Masseria Amastuola Puglia Wedding: As Seen in Together Journal
Some places feel almost predestined — as though they’ve been quietly waiting for a particular story to unfold within their walls. For Melanie and Alfredo, that place was Masseria Amastuola in Puglia, a historic estate near Crispiano where soft light washes over white stone facades, olive groves stretch endlessly toward the horizon, and life slows into an effortless rhythm of la dolce vita. It was the natural setting for a love story that had already crossed continents.
A Love Story Across Continents
Their beginning reads like a film.
They met travelling in San Andrés, Colombia, on Valentine’s Day — a warm night of slow rain, stars overhead, and a first kiss that felt like it belonged in its own universe. What followed was a year of long-distance love: Melanie visiting Alfredo’s family in Argentina, and falling in love not only with him, but with the culture and warmth that shaped him — especially his beloved grandmother, Yolanda.
Eventually, Alfredo moved to Australia, where the two built a life anchored in trust, laughter, and an emotional partnership that feels as steady as it is joyful.
He proposed in Mexico. They married in Italy. Their relationship — much like their wedding at Masseria Amastuola in Puglia — feels expansive and deeply intentional, a series of places and moments quietly threaded together by love.
Why They Chose Masseria Amastuola Wine Resort in Puglia
Puglia is slow and sun-soaked in late September — warm days, long horizons, and the kind of weather that glows even through gentle cloud cover. It’s a region made for long drives, quiet mornings, and weddings that unfold without hurry.
Masseria Amastuola’s white limestone walls, minimalist architecture, and surrounding olive groves created the perfect canvas for a celebration that was:
- Personal but effortless
- Elegant yet relaxed
- Refined without ever feeling over-styled
From the moment the day began, the light felt sweet — diffused, soft, and unusually flattering from morning through to the final moments of blue hour.
The Wedding Day
A First Look Full of Quiet Emotion
Before guests arrived, Melanie and Alfredo shared a private first look — a moment they both knew would anchor their day. The diffused light against the stone walls created a clean, sculptural backdrop that made their connection feel even more intimate.
A Ceremony Framed by Olive Groves
The ceremony styling drew from the region itself: ivory florals, sculptural greenery, and warm red accents that echoed Puglia’s earth and fruit. The breeze carried softly through the courtyard as family and friends watched Melanie walk in wearing her structured Kyha Studios gown.
Aperitivo Hour in the Garden
Guests wandered into the garden for aperitivo — glasses of rosé, bowls of grapes and pomegranates, and the warm late-afternoon sun hitting the stone pathways.
The details were playful and modern: citrus, peppers, fresh pears, and textured vessels that nodded to local produce and Italian still-life.
Sunset Portraits on the Rooftop
As the sun began to dip, we made our way to the rooftop. September light in Puglia is unmatched — golden but gentle, creating long soft shadows across the masseria walls. It’s the kind of light photographers dream of, and Melanie and Alfredo moved through it with ease, completely themselves.
A Long Dinner Under the Stars
The courtyard dinner was the heart of the night.
A single long table, draped in soft fabric, surrounded by historic stone walls and strings of lights overhead.
Red and green florals became the stars — sculptural anthuriums, hydrangeas, calla lilies, candles in deep red tones, and modern glassware.
It felt like a dinner party in a private estate somewhere far removed from time: warm, intimate, and beautifully unhurried.
Design Notes: A study in Plum, Chilli and Sage
Melanie’s vision centred on a refined palette of oyster and sage, punctuated by the bold character of plum-toned florals and vivid market produce — chilli, pomegranates, limes, and even green cauliflower. The result felt intentional yet playful, bringing a sense of warmth and surprise as guests moved through each space.
Red became the anchor — appearing in candles, florals, fruits, and stationery — while green brought a soft, elegant balance.
Some favourite details included:
- Textural arrangements of hydrangeas and anthuriums
- Custom illustrated menus designed by Melanie herself and printed by Perth’s Starfish Lane
- Twisted red taper candles in ornate silver holders
- Still-life inspired aperitivo displays with citrus, pears, grapes, and peppers inspired by overflowing Italian produce markets
- A sculptural ceremony installation overlooking the surrounding olive groves quintessential to Puglia
The palette was modern, cinematic, and surprisingly timeless.
Wedding Planning Advice From the Couple
Their biggest tip?
“Hire a wedding planner — they are worth every cent.”
A European destination wedding isn’t just an event; it’s an odyssey. It’s a chance to celebrate your love in a way that’s uniquely and authentically you. For a destination wedding, having someone who knows the region, the logistics, and the rhythm of Italian weddings makes the entire experience feel effortless from start to finish. If you’re still on the market for an experienced destination wedding photographer to capture your Puglia wedding, feel free to get in touch with me — I’d love to be a part of it all.
The Couple
Melanie D’Rozario & Alfredo Bertoglio
@rightbackatyou @alfredobertoglio
As Seen in Together Journal
This Masseria Amastuola wedding was proudly featured by Together Journal, a publication known for its refined editorial eye and thoughtful approach to modern weddings.
Melanie and Alfredo’s celebration resonated for its effortless elegance, considered design, and relaxed sense of place. A wedding that felt deeply personal while allowing the beauty of Puglia and the Masseria itself to lead.
You can view the full feature on Together Journal here.
The Vendors
Planning and Styling
Wedding Planner & Celebrant: Santa from Italian Boutique Weddings @italianboutiqueweddings
Venue & Catering: Masseria Amastuola @amastuola
Florist: Caterina the Florist @caterina_florist
Furniture, Tableware & Styling Hire: Studio GMC @studio_gmc
Photography and Videography
Photographer: Evelina Katarzynski @lovebylina_
Videographer: Fabio Stanzione @fabio_stanzione
Entertainment
Ceremony & Aperitivo Musicians: All About That Duo @_all.about.that.duo
Reception DJ: DJ Danny Howen @dj_dannyhowen
After Party Saxophonist: Davide D’Onofrio @davide_sax
Stationery and Details
Stationery: Designed by the bride, printed by Starfish Lane @starfish_lane
Bomboniere: Ceramiche Nicola Fasano @ceramiche_nicolafasano
Bridal Fashion
Bride Ceremony & Party Dress: Kyha Studios @kyhabride
Bride Ceremony Shoes: Amina Muaddi @aminamuaddiofficial
Bride After Party Shoes: Jimmy Choo @jimmychoo
Hair: Marilena Facciolla @marilena_facciolla
Makeup: Suzanna Neziri @suzana_n_makeupartist
Fragrance: Red Hibiscus by Jo Malone London @jomalonelondon
Dress Alterations: Studio Ilka @studio_ilka
Groom and Bridal Party
Groom Suit & Groomsmen: InStitchu @institchu
Groom Shoes: Aquila @aquila_est1958
Groom Accessories: Boss @boss
Maid of Honour: Meshki @meshki
Bridesman: Couture Menswear @couturemenswear
Bridesmaid: One Fell Swoop @onefellswoopofficial
