Fall in Love with Puglia: An Authentic Italian Destination Wedding Dream
- Primavera Dreams
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
There are places in the world that don't just serve as backdrops for weddings—they become part of the love story itself. Puglia (or Apulia, as it's sometimes known) is one of them.
Tucked away in the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia is a land of timeless beauty, sun-drenched coastlines, olive groves that stretch to the horizon, and a sense of calm that immediately makes you feel at home. It's no wonder more couples are choosing this enchanting region for their destination weddings, and I completely understand why.
What makes Puglia so special for weddings?
It's the contrast between sophistication and rustic charm. The luxury of staying in a beautifully restored Masseria—an ancient farmhouse turned five-star retreat—paired with the authentic flavors of local food, the scent of wild rosemary in the air, and golden sunlight filtering through olive trees.
There's a slower pace here that encourages presence. Guests don't just come to celebrate a wedding; they come to relax, explore, and connect. Whether it's gathering for an aperitivo under bougainvillea-covered arches, dancing barefoot under the stars, or sharing laughter over handmade orecchiette and local wine, every moment in Puglia feels like a treasure
Recently, I had the joy of planning two unforgettable weddings in Puglia—one in May at the refined and romantic Masseria Torre Maizza and the other in October at the elegant and atmospheric Masseria Torre Coccaro. Each event was distinct, yet both shared the same magical ingredients: natural beauty, joyful guests, incredible cuisine, and that unspoken Italian warmth that lingers long after the last dance.
Two Seasons, Two Love Stories
May at Masseria Torre Maizza
Spring in Puglia is lush and vibrant. At Torre Maizza, fragrant jasmine, lavender, and bougainvillea filled the gardens while poppies peeked through ancient olive trees.
The wedding weekend began with a traditional Festa Pugliese—a lively welcome party filled with twinkling lights, local folk music, and a dazzling spread of regional cuisine.
Guests enjoyed live cooking shows featuring fresh pasta, panzerotti, grilled vegetables, and homemade gelato, all curated under the guidance of Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, a culinary icon of the Rocco Forte Hotel group.
The wedding day was a more formal event, but some Prosecco for the bride, Ellie, and her party kept the spirits high and moods light.
After some preparation, the bride put on her exquisite Galia Lahav gown with the help of her mother.
She shared an emotional first look with her father before meeting her groom in the olive grove.
Justin looked splendid in his tuxedo and was emotional when he saw his beautiful Ellie.
The wedding party and close family watched from afar as the couple took their First Look, then joined them for some formal photos.
The ceremony took place in the open valley between the majestic olive trees. The string quartet was playing, the birds were singing, and everyone was emotional as the bride walked down the aisle with her father, where a family member officiated the ceremony.
Upon conclusion, everyone was greeted by the local folk band L'Orecchiette, which headed towards the cocktail area by the pool.
The reception followed on the open terrace, where guests enjoyed local wine and a traditional Apulian feast beneath the stars.
After dinner, everyone gathered in the pool area for cake cutting, a sumptuous dessert corner, and dancing.
DJ Guinness and saxophonist Antonio kept the dance floor alive well into the night.
The celebration continued the next day with a relaxed pool party, live music, wood-fired pizza, and a surprise performance by the beloved Sicilian pianist and singer Carmelo Padellaro.
October at Masseria Torre Coccaro
Autumn in Puglia is warm and inviting, with soft light and fragrant air. The October wedding at Masseria Torre Coccaro was filled with blooming bougainvillea, ripe olives, and an international crowd from the UK, US, Australia, and Iran.
The weekend kicked off with a beachside welcome party at the venue's private lido, where guests enjoyed the sea views while enjoying pizzas, salads, and seafood straight from the coast.
The wedding took place the next day, and traditionally started with getting-ready activities.
The ceremony was held in the olive grove under a colorful altar framed by majestic olive trees. Masha, the bride, was absolutely gorgeous in her Liz Martinez gown, while Kayvan, the groom, and the whole wedding party looked stunning. The officiant conducted a warm and meaningful ceremony full of heartfelt moments.
After the ceremony, guests sipped champagne under the olive trees and proceeded toward the cocktail area, which was set up as a traditional Festa Pugliese with multiple stalls, live show cooking, and an array of delicacies, including fresh seafood, cold cuts, mozzarella assortments, and pizzas. And, of course, some typical Apulian wines, such as Primitivo.
The live jazz trio entertained the guests.
Dinner was served in a beautifully decorated tent with fairy lights and olive branches.
Emotional speeches, a four-course feast, and a lively band led to an unforgettable party. The couple later cut their olive branch-adorned cake and led guests to a spectacular dessert buffet.
The night ended in the venue's atmospheric "cave," where the DJ kept the energy going until 2 a.m. The following morning, the newlyweds reconnected with their guests over a relaxed, joyful breakfast.
Culinary Delights
In Puglia, food is not just nourishment—it's a form of love. Every bite tells a story of tradition, land, and family. Handmade orecchiette, fresh seafood, just-pressed olive oil, ripe tomatoes, and robust local wines come together in meals that are both rustic and refined. Whether it's a beachside pizza night or a formal seated dinner, Puglian cuisine consistently impresses.
Authentic Experiences & Local Charm
What sets Puglia apart is its soul. Here, you don't just visit—you feel connected. Your guests will discover a way of life that values joy, connection, and simplicity. From wandering through the white streets of Ostuni to exploring the Baroque beauty of Lecce or taking a boat ride along the coast, the region offers countless moments of wonder.
An Easy Destination
Though it feels like a well-kept secret, Puglia is surprisingly accessible. With airports in Bari and Brindisi and excellent local hospitality, it's easy to organize a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. The region's luxury venues, like Torre Maizza and Torre Coccaro, offer impeccable service, elegance, and that special Southern Italian charm.
A Planner's Paradise
As a destination wedding planner, Puglia is one of my favorite places to work. The beauty of the region, the incredible vendors, and the joyful spirit of the people make it a dream. The weddings I planned here were filled with meaning, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It's a region that invites creativity and celebrates love in the most genuine way.
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding that feels luxurious yet relaxed, where food, beauty, and love are celebrated in the heart of Italy, Puglia may be your perfect match.
Let's make it unforgettable—together.
With love,
Luba
Primavera Dreams Weddings
Credits:
Facibeni Photography Masseria Torre Maizza
Jules Bower Photography Masseria Torre Coccaro
Wedding Planner: Primavera Dreams Weddings
Floral Designers: Stiatti Fiori (Maizza) and Flowers Living (Coccaro)
DJ: DJ Guinness
Sax Player: Antonio Pio D'Avolio
Lights, sound, entertainment: Rinaldi Events
Beauty Services: Diego Ignone and Mariachiara Lanzelotti (Maizza); Natalia Darina (Coccaro)
Wedding Coordinator: Diana Da Ros
Videography: Capri Creators
