Love Stories behind the Lens II

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

We decided to make this a tradition, and again put the spotlight on the love stories that happen behind the lens. Find out who are some of the most fun and talented photographers of the wedding industry and what is their story. Meet our lovely heroes and check out Part I if you’ve missed it.

Sam & Diana

Green Antlers Photography

How long have you been together? How long have you been in the photography business?
We’ve met in University, we were studying different subjects (Diana did Languages while Sam studied Product Design) but we were both involved in a Christian Students Choir (funny enough) so that’s where we’ve officially met. We’ve been friends since 2007, a couple in 2008 and married by 2011.

We started taking photos together while in College, as we were saving up to go to Africa for a short trip and with one camera I had ( a NikonD5000, I still remember it very well), we were taking photos of anyone willing to pay us. Yes, 2 photographers, 1 camera , I don’t know how we did it. It was merely a hobby then, but a good way to save some money as students.
Only after the wedding we bought our first professional camera and it started from there. We had no back up plan. I strongly believe that’s why it worked.

Describe a fun date or the story of how you guys met.

It was the very beginning stage of our relationship. I (Diana) don’t even recall being on dates before that so this definitely counts as a memorable one.

I was staying with Sam’s cousins, in his village (which he proudly calls a Town) and I could hear a very loud noise coming from outside. Then, very agitated and excited like a kid, Sam rushed into the room and grabbed me to immediately go downstairs. He had something for me. There it was- his parents 50 years old rusty tractor, with the motor running, as loud as… well…a tractor! It was the most ridiculous, adventurous and crazy fun tractor ride from my entire life (and truth be told, the only one). I still remember I could not stop laughing as he was driving this ‘beast’ all around the city, as he wanted to do something special for me- of course he didn’t even own a driver license. It was the most perfect day and that’s when I knew Sam was something special and our life was not going to be normal or even predictable. Years later, we’re married and it’s been a Crazy ride so far. And he still doesn’t own a driver license…

Diana, what do you like the most about Sam?

Sam is the funniest guy I know. He can make me laugh in an instant and I love that about him. He also has such a serving heart. He’d put everyone else above his needs and his kindness is something priceless. He’s also my favorite chef ever. We don’t go to eat out much anymore simply because there are few places with better food than what he makes, so I’m the luckiest girl in the world!! He never struggles to impress anyone and I think that’s something rare. My list can go on for ages, seriously. That’s why I married him!

Sam, what do you like the most about Diana?

I love the fact that Diana is the person I can always freely dream with! She’s so fun and knows how to listen to all my crazy ideas. She is honest and straight forward. She is also very kind and warm, always feels for people and quickly jumps to help anyone. She still finds it hard to make the difference between a pheasant and a duck! ( NOT TRUE! – Diana). Diana is a dedicated workaholic and that helps a lot in our business. Last but not least, my wife is beautifully weird and I wouldn’t change a thing about her.

Do you have a song? Which one is it? 

Short answer, NO. Our taste in music is so different, we rarely find a song we like together. While I listen to Jazz, Indie, sometimes even some cheesy songs when I clean around the house, Sam loves choir music, epic movie soundtracks and good old folk. We usually wear headphones when we listen to music. It’s the same with movies actually. I think it’s cool to stay true to what each other likes.

Gianluca & Mary

Gianluca & Mary Adovasio Photography

How long have you been together? How long have you been in the photography business?

We have a long history that began in school. A nice, fun and unconventional thing is that Mary was to woo!! She always tells this thing, in a fun way to everybody! Overall, we’ve been together for 22 years, married – 14 years. About 15 years ago we started our photography journey together. For us, it’s not just a job, it’s about the passion that it brings to us. We travel around Italy and Europe for at least 7/8 months a year, and we are incredibly lucky to be able to share it with each other. Off season we live in a quiet place, surrounded by hills and the sea, in the South of Italy. We have two cats who live with us and fill us with joy every time we are at home.
We love spending a good part of our free time with our families. The weekends are reserved  for theatre, cinema and beautiful evenings with friends, often in front of the fireplace in our home.

Describe a fun date or the story of how you guys met.

We met the first time at a party, at the home of some common friends. We exchanged a few words, we spoke about our passions, including photography, and agreed to meet again. For our first date together, we went to the sea. It was late autumn, and we took photos until sunset. Then we spent the evening together, had a drink and promised to meet again. It was a perfect day. Since then our lives have never been separated.

Gianluca, what do you like the most about Mary?

I’m deeply in love with Mary and I think it’s just fair to say that I love everything about her. I could not imagine my life without her. Mary is my point of reference, is the pillar of my existence.

Mary, what do you like the most about Gianluca?

I love his sensitivity, his sense of calm, his openness and his generosity. I love his humorous character and I admire his tenacity and desire to continue research for our work. I love his creative and artistic side, which is present in work and in small things of our every day life. I could go on forever, but I will stop here, saying that I was really lucky to have met in my life a person like Gianluca.

Do you have a song? Which one is it?

We love to take long walks together, often by the sea, because Mary loves the sea unconditionally. We listen to various type of music, different artists and genres.

Joel & Justyna

Joel Bedford Photography

How long have you been together? How long have you been in the photography business?

We’ve been working together for almost 8 years, dated for five, married for one. We’ve been in business since 2009.

Describe a fun date or the story of how you guys met.

Joel and I (Justyna) met via Craigslist – true story.  I was fresh out of university and started my own (amateur) fashion zine and was looking for contributors.  Joel had just moved back to Ottawa from Toronto and had actually started dabbling in photography as well.  No one really answered the ad, except him.  Anyway – we became really good friends, and started shooting together – mostly experimental fashion stuff and 3 years after we met, we found ourselves on a real date.  Before that, we’d hang out, laugh, quiz each other on Simpsons trivia but neither one of us saw the other as ‘dating’ material – I guess we both ‘friend-zoned’ each other.  Lo and behold, all it took was 3 years of friendship, one evening, one too many glasses of wine, one awkward pause and the rest is history as they say.  Joel grabbed my hand and said ‘We could be so happy together” and we’ve never looked back.

Justyna, what do you like the most about Joel?

There are really too many things about Joel that I love to name.  I love his sense of humor and commitment to poorly timed puns, I love his vision and dedication to what he believes in (vs. what is on trend right now), I love his curiosity and fearlessness but most of all I love his kind heart.  I love that above all, Joel believes in and sees the good in everyone.

Joel, what do you like the most about Justyna?

She’s kinda funny sometimes, I guess.

Do you have a song? Which one is it?

We have a few depending on our mood, but mostly “Love” from the 1973 Disney animated classic “Robin Hood”

Julia & Gil

Julia & Gil Photography

How long have you been together? How long have you been in the photography business?

The answer to EVERYTHING is 5 years. We are together for 5 years and we are taking photos for 5 years. We also live together for 5 years. So it’s easy to answer that.

Describe a fun date or the story of how you guys met.

Two years ago, I (Gil) wanted to surprise Julia with a gift card for the one of the best restaurants in our city. The problem was, I’m really afraid of heights and the restaurant was at the top of the tallest building. So I struggled for about 30 minutes to get up there. Finally I got the gift card. But when we finally wanted to redeem it, my fear was too strong and we ended up in a cheap fast food restaurant. Sad and funny, but truth.

Julia, what do you like the most about Gil?

Gil fascinates me every day again. He is the funniest, industrious, ambitious and open-minded person I have ever met. I can learn so much from him!

Gil, what do you like the most about Julia?

Words can’t describe how much I love my Julia. She is everything. One thing I love most, is that she is the most warmhearted person I have ever met. She cares about everyone and everything so much. If she could help everyone in the world, she would! She is incredible.

Do you have a song? Which one is it?

We love music! Mostly HipHop or Folk. But we also love the 90´! This is the music where we have fun! Yes we have a song! It is The Killers – Mr. Brightside. During this song, we kissed for the first time!

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We hope you enjoyed reading this as much as we loved interviewing each of these talented couples!
We wish you all a lovely and wonderful Valentine’s Day celebration! Love and cherish those who make you smile on a daily basis.

With Love,
Flothemes Team.