A Striking Summer Wedding in Puglia Italy

Set against the architectural alchemy of Masseria Grieco, Jana and Marcel’s wedding weekend was a study in both relish and restraint. 

The ceremony emerged beneath the branches of an old tree, framed by a sculptural floral aisle in warm neutrals, washed greens, and soft caramel tones. Hydrangeas in terracotta vessels added dimension without distraction — a nod to their affinity for minimalism and texture. The surrounding vineyards and stonework did the rest.

At dinner, long tables were layered with tonal florals, gold accents, and subtle candlelight. As the sun fell behind the hills, the trulli silhouettes and string lights created a cinematic backdrop for the evening to evolve against.

Our Story

Names / Jana and Marcel Göldner

Location / Masseria Grieco, Ostuni, Puglia

Wedding Date / June 23rd, 2024

Guest Numbers / 65

How We Met

We met at a small, not-so-anonymous gym, one of those places where you start to recognize familiar faces on the same training days, following the same routines. At first, it was just glances, a quick smile, a friendly “hi” in passing. But there was something more, a connection, subtle yet unmistakable. Not just physical attraction, but something deeper, something hard to explain. One day, I got up the courage to talk to him, casually asking what kind of music he listens to while training. The next time, he asked for my number. We took our time getting to know each other and dated for six months before making it official. That was nine years ago! But I knew back then he would be my forever.

Our Engagement Story

There’s a very special place in the world for us: the northern Spanish city of San Sebastián, or Donostia, as it’s called in Basque. Marcel spent a year studying there as part of his diploma, and ever since, we’ve made it a tradition to return at least once a year. Every visit feels like coming home. We stroll along the promenade, indulge in countless pintxos, sip sweet vermouth, and let the charm of the city work its magic.
In September 2022, Marcel surprised Jana with a weekend getaway to Donostia. He had booked a beautiful hotel right on La Concha Bay with a stunning view of the sea. On the second evening, he made dinner reservations at a breathtaking restaurant overlooking both bays. But before we left, Marcel surprised Jana on our hotel room’s terrace with a bottle of champagne and a handwritten love letter. We sat there, enjoying the champagne and watching the sun set over the ocean. Then Marcel got down on one knee and asked Jana to be his wife.

What we love most about each other…

We love that we share the same vision for life, the same values, and the same dreams. We cherish the time we spend together, whether it’s the big moments or the quiet, everyday ones. At the same time, we give each other the space we need to grow individually. This balance between closeness and freedom is what makes our relationship so special.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We chose Puglia because we love traveling through Italy and have spent many wonderful holidays there over the past few years. It quickly became clear that we didn’t want just a single day of celebration. We wanted to spend an entire weekend with our closest friends and family, and we wanted it to feel like a vacation. We had stayed at Masseria Grieco two years earlier and instantly fell in love with the place. We loved the relaxed vibe, the quality of the hotel, and the fact that we could have most of our guests all in one location. It was exactly what we had envisioned: personal, laid-back, and full of shared moments.

Aesthetic

Our style and the overall aesthetic of our wedding day was simple, effortless, timeless, and elevated. We wanted to create an atmosphere of elegant ease, something that felt natural yet refined. Of course, a touch of romance was essential.

Photography & Videography

We can’t thank Melanie and Shayne of EMÈS Weddings enough for the incredible work they did throughout our entire wedding weekend. Not only are the photos truly stunning, but they are also such warm, genuine people. We’re lucky to now call them friends. From our very first conversation, we knew they were the perfect match for us. They instantly understood our vision and the feeling we wanted to capture, including both the big emotional moments and the quiet, candid ones.

“A floral aisle in rich caramel, soft white, and green wove gently through the vineyard, like the landscape had bloomed just for us.”

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony took place outdoors, beneath a large, beautiful tree and surrounded by vineyards. With such a stunning natural setting, we wanted to keep the décor minimal to let the landscape shine. We’ve always loved hydrangeas, so we incorporated them into the backdrop using large terracotta vases for a touch of softness and elegance. To complete the setup, our wedding planner and florist designed a beautiful, organic S-shaped floral aisle. It featured rich blocks of caramel tones, soft whites, and lush greens, creating a natural, flowing path that perfectly complemented the surroundings.

Reception Décor

Creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere for our wedding reception was so important to us. We brought sun-drenched tones to the dining tables through a thoughtfully curated selection of blooms, complemented by gold and terracotta accents, glowing candles, and beautifully designed elevated menus. The iconic trulli of Masseria Grieco provided a stunning backdrop that perfectly framed the dinner setting. As the sun set, it cast a golden, caramel-hued glow over everything. With the soft twinkle of string lights overhead, the entire evening felt truly magical.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Victoria from Impression Villas & Weddings was by our side every step of the way throughout the planning process. She made sure each of our vendors understood exactly what we envisioned. On the wedding day, she ensured everything ran seamlessly and stress-free.

Favors

As a little thank-you, we placed thoughtfully curated goodie bags in our guests’ rooms. Each one included embroidered beach towels as a keepsake from our time together in the sun. For the wedding day itself, Jana hand-poured custom scented candles for every guest, with a fragrance chosen to capture the feeling of the day and keep the memory alive each time it’s lit.

Food & Beverages 

We offered our guests a pre-set menu, starting with a generous cocktail hour filled with appetizers and drinks. The courses included fresh burrata, seasonal salad, pasta, fish, tiramisu, and late-night focaccia to keep everyone going.
One of the standout moments for our guests was the fresh burrata bar. It was not only incredibly delicious but also fun and interactive. For the party, we had an open bar serving all of our favorite drinks, from classic Negronis and Margaritas to plenty of tequila. It definitely kept the energy high and the celebration going strong.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Jana’s dress was by Alexandra Grecco. The wedding dress was everything she had hoped for: timeless, chic, beautifully crafted, and of the highest quality.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Since we had already celebrated our civil wedding the year before and exchanged rings at that time, we decided to do something a little different for our ceremony. Instead of rings, we chose to exchange Cartier bracelets as a symbol of loyalty, love, and enduring friendship.

Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire

For the ceremony, Marcel wore a classic tuxedo. For the reception, he changed into a light greige suit. Both looks were tailor-made and crafted from luxurious Loro Piana fabrics, combining elegance with timeless style.

Hair & Makeup

Tania Nitsak was absolutely incredible. She did my hair and makeup throughout the entire wedding weekend, creating a beautifully unique look for each event and celebration. On the wedding day itself, I went for a classic bun paired with natural, glowing makeup, and Tania captured my vision perfectly. She completely understood what I wanted from the very start. Not only is she incredibly talented, but also one of the kindest and warmest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

“As the sun set, it cast a golden, caramel-hued glow over everything. With the soft twinkle of string lights overhead, the entire evening felt truly magical.”

The Details

Entertainment

We had a live band for our celebration and worked with Marino Rana Entertainment from Puglia. They were absolutely phenomenal. They played throughout the entire evening, bringing incredible energy, talent, and joy to every moment. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about them, especially the saxophone player, who was a true standout. Without a doubt, Marino Rana Entertainment was one of the absolute highlights of the day and night.

Celebrant

Our celebrant was one of our close friends, and she was the perfect fit for us. She did an incredible job capturing who we are both as individuals and as a couple. Family and friends couldn’t stop talking about how amazing she was. Having her officiate our wedding made the day all the more special and meaningful for us.

Our Advice

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

We wouldn’t change a single thing about our wedding. Every moment felt so true to us, and working with each and every vendor was an absolute joy. They all went above and beyond, and the result was more beautiful and meaningful than we ever could have dreamed. If we could relive it all again, we absolutely would. In a heartbeat.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

It would be this: every wedding is unique, and every couple’s vision is different. Take the time to discover what truly matters to you and what feels authentic and meaningful. Don’t be afraid to break the rules or do things your own way. That’s what makes it your day.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Masseria Grieco

Wedding Stylist & Planner / Impression Villas & Weddings

Photography & Videography / EMÈS Weddings

Bride’s Dress / Alexandra Grecco

Bride’s Shoes / YSL

Grooms Formal Wear / Loro Piana

Wedding Rings / Cartier

Jewelry & Accessories / Loewe, Jennifer Behr & Santoni

Hair & Makeup / Tania Nitsak

Stationery / Traufabrik Papeterie

Florist / Flower Addicted Angelica

Catering / Rotondo Catering

Entertainment / Marino Rana Entertainment