CASTELLO MONACI

Puglia, Italy

Castello Monaci is an ancient castle located in the striking Italian countryside, in Puglia’s Salento region. It is surrounded by gorgeous gardens making it the perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Castello Monaci boasts several vastly different spaces that can be personalised for each part of the wedding celebration.

Not only is the castle one of the top wedding venues in Puglia but it also produces some of the best wines from indigenous grapes on site.

The minute I saw this space I knew that I wanted to create a dramatic dining space within the history-rich walls of the banqueting hall. Sympathetic draped fabric softened the space considerably and played amongst the traditional arches, creating an ethereal atmosphere, heightened further by the many tapered candles.

We wanted to respect the walls and architecture of Castello Monaci, especially when considering our colour palette - we opted for texture-rich blooms that created an interesting solid centerpiece along the table in milky, neutral shades with a lime-washed coloured foliage.

When considering table details texture was key, paired with earthy colours it felt like the design belonged, without over shadowing the atmosphere at the Castello.

I’m lucky enough to plan weddings throughout Puglia each year and as a region it’s venues vary so drastically between one another; from coastal and Grecian in design to rolling vineyards and castles. Planning a wedding in Puglia is a great option when opting for a destination wedding due to it’s ease of access and non-commercial feel.

Alfresco dining is quite often the wedding day dream, especially if you choose to have a destination wedding. At Castello Monaci there are great outdoor spaces to utilise, but as a UK and destination wedding planner it ticks an extra box knowing that the indoor dining space is just as good!

There are many corners to explore at Castello Monaci, with plenty of hidden secrets to enjoy. We added a vintage Italian car into the mix, something I would always recommend to my couples incorporating for an extra photo prop and images that will always be in-fashion!

Pyrotechnics are big in Italy and the introduction of the bubble entrance or exit is a unique element that you can add to your wedding day - our Bride changed into a trendy mini dress and the couple danced amongst the bubbles, under the stars.

A wedding in Puglia is never complete without a trip to some of the iconic towns, with their postcard worthy streets and winding pathways to enjoy for hours on end.

I would always recommend hiring a destination wedding planner who has worked in Puglia before if you are considering an Apulian wedding, in order to fully maximise on your experience and ensure you get the most out of the incredibly versatile region. Contact us below if you would like to hear how we may be able to support you with your wedding planning.

Dream Team:
Venue: CASTELLO MONACI; Photographers: JOE KINNERMAN, KATHERINE AND HER CAMERA and MELISSA BOER; Wedding Planner and Stylist: REBECCA MARIE WEDDINGS; Florals: MICHELE DEL ROSSO; Dress Designer: WATTERS; Textile designer and fabric installations: MIA SYLVIA; Stationery: GRAY STARLING; Hair and MUA: AMY ROSE; Entertainment: ANTONIO SAX