In recent years, Puglia has witnessed a growing number of destination weddings. People from around the world choose it to fulfill their Italian dream. Some relocate their families for intimate ceremonies, while others bring along many friends for grand celebrations. Puglian masserias stand out as ideal locations for Puglia destination weddings. Their spacious courtyards, olive fields, twinkling lights, numerous rooms or trulli ready to accommodate all the wedding guests, and expansive pools for celebratory pool parties offer the perfect backdrop, surrounded by nature.
Today, I want to tell you the story of Gabrielle and Drew, Americans who arrived in Italy after numerous mishaps, including a passport left on a plane and a departing flight they missed. A flight they never boarded as they were held back by authorities, awaiting documents that had ended up on the other side of the world. But all’s well that ends well, and the soon-to-be newlyweds eventually managed to reach Puglia to kick off their celebration.
Puglia destination wedding – day 1 pizza party
On day 1 of Gabrielle and Drew’s Puglia destination wedding, the festivities kick off with a pizza party in the orange grove of Masseria Don Luigi. Masseria enchants visitors with its traditional Apulian architecture. The classic whitewashed walls, majestic stone arches, and vaulted ceilings create an authentic and timeless atmosphere. The interiors are tastefully furnished, preserving a rustic charm alongside timeless elegance.
Gabrielle and Drew welcome their guests in casual attire, accompanied by Peroni beer and freshly baked pizzas. The Masseria Don Luigi’s orange grove is a magical, intimate space that sets a romantic mood. Drew’s family has Italian origins, and since his father is Italian, being in Italy feels a bit like coming home. In fact, some of the deepest and most emotional embraces were with Italian relatives who came from Sicily to celebrate alongside the couple.
After the words of gratitude, the sky transitions into hues of orange and blue, making way for the new day, the significant day of Gabrielle and Drew’s Puglia destination wedding.
The wedding day – Masseria Don Luigi
Gabrielle and Drew’s Puglia destination wedding at Masseria Don Luigi begins under a threatening, gray sky. While both the wedding planner and the couple worry about the possibility of rain, we know that this weather condition often gifts us with beautiful light—a cloudy sky that serves as a precious natural backdrop, and if luck is on our side, a subtle but golden sunset.
The ceremony takes place in the olive grove, adorned with a floral design by Zaira Flowers that creates a rainbow of colors, standing out even more against the gray day and the light veiled by clouds.
Drew is visibly moved as he awaits the arrival of his sweet Gabrielle. The ceremony engages everyone, and symbolic rituals hold significant emotional power. The celebrant’s speech is usually personal and emotionally charged, touching both the couple and those close to them deeply. A symbolic ritual led by a dear friend of the groom concludes with toasts and confetti tossing.
As expected, the sunset breaks through the clouds, prompting us to rush with the couple to capture some photos in the iconic olive grove of Masseria Don Luigi. Meanwhile, Laura Valentini, the wedding planner, puts the finishing touches on the arrangements for the imperial tables that would soon host the grand celebration for Gabrielle and Drew’s Puglia destination wedding.
Fotografie: Matteo Lomonte e Federica Ariemma
Videomaker: Fabio Stanzione
Secondo videomaker: Vincenzo Paccione
Location: Masseria Don Luigi
Wedding Planner: Laura Valentini
Make up artist: Angela L’altrella
Fiori: Zaira flower
Catering: Il Fagiano
