I have officiated many hundreds of weddings in English, French, German, Spanish, and of course Italian, with a team of three wonderful celebrants whom I personally trained now working with me…”
Michela Solito, Founder, Apulian Ceremony
Michela Solito is the founder of Apulian Ceremony, and as her company name suggests, she is based in Puglia, the Apulia region of Italy, which is located in the picturesque heel of the country. Here we discuss how Michela first started out as a celebrant, and what she most enjoys about providing her service…
C&B: “Michela, you live and work in one of the most beautifulwhat first inspired you to become a wedding celebrant?”
MS: “Over thirteen years ago, I ran a wedding planning business. As part of that work, I often acted as an interpreter during civil ceremonies and handled all the legal aspects – which many people consider the ‘boring part,’ but which I actually found fascinating. I loved the challenge of learning regulations from country to country. During civil ceremonies, I naturally began asking couples whether they wanted to include vows, ring exchanges, or readings, and little by little I started personalising each ceremony. Soon, some couples asked me to officiate their symbolic ceremonies as well. A few colleagues encouraged me, saying I had the natural skills to become a celebrant. So I trained, studied, and above all, listened to my couples’ expectations, and here I am, more than 10 years later!”
The ceremony is the first moment everyone sees the couple, and emotions run high, so I make sure everything feels calm, warm, and natural…”
Michela Solito, Founder, Apulian Ceremony
C&B: “Can you describe your process for working with couples from the initial consultation to the actual ceremony?”
MS: “A bespoke ceremony is always my goal. The first request I address to my couples is for them to share their vision and ideas of the ceremony, as I will then bring them to life. I also ask whether they would like to provide me with a guest contact: someone who knows them well. This adds a layer of personalisation and allows me to include details that make the ceremony truly unique. I take care of all the individual details, it is not just the ceremony, I deliver an experience. On the day I use to arrive one hour earlier first thing to meet the bride, and then I move to the ceremony area to meet the guests and all other vendors involved in the ceremony – musician, florists, wedding planner – making sure everything is set up properly…”
Choose the location of your ceremony based on your style and that reflects who you are. Puglia has many different venues and landscape – the sea, the ancient castles, the iconic white masserias…”
Michela Solito, Founder, Apulian Ceremony
C&B: “When you mention ‘bespoke’, how do you approach the customisation of each couple’s wedding ceremony so that it is very personal to them?”
MS: “We need to make a distinction between civil and symbolic ceremonies. I assist couples for both services. Civil ceremonies in Italy cannot be 100% personalised, because they are carried out by an Italian registrar with an interpreter. However, I always look for creative compromises so that we can still include a personal moment for the couple within the legal structure. On the other hand, symbolic ceremonies are ceremonies that can be fully customised and during my first conversation I make clear to my couples saying: ‘This is your ceremony and this will reflect who you are, your values and the memory you want to leave to your guests!’
C&B: “How do the local traditions and cultural elements of your area of Puglia influence the ceremonies you officiate?”
MS: “Couples are increasingly drawn to incorporating meaningful, local touches that reflect the heart and heritage of Puglia. There are many subtle yet evocative ways couples bring Puglian culture into their day. Some choose to anoint their hands or rings with a drop of local olive oil, a centuries-old symbol of unity and prosperity. Others ask me to include some Italian sentences and some chose a popular Italian song or singer for their entrance or the exit. And of course, couples often tell me they love having an Italian celebrant, with my local accent and deep roots in this land, because it adds authenticity, warmth, and a truly Apulian atmosphere…”
When couples ask me for a rehearsal I say please live your wedding in the moment, not as a movie, and if something unexpected happens enjoy it and it will be a good memory!”
Michela Solito, Founder, Apulian Ceremony
C&B: “What advice do you have for couples who are considering Puglia for their destination wedding?”
MS: “Many couples choose Puglia for the sun and the good weather, but even in the middle of summer it can occasionally be cold or rainy. I believe it is important to choose a location with a good Plan B and enjoy the day no matter what, because it will not influence your day, you and your guests will still have amazing memories of the day…”
C&B: “Can you share a memorable experience or a particularly emotional moment you’ve witnessed during a ceremony?”
MS: “Years ago I officiated a wedding in the castle of Gallipoli, it was for an Australian couple with three children. During the vows exchange the youngest, who was just few months old, started to cry. The bride picked him up breastfed him while they kept exchanging their vows. It was such a meaningful moment: the intimacy of their promises, the tenderness of caring for their child all in one scene. I still carry that image as a reminder of what truly matters in life…”
C&B: “That sounds like a very symbolic and Italian moment! In your opinion, what are the most important elements of a meaningful wedding ceremony?”
MS: “Sometimes couples ask for a 100% bespoke ceremony but they want to say traditional vows, and this is perfectly fine, I cannot push them to opt for personal vows, and at that point, they entrust me with the important responsibility of guiding them through their promises. That is why the more I learn about my couples, the more deeply and authentically I can craft that moment, ensuring that even with traditional vows the moment is still personal, heartfelt, and profoundly theirs…”
CONTACT: http://www.apulianweddings.com
