Just wanted to share some of these oldies but goodies from an unbelievably amazing wedding I photographed in Florence, Italy many, many years ago.. Yesterday, Ryan and I celebrated our 14 year wedding anniversary and so it made me think of this wedding that we did together the day after our anniversary (so happy anniversary Mark & Melissa).  It was for Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Wilkerson. I’ve known Melissa for several years now and have been so honored that she has asked me to capture some of the most important moments in her personal life. I’ve captured her parties, events, her wedding and then her newborn pictures when her two beautiful little boys were born. The images from those portrait sessions were published in People Magazine!! That has been a dream of mine (along with being published in InStyle– also for her wedding) for as long as I can remember. So needless to say, Melissa has first hand helped make my dreams come true!!! I am so very grateful!  Thank you Melly!!

It seems like whenever I meet someone that recognizes Melissa from my pictures, they always ask “What’s she like in real life?”. Well, in real life, she is Real!! She is super sweet, down to earth, and I can’t say enough good things about her and her wonderful family. And Mark is just as awesome. We got to know his family a little bit while there at the wedding and they are just some of the nicest people and made us feel so welcome there. Mark is an amazing musical artist and is the frontman for the band, Course of Nature. You should totally check them out. I’ve heard them jam before and there music is awesome!!

The wedding was held at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence, Italy and was so gorgeous!! It’s funny how much I remember from that day (and the entire time in Italy) even though it’s been so long. I shot these way back when I was still 100% film (talk about a pain in the butt trying to get through security and having to hand check hundreds of rolls of hi-speed and infrared films!! Try telling someone that doesn’t speak any English that they can’t open the small black canisters of film or they’ll be ruined!! Thank goodness we were there very early and could put them through one by one, by one….. by one… ).

The event was coordinated by the uberfabulous Mr. Jackson Lowell. Man!! Does he know how to pull it all together!! Mel’s bling was by no other than Erica Courtney and her super fab dress was done by Reem Acra!! Despite the ridiculously hot weather, Laurent D. managed to work his magic with Mel’s hair. I officially think that I should only photograph weddings in Italy, what do you think? I fell in love with the place and can’t wait until I can go back and experience Italy all over again!!

On a sweet side note, if you’re in the Sherman Oaks area, stop by for some sweet treats at Mel’s yummy desert shop: Sweet Harts!! So much tasty goodness that I will only allow myself to go in once in a while. I’m literally like a kid in a candy store!! Yum, yum, yum!!!

Hope you enjoy the little peek of some of these old favorites of mine!! Enjoy!!

If you would like to inquire about wedding photography for your big day, please e-mail the studio at tara@tararochelle.com

Here is another wedding post you might enjoy of Whitney & Richard.