One of the greatest parts of photographing destination weddings in Italy is that no two are the same. Every couple creates an unforgettable experience for the two of them and their guests. Anastasia and Keaton were no exception!
Working in the TV and Film industry in Los Angeles sets a high standard for anyone involved. That was exactly the case when Anastasia reached out about their Borgo Egnazia wedding.
As she described what she envisioned her wedding photographs to look like, I knew we were a perfect pair. With my signature minimally edited, highly candid style, I captured their story as it unfolded:
Framed by ancient olive trees and hearty cacti, with an expansive view of the Adriatic Sea in the background, the Terrazza Quattro Torri was the most picturesque venue for this ceremony.
It’s a stunning venue where traditional Italian masseria charm meets trendy, modern luxury.
After indulging in a pre-ceremony aperitivo, approximately 100 of their closest friends and family made it to the top of the Borgo where they watched as the couple said their vows to one another.
I couldn’t have asked for a more prime location for their ceremony photos! Between the natural landscape and the inspired venue, everything was sheer perfection. Plus, there were plenty of pristine photo opportunities, including using the textures and rich colors of cacti as the backdrop for bridal detail photographs.
I knew from first speaking with Anastasia that she wanted the location to speak volumes, rather than to demand attention using decor.
Because of that, she and her wedding planner kept from transforming the space. Instead, they enhanced the venue with a simple color palette and gorgeous floral arrangements.
In doing so, they were able to create the dream vision of effortlessly Italian, authentically Apulian. Naturally, it translated immaculately in the photographs! The simplicity of the decor allowed their intimate moments to shine.
The Terrazza Quattro Torri blends Italian tradition with quintessential Italian scenery. The wedding color story allowed that to take precedence, rather than compete with it by adding in loud colors.
They opted for baby pinks and baby blues in the floral arrangements to complement the natural color palette of sandstone, dark green, and sea blue.
As I captured bridal details, I was sure to play with natural elements of the venue to tell the story of their location. Take, for example, the added cacti leaves for both texture and color for the photographs of the invitation suite.
For the ceremony, Anastasia let her bridesmaids make a statement with gorgeous, Reformation dresses in a bright, cherry red. The dresses boldly complemented the natural stone color of the venue. They created such sophistication while adding pop in the photographs of the ceremony!
As with the other design elements of the ceremony, the floral installations and arrangements never competed with the views. Instead, they enhanced its beauty.
An arch filled with a variety of roses and olive branches to pay respect to their location set the backdrop for their vows. Smaller floral arrangements marked each aisle.
But my favorite part might have been the florals that lined the grand staircase to the top of the Borgo. They perfectly framed her and her parents as the trio entered the ceremony.
For such a pristine location, the bride wanted a couture Galia Lahav gown worthy of the destination. She chose a romantic, off-shoulder gown with impeccable embroidery work throughout. And to match the dramatic location, she chose a cathedral-length veil that lined the staircase as she entered the ceremony!
As the couple made their exit from the ceremony and waited for me for their sunset session, their guests took the shuttle from Terrazza Quattro Torri over to the Cala Masciola Beach Club.
The Cala Masciola Beach Club was the best possible choice for the two of them. From our very first conversations, they expressed how much they wanted to enjoy a night of celebration and dancing with their guests. And the Beach Club was the perfect place for them to have all of that and more!
In keeping with the vision, the reception hosted many local artists. They sang and danced for the group, while musicians were responsible for the lively entertainment.
And their fashion showcased the personality and boldness of the couple! From a gorgeous floor-length gown with the Terrazza Quattro Torri painted onto it to the short gowns reminiscent of flower baskets (with actual blooms!), the couture did not disappoint.
The couple offered their guests authentic olive oil from the region to pay homage to the ancient olive trees of the location. The small jars acted as the seating arrangement placards for everyone as they entered the reception site.
It was a magnificent, intentional touch to pay respect to the Borgo Egnazia wedding location!
To round out the night, the two enjoyed many photo opportunities at the reception. They arrived at their reception in a classic Italian Fiat. And quintessential Italian scooters lined the Beach Club property. The two were able to create the effortlessly Italian style they had envisioned all along.
Of course, my team and I were there to catch every moment of their Borgo Egnazia wedding as it unfolded. With my signature editorial-meets-candid style, we captured and curated memories exactly as they happened to last them a lifetime.
Ceremony Venue: Borgo Egnazia
Reception Venue: Cala Masciola Beach Club
Planner: Marcella Cecere (at Borgo Eganzia) & Dear September Events
Videographer: B-Roll Studio
Floral Designer: Flower Addicted
Stationery: Aardvark Letterpress
Band: Mhó Events
Hair and Makeup Artist: Melissa Formica Beauty
Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Reformation
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