But the most interesting thing is that Tami and her fiancee John have been traveling THE WORLD for the last 11 monts!!  Isn’t that incredible?  As for that cute little Gnome from Ohio State, he’s been traveling with them and smiling at the camera in all of the places they’ve been to, so he’s been just about everywhere!   Tami’s parents flew in from Ohio on the day of the shoot and joined us for some of the locations we visited.

It was a pleasure finally meeting you guys.  I wish you all the best in the world and hope to see you again in the near future in sunny Italy!  :)

* Wedding Gown Creations and Rental in Rome  by  Anna Buccheri / CINDERELLA IMAGES

*  Bridal Bouquet  by  Anna Buccheri / CINDERELLA IMAGES

I decided right at that moment that I’d like to do something special for Jennifer.  I wasn’t sure what that would be, but when she called me the night before the wedding to go over details and told me that she didn’t have a Bridal Bouquet arranged for, I knew this was it – I will make her the bouquet!  She was relieved and accepted happily, and told me her favorite flower is the Cala Lilly.

Hmm.. where was I going to find Cala Lillies at 11:30 pm at night?  I got my sweet husband Dani to (reluctantly) accompany me along my “Flower Adventure”.  Haha.. poor baby.  He had to work the next morning and was already sleepy.  None of the 5 florists we visited had Lillies.  But I found some beautiful yellow tulips and some ivory roses, and thought I would add some Baby’s breath too, which I normally don’t use in the bouquets I make.  I made Jenny’s bouquet and also a sweet little buttioniere for Andrew,  and finally went to bed at 2:30 am!  Well, the next morning I was so surprised at how well the flowers complimented Jennifer’s beautiful vintage-style Oleg Cassini gown, and so happy that she loved the bouquet.  Turns out she likes tulips and she loves Baby’s breath!

I had such a great time shooting their pictures, and then later meeting their wonderful family at the Ceremony!  Jennifer has a great sense of humor and had me cracking up during the shoot.  And her hubby Andrew is a really nice guy!  The weather was picture perfect and warm enough that we were walking around without any coats – in January!  I told them this was a sign that they’re two great spirits and that God was blessing them on their Special Day.  :)

One of the many larger-than-life statues in Rome..

Here’s the bouquet I made for her.  :)

Spontaneous expression..

A black and white scene straight out of a Federico Fellini movie..  ;)

Her dress was truly stunning.. I love how gracefully it trailed behind her as she walked, and how it perfectly mimics the arch above this beautiful antique doorway to the park.

Jennifer really wanted to get a taste of these Italian oranges, so Andy, being the gentleman that he is, plucked one off the tree and handed it to her.  :)

We were nicely surprised when the owner of this restaurant came out to congratulate Andy and Jenny and right away ordered one of his waiters to bring them two glasses of Prosecco!  What a nice guy.  Kind gestures like this are not uncommon in Bella Italia, and everyone congratulates the wedding couple as they pass by.  Sometimes they even cheer and clap.  :)

Jenny’s pretty birdcage veil looks stunning against the  timeless and elegant backdrop of the Trevi Fountain..

One of my favorite shots..  protected by the angels above..  ♥

One of many FUN moments during our shoot!  This cute little Italian dog reminds of a gremlin for some reason, and Jennifer just had to have a picture with the Statue of Liberty guy.. Haha!  Love it!

What’s a stroll around Rome without savoring some delicious gelato?  Even Andy who isn’t such a big fan of sweets loved the Italian ice cream.

Finishing off that ice cream cone.. I love his expression in this shot, very nonchalant and debonair at the same time..  :D

And of course we had to get some shots near the Coliseum!

Jennifer got my sense of humor, and vice versa..  :D

The reception was held at the smaller terrace at the Residenza Paolo VI, which is right behind the Vatican, but we were allowed 10 minutes for family photos on the bigger terrace.  Jennifer and Andy’s wonderful family..

and their adorable baby girl Lilly!!  How cute is she?  ♥

The ladies..

and gents..  :D

Jennifer’s brother Tony, who’s a Christian minister, performed the ceremony..  Now, how cool is that, to have your brother perform your marriage ceremony?

It was a very emotional and moving ceremony for all.

And Tony was reading from his iPad.  How cool is that?  :)

Mom, Dad, brother Tony, and sister Mandy who all pitched in and made this beautiful day a reality for Jenny and Andy.  :)

JENNIFER & ANDREW, I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN LIFE!!  STAY SWEET AND STAY IN TOUCH.  GOD BLESS!  :)

This entire shoot was styled by yours truly – Anna Buccheri.  I had asked Jenny to send me some pictures of herself in order to envision the best styles for the two wedding gowns which were then tailor-made just for her!  Aren’t they stunning?  I also handmade her Flower Bouquet, which is something that started with the making of my own wedding bouquet last year.  :)  The accessories from this Session as well as the Bridal Gowns are available for rent.

Our 6 hour mini-tour and photo session started at the Spanish Steps..

One of the many beautiful parks in Rome..

Castel St. Angelo / St. Angelo’s Castle..

Our lovely couple with the beautiful Roman sun setting behind them..

Josephine wrote me an email one month before she and her hubby Adrian were to leave their native Singapore for their Honeymoon trip to Europe.  She was interested in booking me for a Honeymoon Session in Florence, and wanted to know about my fees and packages.  She came across as a very nice person throughout the numerous emails we exchanged while finalizing details, so I was looking forward to meeting her and her husband Adrian in Florence.

We met at my favorite coffee shop bar at the Piazza del Duomo, and embarked on our FUN-filled mini-tour of Florence right away.  They were a bit shy for about the first 3 minutes, but quickly became relaxed in front of the lens.  I must say this was one of my favorite shoots so far, with some of the most beautiful imagery I’ve created yet, which consequently inspired me to push my post-production to another level, so I hope you guys enjoy them.

The intricate colors and architecture of the Duomo is just mind-blowing..  Love!

Josephine was very playful and fun during the shoot and helped Adrian to feel more relaxed..

I just had to put them up on the Merry-Go-Round!  What’s a Florence Honeymoon Session without an opulent and antique Merry-Go-Round?

They blended in beautifully in any background I put them in.  :)  A photographer’s dream..

Come and get me..

Admiring the “street art” on the way to the Ponte Vecchio.  They were even nice enough to tip the artists!

Of course I had to take them to rub the Pig’s nose for good luck and to insure a return visit!

Going in for a kiss, one of many..

She rocks those sunglasses!

One of the many gorgeous antique doors in Florence..

Here’s another..

Taking in the sites near the famous Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, where gold jewelry merchants still sell their goods to this day.  The hallway inside the top part of the building was once used by the Medici family as a “private” passage when they wanted to avoid the droves of people down below.

Love this shot..

Florence is full of charm, and this gorgeous corner with the antique worn-down steps, beautiful door and pretty balcony fit for Juliet, of “Romeo and Juliet” fame, is no exception..

Another one of my favorite shots..  I have many favorites from this Honeymoon Session.  :)  I just love the whole shoot!

Checking out the back of Pitti Palace, the main seat of the Medici family’s grand dukes, located inside the Boboli Gardens..

Taking in the architectural beauty of the Palazzo Piti..

A sweet kiss near one of many statues at Boboli Gardens..

Four hours had already flown by and the sun was beginning to set..

Italy inspires romance, and Florence is no exception..

Good luck to our newlyweds and hope to see you guys again one day in the near future in bellissima Italia!

I was eating my usual evening cup of gelato from Bar dei Mulini when Dani said, “I think I just heard someone say that they’re Armenian.”  My ears perked up with excitement, “What?  Where?”  He pointed towards the young couple sitting on the bench at the bus stop nearby.  Of course I had to go up and introduce myself, being that I myself am of Armenian heritage, and having lived most of my life in Los Angeles, where there is a huge Armenian community, I find it rather sad that there are so few of us in Italy, where I am based.  So when I do meet an Armenian here, I am super excited and happy.  :)

“You guys are Armenian?”, I asked.  ”Yes!”, Sam and Karin replied in unison in the proud way only Armenians do when asked this question.  ”Wow, how cool!  Where are you guys from?”  ”Los Angeles.”  ”No way, so am I!”, I said with the biggest smile on my face as my heart filled with joy.  ”So what are you guys doing here?  It’s rare to meet other Armenians in Italy, let alone right here in tiny Positano.”  Turns out they were celebrating their 5th anniversary, they’d just been to Rome and they were spending a few days on the Amalfi Coast before flying back home.

The bus arrived and we all got on it, talking the entire time, and before I knew it Karin said, “Oooh, I wish I’d known you just a couple of weeks before!  I would have loved to do a photo shoot with you!”  I thought for a split second then blurted out, “Well, we are free tomorrow, and if you guys are up for it, we can take you to Amalfi and Ravello in our car, and have a photo shoot.”  And the rest, as they say, is history!  :) We had a blast during our photo session, and Dani also made a beautiful video for them.  I gave the images a special vintage styling, which I thought works perfectly with their laid-back and relaxed personalities.

They were so easy to photograph, and their love for one another comes pouring through the images.  Not having any time to prepare and pack fancier clothes for the shoot, Karin still managed to look beautiful and feminine in flip-flops and a simple flowy skirt she bought that morning in one of the shops in Positano , something not too many women could pull off for a shoot.  :)   First stop was at one of the curves on the road to Amalfi, with the beautiful city of Positano rising out of the Thyrrenean Sea in the distance.

One of the locals who sells fresh squeezed orange and lemon juice, and some other fruits and vegetables right there at the spot was more than happy to hand Karin a beautiful bunch of grapes, and quickly fashion a crown and a lei of brightly colored chili peppers, which he then proudly put on her like a seasoned stylist.  :)

Sam couldn’t resist so he jumped in, but he really just wanted a taste of those lush Italian grapes, which he got by pulling off one of the grapes and popping it in his mouth.  :D

Taking in the view at the pier in Amalfi and watching the locals play pallanuoto, which is a type of water polo played on small canoes.

A sweet kiss..

How can a man not pick up and twirl the love of his life when experiencing Amalfi together for the first time?  :)

Romance.. Italian style.

Watching as the boat from Positano approaches to pick up all the day-tripping tourists.

Going in for another kiss.

On our way up to Villa Cimbrone, we stopped for a moment in front of Villa Rufolo.

Checking out the beautiful pottery typical of the Amalfi Coast.

Taking in the gorgeous scenery of Ravello on the way to Villa Cimbrone..

Floral decorations for a wedding taking place later that day at Villa Eva.. Love the rose petals on the floor..

A sweet moment with the warm sun shining through a pretty gate..

Happy and relaxed, enjoying the warm golden rays of the Italian sun..

Yet another sweet kiss upon approaching Villa Cimbrone’s gates..  The Amalfi Coast has that kind of effect on you..

Love this shot.. Her braids are so lush, and her eyes full of love for her hubby!

Aren’t they cute?

Lovely lush gardens sure add to the sparks of romance..

Love..

One of the most relaxed and laid-back couples I’ve photographed so far..

Villa Cimbrone is truly beautiful..

One of my favorite shots..

Checking out the gorgeous panorama with the sea down below..

I’m glad they felt so comfortable in front of me and my lense.

Sweet is the only word that comes to mind..

Sweet and tender..

Sam and Karin’s Anniversary shoot on the Amalfi Coast was just that – Sweet and Tender, and Full of Love.  ♥  Hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did working on them.  Sam and Karin:  It was a pleasure meeting you guys and I hope to see you in Los Angeles one day soon!  :)

Melissa and Taylor are from Washington, D.C.  She emailed me saying she really liked my style of photography and wanted to know if I’d be available to shoot an Engagement session for her and her fiancee’ Taylor in Rome.  We arranged the day and time, and a few days before they left for their European trip I asked Melissa to send me a couple of pictures of them, as I like to “meet” my clients before the actual day.  I knew we were going to have a lot of fun with their photo session, because I could see from the Halloween picture she’d emailed me that they’re a fun-loving couple with great senses of humour!  :)

They were so easy to work with, enthusiastically willing to try out my suggestions.  Being a classically trained dancer Melissa was always ready with graceful dance moves and Taylor was right up there with her, matching her enthusiasm and energy.  They were not afraid to express themselves.  Taylor was also helping me clear out the crowds a bit for their photos at the Spanish Steps and the Trevi fountain with an authoritative and cute “Excuse me, we need some space.”  It sure made my job easier.  :)

What a great couple – a photographer’s dream!  Let’s wish them a wonderful wedding in June and a wonderful marriage!   Oh, and Mellissa and Taylor, should you find yourselves back in Italy for your anniversary, I’d be delighted to do another shoot, perhaps in another magical Italian locale?   :)

Stealing a kiss while admiring the artwork..

Ta daaaa!!  How cute is she?  :)

Don’t they just look lovely?

Romance is in the air…

Adorable..  :)

This is one of my absolute favorites..

Classy and elegant… they’re not just cute!

Sharing a celebratory glass of Italian Champagne…

Romance in the Eternal City…

A graceful dip by the Tiber River… all the while having fun!  :)

At the glorious Vatican square..

And the fun continues..  I love their playfullness.

Okay, really, these guys just loooove each other!

I love this one…

A kiss with the setting sun…

This was sent to me by one of the lovely ladies officiating the ceremony, so I wanted to share it with you guys.

“Hello, Anna!

I’ve just seen your website site and your beautiful images ….. Beautiful indeed!

I think you remember me, we worked together in Positano in September …..

I also read great comments about you on TripAdvisor!!

Hopefully we’ll get to work together a lot this summer: civil, symbolic, and any other type of ceremony.  We love our job and we always try to give the best to the couples who come to us!

A big hug wishing you a wonderful 2012.

Giovanna”

Most of Linda’s and Dave’s family memebers couldn’t be there with them, but they were participating through Skype video chat.  :)  How sweet!

Linda’s sophisticated low bun perfectly complemented her classic gown.

Linda’s Irish uncle who had a great sense of humour, is buttoning up Dave’s jacket while the two complement each other about looking sharp.  :)

The men having a chat about the responsibilities of having a wife, children, etc. while admiring the gorgeous views from their hotel terrace.

A pre-ceremony toast.

Showing the wedding rings to family back home.  :)

The uniquely gorgeous landscape of Positano…

I love this shot of Linda coming down the steps.  Doesn’t she look gorgeous?

There is nothing better than sharing a wonderful moment with family!  :)

Time to go to the Comune…

A radiant, happy Linda smiling away as she gets in the car.

Here she comes!!!  :)

The wonderful ladies officiating the Civil Wedding.  They did a lovely job!

Dave is a great guy, always smiling, laughing, or cracking jokes!  Here he is confirming something the ladies said about “being good to your wife” with a mischievous smile.    :)

You will officially be husband and wife in just a few minutes!!!  Yeaaaay..  :)

Signing their Marriage Certificate.  Congratulations!!

A lovely wedding present for Linda and Dave from Positano’s Town Hall.

The Mr. and Mrs.

A lovely kiss..

The beautiful entrance to Palazzo Murat.

One of many sweet kisses!!

At the steps leading up to the beautiful Santa Maria Assunta Church in Positano.

The whole gang heading down to the beach while sharing more laughs..

More sweet kisses.. Positano has that effect on you.  :)

On the beach in Positano, with one of the most majestic backdrops in the world!!

With the Isola dei Galli island showing in the background.

Dave playing around again.. He couldn’t resist!!  :)

With the lovely pinks and blues of the setting sun in the background…

Congratulations to our lovely couple!!  We wish you all the best!  Come back and see us soon in beautiful Positano, perhaps on your anniversary?  :)

And here’s the beautiful video Dani shot for Linda & Dave’s Wedding in Positano. Let us know if you’d like to have your very own romantic Wedding, Engagement, or Honeymoon Video in Italy!  Cinderella Images now offers full videography services in Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and anywhere else in Italy.

“Linda & Dave” Civil Wedding Positano, Italy | Destination Wedding Photography + Videography in Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy

Bartley and Meghan are from Orlando, Florida.  He contacted me a couple of weeks ago looking to arrange an Engagement Photography Session in Rome, Italy.  He was going to propose to his girlfriend Meghan and wanted to have some candid photos during the proposal before having the engagement session.   I suggested the Trevi Fountain as a romantic backdrop for the proposal, and then we’d move on to various locations in Rome.

He wrote me again, saying that he was now thinking to propose privately, and then do the photo session to make sure his girlfriend Meghan felt comfortable.  He also added that by doing the session photos afterwards and not in secret as he was initially planning, Meghan could have a chance to prepare for the shoot by doing her hair and makeup and picking out a nice dress.  How sweet is that!   What a nice guy, right ladies?

Meghan was fun and bubbly and the two of them make such a cute couple.  They were a pleasure to photograph and their love for each other shows in every kiss, from the Trevi Fountain all the way to the Campidoglio.  :)

Here’s a little note from Meghan, which I received yesterday, used with permisssion.

“Anna,

Thank you for making our engagement photoshoot in Rome so enjoyable and relaxed!!  We can’t wait to see all of our pictures!

Thanks for everything.”

-Meghan and Bartley