No matter my age, I always get excited about birthdays. This year was an extra special one, as it was my 30th birthday! I wanted to do something different for my 30th, but I never expected that my wonderful husband would plan something quite so amazing! About a month before my birthday, he kept alluding to a surprise trip somewhere, but wouldn’t tell me where and it was driving me CRAZY! So finally, I got him to crack (ha!) and he spilled the beans: we were going to ITALY!!! I had never been to Italy before, and it was near the top of my bucket list. He knew how much I had always talked about how amazing it would be to see where my family came from and all the history that still stands throughout the newer construction.
The trip started out in Rome and then we took the train up to Florence. While in Florence, we took day trips to Pisa, Manarola on the coast, and Montalcino/Montepulciano in the wine country. The only thing I wish I could change is that we had more time to explore everything! The train system in Europe is just so unbelievably easy and convenient. Traveling also makes me think about how wonderful it would be to have the opportunity to be a destination wedding photographer.
I knew I would love being in Italy, but I couldn’t have imagined how much I would want to stay! Florence was by far my favorite place. Not only was the city beautiful and full of history, it was also full of my family history! My maiden name, Tornabene, was once Tornabuoni. The Tornabuoni family was one of the most influential and wealthiest families in Florence that was only magnified by the union of the Tornabuoni family and the Medici families. One of their largest contributions to Florence was in the form of art. They were huge proponents of the arts and even housed artists, including Michelangelo! You’ll see a street sign in one of the photos named “Via de’ Tornabuoni”. That was pretty cool!
To add to the surprise, Tyler even invited my dad, who is 100% Italian and never been to Italy, to join us on the trip! It meant so much to me to have him there to experience it with us. All in all, I’d say I had a pretty unforgettable 30th birthday thanks to my pretty amazing husband.
Enjoy reliving our Italy adventures as I settle back into life as a Charlotte photographer! I think I am still in a food coma!
Our attempt at a selfie with my camera…hahaha
June 23, 2016
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