Thursday, September 1, 2011

Stormy Proposal in Rome!


With the blazing hot summer we've had this year in Italy it's an unfortunate surprise to write this weeks blog about rain, and a lot of rain at that!
At the end of July I was in Rome again to photograph a surprise proposal for an English couple, David and Hollie. We were on a tight schedule for this one as David and Hollie were flying in that afternoon and we were aiming to photograph the proposal in the gardens of the Villa Borghese before we lost the light that evening.
All day it had rained and as the afternoon wore on it got wetter and darker but a little miracle came in the form of a break in the clouds, perfectly timed for when the couple arrived.


Once they arrived at the lake David took a few moments before putting on Hollie's favorite song and dropping to one knee to present her with the ring.


Of course she said yes and with the light just about holding out we got the moment captured on camera.


For now the weather was the least of the couples concern as they had a toast and we took a few warm up pictures.


But then the rain returned, a quick walk turned into a dash as we made for cover under a vendors shelter in the gardens.


With optimism we decided the rain would pass and David and Hollie made the most of the momentary break to call their families with the news.


But it wasn't to be as the rain turned to torrents with thunder and lightening we decided the bigger priority was now to get off the hill in one piece! We made a run for it to Piazza Del Popolo and took shelter under the Northern gate. It was here we managed this one last picture just before the gate flooded and our only escape was down into the Metro.


 Although a literal washout out it was a memorable evening and we did manage to capture the whole story on camera. And being the gracious clients that they were, the three of us finished the evening in a nice dry bar with a bottle of Prosecco.


It's not all Rome and Abruzzo yet!

This has been a busy summer with me working in the UK and Italy this year. Apart from the enjoyment of shooting in two different countries its also interesting and challenging working in quite different light and climates. Now that I am doing the last of my UK weddings it makes it even more interesting to see the contrasts.

Working on an engagement shoot or wedding in Rome is quite different to a country wedding in England.
One of my favorites this year was Dani and Darren's wedding in Worcestershire.


Unlike the quite often very consistent weather in Rome or Abruzzo, this day was typically English, a bit of rain, a lot of cloud, and just when you've given up, the sun pops out and you can step up a gear and get those outside shots in the bag!


But whether its Abruzzo, Rome or Worcestershire, some shots will always be my favorites. I love this one of Dani coming down the stairs, ready to enter the ceremony.


And whether it's Italy or England, the emotions are always the same. This is also one of my favorites of the day, a moment of reflection after the ceremony as Dani and Darren begin married life together.


And for the future, it's pretty much all Italy, I will still be back in the UK for the odd special assignment but from here on in it's Rome, Abruzzo, Venice, rather than England!