All Things Beautiful

3 min read

MASSERIA DAGILUPI WEDDING PUGLIA, ITALY

THIS WEDDING EDITORIAL SHOWS A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO A DESTINATION WEDDING IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY. AN INTIMATE, UNDERSTATED CELEBRATION WHERE QUALITY REIGNS OVER QUANTITY WITH MODERN, CONSIDERATE STYLING AND CHIC YET RELAXED LUXURY FEEL.

SPECTRE — LUXE MINIMALISM WEDDING INSPIRATION

SET IN THE SOUTH OF ITALY

Between the quaint trulli, ancient olive groves, blue sea, and the beautiful, limestone-covered little towns emerges a lesser-known side of the Italian region of Puglia - one that celebrates modern Mediterranean architecture, relaxed minimalism, and laid-back luxury.

As an international destination wedding planner, I love Italy for the plethora of venues that make my architecture-loving soul sing.

For this wedding editorial, I wanted to build the concept around the organic, clean lines found in this unique Italian masseria, as well as the crown jewels of the Apulian summer experience - delicious food, breathtaking views and beautiful colors.

THE CONCEPT & INSPIRATION

Working on the design concept for this wedding editorial, I knew I wanted to get away from the traditional Italian Masseria wedding aesthetic. Instead, I wanted to show a different side to a destination wedding in Italy - one that celebrates country's fascinating architectural and design history.

The venue — Masseria Dagilupi — is a true hidden gem of the Apulian countryside, a striking balance between history and the minimalist design. The understated, almost organic, architecture, and whitewashed walls served as an offset for subtle, contemporary styling.

PHOTOGRAPHY

To capture the concept, I have collaborated with the wonderful Adriana Morais, a Portugal-based wedding and elopement photographer known for her inspired, airy style and unique way of capturing emotions & candid little moments between the couple.

THE CEREMONY

The idea of a stunning view as a ceremony backdrop is one of the reasons I feel in love with destination weddings. The sea, the olive grove, or the garden - all offer infinite possibilities to style this intimate moment between the couple. But the second I saw this view of La Città Bianca (also known as the White Pearl of Puglia) I knew it was the perfect spot for the symbolic wedding ceremony.

The concept for the ceremony area was to contrast the white, minimalist setting of the terrace with a vibrant floral composition that frames the couple from the sides, and as they stand in the middle the eye wanders to the beautiful town of Ostuni in the distance, almost crowning the couple.

THE STYLING

Apart from the architectural, modern aesthetic, prevalent in the design concept is the motif of the sea — from the color palette and the octopus detail seen on stationery, arts de la table mimicking the organic shape of wild pearls, to the tentacle-inspired texture of the wedding cake.

WEDDING FLORALS

With flowers — from the ceremony arrangements and table centerpieces to the bridal bouquet — Cosmio (La Mia Fioraia) has leaned into the contemporary floral design, proving that opting for less does not take away from the romantic feel. Instead, it adds relaxed, almost nonchalant elegance that beautifully complements the minimalist architecture of the Italian Masseria.

BRIDAL LOOKS

Fun fact — the idea for the bridal looks started with... an octopus.

The sea creature was famously a symbol of SPECTRE, a fictional organization in the James Bond movie series (my private little obsession). This motif has inspired the bridal looks to feature two beautiful, fierce women wearing suits on their special day.

Hair & Makeup complement the sartorial looks by adding an element of surprise, featuring pearls and wet-looking hair rarely seen in weddings — a striking balance between the unexpected and the luxe minimalist, sophisticated style.

This Italian destination wedding editorial would not be complete without the beautiful work of Merak Studio. Please enjoy the video work below, created by the talented filmmaker, Roberto.