Today's Italian countryside wedding was inspired by the bride's experience growing up there in in southern Italy, and once you see the photos by Gianluca and Mary Adovasio you'll understand why. Donatella and Sam were married on the beautiful region of Puglia, and with their added touches of vintage lace and bright orange blossoms, the day was bright, joyful and intensely personal.
Junebug: What three adjectives best describe your wedding?
Donatella and Sam: Country, chic, rustic.
Junebug: What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day?
Donatella and Sam: I wanted to recreate the colour and the taste of my childhood in Apulia, a region lying on the heel of the boot, deep in the South of Italy. I dreamt of white
stone farm houses surrounded by olive groves, where the blue of the sky meets the sea. I remember the summer droughts and the red-brick colored land. And also the smells of the herbs -
rosemary, oregano and basil, the tomatoes left to dry in the midday sun, the sour taste of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
That is why the wedding was planned as a big countryside party where our family and friends could enjoy themselves in authentic Italian style.
Being a mixed Italian and English wedding, many guests had never visited that part of Italy before and I wanted them to experience a traditional wedding: the rigorousness of the catholic
service followed by a feast of local food and wines, the euphoria of the dancing and partying until dawn.
Junebug: Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding?
Donatella and Sam: The best decision I could make in preparation to my wedding was to choose Giusy as my wedding planner. She took care of absolutely everything and she ensured
that Sam and I would enjoy our day to the fullest. She became a friend and confident, someone who you could share every emotion (joy, tears and sometime panic!) leading to the day.
The idea of using the lace came by chance. In my mum's house I found an old Singer sewing machine dated from the beginning of the 20th century. Inside the drawers, there were loads of
different pieces of laces. They belonged to my grand-grand aunt, who I was very found of. I instantly thought I should do something with them. So I decorated the tea lights holders with the
lace. They also matched the designed of my Blumarine dress and mantilla style veil.
The most emotional moment was without a doubt the exchange of our vows. I couldn't stop looking at Sam and thinking that that was the beginning our the rest of our life and how amazing
that felt!
Junebug: What specifically drew you to Gianluca and Mary Adovasio and their imagery?
Donatella and Sam: Sam is an amateur photographer and he fell in love with Gianluca's touch for the details. Their photos capture the emotions of their subjects, all of the love
and the laughter. The photos feel very natural even if though there is a touch of vintage and nostalgia about them.
The Wedding Team:
Photographer: Gianluca and Mary Adovasio
Event Planner: Giusi D'Ambrosio
Ceremony Venue: Chiesa San Marco in Contrada, Locorotondo (BA)
Reception Venue: Masseria Montenapoleone
Videographer/Film Maker: Gianluca Adovasio
Officiant: Don Giuseppe Convertino
Invitation Designer: ARCHIVO' - Ostuni (BR)
Catering: Chez Vous - Martina Franca (TA)
Florist: La Mia Fioraia - Monopoli (BA)
Cake: Chez Vous- Martina Franca (TA)
Wedding Dress: Blumarine - Milano
Bridal accessories: Shoes - Diane Hassell - London, Vintage earrings
Groom apparel and accessories: Suit - Giorgio Armani, Shoes - Church's, Tie - Marinella
DJ: Dejavu'
Live music: folk and tango music by Rocco Nigro
Transportation: Red Spider, Alfa Romeo
Thanks to Donatella and Sam for sharing your gorgeous wedding and thank you to Gianluca and Mary for capturing it so wonderfully. To see more of their romantic wedding photography, be sure to visit their website, blog and Junebug brochure.
