Puglia Wedding
We’re thrilled to share Fran and Pete’s sun-kissed celebration in Puglia, Italy! On September 22nd, 2019, they exchanged vows amidst a lush backdrop of flowers and greenery at Masseria Grieco, surrounded by close friends and family. Their dream was to create a relaxed, holiday-inspired atmosphere, perfect for a big party. As the sun shone down, they married outdoors beneath a stunning floral arch, followed by a courtyard reception with tables arranged in a U shape. The decor was effortlessly chic, featuring festoon lights, lush greenery, and candles that added to the whimsical charm. As the evening unfolded, get ready for stylish attire and an infectious party vibe! Our favorite moments include the breathtaking outdoor ceremony, the intimate courtyard celebration, and the stunning visuals captured by MIKI Studios – both in stills and film. Take a moment to soak up every beautiful detail and relive this unforgettable day with us.
The Proposal
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over three years since Pete proposed to me on our balcony in Crete, while watching the moon rise over the sea. We had just returned from a family holiday with my parents earlier that summer, where Pete had already gained my father’s blessing for our engagement. That day, as we danced and sang along to ‘Send Me On My Way’ – the song that would become special on our wedding day – I sensed something was up. When Pete disappeared inside, I figured he must be getting something to celebrate. Little did I know, he was about to get down on one knee and ask for my hand in marriage. The seconds before the proposal were filled with anticipation, as if time itself was slowing down. And then it happened – he asked me to be his forever!
The Vision
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, we aimed to strike the perfect balance between relaxation and celebration. By having half of our guests stay on site for the entire weekend, we were able to foster a sense of community and holiday cheer. As we’ve always believed that true connections are built through shared experiences, it was incredible to see our friends from different walks of life come together, mingle, and create new memories. To make the experience even more personal and meaningful, Fran took on the task of learning calligraphy to create custom name cards for each guest, while we also had bespoke napkins with our wedding venue’s name and date – a thoughtful touch that added an extra layer of warmth to the celebrations.
The Venue
We tied the knot in a legal ceremony in Wandsworth on September 7th, before embarking on a romantic getaway to Italy. Two weeks later, we celebrated with an intimate symbolic ceremony and reception amidst the breathtaking scenery of Masseria Grieco. Having always been drawn to the idea of a destination wedding, I was determined to make the most of the occasion. With my Italian heritage and a passion for la dolce vita, it was only natural that we chose Puglia as our wedding destination. The region’s warm climate, picturesque landscapes, and renowned cuisine made it the perfect setting for our special day. Our search for the ideal venue took us to Masseria Grieco, where we were struck by the stunning stone architecture and breathtaking views. We were so smitten that we cancelled all subsequent viewings, knowing instantly that this was the place where we wanted to spend our first days as husband and wife.
The Readings & Music
When we envisioned our symbolic ceremony, we wanted to incorporate a fun element that would get our guests singing along. We opted for a lively song with a touch of cheesiness that everyone would recognize and enjoy. As we brainstormed one evening, Fran suggested ‘You’re the One That I Want’ from Grease, which we both loved in our younger years. The song’s balance of fun and playfulness felt perfect, and its familiarity made it an excellent choice for our celebration. We were fortunate to have Pete’s godmother, a professional celebrant, lead the ceremony with great enthusiasm and poise, leaving many guests emotional and touched by her beautiful delivery.
Your Outfits & Accessories
For our casual wedding celebration, I sought out a straightforward yet stylish dress that would allow for carefree dancing. The main concern was finding something breathable and lightweight to keep me cool under the sun. A train that got in the way of my friends trying to join in on the dance floor was also a no-go. As it turned out, Pete’s spin move ended up showcasing the flowing skirt in a wonderful way, adding an extra layer of magic to our special moment.
The Flowers
The flowers, sourced from esteemed florist Amsicora Fiori, exceeded our expectations. Our wedding coordinators had recommended them, and we couldn’t agree more – they were absolutely breathtaking. The elegant arch they created provided a stunning backdrop for our ceremony, and even in the photographs, it brings us joy every time we look at them.
Groomsmen
As we envisioned a harmonious atmosphere at the Masseria, we sought to incorporate colours that would complement its natural beauty. Our affinity for blue inspired us to select light blue hues that echoed the radiant tones of Italy’s iconic olive trees. The colour palette was defined by a soothing combination of blue, green, and white. To create a stylish ensemble, we paired the gents’ jackets with stone-coloured chinos that subtly referenced the stonework of the Masseria.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
We opted for a completely different approach, aiming to capture authentic moments of joy and affection between us and our loved ones. Our experience with MIKI Studios was absolutely phenomenal! We were blown away by their work on their website and had a fantastic conversation with them. Their enthusiasm, passion, and professionalism immediately put us at ease. Throughout the planning process, we had unwavering confidence in their abilities, knowing they would deliver exceptional results. On the day of our celebration, it was clear that they were fully invested in their role, engaging with guests and making everyone feel welcome. Our friends and family adored them just as much as we did! The next day, receiving a few sneak peek photos felt like an early wedding gift – truly worth every penny!
The Honeymoon
Our newlywed bliss began with a picturesque honeymoon getaway to Mauritius, where we traded worries for tranquility and indulged in an array of leisurely pursuits.
Memorable Moments
Our wedding experience far exceeded our wildest dreams, with an entire week filled with unforgettable moments that will remain etched in our memories forever. The sheer joy and love that surrounded us was palpable, making it truly a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. One particular highlight was the emotional rollercoaster of the ceremony, punctuated by heartfelt readings that left us both beaming from ear to ear. And then there were the impromptu performances – Pete’s surprise singing of ‘Grease’ being a standout – which only added to the festive atmosphere. We also had our fair share of laughter and merriment, with memorable moments like dancing on shoulders to ‘Wonderwall’ and the quintessential university tradition of stripping off tops to the ‘Baywatch’ theme song.
Advice For Other Couples
Planning a destination wedding can be daunting when you’re unfamiliar with local suppliers or language barriers. However, having a planner like Wiskow and White can make all the difference, as they did for us – just think of the recommendations and languages skills that made our experience seamless. We took it one step further by creating a WIX website, which not only saved us from sending out invitations but also allowed us to focus on what truly matters: enjoying quality time with loved ones. And speaking of highlights, my personal favorite was giving a speech – it’s something I highly recommend for any bride considering it. Having a weekend-long celebration meant we got to spend meaningful moments with our favorite people and cherish the memories that followed, including the laughter and inside jokes shared with friends during a memorable hangover session the next day. It goes without saying that having a videographer was also a fantastic decision – we can’t stop thanking ourselves for capturing such special moments! In the end, it’s all about cherishing those little things that make your wedding unforgettable. We’re grateful to Fran and Pete for sharing their romantic story with us, which only adds to our appreciation of Italy’s picturesque settings for destination weddings.