Mariah + Jacob

Shooting this wedding in Irsina, Italy was one of the absolute privileges in my life. Exactly one year ago I was shooting Mariah and Jacob’s suprise proposal in New Orleans and now we’re in Italy. I can’t believe it!

Irisina is a town of about 5,000 people about an hour away from Matera. I didn’t really know what to expect but I was absolutely blown away. Nothing could have prepared me for the fortress on the hill and the views that came with it. Old town Irsina has so much charm it was nearly impossible to take a bad photo. 

Mariah and Jacob got married in Irsina because Mariah’s family bought property there, including a stunning apartment with a rooftop. Mariah’s uncle’s rooftop is where the wedding took place and we made sure to make stops at other family member’s houses along the way. 

Everyone in town knew that the big American wedding was happening that weekend. Including the mayor of Irsina! He made an appearance and help officiate the wedding. They also wrote an article about the tourism that Mariah’s wedding brought to the town. The article features a photo of the back of someone’s head that you might recognize. Yours truly. 

One of the neatest traditions that Mariah took part in was the parade to the venue. All of the wedding guests met Mariah at the spot that she was getting ready at, and then they all formed a parade behind her as she made her way to the venue. The guests also passed out cookies to the locals on our way down. 

Then we had a quick wedding ceremony featuring the mayor. Which cracks me up because no one knew that was happening until that day! They gifted Mariah and Jacob a gorgeous plate and certificate. What a special and unique moment to have on your wedding day. 

After the wedding we partied the night away on the rooftop! It was one portable speaker putting out the music, so everyone kept grabbing it and dancing with it lol. Then we ended the night at the pub next door called the Rabbit. Mariah and Jacob had managed to sneak away and take a secret shot with the owner earlier in the evening. So it was only fitting that the entire wedding migrated over there. 

It was such a special day in such a gorgeous town. It was such an honor to be a part of!