When we were invited to play our part as Celebrants in a romantic Italian wedding photoshoot, little did we realise that something fantastically magical was about to happen…
Intrigued? We certainly were… especially several months after the event in question when incredible answers came to light.
What are the chances that models hired to act out roles in a staged ceremony would actually fall in love? How likely is it that said models would have already been in love but had separated? Who ever would have imagined that it would take a photo shoot to make two beautiful young people realise they were meant for one another after all?
This story is unique and heart warming and I am honoured that the couple have given me permission to share it.
Debora and Andrea met in their hometown of Terni in Umbria two years ago and had been very much an item but a couple of months before the planned shoot decided regrettably to part ways.. They were similar in character but also different and this fooled them into believing they had no shared future.
However they had already promised to play the part of a couple in love on their wedding day and not wanting to let anyone down, bravely decided to honour their word as actors.
As Celebrants we were blissfully unaware of their previous history or that they were at all acquainted. Maybe this was a good thing, otherwise it could have been embarrassing and awkward…
So, without knowing the couple’s real names or identities, I composed a romantic symbolic ceremony, which I hoped would at least create the desired romantic atmosphere.. I never dreamed that it would inspire the ‘fake’ Bride and Groom to realise the true nature of their feelings…
During the ceremony itself it dawned on Andrea and Debora, without each other knowing, that they still loved one another wholeheartedly and that not being together made no sense.
It must have been surreal for them both! Real ‘guests’ had been invited, some travelling all the way from Rome to attend the set, which was in fact the splendid Period Residence, San Pietro Sopra Le Acque Resort in Umbria.
Some were not remotely acquainted with the stars and yet the ambience was realistic, audience participation willing and together we formed a community of enthusiastic well wishers.
The entire wedding day shoot also included a fantastic wedding reception, sumptuous dinner and many more evening guests and live music. The entire spectacle was immaculately styled and attention to detail so complete that it was difficult to remember it was solely an advertising feature.
Italian Videographer Tommaso Scalise was adamant that the models involved should experience an originally composed ceremony and wedding event, which would elicit authenticity. It was imperative that the couple should ‘appear in love’ for filming purposes.
However, we sensed real emotion from the nervous young people before us and were baffled… Why did individuals hired as models appear to have so much interest in the content of the ceremony? Why did they appear to be so emotional?
Reflecting back upon the day we assumed we must have misread the signs.. maybe it was the magical rustic charm of Umbria that had clouded our reason. If only we had realised.. but now we do, we are absolutely thrilled for them both!
If you study images expertly captured by professional Photographer Alessandro Mari, you will notice initial timidity but as the shoot progressed awareness increased of a love that had never left their hearts. Debora and Andrea rediscovered what they had always known.. that they couldn’t bear to be apart.
This story will forever be a classic with a fairytale ending. Now Debora and Andrea live happily together and we hope ever after. Who knows, one day our paths may cross again for a second shoot when this handsome young couple from Terni say ‘I do.’
This time for real…
Original text by Diane Rossi – Copyright © Blessings From Italy BFI European Independent Celebrants ®
Celebrants and Original Words: Diane and Giuseppe Rossi
Photographers: Alessandro Mari Photography
Videographer: Tommaso Scalise
Flower Designer: Sartorial Floreale di Romina Virgili
Graphic Designer & Stationery: Come le Ciligie
Hairstylist: Alessio Leonardi di Lauteri consulenti di bellezza
Make Up Artist: Martina Pioli
Bridal Gown: Michele Capalbo atelier Le Jolie Fille
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Sartoria Roberta Settimi
Bridal Shoes: Anniel
Groom’s Suit: Sergio Donati
Best Man’s suit: Depot Abbigliamento Uomo Terni
Wedding Ring: Miriam Nori
Cake Designer: Cinzia Maturi
Music: Gang Band
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