Castello Monaci Wedding
Puglia, in the far south of Italy, was the location for Sharmin & Leon’s Castello Monaci wedding. This was the furthest south I’ve travelled in Italy, and, if you’re trying to picture where it is, it’s in the middle of the heel. The Salento region. If you’ve ever enjoyed a glass of Salice Salentino, it’s from this region, and may even be from the wedding venue itself, as it’s a winery. The closest big city is Lecce (which we absolutely loved), and there are stunning little coastal towns nearby. Highlights for us were Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, the latter of which is the location for the famous Guinness Swim Black advert.
That’s my local tour guide bit done, on with the wedding! Leon and Sharmin had to shift their wedding a couple of times due to the pandemic. When the day finally arrived, it was incredible, and worth the wait. Their outdoor ceremony featured traditional Persian wedding rituals, a Sofreh Aghd and sugar rubbing ceremony, a nod to Sharmin’s Iranian heritage. Everyone enjoyed a drinks reception outside on the terrace with canapés, Aperol spritz, a local band, and some energetic dancing.
Following dinner inside the Castello Monaci dining room, there was an outdoor performance by some local dancers. A dress change from Sharmin, more food (this is an Italian wedding after all), and an evening party that went on til the small hours.
Suppliers are all listed at the end of this post, and I was joined on this Castello Monaci wedding by my partner in crime and life, Stephen Bunn. If you’re considering getting married abroad and like my documentary approach, read more about how I cover Destination Weddings.
Wedding in Puglia
Thank you so much for our photos and the slideshow. They are all unbelievable and we have loved going through them and sharing with our families and friends. We are so thankful to you both for capturing our day so beautifully and helping us cherishing the memories for the years to come. “
Sharmin & Leon
Venue: Castello Monaci // Flowers: Flower Addicted // Make Up: Rosita Shafiee // DJ: DJ Nojan // Planner: Sublimae
If you enjoyed this Castello Monaci wedding, take a look at some more destination weddings here. There’s a Tuscany wedding, Portugal Wedding, Wedding in the South of France, and a Wedding in Poland. Or weddings further afield, Mihir Garh Wedding in India and a Wedding in New Orleans.