Shannon + James | Destination Wedding in Italy| Ostuni Wedding Photographer
On a hot hot hot June afternoon, Shannon and James were joined by a handful of their closest friends and family in Southern Italy’s Puglia region where they shared vows, promised forever, feasted on a traditional Italian dinner, drank too much aperol, and danced the night away on their masseria’s rooftop. Our home-base in Puglia was the fairytale village of Ostuni – narrow cobblestone streets, gelato on every corner, a lively town square, and restaurants and bars tucked into caves. The surrounding countryside is filled with 60 million olive trees, making our winding drives from town to town even more enjoyable. (I definitely drank my weight in olive oil, but that’s not part of this story!) Aaaaanyways, all the way from Australia, Shannon and James knew that they wanted a destination wedding that was just a bit more off the beaten path than normal. When you think of a destination wedding in Italy, you probably picture views of the Amalfi Coast, a Tuscan Villa, or lots of Roman architecture. What we experienced was even better, with 90% less crowds.
But let’s rewind to the summer of 2017. I had finally blogged photos from my trip to Morocco when an e-mail from Australia popped up in my inbox. It was Shan! She loved the idea of eloping in the Blue Pearl, Chefchaouen…which just so happened to be my favorite place in the entire country! We talked periodically for the entire year, going back and forth on their options and how to make the logistics work. And then one day out of the blue she brought up the Italian town of Ostuni, the picturesque whitewashed town, with all the vibes of ‘Chaouen, without the logistical nightmare of getting legally married in Morocco. (hint : it’s impossible). They had chosen a date, smack dab in the middle of Australian winter, and their vision for the day made my heart burst.
When they asked if I had any videographer friends with a similar style to me, who just might enjoy filming in Italy, I knew just who to recommend. I was lucky enough to share the wedding week with my good friends Kayla + Tyler from Rhyme + Rhythm Cinematography – I couldn’t have asked for better roomies! Take a peek at their wedding film HERE!
Shannon + James’ wedding vision included a traditional Italian wedding ceremony followed by their personal hand-binding ceremony in a restored dressing room of the Palazzo Ducale, afternoon bubbly + nibbles in the town square, a 5 course dinner prepared by their private chef, and dance lessons on the rooftop of the Borgo Fianco a Fianco, a traditional trullo home. Special shoutout to Massimo and Claudia who taught us all the traditional Tarantella! I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect destination wedding in Italy!
Wanting to plan your own Destination Wedding or Elopement?
Hey there! I’m Megan, a destination wedding photographer based in British Columbia, Canada. I’m not a label gal, though. I promise to be so much more than your photographer. I will be your guide, the person you turn to for support and guidance, and will empower you to plan a day that fits your values and priorities. If you find yourself glued to the screen unable to stop scrolling through the unconventional, kick-ass, and adventurous weddings I’ve photographed, let’s be friends!
