WEDDING, ROME, SNEAKERS, AND MACARONS – PAVLIN AND SOPHIE.
Rome has seen white sneakers before.
And pride, and suffering, and greatness,
and destinies that roam the steps of the destinies who came before; they overlay,
trip over one another, as the wind scatters them, blending and intertwining them,
turning them into fine dust and embedding them in the cobblestones.
Regardless of wether you’ve crossed paths with Rome only once - you’ve helped in building it.
Even with a breath released in moments of joy, laughter through tears or with kisses flavored like cannoli.
Rome has seen it all. But only its love holds equal rank and dignity.
These are Sophie and Pavlin.And they love each other.In an unsullied way, like a child and a butterfly.
I know, it’s a cliché. But when they look at each other, their faces glow and the world just... disappears.
Love is a temple, and once you recognize it, you become still. Everything was kept secret from Sofi.
We had planned and prepared everything together with Pavlin.
And on the day of our meeting, my heart raced like crazy. My arrival was loud and dramatic!
Three seconds of stage fright, a deep breath, and I burst into their hotel room like a tornado.
“Poli!”, Sophie exclaimed, bewildered, “What are you doing here?? You came here to take our photos?!”
Uhhhhhh...
Pffff... Hmm. Technically you’re right, but… There’s more.
Yes, Sophie, I have.
I’m here to capture everything that will happen from this moment forward.
First, it'll be the white sneakers Pavlin bought for you, to make your steps lighter as you wander through streets of Rome.
Like a child, you’ll be moved by these simple sneakers.
I’ll photograph while you nervously shift your gaze between him, me, the others, back to me, and then back to Pavlin as he pulls out two little boxes with wedding rings.
I’ll capture when you give in to your emotions, crying in his arms. You'll look up at him with those big eyes of yours.
When we finally open the “secret package” – I’ve brought you a wedding dress, Sophie. Pavlin chose it.
When someone loves you, truly loves you, when they notice the smell of you when they close their eyes and constantly feel you in their arms, they can even choose sneakers or a dress that fit perfectly on you.
The simple things.
Ah, Sophie, you’re getting married today!
We already know, that’s why we’re here, and you’ll realize it after… 3, 2, 1 – and here you are.
Welcome among us!
“Hello, Sophie!” I only said.
They got married at the embassy, in a small office with a polished extendable table and wooden chairs.
Not that the place matters so much when there’s so much love.
The ceremony involved filling out documents, stamping them, and lots of laughter.
As we left the building, we joyfully tossed macarons at the newlyweds.
And before God, before the people, you know how it is. Even before the Japanese tourists…
So, that’s the story of Rome – and ours drifts somewhere amidst ancient passions and art.
I came, I saw, I conquered. Understand. I photographed. Felt. Cried. Laughed. Photographed.
And kept on photographing.
After all, I'm a photographer. And we photographers are blessed to see a little more.
