Wedding Vow Renewal in Tuscany, Italy-Melissa and Michael

A week before embarking on this trip to Tuscany, Italy for me and Giant’s two year wedding anniversary, I came up with the idea of renewing our vows while we’re there. I combed the internet for ideas and wedding planners in the Tuscany region. That’s when I came across Bonnie from My Weddings and More. Bonnie and I went back and forth a few times brainstorming ideas for the ceremony. That’s when she informed me that July, the time that we’re there, will be sunflower season. I absolutely fell in love with her idea. I then immediately started hunting down a photographer. As a wedding photographer myself, I tend to be a bit picky. Maybe a little too picky as to whom I would want to be there to document this special day. I came across italian photographer David Bastianoni. I emailed David right before leaving for Italy and when we got to Rome, I was beyond ecstatic when I checked my email and saw that David replied. We had to rearrange the dates to accommodate David’s busy schedule but it all worked out.

On the day of the ceremony, Giant and I had been touring the northern part of Italy and drove back to Tuscany right before sunset to a town called Certaldo to meet up with both Bonnie and David. We all immediately clicked. Lots and lots of smiles from these two. I was also glad to see both Bonnie and David bonded pretty quickly being that they just met themselves. I had a feeling that Bonnie was an American from our emails to each other. Bonnie moved to Tuscany with her husband from California 20 years ago!! We drove to the countryside and found a sunflower field just minutes away from the main part of town. Giant and I had been so busy all day that I didn’t even had much time to reflect on the ceremony. Right when the ceremony was about to begin, I took a few seconds to look around our surroundings. The sun was setting so it was casting a nice warm glow everywhere. We had a nice breeze blowing gently across our faces that was just a blessing to have given it’s been so hot in Tuscany. And then it hit me. Like a ton of bricks it hit me. I then started to cry because the moment was beyond perfect and romantic. When Bonnie started speaking, my tears started flowing faster and faster. I was a bit surprised at myself because I was not expecting to cry. Giant then reached over, grabbed my hand and whipped my tears away. At the very same time, I felt Little G kicking in my belly. It’s like he was dancing. I have said this before, I’m so, so blessed. Blessed that I get to remarry such a good man and also blessed that this time around, we have a little gift, Little G, present.

The ceremony was very emotional yet quick. After the ceremony, David stepped in for our portrait session. OMG, David was hysterically FUNNY!!! We all couldn’t stop laughing at his comments. He’s just the biggest goofball. After chatting for David a bit, we learned that famous photographer Jim Gardner was just a guest at his house a few days before. Jim was in town to teach a workshop and stayed with David for a few days. How crazy is that?

Both Giant and I agree that this day was definitely the top 5 most memorable moments of our five and a half years together. It was like a scene off of a movie. I keep replaying this day in my head over and over and it brings tears of happiness to my eyes. Thank you so very much Bonnie and David for being there to make this day so special. We’ll never forget you two!

Giant and I have three more months before we have another top 5 moment of our life together. Little G!!! Can’t wait to meet him!

Vows Renewal in Tuscany

Btw, I was on my tippy toes for most of these pictures. Lol!!

Wedding Vow Renewal Under the Tuscan Sunset