Every once in awhile, I come across a couple’s epic love story that I get to capture on film. Christina and Luca are that couple. She, a beautiful, outgoing gal from Texas. He a strong, big-hearted firefighter born and raised in Italy. Two halves of a puzzle that came together in the romantic setting of the Veneto region seven years ago–a story that has been brewing, bubbling, and growing ever since. Their strength, love, and happiness are inspiring, to say the least.

This power couple finally decided to tie the knot this past summer. (For more on their engagement, click here.) After meeting, falling in love, and courting in the beauty of this country, it seemed only right for them to marry in the area where they fell in love. For the ceremony, they chose a quaint courthouse nestled in the gorgeous hilltop town of Creazzo with Mose, Luca’s brother, playing bagpipes for the opening processional. Christina’s family and sister, Ruby (who had received her passport less than two days earlier and flown into Italy the morning of the wedding) were there to give away the glowing bride. This was one of the happiest days I’ve had the pleasure of photographing…and being a part of. Christina and Luca, I wish you all the best in your new and exciting life together. (Try to have some fun on your honeymoon in Costa Rica, Mr. and Mrs.Giaretta!)

Reception: Agriturismo Le Vescovane
Makeup/Hair Stylist: Francesca Sattin
Private Car Service: TravelNStyle with Adrian Tudor
Flowers: Fioreria Veruska in Creazzo (VI)

Who doesn’t love a bit of limoncello at the end of a meal? I know that I do! Originally, I was introduced to limoncello in 1999 when I was studying abroad in Torino, Italy. Lately I’ve had a strong desire to make everything myself (just in case I move somewhere I can’t find my beloved limoncello). So, here is my recipe for limoncello.

If you don’t have any idea what limoncello even means, it is a lemon flavored liqueur used as a digestive in Italy. It’s drunk after your meal, after dessert and coffee. Usually homemade limoncello is “offered” at restaurants when you go to pay for your meal. The best limoncello derives from lemons from the Amalfi Coast south of Naples where the lemons are as big as your head. The volcanic soil from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius make these the best lemons in the world for limoncello.

Start with 15 organic lemons (in Italy these will often be labeled as “limoni per limoncello” or you can ask your local vegetable stand owner). When you zest your lemons ONLY use the yellow part. Your lemon will still be light yellow when you are done zesting. Also, make sure to wash your lemons really well since we will only be using the zest.

Step 1: Zest 15 lemons. Get one liter of alcohol (in Italy you can find this near the grappa in the supermarket “95% alcohol buongusto”) and add the zest to the alcohol. Let sit for 45 days.

Step 2: After 45 days, make a simple syrup of 1L of water and 1 kg of sugar. Then put the alcohol with the simple syrup. Shake well and put in a cool, dark place for another 30 days. Strain your mixture with coffee filters.

Step 3: Keep in freezer and enjoy!

Tatsiana and Ali met in Denver years ago. Visiting the United States for a summer internship, Tatsiana was a far away from her home in Belarus. Ali had lived in the US for years. Now they call Italy home with their gorgeous new daughter Leyra which I had the pleasure to photography on her nine month birthday.

Everytime I see their photos, I smile. I’m a better person for having known all three of them. Good luck on your future adventures!

We even had a visitor come check out what we were doing. A very curious pup wondered why we were in his vineyard for the evening. Luckily he made Leyra smile, which is all we want anyway.

Christina and Luca seem to always have smiles on their faces. I enjoy having a couple with tons of ideas and loads of laughter. Their love story feels like a fairy tale with a gorgeous Texan marrying a handsome Italian. Their engagement shoot was all planned out in the nature they love. We shot in the gorgeous Creazzo hills and the lovely Juliet castle in Montecchio. I can’t wait for their wedding in a few short weeks! Thanks for letting me be a part of your love story.