Graziana and Mirko’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love in a picturesque Puglia, Italy. With a clear vision inspired by the region’s natural beauty, they transformed their day into a timeless blend of elegance and charm. From the soft pastel florals and olive tree-lined garden to the intimate moments shared with their loved ones, every detail reflected their unique journey together. It was a day filled with joy, spontaneity, and unforgettable memories.
Location: Puglia, Italy
Style: Romantic, Mediterranean, Timeless
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 105
Setting: A traditional Puglian estate
Season: Spring
Graziana and Mirko’s story began in Milan, where their paths crossed in the most unexpected way. Graziana, originally from Benevento in southern Italy, had just started working in the city when her colleagues kept mentioning a former coworker who had left for Switzerland but was still a legend in their office. Intrigued by this “super fun” person, Graziana met Mirko during a casual hangout with his old colleagues. Mirko immediately caught her attention with his infectious cheerfulness, sense of humor, and playful nature—traits that explained his popularity. He was regularly joining their outings, and a friendship blossomed.
Their bond deepened after Graziana moved to Switzerland for her dream job. The distance between them disappeared, allowing them to grow closer. Years later, on a trip to Thailand, Mirko surprised Graziana in the most unexpected way. During a morning in Krabi, he urged her to hurry to catch the sunrise—a rare moment of romantic spontaneity from someone who’s never been a morning person. On a quiet beach, surrounded by stunning views, Mirko took the opportunity to propose. “It was unexpected, romantic, and so very him,” Graziana recalls. Their wedding vision? An elegant celebration infused with the pastel hues of Puglia, filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of fun.
Vision & Photography
Their wedding inspiration came directly from the beauty of Puglia—the region’s stunning landscape and the charm of the Masseria would be the true stars of the celebration. When they met their planner, Maria Grazia from Arte e Passione, they instantly felt she understood their vision. It was clear she shared their excitement and was deeply committed to turning their dream into a reality. “Not only for the stunning work she created but also for her warmth, dedication, and presence on the wedding day itself,” they reflect.
Choosing the right photographer is something couples often appreciate even more after the wedding, and for them, Carolina Serafini was the perfect choice. She truly understood their vision and brought it to life in the most beautiful way. Her elegant, pastel-toned style was absolutely stunning, and her rare talent for capturing compositions that perfectly highlighted both the couple and the venue made their memories even more special. Reflecting on their day, they couldn’t have asked for a better photographer.
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Graziana chose a stunning Mikado mermaid dress by Pinella Passaro. When she visited the boutique in Salerno, she wasn’t entirely sure about the style. One thing she was certain of, however, was that she loved the sleeves—having spotted them in a previous collection catalog, they immediately captured her attention. The first time she tried on the dress, she had no doubt it was “the one” that best represented her. But it was only when she added the sleeves that she truly felt herself. A simple veil adorned with delicate 3D flowers at the bottom completed the look. To finish her ensemble, Graziana chose a pair of elegant Jimmy Choo shoes, adding the perfect touch of sophistication to her bridal look.
Graziana had the pleasure of meeting Alessandro and Sonia from Alessandro Mancini Studios in early December 2023 for her hair trial. During her visit to Salerno, she shared her vision with Alessandro, and he, along with Sonia, worked their magic. “I had never seen my hair look so beautiful,” Graziana recalls. Though she had always imagined wearing her hair down, she trusted his expertise and was so glad he made her change her mind. The result was stunning, making her feel even more radiant on her special day.
Mirko wore a suit by Basilio Sartoria, and his morning was filled with special moments and emotions. Surrounded by his family and friends, he experienced the joy and excitement of the day, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Ceremony
The ceremony was simple and traditional in the charming Selva di Fasano. For Graziana, the most meaningful moment was walking hand in hand with her father, heading toward her future husband. For Mirko, it was the emotional exchange of rings—a moment filled with deep connection and excitement.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds were warmly greeted by their loved ones, sharing in the joy of the day’s unforgettable moments.
Cocktail Hour
Guests arrived at Pettolecchia around 2 PM, where they were greeted with an aperitif served in front of the villa. The loggia was lined with Apulian-themed stands, beautifully set against the sandy-toned villa façade, adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, and framed with light blue doorways. In the garden, Alba from Rotondo Catering had arranged small tables shaded by large umbrellas, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Guests shared that the most popular stand was with mozzarella and ricotta. While all the food was exceptional and perfectly prepared, many guests are still talking about the freshly made mozzarella and panzerotti, which left a lasting impression.
Moments Alone
The newlyweds shared a quiet moment alone, captured beautifully by Carolina Serafini. Surrounded by a stunning view, they took some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the celebration started.
"When we saw the pictures we were amazed by how she captured beautiful angles and details of the venue and of the wedding itself that we hadn’t even noticed on the day."
Reception Decor
Graziana and Mirko had a clear vision for their wedding: long tables adorned with a beautiful runner of white flowers and lush green leaves running down the center, complemented by olive oil bottles as place markers and watercolor menus. The setting was a garden surrounded by olive trees, with the elegant villa in the background. The overall aesthetic was one of soft, pastel tones, reflecting the natural beauty of Puglia.
The team at Arte e Passione brought this vision to life with their stunning floral arrangements, while Rotondo Catering handled everything else—from organizing the tables and decorations to crafting the seat markers, menus, and candles. Delicate lighting added a magical glow to the tables, creating an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the day.
Celebration
As the couple entered, the band started their performance, instantly igniting the atmosphere with everyone dancing in the garden—“even those we never imagined would set foot on a dance floor.”
Just after enjoying the first course and their first dance, the rain caught them by surprise. Thankfully, they had a tent ready as their Plan B. In that moment, the incredible teamwork of their vendors truly shone. Despite the downpour, the team moved quickly, covering the tables and relocating them under the tent. Bartolo, who was in charge of the bar, arrived earlier than planned, set up under the tent, and immediately began serving a flurry of drinks to keep the energy alive. The band adapted seamlessly, moving under the tent and delivering an impromptu acoustic session that “exceeded all expectations.”
Guests joined in with an enthusiasm, singing and dancing, turning what could have been a disaster into an unforgettable celebration. Once the rain cleared, the couple moved the party back outside, dancing until 2 a.m.
"We felt so lucky to have all the people present at the wedding in our life. Thanks to them, what could have turned into a disaster, became a super fun party! Seeing people having fun and giving it all made us really happy."
Advice from the couple:
• The most important advice is to choose the right team to help organize your wedding. This truly makes all the difference. We felt incredibly fortunate with our vendors—they went above and beyond their duties, making the entire planning process seamless and enjoyable. But most importantly, on the wedding day itself, their professionalism and warmth allowed us to feel relaxed and genuinely cared for.
• Another crucial piece of advice is to carefully select the right photographer. While the experience of the day is invaluable, it’s also important to remember that the photos will be your lasting, tangible memories.
PHOTOGRAPHY Carolina Serafini | VIDEO Luca De Ieso, Marco De Nigris | FLORALS Arte e Passione | CATERING Rotondo Catering | HAIR Alessandro Mancini Studios | DRESS Pinella Passaro | LIGHTING Sandro Sciacovelli | MUSIC Tribemolle | COCKTAIL BAR Micasa
