOWN HALL (Foreign Citizens)

The Municipality of Noto strongly recommends that foreign couples rely on a local agency to assist with the administrative procedures. Most importantly, this includes obtaining the “Nulla Osta” (Certificate of No Impediment) issued by the relevant consular authorities (which must be translated and legalized), as well as providing a sworn interpreter.

Required Documents and Conditions

A foreign citizen wishing to celebrate a civil marriage in Italy must submit a declaration issued by the competent authority of their country stating that there are no legal impediments to the marriage, according to the laws of their country.
This declaration must be legalized, unless international agreements between Italy and the foreigner's country of origin provide for an exemption.

The document must include:

Full name and surname

Place and date of birth

Current residence

Marital status

If the foreign country does not recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, it is still necessary to submit a consular certificate confirming the person's freedom to marry under the laws of their own country.

If the Certificate of No Impediment is issued by the local authority in the country of origin, it must be:

Legalized by the Italian Consulate in that country

Accompanied by an official Italian translation, either certified by the same consulate or sworn in Italy at the court clerk’s office or civil status office, pursuant to Art. 22 of Presidential Decree 396/2000.

Additional Requirements

At least 20 days before the wedding, a copy of the passports (or ID documents) of both spouses and witnesses must be sent to the Municipality of Noto via email at:
📧 protocollo@comunenoto.legalmail.it

A payment of €120.00 must be made by the couple to the Municipality of Noto as a celebration fee.
Bank details:
Account number: 11573961
Account holder: Tesoreria Comune di Noto Unicredit S.p.A.
Reason for payment: “Oneri di Celebrazione Rito”

An additional €500.00 must be paid to the wedding venue, which will in turn transfer this amount to the Municipality of Noto.

Payment Confirmation

After making the payments, please send proof of payment to:
📧 PEC: finanzatributi@comunenoto.legalmail.it
📧 Email: finanza@comune.noto.sr.it
📧 CC: statocivile@comune.noto.sr.it

Ceremony Celebrant

The civil wedding will be officiated by an official from the Municipality of Noto.

If the couple wishes to have a friend or family member officiate the ceremony, this person must:

Be an Italian citizen

Be registered on the electoral roll

Be formally delegated by the Municipality of Noto

Wedding Vendor List & Contacts

GENERAL TIMING

12:30 - Bride's getting ready begins.
14:30 - Hair and makeup are finished. Photo session with the daughters in the garden.
15:00 - The bride returns to the room for the final touch-ups to her hair and makeup, then gets into her wedding dress. Portrait session of the finished bridal look, followed by photos with her mother.
15:00 - Guest Arrival. The welcome beverage begins.
15:30 - 16:00 The groom arrives at the venue in a vintage car. Groom’s photo session.
15:50 - Guests are invited to take their seats in the ceremony area.
16:00 - Ceremony begins.

Wedding Ceremony Program.

Sons walk down the aisle and take their places at the altar
Groom walks down the aisle and takes his place at the altar (Track “It’s a Man’s World” James Brown)
Daughters walk down the aisle and take their places at the altar
Special performance
The Bride appears at the entrance of the aisle accompanied by her grandmother and grandfather. The Bride reaches the middle of the aisle, where her mother and father meet her. Grandparents hand the bride over to her parents. Bride continues the rest of the walk down the aisle accompanied by her mother and father.
Bride joins the groom at the altar
City Hall representative’s opening speech
Exchange of vows
Exchange of wedding rings
Witnesses sign the official marriage documents
Official declaration / Couple pronounced married
First kiss / Final ceremonial moment
Newlyweds’ recessional
Congratulations / Photos / Transition to the next part of the wedding

17:00 - Ceremony concludes.
17:10 - The Bride & Groom Depart for a Vintage Car Photoshoot.
17:10 - Aperitivo begins.
17:10 - 17:40 - Bride and groom’s golden hour photo session.
17:40 - The Bride & Groom Return from Their Photoshoot, Accompanied by a Sicilian Folk Band.
18:20 - The Bride Leaves for an Outfit Change.
18:30 - Guests Are Invited to the Dinner Area and to Take Their Seats. Dinner begins.
18:40 - The Bride & Groom Join Their Guests, and the Wedding Dinner Begins.

18:30 - Noya band starts performance
18:40 - 18:45 Renata and Selim open the dinner, first dance (track: That’s amore)
18:45- 19:00 First course, Noya band performance
19:00 -19:05 Eclicttica dance
19:05 - 19:10 host Aleksey speech
19:10 - 19:15 surprise video for Selim
19:15 -19:30 speeches Part 1
19:30 Noya band performance
19:45 -20:15 Second course
20:15-20:30 Speeches Part 2

20:30 - Dinner concludes. The Bride Leaves for an Outfit Change. Guests Are Invited to the Pool Area.
20:45 - The Bride & Groom Join Their Guests, hora dance.
21:00 - Cake Cutting Moment, small fountain fireworks (Track “Sarà perchè ti amo” Ricchi e Poveri)
21:15 Piano performance
21:45 Aleksey invites everybody to dance
21:45 Vodka dispenser with main firework (Track “L-O-V-E” by Nat “King” Cole)
21:50 - Party begins
22:30 - 01:00 - Midnight Snack.
01:30 - Party concludes.

WEDDING CONCEPT

WELCOME (Viale dei Carrubi Zone)

Guests arrive at the parking area.
At the entrance to the tree-lined avenue, they are welcomed by two waiters offering refreshments.
On the left side of the avenue, a fabric welcome sign is elegantly displayed.
RECEPTION (The Main Door)

Purpose: Guests walk towards the main door of the villa. In the Сortile, there are three catering tables offering guests refreshing drinks and granita.

•The main door is adorned with a floral arch, complemented by flowing ivory fabric.
•The floral design features white and green hydrangeas, white roses, black-centered gerberas, and minimal greenery.
•Subtle olive-green drapery is incorporated around the floral arch and the main door. Black and white paper lanterns are suspended individually throughout the trees.

Music: Ambiente lounge music.
Artists: Two stilt performers greet guests as they arrive.
APERITIVO (Cortile Zone)
Purpose: The Aperitivo Area welcomes guests with a selection of light antipasti before the ceremony, followed by the main aperitivo reception immediately after the ceremony.
- Throughout this time, guests will also enjoy live entertainment, creating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere as the celebration unfolds.
- The Parfum Bar opens, inviting guests to create their own signature scent.
- Each of the six catering tables is draped in ivory taffeta and decorated with a small floral arrangement featuring artichokes and figs. Food styling and presentation of the antipasti and aperitivo.
- A structure dedicated to bread and oil is present, decorated with olive oil-coloured drapery. The bread is suspended on ivory ribbons, with black ribbons appearing as accents throughout the installation. Some of the bread features the couple's initials. The olive oil is poured into a large stone bowl.
- The well is draped in ivory taffeta. Two piramides of ice are placed on it: one holds an oyster bar, while the other displays herring. Next to it are two silver bowls filled with ice, with bottles of Prosecco in one and vodka in the other. A waiter pours Champagne and vodka for the guests.
- The smoking area is located to the left of the cortile, in a hidden, secluded area.
- A small table with YSL cameras will be placed adjacent to the ceremony setting, allowing guests to capture memorable moments and enjoy a unique interactive experience.
Styling Details: An important decorative element is the three beige umbrellas
Music: Ambiente lounge music and sax performance.
Artists: 4 girls wearing hats with flowers perform among the guests.
CEREMONY (Giardino Con Le Colonne Zone)
Purpose: A dedicated part of the ceremony area will be transformed into a welcoming space for the guests during the welcome beverage and aperitif experience:
- Upon entering the area, guests will find the Life Painter and the perfume bar positioned on the left side, offering an interactive and personalized experience from the very beginning.
- The second part of the lawn area will be dedicated entirely to the ceremony experience. This space will be designed to create an intimate and elegant atmosphere for the main celebration moment.
- A small table with YSL cameras will be placed adjacent to the ceremony setting, allowing guests to capture memorable moments and enjoy a unique interactive experience.
- Design Direction: At the center of the ceremony setting, a raised platform (pedana) creates the focal point of the design, fully draped in soft ivory fabric.
- A fountain stands at the heart of the pedana, beautifully adorned with refined floral arrangements that enhance the romantic atmosphere. Flowing from both the right and left sides of the pedana are wave-shaped architectural structures, also draped in ivory fabric, creating a graceful and harmonious composition that frames the ceremony space.
- The ceremony area will feature decorative paper lanterns with black stripes as a distinctive design element.
- At the end of the ceremony, guests will shower the couple with rose petals.
- Two matching umbrellas, as in the Aperitivo area, will be placed near the Life Painter and Catering table.
Furniture: Elegant chairs draped in sheer fabric.
Styling Details: Each chair will be complemented with a “Happy Tears” tissue. Before taking their seats, guests will be offered elegant sun umbrellas and paper fans for their comfort.
Music: The main band’s repertoire will include compositions personally selected by the couple. Speeches will be delivered via microphone by a representative of the Municipality of Noto, accompanied by a translator.
DINNER (Giardino d'Inverno Zone)
Design Direction:
- One imperial table for 64 guests, featuring a distinctive curved section positioned asymmetrically in relation to the centre of the table.
- The straight sections will be dressed with ivory tablecloths featuring elegant draping, while the curved section will be draped in a custom fabric in a distinctive olive-oil shade.
- Throughout the length of the table, silver candelabras and black lamps will be arranged to create a refined and atmospheric setting.
- Throughout dinner, a projector screens classic black-and-white Italian films onto the wall, creating a timeless cinematic atmosphere. Toward the end of the evening, the projection transitions to a specially produced short film celebrating the couple's family story.
- There is no seating chart. Instead, each place setting includes an individual place card and a menu.
- The menu features a minimalist design, with olive-green typography and a fine border on butter-colored paper.
Vendor Notes: Upon entering the dining area, guests are welcomed by the event staff, who greet them with a guest list and personally escort them to their assigned seats. The guest lists are elegantly presented on silver trays, adding a refined touch to the arrival experience. At an appropriate moment during dinner, the host invites the couple to share a few words and offer their toasts to the guests.
PARTY/CAKE CUTTING (Pool Zone)
Design Direction: A magical evening atmosphere.
- Traditional Hora Dance.
- In the pool area, there will be a Smoke Lounge, offering guests a selection of cigars, along with silver bowls filled with ice and Coca-Cola Classic and Coca-Cola Zero.
- Open Bar: the signature cocktail “Vodka Savior” - a concept created around the story and special meaning this cocktail holds for the couple.
- Dolce Buffet: Three wedding cakes will be served - a Pavlova decorated with wild raspberries as the main wedding cake, and two Tiramisu cakes (one with alcohol and one alcohol-free). The cakes will be displayed at varying heights using cake stands. The remaining desserts (cannoli) will be arranged on the catering tables in a food styling presentation.
- Before the party and dancing begin, the couple will pour a vodka dispenser, followed by a fireworks display.
- For the guests' comfort later in the evening, midnight snacks and warm blankets will be available.
- The DJ booth is set up on a special structure in the center of the pool.
Music: DJ set. Piano performance
GUESTS EXIT (Viale dei Carrubi)

Along the pathway leading to the parking area, guests will find farewell gifts awaiting them. A projector displays the couple's initials along the walkway, creating a memorable send-off.

FLORAL DESIGN CONCEPT

APPROVED DETAILS

CALL RECUPS

DOCUMENTS

Renata must send the required documents by the end of March.
Confirm the appointment for the verbale on June 19, 2025 at 11:00.
Pay the fees: €500 to Dimore and €120 to the municipality of the city of Noto.

2.FLORIST

Approved:

The floral design project by Catia Frascati
Draped poufs for the ceremony.
Simple mise en place option proposed by Dimora delle Balze.

To solve:

Discuss the fabric in the ceremony area (possibly change the yellow color, secure the fabric, or remove it entirely).
Discuss the shape of the tables, chairs, and mise en place. Renata wants floral arrangements along the edges of the tables.
A photo zone with Yves Saint Laurent cameras (around 5 pieces).
Drape the Pozzo and turn it into a vodka and herring station.
Lighting during dinner (candles).
Stationary.
Handkerchiefs for the guests with a matching print (or bordo/yellow).
Bomboniere (Ortigia Soap/mirrors)
Guest book table.

3.ARTISTS

Approved:

Stilt performers.
Flowers at the entrance in the pool area.

To solve:

Discuss the changes to the floral design with Alice to personalize them.
Cancel the Bubble Show and the Folk Group.
Replace Sicilian Chic with something more in line with the overall wedding concept.

4.DIMORA DELLE BALZE

Approved:

Mise en Place
Chairs for dinner

To solve:

Remind them to send the final offer to Renata.
Discuss dinner arrangements for the vendors.
Approve the preliminary guest seating plan in AutoCAD.
Discuss transportation for the guests (Galiardi - Dimora delle Balze - Galliardi).
Obtain permission for Eclittica to install the flowers in the pool area.
Approve the layout plan for the tables: live painter, perfume bar, draped pozzo, and photo zone.
Film (Obtain the contact information of the vendor who will make the film and is responsible for the projector. Request the price. Prepare a brief/specifications for the film for the vendor.)

5. NOYA BAND

To solve:

Find out the required stage size in three locations – ceremony area, dinner area, and party area.
Discuss who will be responsible for escorting Renata and Selim to the altar – the singer or the saxophonist.

6.DETAILS:

Prepare gift baskets with fruits and sweets for the guests at the hotels. Include the wedding day program with the schedule and venue plan.
Order and print stickers for cigarettes and matches with the monogram logo.
First aid kits.

1.ENTRANCE DOOR - VIALE DEI CARRUBI.

The entrance will be decorated with a burgundy-colored drape.
Guests will be welcomed by stilt performers.

2.APERITIVO ZONE - CORTILE.

The catering team will set up 3 tables (90x160 cm) in the Cortile.
Katya will decorate the tables with silver elements (vases) and floral arrangements.
The Perfume Bar, the Live Painter’s table, and the catering table with Aperol will be positioned on the left side when moving from the Cortile to the Сeremony area.
Next to the Perfume Bar, Katya will place a small table with the guest favors.
Guest favors: Ortigia soap - approved.
Well draping - confirmed.
A pyramid of silver cups with oranges is approved as a decorative element for the Aperol table.

3.CEREMONY.

Katya will decorate the columns with floral arrangements.
Poufs draped in fabric and tied with burgundy strings - approved! (To request approximately 90 poufs from Geni Maison and arrange the draping service directly on site on the wedding day.)
Round ceremony platform (pedana rotonda) — confirmed! (To request the dimensions from Dimora.)
The platform will be draped in burgundy fabric. The installations in the ceremony area will be in white, complemented by floral arrangements.
Flower color palette: green / burgundy / ochre yellow / coffee tones.
Katya will send a floral selection proposal.
The yellow fabric aisle runner - cancelled.
Flower petals after the ceremony - confirmed!
Photo area. Katya suggests placing cameras in the ceremony area so that, after the ceremony, guests can use the ceremony setup as a photo zone.

4.DINNER ZONE - GIARDINO D'INVERNO.

Table layout - approved!
Mise en Place - approved!
Lighting: Katya suggests replacing candles with burgundy lamps from Zara Home.
Table decorations: Katya proposes decorating the tables with meringue pyramids and silver elements.
Menus / guest name cards: Katya suggests either printing them in the shape of white swans with burgundy tassels, or using Ortigia-themed graphics.

5.DETAILS.

Katya suggests removing the guest book and canceling the performance by Siciliac Chic (Eclittica) artists.

Technical Tasks for the Florist (Frascati)

1. ENTRANCE

A fabric banner with the couple’s initials and the wedding date at the entrance to Viale dei Carrubi (the fabric can be suspended from a tree).
Add green floral arrangements next to the main door (candles can also be included).
Place a full-length mirror next to the main door with the couple’s initials and the wedding date.

2. CEREMONY

Create the aisle leading to the altar as a pedana-style platform with a mirrored effect instead of using yellow or any other fabric.

3. DINNER

Thin candles in slim glass cylinders are required, along with Zara lamps.
Menus and place cards (segnaposti) in the Ortigia style with green tassels (not swans).

4. DETAILS

Add peonies to the floral arrangements.
White paper umbrellas will be needed for the ceremony.
Green fans (Renata has ordered them).
In addition to the Ortigia soaps, Renata will order silk handkerchiefs as bomboniere.
Prepare small packets with tissues labeled “For Your Happy Tears” for the ceremony.
Instead of Yves Saint Laurent cameras, there will be Polaroid cameras.
A small table will be needed for the guest book, where guests can attach their photos.
Renata would like the lace theme to be reflected somewhere in the décor (reference attached).

Technical Tasks for the Musicians (Noya Band)

During the wedding ceremony, please arrange for a saxophonist instead of a singer.

Technical Tasks for Dimora delle Balze

Please provide the cost for a mirrored podium/platform for the ceremony aisle.
Renata would like Signature Cocktails featuring small logos (hearts) with the couple’s initials.
Please confirm the Mise en Place (a collage will be sent for approval).
June 19 – Henna Party, women only, in the giardino, picnic-style.
Please check the possibility of preparing a Napoleon cake with raspberries (reference attached).
Please designate a Smoke Area (not a cigar bar) near the pool. In the Smoke Area, there should be glass bottles of chilled Coca-Cola Classic and Coca-Cola Zero placed in an ice-filled vase/bucket.
For the film projection, the screen should periodically display the logo with Renata and Selim’s initials.

Technical Tasks for the Videographer

Please confirm whether it would be possible to film Renata and Selim getting ready on the morning of the wedding and edit a short film that could be shown later in the evening on the projector.

Last updated: 28th of September, 2026