Italy Weddings / Nicola & Matt at Masseria Torre Ruggieri

I have had Puglia on my mind lately.... Starting to plan a new wedding there is one of my happy places. And it was not the exception when I first met Nicola & Matt for site inspections. I was so thrilled when they decided Masseria Torre Ruggeri was the right place for them (that place, as you may know, has a special place in my heart).

The beauty of a perfect location is that its own beauty is enough to drive the design of the event. The colors of Puglia: the light colored buildings, the muted green of olive groves and the blue sky and sea are enough to inspire the uninspired. 

This location has a beautiful citrus grove where Nicola & Matt chose to have their wedding ceremony. An existing backdrop (a structure that possibly was meant for staying in the shade on hot days - I am actually guessing here so if you know the reason for it, let me know!) decorated with locally made urns and neutral flowers was all the space needed.

And what can I say about a long dinner table in the middle of an olive grove?  String lights, candles, traditional masseria style chairs with straw seats and miniature locally produced olive oil doubling as place cards (and takeaway favors).  As much as I love color, sometimes, simple minimalism is just right.

{venue} Masseria Torre Ruggeri {photo} Les Amis Photo {floral} Amsicora Fiori {catering} Eventi D'Elite {lighting/sound} Gio Service {DJ} Sergio Cacciatore {hair&makeup} Viviana Veglia

 

 

Costa Rica Weddings / Kate & Dane at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo

I have to admit, my happiness levels shoot through the roof every time we get to have a wedding at Andaz!!! Not only do I love the property as a whole but our clients love the gorgeous rooms and the wonderful service too. A win-win situation if you ask me!!!

The wedding ceremony was held in the super architectural lounge (which, besides being perfect for really cool photos, served a dual purpose of protecting us from the rain - unfortunately, weather was not really cooperative that day).  Like I have said many times, when you have a beautiful setting, it is important to add details that enhance it, and we actually worked with a simple thin gold Chuppah structure wth fabric and deep dark green and white floral accent detailing. Kate's dress (and Kate herself) is a stunner, and we did not want to take away from that as well.

Because of the rain, we had to move the reception into the ballroom (which, as far as ballrooms go, is actually quite nice - and this comes from someone who does not like ballrooms, at all), instead of hosting the dinner outside... I must admit, as much as I love outdoor receptions, there is a lot to be said about air conditioning in the tropics!!! In the end, it was a great thing, since guests were able to dance and dance in a nicely air conditioned room!

For the reception design, we focused on big greenery focal pieces with white floral detailing, combined with natural wood and gold & brass accents. A combination of wood tables and tables with tablecloths, worked nicely with a combination of wood and hammered brass charger plates. The paper suite had blue detailing in it, so in order to incorporate a little bit extra blue into the overall design, we came about one of my favorite things in this wedding: the fabulous ombre geode wedding cake by Victoria Zoch! 

{photo} Costa Vida Photography {venue} Andaz Papagayo {floral} Artflower {rentals} Costa Mesa Event Rentals {cake} Victoria Zoch {DJ} DJ Teemor {ceremony music} Ricardo Fonseca {hair} Bridal Services Costa Rica {makeup} Maravilla Makeup {paper goods} Minted