Matthew Christopher Wedding Gown Preservation – Victoria & Ryan

Where Sicily Meets the Sea: Victoria & Ryan’s Love Story Woven in Island Traditions and Mediterranean Grace

June 16, 2023

On June 16, 2023, Victoria and Ryan Jones brought together two worlds—Sicilian elegance and Hawaiian tradition—for a wedding that was nothing short of breathtaking. Held at the iconic Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea in Taormina, Sicily, their celebration unfolded beside the sea, where sun-kissed waves met heartfelt vows in a union of romance, culture, and unforgettable joy.

Victoria wore a stunning gown from the final bridal collection by Matthew Christopher, discovered at Bride and Bustlein her hometown of Los Gatos, California. “Every dress I tried on, I compared to that one,” she shared. “There was something special about finding the gown in the place I grew up.” To complete her look, she added a custom bolero and veil from And Something Blue in San Francisco—pieces that added timeless elegance to an already unforgettable ensemble.

Her favorite moment? The cocktail hour on the beach. “It was epic,” she said. “Our saxophone player turned it into a dance party before dinner even started!” Between fresh Sicilian pastas spun in parmesan wheels, grilled lobster, lamb, and flowing aperitivos, guests were swept into a world of sensory delight. “Everyone said it was the best wedding food they’ve ever had,” Victoria smiled.

But it wasn’t just about indulgence—it was about meaning. Victoria surprised Ryan with a traditional Hawaiian hula during the welcome reception, honoring his roots. “It was my gift to him, and to our families,” she shared. The couple beautifully blended cultures throughout the day: groomsmen wore Hawaiian nut leis, a ceremonial lei was hand-strung and draped around them during their vows, and tropical florals met classic Sicilian luxury with ease.

After the wedding, Victoria knew her gown was too meaningful to part with. “I couldn’t sell it—I loved it too much,” she said. While unsure of its future, she wanted to keep it pristine, whether for a loved one or a quiet moment years down the road. She chose Elegance Preserved for their impeccable wedding dress cleaning and preservation services. “They have such a great reputation in the Bay Area, and the complimentary pickup made everything so easy,” she shared.

Now, her gown—like her wedding day—lives on in perfect condition: timeless, personal, and unforgettable.

{ D E T A I L S }
Venue: Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea | Planning: Marilisa Bagnato, Belmond | Photography: Samuel Lippke Studios
Videography: Freeday Production | Florals: Sebastian Flowers | Stationery & Signage: Amaryllis Paperie
Dress Preservation: Elegance Preserved