Under the Italian Sun: A Dreamy Destination Wedding in Puglia
Captured by Lily Red
In the heart of Italy’s heel, Anastasia and Keaton’s wedding was a celebration of the region’s rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and a commitment to sustainability. Their love story began a world away in Los Angeles, but it was in Puglia that they found another home at Borgo Egnazia. Embracing and honoring the natural surroundings of native plants and stone architecture, they let Puglia’s beauty radiate on the perfect mid-September weekend.
A key element of this eco-conscious wedding was the commitment to using as many local vendors as possible, supporting the local economy and minimizing waste associated with importing unnecessary foreign design elements. We kept signage minimal and ordered what welcome bag goodies that we could through the venue’s Amazon account. While nearly every detail was a tribute to the region’s rich culture and resources, one of our favorite incorporations was the escort wall we dreamed up with custom, handmade white ceramic bottles artfully splattered with red paint and filled with Borgo’s own pressed olive oil that doubled as a delicious favor for guests. The venue’s planner, Marcella, was the best collaborator in bringing out ideas to life with local resources.
Anastasia and Keaton had a dream to bring their families together for the first time in Italy. To kick off the festivities, guests were welcomed with a quintessential Italian dinner party al fresco. Wooden farm tables were set under the starry sky, adorned with fragrant basil and tomatoes on the vine in place of traditional florals. Custom linen signage looked at home in the space and felt like home with love quotes from these Hollywood lovers’ favorite films. The atmosphere was both cozy and elevated, allowing everyone to settle into the spirit of “La Dolce Vita.” Continuing their commitment to sustainability, the couple ensured that no single-use plastics were used for beverages and instead gave guests stainless steel water bottles that were produced by Borgo. We opted into a more eco-friendly choice for the welcome bags using Kraft paper bags, another ode to simplicity and natural materials.
Custom linen signage felt at home with love quotes from these Hollywood lovers’ favorite films. Continuing their commitment to sustainability, the couple ensured that no single-use plastics were used and instead gifted guests stainless steel water bottles that were produced by Borgo. We utilized an eco-friendly choice for the welcome bags using kraft paper bags, another ode to simplicity and natural materials.
On the day of the nuptials, Anastasia and Keaton got ready separately and took in the venue’s luxurious amenities. Melissa Formica enhanced the natural beauty of the bride and her crew in a timeless and elegant manner. The couple shared an emotional first look followed by a playful portrait session.
For the main event, fluffy and romantic florals in an understated palette of greens, creams and whites by Flower Addicted could take your breath away. The fully adorned arbor reaching nearly 10ft high at the top was a showstopper in its all white, lush covering. The bridal party, in eye-catching scarlet dresses from Reformation, a sustainable women’s clothing line, brought warmth and depth to the neutral color scheme, completing the colors of the Italian flag. Anastasia’s gown, a Galia Lahav masterpiece, was a stunning embodiment of elegance and whimsy, a timeless beauty that perfectly complemented the venue’s charm. A testament to how one can achieve being chic and fashion-forward while remaining romantic and visually striking, especially when styled with gold, rhinestone-studded, peep toed Jimmy Choos.
The ceremony took place atop the venue’s historic stone staircase, a perfect frame for a picturesque grand entrance featuring Anastasia’a sweeping cathedral veil. Here, under the enchanting southern Italian sunset, Anastasia and Keaton exchanged heartfelt vows.
Clean, elegant lines, crisp linens, and white florals made the reception space creating a clean visual dream come true. The table numbers and place cards were delicately made with handmade paper, handwritten calligraphy and gold foiling. The guests celebrated into the night with live music from MHO Events, a vintage Italian FIAT, and a decadent dessert table that offered sweet Italian indulgences before the couple cut their three-tiered cake with sweeping textured buttercream.
Anastasia and Keaton’s dream for a Southern Italian wedding was a clear testament to love, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of Puglia. Their celebration showcased the importance of working harmoniously with the natural beauty of a region. The care that was put into planning their special day showcased not just in the love they share but also the lasting admiration they have for the land they now consider a second home.
Venue: @borgoegnazia
Venue Planner: @marcellina78
Wedding Design & Details: @dearseptemberevents
Photographer: @elisabettalillyred
Videographer: @brollstudio
Florals: @flower_addicted_angelica
Hair & Makeup Artist: @melissaformicabeauty
Wedding Dress & Veil: @galialahav
Shoes: @jimmychoo
Bridesmaid Dresses: @reformation
Band: @mhoevents
Invitations: @aardvarkletterpress
Couple: @anastasiasophia @keatonk91
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