“…The fire and excitement may be gone now that we don’t go out there and sing them anymore, but the ring of fire still burns around you and I, keeping our love hotter than a pepper sprout…” – from Johnny Cash to his wife June
Getting married in Puglia, Italy is for many reasons dream come true, and a real treat and goal for any wedding photographer in the world. Italy is one of those countries that has a perfect balance between history, art, incredibly diverse nature and of course cuisine. I was present when they exchanged their wedding vows in the absolutely stunning medieval Cathedral of Otranto. It was the 27th of June 2012. My first time ever in this magnificent region. I have so many beautiful memories from those couple days we spent in Salento, between Lecce and Otranto. Between the sea and olive trees. I not only came to know closer Alessandra and Ivano, but also meet their friends and family who made us feel at home. Hospitality is sacred in southern Italy.
Years have passed and we remained close friends ever since and shared many happy moments together. It is incredible how you sometimes just click with people and after a few days, it seems that you were friends for ages. So one day of early summer, Alessandra called me and presented me with her plan to prepare a special gift for Ivano. Their fifth anniversary was coming closer and Alessandra was thinking to celebrate it in a special way. So instead of a romantic dinner and a short trip, why not having a surprise anniversary photo session?. How could I not participate?. We had to plan everything perfectly so Ivano will not get all suspicious. She would tell him that she would like to see Chioggia and we would meet there. I would sneak up to him and shout SURPRISE!.
Well, everything was going perfectly until it didn’t. My train was delayed due to which I lost a train to Chioggia. We had to change our plans on the run. She managed to convince Ivano that she changed her idea and would like to go to Ferrara instead of Chioggia. I managed to come back to Ferrara just in time to meet them the moments after they parked the car and surprise Ivano!. He was expecting to meet us, but he definitely didn’t expect to see me with all my gear. Mission accomplished!. Just in time to catch some daylight and sunset. We strolled some of my favourite streets of Ferrara and had a great time while taking images. Everything was effortless like it is always with two of them. Nothing can beat genuine chemistry, love and affection two people have for each other. Perfect anniversary.
