Message. It all started with a message. The moment when Federica Pellegrini wrote me on Instagram to tell me that she appreciated my style and would love to have me as her wedding photographer will be hard for me to forget. I am not someone on whom VIPs make much of an impression, but the fact that a person of her importance had contacted me directly and without intermediaries really struck me positively and I immediately had good feelings.
After chatting for a while, we decided to meet, although due to distance only by video call, so that we could get to know each other and see if we would “choose” each other. It was a wonderful chat in which she, Matteo, and I talked a bit about their big day but especially about what they expected from their wedding photographs.
In talking, I was told that Matteo was the one who had found me. Searching a bit on the Internet, he had come across the Anfm award I won a couple of years ago for the most beautiful wedding album in Italy. But it wasn’t until Federica confessed to me that in their wedding photos she didn’t just want to see herself as beautiful but wanted to get excited every time she saw them again, that I realized I could be the right photographer for them.
And so I found myself on a late August morning on a train, heading to Venice, for Federica Pellegrini’s wedding. It was not the first time I had worked in what I consider one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but this time the locations were truly dreamlike. In fact, the ceremony would take place in the wonderful San Zaccaria, near Piazza San Marco. A church dating back to the 9th century with magnificent frescoes on the walls that enrapture the eye.
Instead, the location where both the preparation and the reception would take place would be the JW Marriot, a resort located on the Island of roses, a small paradise in the Venetian lagoon.
As the wedding day finally arrived, the uncertain weather did not dent Federica’s mood as she enjoyed every moment of her preparation together with her bridesmaids and of course her beloved 4 French bulldogs-Caesar, Bianca, Rocky and Vanessa.
When I saw her wearing Nicole Milano’s beautiful gown, I thought she could not have had a more fitting nickname: the Divine.
Matteo Giunta, however, was certainly not to be outdone, and when in a tuxedo he set off toward Venice in a boat, it was impossible not to think of James Bond and one of his many films.
Federica’s arrival and the 5-minute walk to the church, I must admit, was among the most difficult moments of my career as a wedding photographer. Curious onlookers and especially paparazzi popping up all over the place made it really difficult for me to not only walk, but to move normally. Fortunately, the security officers managed to get us to San Zaccaria safely but it was at that moment that I realized the incredible hype and affection around the character Federica Pellegrini.
Federica’s eyes before entering the church and Father’s emotion were among the most beautiful images of this day.
The happiness on the faces of the bride and groom as they exited the church was visible from every corner of the square.
Then finally hand in hand among the cheering crowd, Federica and Matteo headed for the boat to reach the Rose Island.
Before the reception began, however, the newlyweds wanted to take an intimate moment together with their four beloved bulldogs.
I had never worked with Enzo Miccio before and I must say that I was really impressed, by his professionalism and politeness but above all by the great calmness with which he handled such an important event.
The aperitif with a view of Venice was truly unique and the atmosphere was wonderful also thanks to the sky that, despite promising rain until the last moment, finally decided to spare us.
During dinner, although every course was a delicacy, few times I saw people sitting at the table because they were too intent on enjoying themselves. From Frank Matano sure, one can expect anything but seeing the likes of Montezemolo and Malagò, relaxing and enjoying the evening was really a surprise.
Then came the time to cut the cake, made by the great Iginio Massari. And although I am not a great lover of cakes, this time I could not help but taste it. Delicious! For the occasion Federica and Matteo both sported white dresses that made them look less formal but even more radiant and beautiful!
The party then ended with a wild DJ-set by DJ Walterino . Federica and her friends seemed to have endless energy, then I remembered why: they were practically all Olympic athletes!
Summing up, photographing Federica Pellegrini and Matteo Giunta’s wedding was a fantastic experience that will always remain in my heart and that I believe really made me grow so much as a professional. The most beautiful thing, however, that I take with me from these days was the beautiful relationship created with Federica and Matteo. Two clean, respectful and very spontaneous people like you rarely meet, especially in a certain field. In short, two real champions!
Federica and Matthew chose to preserve their photographs in one of the photo albums I make. You choose the one of your dreams, too!
