Tell us a little about yourselves!
CJ and I have been together for about 7 years now. We met sophomore year of college, but started out as friends and didn’t start dating until after we graduated college. We are both from the East Coast, but the first 5 years of our relationship was long-distance, as CJ was in the army. After CJ got out of the army and I graduated from graduate school, we then moved to LA where we have been for, going on 3 years now.
Last year, we adopted our 1.5 year old shepard mix, Maverick, and now live in Manhattan Beach, CA. CJ and I love to spend most of our time outdoors - hiking, surfing, or relaxing on the beach. Trying new coffee shops every week is our hobby. We also love to travel and take Maverick whenever we can.
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
CJ and I are both from big families on the East Coast, but we wanted a smaller, more intimate wedding with family and few close friends. We chose a destination wedding in a small town in Italy. One that had a lot to offer and was easy to get around.
We chose Puglia Italy, as there were a lot of surrounding towns to explore (day trips), but also several wineries and even beach towns. Ostuni Art Resort was the perfect place to get married and we wouldn’t change a single thing.
How many guests did you have?
About 55 friends and close family. Kristin Piteo captured our day.
Tell us about your outfits.
My style is very simple yet chic! I always loved the designer, Sarah Seven, and when I moved to LA, I visited her LA store. The dress I ended up choosing was the first dress I tried on. It was chic yet sophisticated and exactly what I wanted.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
For me and CJ, it was having a wedding that embodied us. We are both pretty simple people but wanted our wedding to be a day that everyone remembered, with an added vibe of our own! I had 4 bridesmaids who also wore white - pretty untraditional! CJ chose the drink and music menu, and even named his signature drink, The Maverick. We made our own menus and name tags and each guest got a vintage olive oil can with our names and wedding date (from Italy of course!).
Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?
CJ and I both grew up catholic so we knew we wanted to get married in a Catholic church with a catholic mass. It was a lot easier said than done! We had to officially get married in the US, in a church, before doing it in Italy. It was a long process, but worth it in the end. We got married in a small church in the center of town and the church was stunning.
Any tips for couples getting married?
The time around getting married can be hectic and stressful, but don’t forget you are marrying your best friend. Take time to relax and communicate with each other. On the wedding day, everyone is there to celebrate you and your love!
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Everyone was amazing!
Photographer : Kristin Piteo @kristinpiteophoto | Ceremony + Reception Location : Ostuni Art Resort @ostuniartresort | Entertainment : Ultra Live Band @ultraliveband | Planner : Guisy D’Ambrosio @guisyweddings | Flora : La Mia Fioraia @lamiafioraia | Makeup Artist : Barbara Pastore @barbarapastoremakeup | Hair : Massimo Il Moro @massimo_il_moro | Catering + Cake : Rotondo Catering @rotondocatering | Bar: LELE Momenti Memorabili @lele_momenti.memorabili | Kristen’s Dress + Earrings: Sarah Seven 'Sandra' @sarahseven | CJ’s Tuxedo: Brooks Brothers @brooksbrothers | Engagement Ring: Ring Concierge @ringconcierge | Wedding Rings : Kinn Studio (Kristen) @kinnstudio + Blue Nile (CJ) @blunilediamond | Kristen's Shoes : Saint Laurent @ysl 'Bianca' | CJ's Shoes : 3DM Lifestyle @3dmlifestyle | Perfume : Byredo 'Mojave Ghost' @officialbyredo | Party Dress : V. Chapman 'Nasturtium Dress' @vchapmanstudio