A Magical Wedding at Tenuta Monacelli in Apulia
Planning a destination wedding in Apulia?
The wedding at Tenuta Monacelli in Apulia we photographed for Ivana and Theren is exactly the kind of day that reminds us why we fell in love with this job, and with Puglia.
The Wedding at Tenuta Monacelli: Setting the Scene
There are weddings, and then there are weddings in Apulia. When Ivana and Theren, a wonderful Swiss couple, first reached out to us, we knew this would be something truly special. They had chosen to celebrate their love in Italy, in one of the most breathtaking corners of the country: Tenuta Monacelli, a historic estate nestled among centuries-old olive trees just minutes from the Baroque heart of Lecce.
A wedding at Tenuta Monacelli means waking up to the scent of olive blossoms, golden light filtering through ancient branches, and the kind of slow, generous hospitality that only Puglia can offer. For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Puglia, this venue ticks every box, romance, authenticity, beauty, and soul.
Getting Ready: Two Rooms, One Big Moment
The day began in the early afternoon with preparations spread across the estate. The groomsmen gathered in one room while the bridesmaids took over another, but it was the bride who had the most enviable spot: the main tower, the tallest structure at Tenuta Monacelli, all to herself.
Her gown had been kept under wraps until that very moment. When it was finally revealed, the room fell silent before erupting in emotion. That’s one of those moments you can never fully script, and never fully forget.
The Ceremony at the Church of San Matteo, Lecce
From the estate, the groom and guests boarded a coach and made their way into Lecce, known as the Florence of the South, for the ceremony at the stunning Church of San Matteo. The groom walked down the aisle accompanied by his father, followed by pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Then came the bride. She arrived in a vintage Rolls Royce, driven by her brother, a detail so personal and so perfectly cinematic that it moved even the most composed guests to tears. A French-speaking priest officiated the ceremony, a touching nod to the couple’s Swiss roots.When the couple emerged from the church into the Lecce sunshine, petals rained down and the air was filled with applause and happy tears.
Golden Hour Among the Olive Groves
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the wedding party returned to Tenuta Monacelli, and the estate had transformed. Warm lights glowed against a deep blue sky during that magical blue hour that photographers dream about.
We took full advantage of every last ray of light, capturing the couple among the ancient olive groves that surround the property. These are the kinds of images that end up framed on walls and passed down through generations: the two of them, laughing and in love, surrounded by trees that have stood for hundreds of years.
Dinner Under the Stars
The newlyweds’ entrance into the villa was met with a standing ovation. String lights wove between the olive trees, creating a warm, fairy-lit canopy over the long dinner tables. Guests drifted between the lights and the shadows, wine in hand, taking in the beauty of a Puglian summer night.
The speeches were the emotional heart of the evening, heartfelt words from close family members that reminded everyone why they’d traveled from across Europe to be there. Laughter, tears, and a lot of raised glasses.
The Sweet Finale of this wedding at tenuta monacelli in apulia
After the cake cutting by the pool, the night shifted into full celebration mode: dancing, singing, and, the crowd favorite , Nutella crêpes served under the stars. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Joyful, indulgent, and completely Pugliese.
Why Choose Apulia for Your Destination Wedding?
Couples searching for a wedding in Apulia often describe the feeling of arriving here for the first time: the light is different, the air tastes of salt and wild herbs, and everything seems to slow down in the most beautiful way.
Puglia destination weddings have grown enormously in popularity among international couples, and for good reason. Here’s what makes this region so irresistible:
Landscape & Beauty From the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria to the rugged Adriatic coastline, Puglia offers a diversity of scenery that few Italian regions can match. The iconic trulli of Alberobello, the white-washed towns of Ostuni and Locorotondo, the sea caves of Polignano a Mare — every corner offers a different kind of magic.
History & Architecture Lecce’s ornate Baroque facades, Castel del Monte’s octagonal mystery, medieval masserie converted into luxury estates, couples planning a luxury wedding in Puglia will find no shortage of stunning, story-rich venues.
Food & Wine A Pugliese wedding feast is a serious affair. Burrata, orecchiette, fresh seafood, primitivo wine, and the finest olive oil in Italy, your guests will talk about the food for years.
Warmth & Authenticity Unlike more tourist-saturated regions, Puglia still feels genuinely itself. The people are warm, the traditions are alive, and the hospitality is real. This is Italy as it used to be, and hopefully, as it always will be.
For couples asking “where should we have our destination wedding in Italy?”, the answer, more and more often, is Puglia.
Vendors & Credits
A wedding at Tenuta Monacelli like this one doesn’t happen without an exceptional team. Here are the talented people who made Ivana and Theren’s day unforgettable:
Want to know more about how we work? Here’s everything about our wedding photography approach.
