Bridging Worlds in Sicily: WE DO Catania & an Unforgettable FAM Experience

Sicily is one of those rare places where history, culture, and hospitality come together so effortlessly that every visit feels like coming home — a place where destination weddings meet culture in the most meaningful way. This month, I had the immense pleasure of returning to this extraordinary island to participate in WE DO Catania, hosted by Sicily for Weddings, followed by an inspiring FAM trip that deepened my love and understanding of this destination.

WE DO Catania: Building Bridges Through Collaboration

WE DO brought together a vibrant community of international planners, media, and local industry leaders to discuss the evolution of destination weddings in Italy. I was honored to lead roundtable discussions in Italian, focusing on how planners like myself—who come into Italy to work—can best collaborate with vendors and planners who are based here.

We explored the importance of building bridges across cultures and languages, emphasizing respect, communication, and partnership. It’s a topic that truly resonates with me, because successful destination planning in Italy isn’t just about logistics—it’s about relationships.

In addition to my sessions, my husband Collin Pierson and our talented creative partner Philipe Carvalho of La Via Visual joined a panel on Destination Narratives, where they shared their perspective on storytelling through photography and film. Together, these discussions reinforced how powerful collaboration can be when we work with intention, trust, and shared creative purpose.

What Is a FAM Trip (and Why It Matters So Much)

For those unfamiliar, a FAM trip—short for familiarization trip—is designed to help planners and industry professionals immerse themselves in a destination. We experience the venues, meet the people, and truly understand the character of a place so we can better guide our clients and design celebrations that feel authentic to that location.

For me, this particular FAM was incredibly meaningful. I already adore planning weddings in Sicily, but this experience gave me even more depth, insight, and detail into the island—its venues, its culture, and the passionate professionals who make it all possible.

The Sicilian Journey: From Baroque Beauty to Seaside Charm

^{Pictured above: Noto, Sicily, Italy}

Day one took us into the heart of Noto, a masterpiece of Sicilian baroque architecture. We began our journey at Tenuta Falconeri, a countryside estate that combines elegant design with the serenity of the Sicilian landscape.

^{Pictured above: Tenuta Falconeri}

Nearby, Braccialieri Luxury Resort offered a captivating atmosphere—both venues perfect for couples dreaming of immersive, high-impact celebrations surrounded by natural beauty and history.

^{Pictured above: Braccialieri Luxury Resort}

Lunch at Casa Modica was an ode to authentic Sicilian hospitality, followed by coffee on the terrace of the Gagliardi Boutique Hotel, where sweeping views of Noto’s rooftops reminded me why this region is such an inspiring destination for love stories.

From there, we traveled north to the coastal gem of Taormina, checking into Hotel Caparena and soaking up the town’s cinematic charm. That evening, we strolled the historic streets, toasted at the Mocambo Dolce & Gabbana Bar, and enjoyed a hands-on culinary experience at Pizzeria La Romana, learning the secrets behind perfect pizza dough—and, of course, indulging in tiramisu and cannoli.

^{Pictured above: Taormina, Italy at night}

Destination Weddings Meet Culture: Venues That Capture the Spirit of Sicily

Throughout the trip, we visited some of the island’s most exquisite properties, each one unique in its offering:

• The Ashbee Hotel – a refined boutique property with panoramic views and timeless sophistication.
• Villa Mon Repos – elegant and romantic, with spaces perfect for grand yet intimate weddings.
• Palazzo Vecchio Taormina – a historical gem full of character and charm.
• Atlantis Bay – a luxury seaside escape that blends modern design with Mediterranean soul.

^{Pictured above: Villa Mon Repo:}

^{Pictured above: Palazzo Vecchio Taormina}

^{Pictured above: The Ashbee Hotel}

Each venue showcased not just architecture and beauty, but also a genuine warmth that defines Sicilian hospitality.

Reflecting on Connection, Culture, and Collaboration

What stood out to me most during WE DO and the FAM trip was the spirit of collaboration. Every planner, vendor, and creative professional I met shared a passion for excellence and a belief that when we work together—across borders, languages, and traditions—destination weddings meet culture in the most authentic, meaningful way, creating something truly extraordinary.

I left Sicily feeling inspired, grateful, and even more connected to this place I love to work. I can’t wait to bring future couples here to experience all the beauty, depth, and magic this island has to offer.

Grazie mille to Sicily for Weddings, Alessandra Bentivoglio and Silvia Tosto at Wedding Sicily, and every partner and property who made this journey unforgettable.

Photos: Collin Pierson for La Via Visual