Katie and Ben share Sicilian love with Mediterranean wedding theme

Londoners Katie Pillman and Ben Whitlock, both aged 30, took their 135 guests to Sicily for their wedding day – at least Oxfordshire’s best impression of it.

“Ben proposed in Sicily, where we loved the food, wine, herbs and colours,” explains Katie. “We wanted to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to our country wedding in Oxfordshire.” So there began the inspiration for the couple’s Mediterranean wedding theme celebrated in a friend’s garden following a church ceremony in Bletchingdon.

The decorations, food and transport were all chosen with the theme in mind for the August 31, 2013 day. “We had long tables decorated with herbs in terracotta pots, interspersed with cases of vibrant red, yellow and blue flowers,” says Katie. “Olive branches hung off the back of our chairs, and each place name was made up of a sprig of lavender and a stem of corn.”

The bride says some of the best memories were popping their heads through “Fifi” the Fiat 500 sunroof, as well as watching their guests enjoy the fancy dress costumes they provided on the dance floor.

Photos courtesy of Katy & Co Photography.

Claire Nicole was the master behind creating Katie and her bridesmaids’ hair and make-up.

“Fifi” was a crowd favourite on the day.

Katie says it was important to take a few minutes out as a couple to reflect on the day.