Could black and red be appropriate for weddings? The nuptials of Loli and Lesmes Gutierrez surely proved so. The New York-based couple tied the knot in the fall of 2024 with an unconventional color theme of black, red, and silver, held in the quintessential wedding destination that is Italy.
Directed by the bride’s bold vision, events planner Simona Parisi executed this color palette with restraint, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that had a decidedly old-world feel. Guests were clad in red gowns, black suits, and bow ties. Set within the luxurious Villa Tasca, it was almost like a 1920s European dinner party.
Explore more details below to see exactly how they made this happen:
Loli is from the Czech Republic and Lesmes is from Spain. Their relationship started serendipitously during the pandemic.
“There were no clubs open and a limited availability of bars,” Loli recalls. “So when a random guy on Facebook whose profile picture looked cute started messaging me about his housewarming party happening 10 minutes away from my place, I decided to give it a try.” As destiny would have it, they hit it off during the event and had their first date the day after.
Fast forward to October 2023, Loli and Lesmes visited Sicily for a holiday where they stayed at a hotel called Le Calette Bay in Celafu. There, he proposed privately at a secret beach along the coast.
“I took the time to hide the ring behind a rock and then joined her for a swim,” shares Lesmes. “After a while of us swimming together, walking along the beach and lying down, it was time to go back. And whilst Loli was getting ready, I picked up the ring from behind the rock and asked if she would marry me.”
Over 113 guests from twenty countries flocked to the storied grounds of Villa Tasca located along the road from Palermo to Monreale. The estate is 20 acres of citrus orchards and lush gardens that date back 500 years, representing the richness of Sicilian history and natural beauty.
The infrastructure of the villa itself, which was built in the 1500s, is characterized by pastoral frescoes and tile-work that lent an air of grandeur and drama for photo ops and preparations before the ceremony.
While the exchange of vows was held outdoors, the cocktail celebrations were located inside for a club party vibe–albeit a very sophisticated one.
To begin the festivities, Loli and Lesmes threw a pre-wedding cocktail party for their family and friends who flew in to witness this momentous occasion. It was an outdoor event at Solemar, a beach and events club overlooking the sea. Everyone came dressed in white, mirroring the cool coastal hues of the panoramic view.
This casual atmosphere continued the next day in Villa Tasca, with the bride and groom’s party maximizing the opportunity to relax by the pool and enjoy the glorious gardens.
Of course, the pinnacle of the celebration was the nuptials. Loli’s creative vision was to have a metallic backdrop that cascaded into a carpet to create a makeshift aisle. It was an inventive way to stage a wedding set-up outdoors, and the silver accent was strikingly beautiful in a modern way. “I must say it was one of my favorite moments seeing it for the first time walking down the aisle,” shares Loli.
Loli looked every bit like a princess in her sweetheart neckline gown and a tiara from which her floor-length veil flowed. She also donned opera gloves and a tennis diamond necklace to complete the regal look. As for the groom, Lesmes sported a timeless black tuxedo accented by a boutonniere.
When asked what his favorite memory was, Lesmes answers, “When I saw Loli walking towards me with her stepdad. The shivers and emotions of those sixty seconds are something you don’t get to experience every day.”
Right after the lovebirds exchanged vows, the group easily transitioned into cocktail mode as the dining area was positioned nearby. This garden party was fashioned like a dinner soiree, complete with banquet tables, candles, and fine silverware. Red and white flowers by Alfio Cannavo added a subtle touch that kept in theme.
With the sunset in the background, guests were served a decadent array of food and drinks from catering company Seby Sorbello, including a custom cocktail made specially for the couple.
As speeches were being made, the bride sneaked away to change into her second outfit–a jazzy beaded dress with a deep v-neckline and high slit. Loli later revealed her look just in time for the cake-cutting moment on the terrace, which was another one of the wedding’s unique details.
“[One special memory was] having a glass of champagne with my husband as we decorated our wedding cake and put the finishing touches. At that moment, I think I fully realized what was happening and felt very happy,” shares Loli fondly.
Afterward, the couple had their first dance as newlyweds, and champagne was served to celebrate. It was then that the special party room was opened for night-long dancing and drinks. Following the color palette, this cabaret-inspired room glowed with an entrance sign saying “More Amore!” while the interior shone with disco balls and laser lights.
“There was a moment when I looked down from the terrace and saw our guests in the garden all looking incredibly beautiful in black, red or silver and I was mesmerized,” says Loli about their wedding.
While the wedding’s fashion-forward flair was truly remarkable, what stood out for the bride was the presence of their loved ones. “We had an amazing group of people who all brought their unique touches and made our day much more special,” Loli says.
Congratulations to the bride and groom for a stylish event, a fabulous way to begin a new chapter in their love story!
Wedding planner: @simona_parisi_brilliantwedding
Flowers: @alfioflowers
Catering: @sebysorbellocookingout
Venue: @villatascaofficial
Audio & lighting: @lionservicegroupevents
DJ: @andryxmusic
Photographer: @klassen.weddings
Video: @filip.jagr
Veil: @oneblushingbride
Suits: @suitsupply
