A Modern & Elegant Wedding at Masseria Amastuola in Puglia, Italy
A Wedding at Masseria Amastuola
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, feels expansive and deeply intentional, a series of places and moments quietly threaded together by love.
Why They Chose Masseria Amastuola Wine Resort
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.”
Melanie and Alfredo worked with Santa from Italian Boutique Weddings who not only brought their vision to life but also symbolically officiated their ceremony. Santa’s hard work, transparency, and dedication to her couples is deeply admirable. She describes herself as the eyes, hands, and heart for her international couples planning their celebrations in Italy from afar. You can read more about her ethos and approach here.
As Seen in Together Journal
This Masseria Amastuola wedding was proudly featured and published in print 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 print feature published in Issue 41 of Together Journal or online here.
If you’d like to stay a bit longer and soak up that la dolce vita, view Melanie and Alfredo’s post on Instagram, and explore Kaltrina and Braiden’s wedding at Villa Marchese Estate in Tuscany. You can also view a selection of my recent weddings in my portfolio.
Planning a wedding at Masseria Amastuola and looking for a photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding at Masseria Amastuola, choosing a photographer who understands light, atmosphere, and the natural rhythm of a destination wedding day can make all the difference. Surrounded by vineyards in the heart of Puglia, Masseria Amastuola offers an incredible setting for timeless, editorial wedding photography, from its striking architecture to its warm evening light and expansive views to the southern coast of Italy.
It’s a venue that works beautifully for couples who want imagery that feels elegant and intentional without losing the emotion of the day. There’s room here for quiet, intimate moments, fashion-forward portraits, and natural storytelling that still feels elevated.
As a destination wedding photographer, I’m especially drawn to venues like Masseria Amastuola because they offer both beauty and depth—a strong visual setting, but also a real sense of atmosphere. For couples planning a wedding in Puglia, it’s an exceptional place to create photographs that feel both refined and full of life.
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 as I’d love to be a part of it all.
TLDR;
- Venue: Masseria Amastuola Wine Resort, near Crispiano
- Region: Puglia, Italy
- Season: Late September
- Style: Modern, editorial, elegant, relaxed
- Design palette: Oyster + sage with plum/chilli reds and market-produce still life details
- Key moments: First look, olive grove ceremony, garden aperitivo, rooftop sunset portraits, courtyard dinner under lights
- Planning tip: Hire a wedding planner
- Published: Together Journal (print feature in Issue 41)
FAQ
A masseria is a traditional fortified farmhouse found in southern Italy, most commonly in Puglia. Originally built as agricultural estates, many have now been beautifully restored as boutique stays and wedding venues. For couples planning a destination wedding in Italy, a masseria often offers a mix of historic charm, understated luxury, and a setting that feels deeply rooted in the landscape.
It’s a wine resort in Puglia near Crispiano, a town renowned as the “City of a Hundred Masserie” for its concentration of these historic fortified farmhouses. Amastuola features striking limestone architecture and is surrounded by olive groves with views of the Ionian Sea.
Masseria Amastuola photographs beautifully because of its clean architectural lines, surrounding vineyards, and soft Puglian light. It’s a venue that lends itself well to editorial-style imagery, natural candid moments, and portraits that feel elegant without being overly posed. It suits celebrations that want a strong sense of place while still feeling elevated and design-led.
Spring and early autumn are especially beautiful times for a wedding at Masseria Amastuola, with warm light and a softer feel to the day. Summer weddings can also be stunning, particularly when the timeline is planned around the heat and the best evening light for portraits and outdoor celebrations.
Masseria Amastuola suits couples planning a modern, elegant, and fashion-forward wedding with a relaxed destination feel. It works especially well for celebrations that want to balance beautiful design with atmosphere, warmth, and a strong connection to the landscape of Puglia.
When planning a wedding at Masseria Amastuola, it’s worth thinking carefully about the timeline, especially around summer heat and portrait light. Working with a planner and photographer who understand destination weddings in Italy can help the day feel seamless while making the most of the venue and surrounding landscape.
Hire a wedding planner!
The Couple
Melanie D’Rozario & Alfredo Bertoglio @rightbackatyou @alfredobertoglio
The Vendors
Planning and Styling
Wedding Planner & Celebrant: Santa from Italian Boutique Weddings @italianboutiqueweddings
Venue & Catering: Masseria Amastuola @amastuola
Florist: Amsicora Fiori @amsicorafiori
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
