Nataša and Nicola did not plan a wedding built around trends. They planned a weekend that felt like their life brought into one place. They chose Masseria Salamina in Puglia because the stone, the olive trees, and the light already carried the warmth they wanted their guests to feel. Friends and family arrived for two days of music, amazing Italian food, and conversations that lasted until sunrise. Through the lens of photographer Stefan Stević, who documented the day on both digital and film, every detail carried warmth, texture, and intention.
Location: Puglia, Italy
Style: Romantic, Modern, Elegant
Time of planning: 10 month
Number of guests: 90
Setting: Masseria
Season: Summer
Nataša and Nicola live in Bari and work together in Nicola’s family jewelry business, Mario Mossa Gioiellieri — a heritage brand founded in 1850. Their lives are rooted in craftsmanship, detail, and tradition, values that naturally influenced the way they approached their wedding. They met through Instagram, unaware that they had been frequenting the same café for nearly a year before properly connecting. As Nataša recalls, “When we went on our first date, everything clicked instantly, like magnets finally finding their place.”
Nicola proposed in Sri Lanka at Ashburnham Tea Estate near a secluded waterfall. Planning began shortly after, guided by Chic Wedding Slovenia, who ensured every element flowed naturally while preserving the couple’s relaxed spirit.
“The only thing I truly wanted was simple: to remember that day as the moment when we were all together again.. relaxed, present, having fun, being our true selves, and not stressing too much.”
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Nataša selected her gown in Montenegro, surrounded by friends and family. “I somehow always knew exactly the dress I wanted.” The design by Na Zrnu Graska reflected her aesthetic: sculptural, minimal, and striking in its restraint. The high neckline and open back created a powerful silhouette, while the long, fluid train added softness.
Her veil carried a deeply personal detail — subtle embroidery in blue, intended to be passed along to each of her best friends for their weddings.
She paired the look with Jimmy Choo Lotta 100 heels, Vhernier Aladino mother‑of‑pearl earrings, and later in the evening, an engraved Jaeger‑LeCoultre Reverso watch gifted by Nicola for their fifth anniversary.
Hair by Anna Paole was styled in a refined updo that framed her face, and makeup by Angela Di Gioia focused on luminous skin and understated definition. The bouquet by Zair’Art became one of the defining visual statements of the day — cascading amaranthus and calla lilies creating movement against the clean architecture of the gown.
Groom’s Fashion
Nicola chose his Tagliatore black matte ceremony suit long before they even set the date. The tailoring was sharp yet effortless. He wore handcrafted Italian shoes, a Jaeger‑LeCoultre Reverso on his wrist, and white gold cufflinks gifted by Nataša’s parents. A handkerchief belonging to his father rested in his pocket — a quiet tribute woven into the day.
His boutonniere, designed by Zair’Art, echoed Nataša’s bouquet with a calla lily and green amaranthus. The result was cohesive without feeling overly styled.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place near the old church within Masseria Salamina, beside a historic well adorned with florals. The setting felt organic — white flowers emerging from moss and grasses as though they belonged there.
Nataša arrived with her brother in a vintage Fiat 124 Americana cabriolet. One of Nicola’s best men played “What a Wonderful World” on the cello as she walked toward him. Two close friends officiated the ceremony in two languages, reflecting the couple’s shared life between Montenegro and Italy.
“Hearing speeches from our closest friends and family was incredibly moving. There were many tears, just as much laughter, and an overwhelming sense of love.”
Moments later, champagne was poured into a towering coupe pyramid in the courtyard, glasses catching the light as the sun burned low and bright over the stone walls. The entire space shifted instantly from ceremony to celebration, gold light flooding the courtyard as guests gathered close around them.
Cocktail Hour
Nicola envisioned a true Italian banquet for the aperitivo. Live mozzarella preparation, freshly fried panzerotti, melted caciocavallo, and traditional regional dishes were served in the courtyard.
Prosecco, wine, beer, and Aperol spritz circulated freely, while Nataša’s father added a playful cross‑cultural touch by serving Nikšićko beer from Montenegro mixed with Peroni from a classic Italian Ape car.
Moments Together
As the light softened, Stefan guided Nataša and Nicola through quiet corners of the estate for a brief private session. He alternated between digital precision and film softness, creating intimate images.
On the stone steps overlooking the courtyard, they paused — just the two of them. The architecture rose behind them, while late sun traced the edges of Nataša’s veil.
In another frame, she leaned back in the vintage car, her veil spilling across the hood, Nicola close beside her. The stillness of these portraits contrasts beautifully with the energy of the evening that followed. The film images, in particular, carry a nostalgic warmth — proof of Stefan’s thoughtful, restrained approach to storytelling.
Decor & Reception
Dinner unfolded in the masseria’s corte at long imperial tables designed by Zair’Art in collaboration with Chic Wedding Slovenia. Moss runners, white lilies, candlelight, and refined tableware created depth without excess.
"I didn’t think in terms of a theme.. I thought in images and feelings. Our inspiration was less about perfection and more about atmosphere.”
Green ceramic plates, delicate stationery by Manir Design and Paper, and layered candlelight complemented the historic stone walls. The cake — a traditional Italian millefoglie made with fruits grown at the masseria — was cut in the backyard beneath blooming bougainvillea.
Their first dance took place in the greenhouse to “Your Love Is King” by Sade. Later, friends curated DJ sets and vinyl, transforming the space into an energetic dance floor.
“We danced through the night, not wanting it to end, and ended up celebrating until dawn,” shared the couple.
Advice from the couple:
• Our biggest advice is to remember that your wedding day is about how you want to feel, not how it should look to others. Plan a day that truly reflects who you are as a couple. your rhythm, your values, your way of loving.
• Don’t get lost in trends or expectations. The moments that stay with you are the quiet ones in between: a look, a laugh, a song, a shared tear.
• If possible, create space to actually be present. Spend time with your guests, eat the food, listen to the music, and allow yourself to enjoy what you’ve created. These moments pass incredibly fast.
• And finally, remember that bringing the people you love together is the greatest luxury of all. Everything else is just a beautiful frame around that feeling.
PHOTOGRAPHER Stefan Stević | VIDEOGRAPHER Saturn Films | CONTENT CREATOR Una Marella | VENUE Masseria Salamina | PLANNING Chic Wedding Slovenia | FLORALS & DECOR Zair’Art | WEDDING RINGS Mario Mossa Gioiellieri | DRESS Na Zrnu Graska | MAKEUP Angela Di Gioia | HAIR Anna Paole | STATIONERY Manir Design and Paper | BRIDE & GROOM Nataša & Nicola | MUSIC Valentino DeeJay & DjBigFab
