I love Puglia. So every time I get to go there for a client wedding, my heart sings. I actually met Molly & Graham at Graham's cousins wedding in Tuscany (which we planned). When I met them, little did I know that 15 months later, we would all be back in Italy, to celebrate their wedding.

Pretty set on having their wedding in Italy, they took me up on my recommendation and we went to Puglia on a scouting trip a few months later... Needless to say, they loved it and I can perfectly understand why. The authentic Italian feel, the beautiful locations, the gorgeous ocean, the weather, the people.... THE FOOD!!!!!! After visiting quite a few locations in three days, they decided that Masseria Don Luigi was the perfect spot for their wedding.

Little did we know that our original plans for 50 guests would end up growing a bit.... OK, quite a bit, and this beautiful couple ended up having almost 100 friends and family join them in Italy to celebrate their wedding!!! While the September weather was not as warm as we expected it to be (not a bad thing after having been in Puglia for a horrible heat wave only a couple of months before), it was still wonderful and beautiful (and the fire pit on the night of the wedding certainly helped!!)

The festivities kicked off with a great welcome dinner at the Coccaro Beach cClub, with wonderful food and delicious wine in true Italian style But the wedding itself was truly amazing.

With a ceremony set in a secular olive grove, next to a 500+ year old olive tree, guests enjoyed themselves while Molly & Graham said their vows and became Mr & Mrs. After the ceremony, a fabulous Italian style aperitivo, with, among other things, a seafood station and a live cheese maker, offered a variety of food for every taste. Tess & The Yellow Cabbies, a wonderful Tuscany based band, played while guests enjoyed the food.

The newlyweds had their first dance as husband & wife in the olive grove, under the string lights, before everyone headed into the reception space. Using long wood tables and whitewashed chairs, we were looking for a very clean, light, southern Italian feel. Our florist created beautiful multi piece centerpieces with candles on the two long tables, and each place setting was finished off with a custom menu and a small olive branch, a nod to the location and to the Molly's Italian heritage. After speeches and a wonderful sit down dinner, guest enjoyed the cutting of the cake (which was suspended in a "cake swing", Masseria Don Luigi's signature cake "table") followed by a wonderful (and exaggeratedly diverse) dessert display.

After everyone ate to their hearts content.... Tess and The Yellow Cabbies began playing again and everyone truly danced the night away (while taking some time off in the fire pit to relax and recharge)!

{photo} Marco Odorino Photography {venue} Masseria Don Luigi (hair and makeup} Jessica Berulier {getting ready venue} Borgo Egnazia {floral} Amsicora Fiori {catering} Il Fagiano {bar service} Joe Bar Catering {live music} Tess & The Yellow Cabbies {bridal gown} Mikaela by Paloma Blanca { bride's shoes} Stuart Weitzman

There is nothing like returning to a place that has a special place in your heart! When Kim and Ed hired us to help them plan their wedding at Masseria Torre Ruggeri, almost a year since I had my own wedding there... I was so excited!!!! Not only because I got married there, but for many other reasons, Torre Ruggeri is one of the most perfect spots for an outdoor wedding. A beautiful ancient fortified building, surrounded by olive groves and gardens and with a center courtyard that looks like it was taken from a movie.... it is really one of those places that does not need a lot adde to it to be the perfect location to get married in.

Kim & Ed, London based, had their family and closest friends travel with them to Puglia to celebrate their marriage. The ceremony in the citrus garden included a fun singalong with their guests and was officiated by one of their closest friends, who did a fantastic job. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails in the courtyard, while the newlyweds went off for their photo session (which you can see, resulted in some pretty fabulous images!!!). Dinner was held in the olive grove, which was lit up for the occasion. Kim and Ed wanted the general design to have an bit of Italian flair, so we opted to create living centerpieces using potted herbs which added a great scent to the night. After a delicious dinner, guests went on the dance floor and danced till the wee hours of the night (or morning..)

{photo} Valentina Oprandi {venue} Masseria Torre Ruggeri {catering} TriedE20 {floral} Four Nineteen Weddings and Rollo Fiori {DJ} Sergio Cacciatore {lighting} Gio Service {live music} Atmosfera Blu {bar} Joe Bar {planning & design) Four Nineteen Weddings