Catholic & Hindu wedding in Puglia

A two-culture celebration at Masseria Grieco, Cisternino

After two years of planning, and rescheduling because of the pandemic, they made it!

A & P fell in love with Masseria Grieco in 2019, and started dreaming to celebrate their wedding day with family and friends. Unfortunately, as all of us know, Covid pandemic arrived so they had to postpone to 2021 first and then to 2022.

Finally in April 2022 their Catholic and Hindu wedding in Puglia could be happily celebrated.

A, the groom, is Italian but he has been living in London with the bride, and their children, since many years.

The couple wanted to celebrate not only their wedding, but also their heritage, combining two different cultures, so they decided to celebrate both a Catholic and a Hindu wedding in Puglia. The Catholic Ceremony was held in the Church of Cisternino in the morning and then in the afternoon a Hindu ceremony was arranged at Masseria Grieco.

Masseria Grieco is a stunning venue in Val d’Itria, one of the most breathtaking areas in Puglia. This Masseria has stunning outdoor areas, including a beautiful pool, a romantic and characteristic courtyard, ideal to host the dinner, as well as other panoramic corners. It has 25 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 60 guests.

Two days prior the Hindu wedding in Puglia, a Mehndi Party took place. The party started in the afternoon, with food and drinks, then a Mehndi artist performed her magic with henna on the bride’s hands and feet and guests hands.

After everyone enjoyed dancing as in a perfectly traditional Sangeet gathering.

On the Wedding day the getting ready started very early in the morning, because the Catholic ceremony started at 10.30 am in the Church of Cisternino, which is 15 minutes away from the Masseria.

P. was wearing a beautiful lace wedding gown with a high collar. She arrived at the church with an amazing vintage car, and the driver was the brother of the groom. The ceremony was very emotional!

After the Catholic Ceremony A & P drove back to the Masseria on the vintage car, followed by all the guests. An Indian vegetarian buffet lunch was waiting for them in the Pool area, with Indian chefs who flew directly from UK.

When the lunch was over guests went to their rooms to change attire and get ready for the Hindu wedding in Puglia. P. changed her make up and hairstyle as well, and chose a lovely coral and white sari.

The Hindu ceremony was announced by the Baraat, a procession from an Apulian Trullo with the Dhol Players and dancers. The Baraat reached the Mandap, where the Hindu Pandit celebrated the ceremony. The bride entered after 20/30 minutes, escorted by a male family member, while the groom was hidden behind a piece of fabric — until the Kanyadaan.

After the ceremony the newlyweds and guests enjoyed a fantastic aperitif in the Aia of the Masseria, with a Pizzica Band, Pizzica dancers, Dhol Players and Indian dancers — the perfect mix of two cultures.

The bride’s bouquet and all the wedding flower decorations were made by the talented Angelica from Flowers Addicted. The dinner was set under a crystal marquee in the courtyard, featuring an Italian menu by Casaresta Caterer. After dinner guests moved under a stretch tent for the DJ set.