Silk + Stone Bridal Editorial at Puglia's Castello Marchione
It may be January but we’re holding onto the memories of this late summer collaboration with the Saums and Ido Events in southern Italy. We found our scene in the heart of the Puglian fields. The grand estate of Castello Marchione is set apart from the busy coastal towns by miles of winding olive tree lined roads. The 14th century castle with its timeworn towers, intimate chapel, vaulted ceilings and Roman arches sets a romantically traditional backdrop for weddings large and small.
Finding inspiration for the design was effortless. We were influenced by the bucolic, late summer landscape of the Puglian countryside with its naturally dried wildflowers and sun drenched stone. The color palette we chose incorporated raw sienna and burnt brick and mimicked a warm Italian summer sunset. The aesthetic of the composition as a whole is contemporary, but by using traditional local materials such as linen and terracotta we impart an earthy authenticity that harkens to the ancient locale.
Food culture, many would argue, is the single most important part of Italian life. Celebrations are always centered around sharing food and rejoicing in love and moments shared. Rotondo Catering masterfully translated our concept of fresh, seasonal fare by using localized artisanal products that exemplify the region. The Indian figs and the gourd like smoked cave cheese (caciocavallo podolico) were just a few of the antipasti items that emphasised the warm palette hues. The spooned appetizers are bread, tomato and gallipoli shrimp served with chili spiced salts. Antipasti spreads are quintessential in Italian gatherings. We love how the cured meats and delicacies are thoughtfully displayed on speckled stone slabs that match the building’s facade. The custom terracotta bowls are from Claydès Art & Ceramic.
Newhite Bridal Slip dress: this romantically sleek silk dress with a halter neckline, freshwater pearls and removable off-the-shoulder drapes is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour but with a fresh, sensual take. Hair and makeup: continuing the sleek theme of the first hairstyle, Clara's hair was pulled back into an intricate low bun. This allowed all attention to be on the pearl-embellished straps of the dress. Smokey eyeshadow was added for some smoulder, while lips were kept fresh and glossy.
Maticevsk Pantsuit: We love the idea of taking a utilitarian item like a pantsuit and adding in fashion forward, asymmetric ruffles and a sweeping train to create an unconventional look. It is truly a statement look. Hair and makeup: to not detract from the striking design of the outfit and to keep the look cool and modern, Stella Loewnich Makeup and Hair straightened the model Clara’s hair and slicked part of it back. This beautifully accentuated her bone structure. Make up was kept in warm brown tones to match the warm tones of the shoot.
The Stella ring from Taya Jewels was a pink oval cut morganite stone surrounded by natural diamonds on a white gold band. This was paired with classic white gold bands.
Our aim for the stationery, beautifully made by Cut and Paste Lab, was to feature a modern minimalist aesthetic in the palette colors of raw sienna, burnt brick, warm beige and oyster. The retro title font playfully contrasts the contemporary type font. Our favorite detail from the suite is the terrazzo envelope liner that gives a nod to the traditional Italian stone elements featured throughout the shoot.
Botanic Affairs created a wild, earthy look with muted, warm tones and textures using fresh blooms and foraged flowers gathered from the fields surrounding the venue. The outcome was an eco friendly design that elicited warmth and dimension within the prescribed hues. The ikebana inspired foam free compositions with shapes that showcase natural movement and organic shapes. Whimsical installations with flora springing from a hidden corners echo the wildflowers blooming in unexpected places.
What could be more Italian than dining al fresco under twinkling lights on the sun warmed stones of the terrazzo? For this traditional scene, we wanted to create an inviting table that was fun, modern and styled with lots of beautifully local crafted tableware. The terracotta pasta plates, the pearl glazed chargers and bread + butter plates, the flower vessels and candle holders were made for the shoot by Claydès Art & Ceramic. They brought our vision to life in the most stunning way. The Italian made napkins from Once Milano are incredibly soft and luxurious. The modern taper candles from Ester + Erik allow us to play with the color gradient on the table. The natural white pure linen tablecloth provided by Is-Tinto made a crisp backdrop for the tablescape.
We’re charmed by the traditional beauty of this castle setting. The open courtyard and variety of usable space amongst the sprawling Puglian landscape is perfectly suited to hosting gatherings. Imagine gathering with your nearest and dearest under a canopy of twinkling lights in the courtyard of this Italian castle!
You can check out the feature over on FRIEDA THERES and the video from the Saums below!
XO- The GATHER Girls
TEAM
Planning/design IDO EVENTS x GATHER EVENTS Photography / Videography THE SAUMS Venue and chairs Castello Marchione Catering, rentals stemware Rotondo Catering Floral designer Botanic Affairs Paper goods Cut and Paste Lab Ceramics Claydes Ceramic Candles and silver candle holders Ester + Erik Ribbons and textures Fati Amor Design Linen tablecloth and runner Istinto Textiles Napkins Once Milano Cutlery Studio GMC Cake designer Stories By Lea Hair and makeup Stella Loewnich Makeup + Hair Model Clara Buchner from Louisa Models Bridal dress Newhite Bridal Bridal pant suit Toni Maticevski Bridal boutique The White Closet Wedding rings Taya Gioielli