The Italian City That Should be on Everyone’s Radar for Their Next European Getaway

Are you itching for an Italian getaway? Perhaps you’ve already been to Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast (a personal fave of ours!), but you’re looking for something that’s a little more under the radar… A place not flooded with tourists and still oozes all the authentic Italian charm. Well, have we got a treat for you today! Photographer Lilly Red Creative is whisking us away to Matera — one of the oldest towns in Italy, located in the “in-step” of the boot, in the Basilicata region. While it’s a hidden gem now, it’s set to be featured as the European Capital of Culture in 2019 (so now might be a good time to plan that vacation!).

Combining our love of travel, with our love of creative + unique weddings, today’s styled shoot is nothing short of SPECTACULAR. Planned by Benevent, the day starts off with the bride’s sultry boudoir session at one of the most amazing hotels in all of Matera: Hotel Sextantio le Grotte della Civita. Much of the city is built in and upon old caverns and tunnels — and this hotel happens to be one of them.

Now this is just the beginning… Are you ready to explore the city of Matera together? Get ready to fall in looooove!

Is this the dreamiest scene, or what?

The bride, Manuela continued her day by preparing fresh, homemade bread that is typical of the region. A symbol of love, the ladies of Matera typically make bread for their spouse and use the rooster shaped stamp as a symbol of prosperity.

Cloaked in an exquisite veil, Manuela + the team wandered the inside of the one of the oldest churches of the town. If you look closely you can catch a glimpse of the ancient paintings and frescoes that decorate the walls.

The dusty rose cake by Pasticceria Reale complemented the tones of the day perfectly.

A romantic walk during the first light of the day, atop the canyon in front of Matera. (YES, PLEASE!)

The way her dress, the silk ribbons, and her hair catch the wind…

How dashing is the groom in his soft pink blazer + chambray accents, handmade by Linnèo Archivable Clothing (located in the north of Italy)? The muted colors reflected the sunrise and the soft palette of Matera’s landscape.

The muted tones were picked up in the florals + we’re pretty fond of the whimsical nature of this bouquet by Chiara Sperti!

For the ceremony, the team set up a collection of ancient amphorae, complemented by typical green branches. 

The ceremony was located in front of a cave inside the National Park of “La Murgia Materana”, a world heritage site where monks would go to rest after long pilgrimages.

The table was a triumph of colors — featuring ranunculus and local flowers to create a contrast against the “tufo” wall (a stone famous of this region), along with hand-dyed linen cloths.

Both the menus and the plates were made of clay and doubled as the escort cards. Such a cool idea by Artiamo da Mema!

Isn’t this INCREDIBLE?! The bride is wearing a local dress specifically designed for this session by Silvia Lucarini… the way that silk catches the wind. Who else is dreaming of traveling to this place now?

Absolutely breathtaking. A huge thank you to the creatives behind this styled shoot in Italy!

Now, who else is dying to take a trip there?! It’s definitely on our bucket list! To explore the city a little bit more, check out this clip from 2 Become 1!

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photography: Lilly Red Creative // venue name: Albergo Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Matera, Basilicata, Italy // planning: Benevent // florals: Chiara Sperti // wedding dress: Silvia Lucarini // hairpiece: Guinevere Vines // bride’s shoes: Miss D // bride’s ring: My Golden Age // hair stylist: Massimo Ferraroni // makeup artist: Francesco Chironna // groom attire: Linnèo Archivable Clothing // groom’s ring: My Golden Age // videography: 2 become 1 // paper goods: Artiamo da Mema // calligraphy: Artiamo da Mema // cake: Pasticceria Reale // tabletop rentals: Artiamo da Mema