A Luxury Wedding in Palermo: Patricia Zhou & Xander Pietrovito’s Spectacular Celebration

All Things Beautiful
2 days ago
4 min read

When Patricia Zhou, renowned dancer, choreographer, and fashion darling, said “yes” to Xander Pietrovito, it was clear their wedding would be no ordinary affair. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Villa Tasca in Palermo, Sicily — made famous in the second season of The White Lotus — their celebration was an immersive, theatrical, and utterly luxurious experience that unfolded like a play in three acts.

A couple poses outdoors, the woman in a white dress with a rose, the man in a dark suit. They stand in front of lush greenery. British Vogue header.

As both the luxury destination wedding planner and art director, I had the privilege of shaping the overarching vision, blending bold theater references with elevated elegance, and, of course, a touch of fun.

Setting the Stage: Welcome Dinner at Osteria dei Vespri

The festivities began the evening before the wedding with an intimate welcome event at Osteria dei Vespri, a Palermo institution immortalized in Luchino Visconti’s legendary Il Gattopardo – a local landmark tucked away on a charming Piazza Dei Vespri in the hear of Palermo. Guests were greeted with traditional Sicilian delicacies with modern twist, setting the tone for a weekend of curated experiences that balanced grandeur with intimacy.

Art Direction: “The Love Affair” — A Play in Three Acts

The wedding’s concept was designed as a narrative: “The Love Affair”, a theatrical journey where guests became the audience and participants of a story of love, style, and celebration. Each element — from event maps and dinner seating plans to floral installations and late-night snacks — was curated like props on a stage.

Red, romantic collage with "Thrill of a Romance" text, metallic rose, disco balls on red fabric, and floral-themed "La Festa di Benvenuto." — *one of the mood boards we developed*

Act I: The Ceremony

With my gentle nudge, the couple agreed to break from traditional garden ceremony, and instead they exchanged vows against the facade of Villa Tasca rather than in the garden. I wanted to create a visually impactful ceremony backdrop that paid homage to Patricia's ballet dancer background but without a cliche.

Bride and groom stand under textile draped backdrop for outdoor wedding ceremony at ornate building. Guests seated, surrounded by greenery. Elegant mood. — Intimate wedding ceremony led by the couple's dear friend – photo Svenja Petersen

A custom textile installation transformed the historic walls into a dramatic stage, while Patricia made her entrance through a “stage door,” a nod to her life in performance. Every detail of the ceremony referenced theater and choreography, ensuring that the architecture of the villa and the couple’s artistry were in perfect dialogue.

Bride and groom smiling, leaning in by pink draped backdrop with greenery. Third person in black suit observes, holding a book. Romantic setting.

A Detail Like No Other – A Single Monochrome Rose In Lieu of Traditional Bridal Bouquet.

From the start, Patricia didn’t connect with the idea of a traditional bridal bouquet. She was ready to forgo one entirely — something I wholeheartedly supported. But instead of removing the gesture altogether, I proposed reimagining it.

The answer became one of the most iconic details of the entire wedding:a single red rose — hand-painted, sculptural, modern, with an unmistakable edge.

Red rose with leaves lies on a light marble surface, casting a shadow. The setting is serene, with a hint of greenery in the background. — CONCEPT: Magdalena, All Things Beautiful | Execution: Bosque Concepts | PHOTO: Svenja Petersen

Textural, almost leather-like, designed with intention, depth, and attitude. A rose that felt powerful. A rose that felt like her.

Bride in a white gown holds a red rose, standing by a door. Elegant room with detailed wall art and warm lighting enhances the romantic mood.

While others doubted the idea, Bosque Concepts aligned with my vision instantly, refining every technical element to perfection. Together, we created a rose that stayed flawless, non-staining, and resilient throughout a long, hot Sicilian wedding day — a detail made possible only through art direction that balances boldness with creativity and technical precision.

Intermission: The Cocktail Hour

In classic theater fashion, the intermission allowed guests to unwind before the main act. The villa’s historic gardens became the setting for aperitivo — a moment to sip, wander, and soak in the ambience.

Upon arrival, each guest received a bespoke wedding playbill, designed in collaboration with the brilliant Vanessa Nguyen. More than a program, it was a piece of immersive storytelling:a cast of characters, a scene-by-scene outline of the day, a dinner seating plan, and — most

importantly — a beautifully illustrated map of the estate.

During aperitivo, guests used the map to explore Villa Tasca’s sprawling grounds, drifting through citrus groves, discovering hidden corners, and encountering the sculptural citrus installation created purely to be admired (and photographed with).

Bride and groom pose on grass, surrounded by orange sculptures, under tall palm trees. Bride wears a white gown and veil; groom in black suit.

The playbill became an anchor and an invitation:Because when the doors open and guests take their seats… the performance truly begins.

Act II: The Reception Dinner

The reception unfolded in the fresco-adorned piano nobile of Villa Tasca, where modern, luxe minimalist décor met historic grandeur. Roses? Yes, but not as you know them.

Couple poses in an ornate hall with long tables set for dining, decorated with red roses and candles. Elegant, romantic atmosphere.

Deconstructed roses, emphasizing both their lush heads and sculptural thorns, gave a fresh, reimagined take on a classic wedding staple. Elegant black-and-white menus, adorned with nostalgic calligraphy, paired with cheeky cherub name cards, offered a wink to the audience while honoring romance and tradition.

Elegant table setting with red roses centerpiece, white tablecloth, menus, candles, and black chairs. Romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

The pièce de résistance? Thorn-adorned candleholders, custom-made by our florists, each thorn meticulously placed by hand to crown Patricia and Xander’s table — a perfect marriage of drama, beauty, and painstaking craftsmanship.

Lit candles on an elegant table set with wine glasses, plates, and name cards. Warm ambient lighting creates an intimate atmosphere.

Act III: The Grand Finale — The Afterparty

No theater-inspired wedding is complete without a show-stopping finale. The afterparty featured a red carpet leading to an old-school velvet DJ booth, creating the perfect stage for dancing — fitting for a bride who is, after all, a professional dancer. Guests could enjoy both a lively party and quieter moments with cocktails, accompanied by a Sicilian staple: brioche with gelato, served as a playful late-night snack.

One of the evening’s decor highlights was the cocktail bar next to the dance floor, inspired by a vintage balloon-adorned building that Patricia had pinned months before. We recreated the whimsical energy with a mix of vintage balloons, adding a cheeky, unexpected contrast to the villa’s frescoed walls and crystal chandeliers.

Colorful heart-shaped balloons under a chandelier in an ornate room, above a table set for a party. A bar menu stands on the table.

A Celebration Remembered – The Lasting Impact

Patricia Zhou and Xander Pietrovito’s wedding was more than a luxury wedding — it was a carefully orchestrated narrative, a performance of love, art, and style, where every detail was curated to delight and surprise. From the welcome dinner at Osteria dei Vespri to the grand finale at Villa Tasca, the celebration was bold, balanced, theatrical, and undeniably elegant.

The wedding has since been featured in British Vogue, cementing its place as a standout example of what a luxury wedding, artfully directed and meticulously planned, can be. As their destination wedding planner and art director, I’m proud to have helped Patricia and Xander craft an unforgettable weekend — one where fashion, choreography, and Sicilian beauty converged into an unparalleled celebration of love.