Borgo Egnazia Wedding in Puglia: Renee & Dave’s Three-Day Celebration
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding in Italy where the celebrations last for days, the food is unforgettable, and every location feels like it belongs on a film set, Renee and Dave’s Borgo Egnazia wedding will sweep you away. These two travelled all the way from Australia with their children to say “I do” in the heart of Puglia, surrounded by the warm sunshine, endless olive groves, and their closest family and friends.
Working alongside Alice from Italian Style Weddings — who I’d previously collaborated with on Emma & Shaya’s Tuscan Villa Fontelunga wedding — we photographed not just their wedding day, but the entire three-day experience, from the welcome dinner to the pool party finale.
Day One: Welcome Drinks and Dinner at Borgo Egnazia Beach Club
The celebrations began by the sea at Borgo Egnazia’s beach club. As the sun dipped low, guests gathered with Aperol spritzes in hand and toes in the sand. The evening light was golden and soft, the kind of glow you only seem to find in southern Italy. Gentle waves lapped the shoreline, adding a background rhythm to the laughter and conversations.
The setting was pure Puglian charm; open-air dining just steps from the water, a salty breeze keeping everyone cool, and the scent of fresh seafood drifting from the kitchen. Guests mingled, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones, everyone settling into the relaxed rhythm of the weekend.
Long tables were dressed simply but beautifully, with flickering candles casting a warm light as the sun disappeared completely. Between courses, heartfelt speeches filled the air. Friends and family shared stories, a few cheeky jokes, and words that made everyone’s eyes shine. It wasn’t overproduced or overly formal — just genuine connection, setting the perfect tone for the days to come.
Day Two: The Wedding
Bridal Prep at Borgo Egnazia
The morning of the wedding was calm but charged with anticipation. Renee’s villa, tucked away within Borgo Egnazia’s grounds, was a haven of light and space. Whitewashed walls, stone floors, and private terraces created a serene setting, while just outside, the hum of staff preparing for the day added to the sense of occasion.
Her bespoke Phillipa Galasso gown was unlike anything I’ve seen before, a pale blue two-piece with an incredible sweeping train for the ceremony, revealing a sleek, understated dress underneath for the evening. The detail that drew everyone in? Her daughter wore a matching dress, creating a touching and unforgettable moment when they first appeared together.
Makeup was soft and romantic, hair styled in a way that moved easily in the Puglian breeze. The room was filled with laughter, music, and the quiet moments in between, Renee’s children weaving in and out, friends stopping by to check on her, and the small but significant details that make up a wedding morning.
Meanwhile, Dave got ready nearby, surrounded by his groomsmen. One of the advantages of a Borgo Egnazia wedding is how compact yet luxurious it is — as a Puglia wedding photographer, it’s a dream to be able to move between preparations within minutes, never missing a key moment.
The Ceremony at Borgo Egnazia
Guests gathered on one of Borgo Egnazia’s beautiful rooftop courtyards, the pale stone walls creating a natural amphitheatre for the ceremony. The space was dressed simply but elegantly, with floral arrangements by Mariella Carola Fiori framing the aisle in soft, romantic tones.
Beatrice from My Wedding in Italy led the ceremony with warmth and heart, blending humour with sincerity. The air was filled with the scent of olive trees and the distant sound of cicadas. Children played quietly at the back, their laughter occasionally joining the vows and readings.
It was personal and deeply meaningful, and yet still felt easy; the kind of ceremony that perfectly reflected Renee and Dave’s approach to their whole wedding.
Bride and Groom Portraits
Once the confetti had settled and the guests made their way to the next part of the day, we stole some time for portraits. Borgo Egnazia offers endless options; sunlit archways, stone staircases, and hidden corners where the light falls just right.
We then headed down to the sea, where the pale blue of Renee’s gown mirrored the water, and the wind added a sense of movement to every frame. The couple’s classic car became another backdrop, the polished curves catching the sunlight as we worked through a mix of posed and candid shots.
For a Puglia wedding photographer, this was a dream… a couple completely at ease, a dress that moved like water, and locations that felt like they were made for photographs.
Wedding Party Group Shots
The wedding party was a lively, stylish mix of friends and family. We kept group shots relaxed, with genuine laughter and quick transitions so no one felt pulled away from the celebrations for too long.
Reception at Masseria Don Luigi
The evening celebrations took place at the stunning Masseria Don Luigi. This traditional farmhouse offered a completely different atmosphere from the earlier parts of the day… whitewashed walls, ancient olive groves, and wide open skies.
Guests arrived to a relaxed drinks reception before making their way to dinner. The round tables were tucked into the olive grove, festoon lights strung above casting a warm glow as the evening unfolded. It was the kind of setting that makes you pause for a second, just to take in the beauty.
Dinner & Speeches Outdoors
Dinner was served in the open air, the smell of herbs and grilled vegetables drifting through the warm night. Guests moved easily between tables, glasses of wine in hand, catching up with friends they hadn’t seen in years. It wasn’t rushed, the kind of slow dining that Italy is famous for, where each course is savoured and conversation flows as easily as the drinks.
The speeches were woven naturally into the evening, each one bringing a new wave of laughter or a lump in the throat. Under the festoon lights, with the olive trees swaying gently above, it felt intimate and inclusive.
Evening Party
As night fell deeper, Renee removed the dramatic train from her dress, revealing the sleek gown underneath. The dance floor came alive, music spilling into the night air as guests danced barefoot under the lights.
Day Three: Pool Party at Masseria Don Luigi
The pool party was the perfect wind-down. Guests lounged on sunbeds, splashed in the pool, and sipped Bloody Marys from a converted van that quickly became the social hub of the afternoon. A gelato cart kept everyone cool, offering flavours that disappeared almost as quickly as they were served.
The children turned the pool into their personal playground, while adults lingered in the shade, chatting and soaking in the last of the Puglian sun.
Supplier Spotlight
Planner: Italian Style Weddings — Alice brought everything together seamlessly, from logistics to styling.
Florist: Mariella Carola Fiori — soft, romantic designs that enhanced each setting beautifully.
Celebrant: My Wedding in Italy — warm, personal ceremonies that resonate with guests.
Videographer: The Wedding Tale — cinematic highlights that complement still photography.
Second Photographer: Davide Valentina — capturing extra angles and candid moments throughout the days.
Why Choose a Borgo Egnazia Wedding
As a Puglia wedding photographer, Borgo Egnazia is one of the most incredible venues I’ve worked at. It offers:
Ceremony, reception, and accommodation all within walking distance
A mix of luxury and traditional Italian charm
Endless photography locations — from courtyards to olive groves to the sea
Expert staff who make guests feel at home from the moment they arrive
It’s ideal for multi-day celebrations, allowing you to stretch the joy of your wedding across several days with ease. The surrounding Puglia region is equally special — think whitewashed villages, golden beaches, and some of the best food and wine in Italy.
If you’re planning your own Borgo Egnazia wedding or a celebration anywhere in Puglia, and you want every part of the story captured beautifully, I’d love to hear from you.
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