The couple and a young girl in a group embrace

A WEDDING STORY

Alessandra & Gianluca — All the ways of being there

Convento dei Neveri

Alessandra and Gianluca’s wedding morning began with buffets in both homes and guests arriving. The heat was intense and humid. Before the ceremony, Gianluca kept asking me about the vows he had written: he was not sure whether to read them. Jessica and I followed a day in which family was present in many different ways. Some had been planned. Others unfolded in front of us.

Two homes, a quiet morning

At Alessandra’s home, guests gathered around a buffet; her mother arrived later. Gianluca was initially at home with just his mother. Other guests joined them afterwards, with a buffet ready there too. Despite the humid heat, the morning was calm. Gianluca kept coming back to his vows. He asked whether the words were right and whether he should really say them. The musician and I reassured him. During the ceremony, he read them.

Alessandra and guests beside the buffet during preparations

Alessandra at home with guests and the buffet

The bride embracing a young girl, in black and white

Two guests holding drinks during preparations

A place for her father

Alessandra had set aside a chair for her father, who had passed away, with a photograph and a dedication. During the ceremony, a speech was given in his memory. As people spoke about him, her daughter began to cry. Alessandra and Gianluca noticed and beckoned her over.

The framed dedication in memory of Alessandra’s father

A woman reading into a microphone during the ceremony

The bride bringing a hand to her face during the ceremony

Alessandra and Gianluca kissing during the ceremony

A guest moved during the remembrance of Alessandra’s father

Between their faces

She came over and they kissed her. I photographed that meeting as it happened, without asking anyone to do anything. It remains one of the most meaningful images I took at their wedding.

Their tearful daughter between Alessandra and Gianluca’s faces, in black and white

Together

The ceremony continued with the exchange of rings. Then came applause and rice thrown by the guests: Alessandra and Gianluca found themselves surrounded by the celebration.

A young girl offering the ring cushion to the bride

Hands and bouquet during the exchange of rings

The newlyweds walking among guests as rice is thrown

Celebrating at Convento dei Neveri

At Convento dei Neveri, the reception, good food and guests ready to celebrate awaited us. Among tables decorated with pink and white flowers, games and dancing began, with Alessandra and Gianluca joining everyone else. There was a dancing line, embraces and friends laughing together. Jessica and I followed this side of the day too: very different from the ceremony, and just as much a part of their wedding.

View of the interior dining space at Convento dei Neveri

Pink and white flowers and table settings at Convento dei Neveri

The bride raising her arms among the reception tables

The couple and guests dancing in a line at the reception

Gianluca laughing and celebrating with guests

Alessandra and Gianluca dancing together during the celebration

Two guests kissing at the table during the reception

Wedding favours with pink ribbons and Alessandra and Gianluca’s names

Alessandra and Gianluca kissing by the flower-covered entrance to Convento dei Neveri

A surprise for his mother

Gianluca had prepared a slideshow dedicated to his mother, thanking her for having been both a mother and a father to him. She had not expected it. During the screening, she burst into tears, with Gianluca beside her. At the ceremony, Alessandra had made a place for her father. At the reception, Gianluca wanted to thank his mother. Both have stayed with me.

Gianluca’s mother crying beside him during the slideshow he dedicated to thanking her

One dance, then another

When it was time for the dances with parents, Alessandra danced with her uncle, her father’s brother. She broke down in tears as they danced in an embrace. Then she danced with her niece, and afterwards with Gianluca. That is how the day comes back to me: Alessandra still dancing, together with the people she loves.