It’s 2017. Briana is working at a 1950s themed diner. Michael is working on location across the street, on a TV Show. They meet. They hit it off. They start dating.

7 years later, Michael proposes to Briana in Brighton, England, where his family is from. They decide to have their wedding in Calabria, the province of Italy where Briana’s family is from.

They apply to my free engagement sessions. I accept, and we meet up at Limeridge Conservation Area - one of my favourite spots. We get along really well. We have a lot in common. They are easy to talk to. I find it beautiful to watch them together. They make each other laugh. Their relationship is full of joy and love. It’s wonderful.

After the shoot, they ask me if I shoot destination weddings. Of course, I say. I’ve done a few in the past, and they are always amazing. I’m a big adventurer, and I love exploring new places and photographing them. If I were to have another job, it would be a travel photographer. I even have a whole page on my website dedicated to my favourite travel photos.

So I go. And it was, of course, magical.

I’ve been to Italy before, but not to the south. The airport we fly into is clearly the one Italians use to return home, or to visit family. It’s not really a touristy spot. This is perfect for me, because, like I said, I love adventure.

I take a shuttle to the venue, where I will be staying as well. I planned to sleep during the two hour drive, but I am captivated by the stunning scenery. The sparkling sea to my right, fields of flowers and orchards to my left. The small towns we dip in and out of.

We arrive at the venue, and I have to blink a few times to make sure what I’m seeing is real. It’s June, and all the bushes are filled with flowers. The buildings are beautiful, with ceramic tiled roofs and stone walls. I can see the ocean from my window, and the sprawling apricot orchard that sits on the property.

And the people. The staff pokes fun at my mediocre Italian. Briana and Michael’s guests are easy to talk to, and are filled with joy, just like they are. The energy is electric.

The day of the wedding comes. Because I am staying onsite, it is a lot easier for me to document. I can dip in and out of the bride’s getting ready area, which makes photographing the process so much easier. I don’t have to be there all the time, I can let them be for a while, and then come back.

The day passes in a blur. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, people are laughing. At some point, I eat the best cheese of my life. I get to use my drone for the first time! I take photographs filled with happiness, flowers, and love.

And it was perfect.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to Briana and Michael for trusting me with their day. I’ll cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

Venue: Masseria Torre di Albidona

Flowers: Oasis Verde

Planner: Serena Liguori