Rachel and Carrington celebrated their intimate wedding in late summer at the charming courtyard of the historic Italian villa, Masseria Canali, in Puglia. The day combined a luxurious vacation with a heartfelt ceremony shared by just eight family members, creating a glam, romantic atmosphere filled with white florals, glowing candles, and arched chandeliers. Planned over the course of a year with careful attention to detail, the wedding embraced simplicity and elegance, perfectly reflecting the couple’s wish for a timeless celebration where family connections and meaningful moments took center stage.
Location: Puglia, Italy
Style: Timeless, glam, romantic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 8
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Rachel and Carrington met at just 12 years old when they were assigned as hall monitors together in middle school. Although they remained friends through childhood, the two drifted apart during their college years, only to reconnect years later. Their friendship quickly grew into romance, leading Carrington to arrange a surprise proposal disguised as a casual photoshoot with photographer Emily Prada. “Turned out to be an engagement!” Rachel recalled. From that moment, the pair began planning an intimate celebration centered on family, love, and creating lasting memories.
Bridal Morning
Rachel spent the morning of her wedding at the villa relaxing by the poolside, soaking in the sunny Italian atmosphere. She enjoyed a glass of wine while lounging in a delicate white robe accented with lace details and stylish white sunglasses, perfectly setting the relaxed yet glam tone for her special day.
As preparations began, makeup artist Rossella Panarelli created a flawless look highlighting Rachel’s natural beauty with soft tones and glowing skin. Hairstylist Nicolas Selvo pulled her hair into a sleek, sophisticated updo, ensuring the elegant simplicity complemented her bridal ensemble.
Rachel chose a romantic A-line dress from Muse by Berta’s Como Collection, featuring soft tulle sleeves that gracefully draped off her shoulders and a corset bodice with a beautifully defined V-shaped waistline. It was the first dress Rachel tried on during a spontaneous visit to the Berta boutique in Soho—she instantly knew it was “the one.” Her bridal look was complemented by sparkling Jimmy Choo Meira 85 sandals, timeless two-carat diamond studs from Robinsons Jewelers in Fort Lauderdale, and a subtle spritz of Fleur Narcotique perfume by Ex Nihilo.
Her custom embroidered veil by Yanna Machi Bridal completed her look, adding a personal, luxurious touch. Rachel carried an elegant bouquet of pure white blooms created by Rollo Fiori.
“I had never felt more beautiful in my entire life. Everyone went above and beyond for me—every bride deserves to feel that taken care of.”
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the idyllic courtyard at Masseria Canali, surrounded by Puglia’s serene landscape. The intimate setting featured a lush, romantic design centered around white florals arranged by Rollo Fiori. A dreamy floral arch overflowing with roses and baby’s breath framed the couple, while delicate blooms lined the aisle, creating an enchanting pathway scattered with white petals. Charming touches included woven baskets filled with white parasols and petals for guests, alongside soft linen bags with thoughtful keepsakes for guests.
As a gentle melody filled the air, Rachel walked down the aisle escorted by her father, following her niece who was the flower girl. Rachel and Carrington exchanged traditional vows led by their wedding planner and officiant, Valentina Palazzo. The couple chose not to have a first look, making the moment they saw each other at the altar even more special. The atmosphere felt warm and familial, enhanced by the beautiful violin music by Site Art Events and emotional smiles shared among the intimate group. Rachel and Carrington’s meaningful exchange of vows concluded sweetly and humorously, as they briefly forgot to exchange rings, bringing laughter and warmth before their first kiss as husband and wife.
"We completely forgot to exchange rings! It was a funny and cute moment before walking back down the aisle with Cary."
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Rachel and Carrington took a quiet moment together, stepping away from the celebration to soak in the emotions of the day. With the golden Puglian light casting a soft glow, Emily Prada captured their intimate exchanges—the way they looked at each other, the unspoken joy between them, and the quiet laughter that made the moment feel so real. Emily’s ability to blend editorial elegance with raw emotion brought out the depth of their connection in every shot, turning fleeting moments into timeless memories. The combination of the villa’s rustic charm and the couple’s effortless chemistry made for striking portraits that perfectly reflected the love and warmth of their wedding day.
"Book as many photo shoots as you can throughout your wedding season. We did 5 including the wedding day! The memories will last forever."
Decor & Setting
The reception took place under the open sky in the courtyard, where the intimate dinner setting was bathed in candlelight. A single round table, surrounded by white Chiavari chairs, was adorned with towering glass candlesticks and delicate white roses arranged in clear vases, creating a soft and elegant glow. Above, two ornate chandeliers hung from lush greenery, casting a romantic ambiance over the evening. The surrounding space was decorated with clusters of candles and floral arrangements, adding warmth and depth to the scene. Every detail reflected Rachel and Carrington’s vision of timeless glamour, transforming the courtyard into an intimate, candlelit oasis.
Reception
As the evening unfolded, Rachel and Carrington sat down with their loved ones for a beautifully curated multi-course dinner, planned in collaboration with Maglio Eventi. The intimate setting encouraged heartfelt conversation and laughter, with guests raising glasses in a series of toasts. Stories of the couple’s journey, from their middle school friendship to their deep connection in adulthood, filled the air, making each speech even more meaningful. Under the glow of candlelight and crystal chandeliers, the atmosphere felt warm and celebratory, with every moment reflecting the closeness of their small group.
For the next part of the evening, Rachel changed into a shimmering mini dress with feathered details, perfectly suited for dancing. As the first notes of music played, she and Carrington took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, swaying beneath the villa’s stone archways. Soon, their families joined them, turning the night into a lively celebration. The live music by Site Art Events set the tone for a night of movement and energy, with guests fully embracing the intimate yet vibrant atmosphere.
To conclude the evening, Rachel and Carrington gathered around their wedding cake—a traditional millefoglie—that they helped prepare in front of their guests. The couple added the finishing touches, dusting it with powdered sugar and layering fresh berries before cutting the first slice. A champagne tower followed, marking the perfect ending to their celebration. As glasses clinked and the final bites of cake were enjoyed, the night slowly came to a close, leaving Rachel and Carrington with memories of a wedding that was everything they had envisioned—timeless, intimate, and filled with love.
Day After
The day after the wedding, Rachel and Carrington spent a leisurely morning exploring the charming streets of Lecce with their family. Wandering through the historic town, they admired the intricate Baroque architecture, stopped by local shops, and enjoyed the relaxed pace of the day.
Photographer Emily Prada captured candid moments of laughter, shared glances, and the effortless joy of simply being together. The couple’s newlywed glow was undeniable as they held hands, soaking in the last moments of their intimate celebration before returning back home. It was the perfect way to end their wedding weekend—surrounded by loved ones, enjoying the beauty of Puglia, and creating even more lasting memories.
"We will never forget how much effort went into giving us and our families such a memorable day."
Advice from the couple:
• Your wedding can be anything you want. We dropped everything we knew about traditional weddings and simply created an event that would celebrate our love and our loved ones.
PHOTOGRAPHER Emily Prada Photo | WEDDING PLANNER Valentina Palazzo Events | TRIP PLANNER Swaylah Faroqi, Away with Sway | VENUE Masseria Canali | FLORALS Rollo Fiori | MAKEUP Rossella Panarelli | HAIR Nicolas Selvo | BAND Site Art Events | CATERING Maglio Eventi
