Cleto, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy Elopement Photo Story Award

The groom's mother celebrates the ceremony with some intense and emotional lines.

Mike sent me an email, from Canada. He wanted to know if I was available for an intimate photo session in Cleto. He told me he had origins in this little town, which is actually quite completely uninhabited. Most of these little towns built in the cliffs facing the Mediterranean sea have been abandoned across the years, with settlers heading for the coasts. 

Finally I met Mike and Alexa, who wanted to celebrate with their family an informal wedding where Mike's family ancestors once lived. They grabbed their suits that they had brought along with them, got all ready right there at the moment, on spot. To me it was all improvisation, and the scenario was so beautiful. The sun was fantastic, as always in this part of the Mediterranean, it shined on this magical moment until sunset, where Mike, Alexa and their family settled for a relaxing dinner, with the historical center of Cleto and its beautiful castle on the background. 

I remember getting back in my car, after only 2 hours, and I couldn't believe how much fun it was being a part of this moment.

A very unusual getting ready location, in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Mike and one of his twin brothers getting all set.

After the ceremony, Mike and Alexa descend from the castle.

Time for toasting, with Cleto and its castle in the background.