In the summer glow of June, Beth and Andy brought their love story to life in a setting that seemed pulled from a dream. They exchanged vows surrounded by the sunlit vineyards of Masseria Amastuola in Puglia, Italy—a place that captured the magic and romance they envisioned. Overlooking sprawling vineyards and under a canopy of twinkling lights, they celebrated not only their commitment but also the joy and laughter shared over their twelve-year journey together.
Location: Masseria Amastuola, Puglia, Italy
Style: Romantic, elegant, contemporary
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 114
Setting: Ceremony – vineyard, reception – garden
Season: Summer
College sweethearts Beth and Andy’s journey began twelve years ago at The University of Manchester, where a shared friend group sparked a romance that would take them across the world. After building their life together in Sydney, Andy transformed their routine morning run into an unforgettable moment – surprising Beth with a champagne picnic and a ring at their favorite coastal lookout. There, overlooking the sparkling waters of Manly Beach, they began writing the next chapter of their love story.
Bride’s Look
For her wedding look, Beth chose a KYHA Davies dress with a timeless corset and voluminous skirt, embodying the elegance of a princess. Her look was completed with natural makeup and effortless waves, perfectly embodying the relaxed Italian atmosphere. For the evening celebrations, she changed into a shorter Shona Joy dress that allowed her to dance freely.
"It wasn't what I thought I would have gone for, but I felt like an absolute princess!"
Ceremony
As the golden Italian sun began its gentle descent, casting a warm glow across Amastuola‘s endless vineyards, the ceremony unfolded like a scene from a romantic film. Against this breathtaking backdrop, where rows of ancient vines stretched toward the horizon, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows that brought tears and smiles to every face. Their decision to have a close friend officiate added an incredibly personal touch to the moment. Breaking beautifully from tradition, the air filled with joy as guests joined together in a spirited rendition of “That’s Amore” – a moment that captured the pure happiness of the day perfectly. The ceremony reached another emotional peak when a friend delivered a touching reading from Dolly Alderton’s “Everything I Know About Love,” the carefully chosen words echoing the couple’s own journey and beliefs about love.
The intimate circle of loved ones created an atmosphere of warmth and support. It seemed that even the gentle breeze seeming to pause during the exchange of vows. Wooden chairs formed a graceful semi-circle, allowing each guest to feel deeply connected to the ceremony unfolding before them. Delicate flower arrangements by Rollo Fiori lined the aisle, as their subtle fragrance mingled with the earthiness of the vineyard.
Time seemed to stand still as the couple shared their first kiss as newlyweds. It was exactly the kind of magical moment they had dreamed of when choosing Italy for their wedding. It was a place where even nature itself seemed to celebrate their love. Every detail, from the hand-picked readings to the meaningful music choices, came together to tell their unique story. As guests rose from their seats, ready to toast the beginning of Beth and Andy’s new chapter, the air was filled with that distinctive Italian feeling of joy and celebration that would carry them into their evening of festivities.
Decor & Setting
The wedding design told the couple’s love story through thoughtful details. Reception tables were named after significant places in their journey – “Sydney,” “Manchester,” and “Italy” – with personalized menus featuring Italian-inspired illustrations. The floral arrangements married toffee and quicksand roses with wax flowers, anthuriums, and yellow roses, while fresh lemons added a quintessentially Italian touch.
The venue’s grand courtyard was transformed into something straight out of an Italian dream. Hundreds of cafe lights strung overhead created their own constellation against the dark Pugliese sky, while antique brass candelabras from local artisans added that perfect warm glow to each table setting. The couple worked with their planner Victoria from Wedding In Puglia to source the perfect mix of timeless Italian elegance and contemporary style.
Cocktail Hour
The celebration began in true Italian style as the newlyweds welcomed guests to a sophisticated cocktail hour that captured the essence of a perfect Mediterranean evening. The historic courtyard of masseria, with its ancient stone walls and sweeping views of the vineyards, provided an enchanting backdrop for the festivities that would unfold.
Private Moment
Amid the joy of their wedding celebration, Beth and Andy discovered a quiet moment of solitude on the masseria’s ancient rooftop. There, suspended between earth and sky, they experienced one of those rare, perfect moments that only a wedding day can bring. The couple stood hand in hand, watching their loved ones celebrate below while the setting sun painted the vineyard landscape in shades of amber and rose.
Shae Estella‘s masterful eye transformed these intimate moments into timeless art. Her thoughtful approach captured not just images but the true essence of the evening. Each photograph – whether catching the glow of sunset on ancient stones or the genuine joy between the newlyweds – told a story that would be treasured for generations to come.
"We had a moment alone on the rooftop just as the sun was setting, looking down at all our guests laughing and enjoying themselves – a very special moment!"
Reception
Under a canopy of twinkling lights, the reception began to unfold in spectacular fashion. The newlyweds made their grand entrance to Fred Again’s “Adore You” before sharing their first dance – a medley of Van Morrison classics “Crazy Love” and “Brown Eyed Girl,” their voices joining in as they swayed beneath the twinkling lights.
The evening flowed naturally between heartfelt moments and bursts of joy, with touching speeches from the bride, her maid of honor, father, and the groom, punctuated by the best men’s humorous tributes.
"The atmosphere was just electric the whole day, so much love, laughter and fun – everyone keeps telling us it was one of the best days of their lives too!
Evening Celebration
As night fell, the party moved poolside, where the festivities continued with an unexpected splash. The groom, overcome with the joy of the occasion, suddenly leapt into the infinity pool, still fully clothed. His exuberant display was met with laughter and delight from the guests, who quickly followed suit, joyfully jumping into the water one by one. The sound of splashing and lively chatter filled the air. What had been a formal and elegant affair moments earlier had transformed into a lively, carefree gathering, as the guests embraced the infectious spirit of the evening.
Advice from the couple:
• Wedding days rush by in a blur of grand moments, but it’s the quiet, personal connections that often hold the most meaning. A photo with your mother is more than just a snapshot – it’s a permanent reminder of the love that helped shape who you’ve become.
PHOTOGRAPHER Shae Estella | VIDEOGRAPHER Marcus Rusbourne | PLANNER Wedding In Puglia | VENUE Amastuola | FLORALS Rollo Fiori | MUAH Tania Nitsak | DRESS KYHA Studios | SHOES Grace Loves Lace | BAND Mashup Kings
