Wedding in an Ancient Puglia Masseria

Jo & Dan (Part 2)

With the help of their wedding planner, In the Mood for Love, London couple, Jo and Dan decided hosting their wedding in a Puglia Masseria, would allow them to create the relaxed atmosphere they desired for their day. Surrounded by wild landscapes and delicate flowers, the couple chose Masseria Angiulli Piccolo as their wedding venue.

During a pre-wedding visit Jo and Dan fell in love with one of the oldest and most famous ceramic shops in Grottaglie, owned by Franco Fasano. They had the opportunity of visiting his factory and assisting him and his team in making the vases which were used for their wedding table (below). What a special touch and a wonderful experience!

The Puglia Masseria Reception Venue…

Our wedding reception was held in the garden of the Puglia Masseria.

Our guests were free to explore the grounds and sit wherever – this meant guests were quite spread out but nice for them to be able to explore.

We chose two long tables and sat in the middle. We wanted everyone to be close together and to we wanted to be included with them rather than sit separately.

We spent most of the day outside and as the dinner didn’t finish until 10:30ish we only went inside to dance.

We had visited Puglia the year before and loved it! Following the booking of the Puglia Masseria we travelled out to Puglia again in the October with Anna, our wedding planner based in London but from Puglia, and our parents.

During this visit, we sampled two different caterers – a local guy recommended by the venue and another caterer Il Fagiano, recommended by Anna – there really was no comparison. The food at Il Fagiano was amazing and we knew our guests would not be disappointed by the fantastic quality of the food, service and presentation. This option was a lot more expensive than we anticipated but it was worth it!

Standout Moments…

The first dance – chosen on the dancefloor
Everyone enjoying themselves and everything going to plan
Walking in to the chapel
Special dance Jo with dad
When the band provided us with a washboard to play
Rooftop of venue
The selection of antipasti
Dan’s speech
Riding in the Fiat 500
Surprise earrings from Dan

Unique Ideas & Personal Touches…

Olive oil labels painted by Jo’s mum.

We selected a song for every guest that was hidden under guests’ plates and announced at the end of Dan’s speech.

We had a Polaroid camera section – really great pictures.

Bride & Grooms Wedding Attire…

Veil and dress – Morgan Davies Bridal in Hitchin
Dress Designer – Cymbeline
Dan’s suit – Reiss

Bridesmaids Attire…

BHS dresses
Shoes varied

Final Piece Advice…

Hiring Anna as a wedding planner was one of the best things we did. She was very helpful and supportive throughout the process and basically enabled us to get married through her negotiation skills and friendly demeanour as well as being very efficient and creative.

Find Out More

Looking for fantastic wedding professionals to help you plan your wedding in Puglia or want to learn more about wedding costs in Italy. To make things a little quicker, fill in the form below providing as much information as possible about your initial ideas and plans (we know you will not know everything at the moment and that’s more than okay). We will then forward your form to the relevant wedding professionals who will get in touch with you…simple and easy!

PART 1

If you missed Part 1 of Jo and Dan’s wedding in Puglia you can read it here. The couple take us from the initial planing stages of their destination wedding through to their moving wedding ceremony. If you are tempted to get married in this part of the world, do yourself a favour and take a look at Jo and Dan’s pre-wedding session in Puglia.

In the Mood for Love specialise in the design, logistics and creation of fabulous weddings in Puglia, an undiscovered region of Italy. They offer a unique experience for you and your guests. Not only a well organised event but something that combines the Puglia feeling and traditions with your tastes and desires.

A very big thnk you to Jo and Dan for sharing their day with us. I believe that real wedding stories are a great source of information, not only for their gorgeous inspiration but for all you can learn from the “real experiences” of past destination wedding couples. Indeed, this was the premise on which Weddings Abroad Guide was founded…to provide real information, by real couples!

The Perfect Partners

Wedding Planner – Anna from In the Mood for Love  // Wedding Photographer: Francesco Gravina // 2nd Photogrpaher: Yulia Longo 3rd photographer: Gianni Naraccio // Ceremony Venue: Santuario Madonna della Mutata, Grottaglie // Reception Venue: Masseria Angiulli Piccolo // Caterers: Il Fagiano // Bridal Dress: Cymbeline // Brides Shoes: Reused from being a bridesmaid // Grooms Attire: Reiss suit, M&S tie, Dune shoes // Bridesmaids Dresses: BHS // Hairstylist: Marielena Panarelli for Jamila // Make-up: Jo’s sister – both attended MAC wedding makeup course // Ceremony Musicians: Pre-prepared CD // Wedding Band: Apulia Dixieland band for cocktail hour in the afternoon // Wedding DJ: Mr Frank Dj for party after dinner // Flowers: La Primula Fioreria // Wedding Stationery: Invites – Postcards of Puglia – Table setting painted by Jo’s mum // Bridesmaids presents: LEILAjewelryshop on Etsy // Olive Oil bottles Bottle Company South