Masseria Parco della Grava Wedding – Puglia, Italy
Little Dreams
We keep them close to our heart, these little dreams. They are small glimpses of what we want our life to be. Little dreams are not big plans. It’s not about career, family, or success. Instead, little dreams illuminate our lives, casting a warm glow over all that surrounds us. Ana’s has had a beautifully little dream ever since I have known her – a destination wedding in Puglia, Italy. Specifically, a Masseria Parco della Grava wedding.
It might make sense to step back for a moment. To me, Ana is not just a client. We first met when she was seeking a career in photography. Ana quickly became my assistant, and later my second photographer. We had plenty of time to chat during long drives to and from weddings. Those discussions often centered on a wedding in Puglia. “Why Puglia,” I asked. As it turns out, Ana is half Italian and half Venezuelan. A large portion of her family resides in Italy and Ana grew up visiting frequently. For her, Italy is a magical place.
There was just one small issue. Ana was not engaged. This is where Stephen enters the chat. Ana & Stephen had been together for most of college. They recently rellocated to Columbus, which is when I met them both. Little did Ana and I know, Stephen was about to propose. “I need your help,” Stephen said via text. “I am planning to propose, and I want you there to capture it,” he continued. Ana’s little dream, held so dear, would become reality. Now we were all on a collison course for a destination wedding in Puglia, Italy.
Masseria Parco della Grava – Puglia, Italy
Unlike Ana, I knew nothing of Puglia, Italy. My wife, Brooke, and I had been to other parts of Italy, but never so far south. Puglia is the heel of the “boot.” It’s location is fairly isolated.
It is that very isolation that makes Puglia so special. Puglia is geographically isolated from the rest of Europe, placing it closer to neighboring Mediterranean countries than its European siblings. Silvery olive groves, verdant grape vines, and golden wheat fields blanket the landscape. A law forbidding the removal of olive trees means some trees date back a thousand years. Many hilltop towns, such as Ostuni, are dressed completely in white. Each year they are painted in a fresh coat of titanium.
Masseria Parco della Grava, a boutique farmhouse hotel, mirrors Puglia wonderfully. Ancient olive trees surround the white-washed hotel. The gardens are abundant with flowers and fruit. It’s truly an exceptional place to host a destination wedding.
Emotional Exuberance
The morning of Ana & Stephen’s destination wedding, we were all gathered at Masseria Parco della Grave. Smartly, they had rented out the entire farmhouse hotel property for their wedding weekend. It is hard to describe the mood that morning.
As Ana was wrapping up hair and makeup, she was both excited and nervous, calm and frantic. It was emotional exuberance. Each feeling was dialed up to 11, and the day was just starting.
Then love spilt forth like rich negroamaro wine from a bottomless cask. Ana opened a special note from Stephen, and the tears also started. The bridesmaids, seemingly from nowhere, produced a beautiful photo album filled with memories. Dad came around to see his daughter-bride for the first time. With each drop of love the exuberance heightened.
The Unexpected
Ana strode softly up a corridor of purple bougainvillea growing over white walls, eyes locked on Stephen. She reached him quickly, tapping his shoulder for attention. What came next caught us all by surprise. Stephen was overcome.
How could you not be overcome? Ana was an absolute vision in her Anne Barge wedding dress made of white-on-white jacquard, veil falling softly over her shoulders. We all needed a moment to compose ourselves again.
Wedding Ceremony in the Olive Grove
Surrounded on all sides by ancient olive trees, guests gathered for the wedding ceremony. Long white fabric draped over a 400-year old olive tree would serve as the ceremony backdrop.
The best part of the ceremony had to have been the vows exchanged between Ana and Stephen. Each read handwritten vows from a small book, speaking deliberately to each other. All the while, guests sipped on wine and smiled as promises were made.
Farm Fresh Wedding Reception
Santa from Italian Boutique Weddings really went all out of the wedding reception. She decorated the Masseria Parco della Grava wedding reception with farm-fresh seasonal produce to highlight items served during dinner. Artichokes, cherries, peppers, and fennel were expertly arranged around the reception.
Runners made completely of olive branches ran the length of each table. The table decorations were filled out with vintage glassware, candles in hurricanes, and individual dinner menus. Local wine was served during dinner, including susmaniello, my personal favorite.
The Dream is a Gift
Late in the evening, under the incandescent glow of cafe lights, I stopped to consider where we were. Ana’s little dream was now a reality. Friends and family had gathered, vows were exchanged, and a marriage was sealed.
“I feel as though you’ve given us a gift,” I said to Ana. “This place is something truly special.” I meant those words sincerely. While the wedding was Ana’s little dream, it became a gift for me. The beauty of Puglia is undeniable. We will return to Puglia, certainly to Masseria Parco della Grava.
If you are planning you are planning a Masseria Parco della Grava wedding, or a destination wedding in Puglia, then let’s connect. I would love to share the experience with you.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception: Masseria Parco della Grava
Wedding Planning & Design: Italian Boutique Weddings
Floral Design: La Mia Fioraia
Catering: Rotondo Catering
Spirit service: Joe Bar
Entertainment: Alex Sisto
Wedding Dress: Anne Barge
Dress Boutique: Lana Addison Bridal
Hair Stylist: Nicholas Selvo
Make-up Artist: Luciana Vendola
