Italy

PUGLIA

MASSERIA AURATERRAE

Simi and Morten’s destination wedding at Masseria Auraterrae in Puglia, near Polignano a Mare, was a vibrant multi-day celebration designed to highlight both their heritage and the beauty of the Italian coast. Guests travelled from Nigeria, Denmark, and the USA to experience a thoughtfully curated weekend that combined cultural traditions, luxury, and unforgettable local experiences.

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The celebrations began with a traditional Nigerian ceremony among the venue’s olive groves, honouring the couple’s cultural roots in a stunning Mediterranean setting. Guests then explored market-style stalls featuring local Puglian seafood, meats, and pasta, finishing with artisanal gelato. Each guest received a branded gift bag with meaningful keepsakes. This included a Nigerian fan, branded hat and bag, Danish liquorice, Primitivo wine, local Puglian snacks and soaps, and the couple’s favourite sweets, bringing personal touches to this destination wedding experience.

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The late afternoon ceremony the following day faced stormy weather, but the couple’s spirits were undeterred. The ceremony was moved indoors to a beautiful stone room, where pastel florals popped against black Thonet chairs, offering a romantic and intimate setting within the historic villa.

Dinner was held outdoors under a tent with sweeping views of the sea and surrounding vineyards. By sunset, the rain cleared, revealing a breathtaking coastal backdrop. Guests enjoyed a plated four-course meal at two long tables with wishbone chairs, candlelight, and subtle Danish touches, including a booklet explaining traditional elements to everyone.

The evening party moved to the courtyard, with Afrobeats, discoballs, and expertly crafted cocktails, creating a lively, luxurious atmosphere that embraced both local Puglian charm and the couple’s personal style.

The three day destination wedding concluded with a relaxed pool party, featuring pizza, salads, gelato, and a lively DJ set; providing the perfect casual finale while allowing guests to soak in the villa’s coastal beauty.

PRE WEDDING CELEBRATIONS

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"Holly is an absolute gem!"

When we started wedding planning, we met with tons of planners searching for someone that both of us agreed on. We really clicked with Holly and instantly felt we were in safe hands.

In just 8 months, Holly helped us plan the most magnificent 3-day destination wedding in Puglia that was the perfect reflection of us as a couple as well as a fusion of our American, Danish, and Nigerian backgrounds.

During the wedding weekend itself, Holly and her entire team were extremely kind, attentive, and always one step ahead. This truly allowed both of us to be truly present the entire weekend, soak up the experience, and enjoy the time with loved ones without stressing over any details. Our guests also remarked that they felt so well taken care of by Holly and her team throughout the weekend.

There are SO many details, decisions, etc. that go into planning a wedding that it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Holly provided a great structure so we knew what elements to focus on and when to keep us on track. Holly methodically guided us through every step, with a lot of kindness and transparency. She focused on ensuring we felt comfortable and happy with every decision - even going back to the drawing board if we weren’t. The result was a beautiful weekend that brought our vision to life beautifully and one we’ll never forget.

Holly’s attention to detail is unmatched. She’s super personable, bubbly, and just an all-around pleasure to work with. We’d recommend Holly and the Wonderlust Events team time and time again!

S & M