rome wedding photographer
“Sometimes reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”
— Vera Nazarian
It is so cold in the cottage right now. Well, it would be. It’s winter. In. Ireland.
Sean and myself are smiling as we look back over Michael and Rebecca’s beautiful Rome wedding at Castello della Castelluccia. It is warming us up no end as we float over these images.
Perhaps it’s the golden rays pouring from the screen. But really, it’s the memories of a wonderful few days with some of the warmest and most welcoming people you could ever hope to meet. The laughter and jokes shared. The feeling of friendship and belonging. Those are the things making us cosy right now.
A Destination Wedding in Rome
Heading over on the plane to Rome was like flying out on a family holiday.
You see, we had already met Rebecca’s family a few years earlier when we photographed her sister’s wedding in France, so there were familiar faces waiting for us in Italy.
In some respects, the trip was full of nostalgia for us too.
Rome is by far one of our favourite European capitals, and Mike and Rebecca’s wedding marked our tenth trip back in as many years. It is a city of love and romance, where anything feels possible. And besides, who can help but get swept up in that cheeky Italian charm?
It’s one of those places where you simply have to chill out and go with the craziness that this ancient city has to offer.
A Castello della Castelluccia Wedding
Rebecca and Mike chose the rustic Castello della Castelluccia in Rome as their wedding venue and backdrop.
An exquisite old castle tucked amongst olive groves and farmland, it feels a world away from the wonderfully noisy streets of Rome. The venue was the perfect hideaway and such a reflection of our relaxed couple.
Rebecca is such a wonderful soul. Every time I meet her, I am struck by this quiet mystery that surrounds her. A hushed calmness seems to flow around her.
Mike is much the same.
They have the most wonderful chemistry. When they smile at one another, it is like watching fireworks.
It was no surprise then that their wedding day was a gentle, intimate and relaxed affair, surrounded by all their great loves. The food was sumptuous and rich, joyful tears flowed freely and two families came together to celebrate such a beautiful union.
Wedding Photographs in the Heart of Rome
During the planning stages of the wedding, Rebecca and I spoke about our shared love of Rome and how, clearly, ALL the images should be taken in and around the city, as well as in the countryside surrounding Castello della Castelluccia.
We also talked about the space-time continuum that is a wedding day and just how ridiculously fast those hours disappear.
These chats resulted in a very covert operation.
The morning after the wedding, Sean and I arrived at Castello della Castelluccia while the stars were still lighting our way down the drive.
Very quietly, Rebecca and Mike jumped into our car.
And very quietly, we drove through the Italian countryside and into Rome.
The sun was just beginning to rise as we drove through the city gates.
Bakers and other early risers smiled and nodded as the four of us climbed out of our ridiculously small car, yawning and stretching.
We parked beside the Altare della Patria and made our way through the sleepy streets towards the Trevi Fountain.
Sunrise at the Trevi Fountain
Of all the wedding photo shoots we have photographed over the years, this is one that still makes us smile most fondly.
Apart from a few service workers and bakers beginning their day, we had the streets of Rome almost entirely to ourselves.
The streets were empty.
And so, so still.
I can tell you now, there was nothing more fascinating in the world than standing in front of the Trevi Fountain with Mike and Rebecca, with practically nobody else there.
Okay.
There was one policeman.
I think we stood there for a long time before we even began our session, just taking it all in.
Then we wandered.
Through tiny streets. Across beautiful squares. Past ancient buildings. Chatting, laughing and marvelling at Rome in all her early-morning glory.
The Colosseum Without the Crowds
Standing on the main street in front of the Colosseum was even more bizarre.
We had never seen Rome so quiet.
The city that is normally alive with cars, crowds, voices, horns and sirens seemed to belong entirely to us.
We walked here and there, stopping whenever the light caught our eye, watching the city slowly wake around us.
Eventually the sun made her final ascent and those sirens so familiar to the streets of Rome began to roar.
Our little bubble was bursting.
So we decided it was time for some very well-earned breakfast.
Sitting together over fresh Italian pastries and fine coffee, I think we were all a little sad that our morning adventure was over.
Then it was back into the ridiculously small car and back to Castello della Castelluccia.
To this day, I am fairly sure the hotel staff thought we had kidnapped the bride and groom.
Rebecca & Michael
Rebecca and Michael, thank you so much for the wonderful memories.
Thank you for trusting us with your beautiful wedding in Rome, for the laughter, the warmth, the friendship and especially for that magical early-morning walk through one of our favourite cities in the world.
There are some weddings we photograph that stay with us long after the cameras have been packed away.
This will always be one of them.
Wishing you all the love and light in the world, always.
Kate & Sean x
Rebecca and Michaels Wedding Team: Venue: Castello Della Castelluccia, Brides Dress Designer: Essence of Australia, Bridesmaid Dress: Albert Sung, Grooms suit: Hugo Boss, Groomsmens Suit: Protocol for Men, Hair & Makeup: Louise Faulkner, Wedding Co-ordinator: Kelly Hayes, Videographer: Enzo Videography
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