United in Love and Tradition: Lucy & Sameer's Multicultural Wedding at Masseria Alchimia
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 09/15/2024
- City: Bari
Their love story blossomed in the hallowed halls of Cambridge University back in 2014. Two souls, Lucy and Sameer, both 18 and wide-eyed with possibility, found each other amidst the academic splendor. Their connection deepened gradually, like a slow dance, until a year later when friendship transformed into something more profound—a love that would span nearly a decade. Then came the moment that would change everything—a proposal bathed in Mediterranean beauty.
The proposal took place in a cave overlooking the ocean in Menorca, Spain called Cova d'en Xoroi in 2023. Lucy was completely surprised and had no idea it was coming!
With hearts full of dreams, they envisioned a celebration that would honor their roots. "We wanted to have a collaboration wedding of both of our cultures and religions (Sikh and Jewish) but in the beautiful Puglia sun," Lucy explained. Masseria Alchimia was their canvas, their perfect venue.
Their planning journey was inspired by artistry and love. "Looking at Francesco's instagram pages for previous weddings they had done and getting inspired from couples they had worked with!" became their creative fuel.
When asked about the moment they would most remember, their answer was simple and profound: "When Lucy walked down the aisle!"
Their approach to wedding details reflected their modern, environmentally conscious spirit. "We both did [the invitations] using the withjoy website, tried to save the environment with no paper invites!"
The wedding rings carried their own beautiful narrative. "Sameer chose Lucy's with his best man and used it to propose and then Lucy bought Sameer's when they went to view some on Oxford street in London," they share.
A touching detail that connected generations: "Lucy wore some of Sameer's mother's and grandmother's jewellery on the day!"
Lucy's wedding dress journey led her to Angelica Bridal in London's Angel area, where she discovered a breathtaking Martina Liana gown that seemed to have been designed just for her. The dress was an absolute vision—a stunning creation that perfectly captured Lucy's elegance.
"In our rooms in Masseria Alchimia," Lucy and her bridal party prepared for the most significant day of her life. The getting-ready photoshoot captured intimate moments of anticipation and joy, with the soft Italian light filtering through the windows of the historic venue.
Her bridesmaids were given a unique approach to their attire: "The bridesmaids were given a colour scheme (rust) and picked their own." This created a beautiful, harmonious palette that complemented Lucy's radiant presence. The floral details were carefully curated, with The Greenery Lab creating a stunning bouquet that would become a focal point of her bridal look.
Sameer prepared with his three best men, dressed in a sharp suit from Suit Supply. The morning was filled with camaraderie and anticipation.
When Sameer saw Lucy, his reaction was pure: "Wow!" He began to cry. Lucy's inner thoughts were equally profound: "I can't believe this is happening. Holding back tears."
Their ceremony was a beautiful tapestry of traditions. They incorporated "The Jewish ceremony, walking down the aisle, the bedeken (veil checking process), the seven blessings which are always part of the Jewish ceremony." A traditional Jewish folk song accompanied Lucy's walk, and the ceremony culminated with the symbolic "smashing of the glass at the end of the ceremony." Sameer's best man, Kurran, played a special role as the ring bearer.
After exchanging their vows and sealing their commitment, Lucy and Sameer embarked on a magical photographic journey throughout Masseria Alchimia. "Around the courtyard and in the greenery areas," Lucy recalled.
The aesthetic of their wedding was a carefully curated masterpiece that reflected their personal style and cultural heritage. "Pastel colours with fruits and coloured candles lining the tables" created an atmosphere of soft romance and warm elegance. Masseria Alchimia, with its historic stone walls and intimate courtyard, provided a natural canvas that required minimal additional decoration.
Their first dance was set to George Benson's "Give Me the Night," a perfect soundtrack to their celebration. The culinary experience was a feast for the senses: "Amazing Italian buffet before the main reception dinner: smoked cheese, panzarotti etc." The wedding cake from Il Fagiano provided the sweet finale to their magical day.
As stars appeared in the Puglia sky, Lucy and Sameer's love story continued—two hearts, two cultures, one extraordinary journey.