Vow Renewal Photoshoot in Rome: Katherine and J’s Morning in Trastevere
When Katherine first wrote to me from Los Angeles, she said something that immediately stayed with me:
“We want to renew our vows in Rome, but away from the crowds, somewhere quiet where we can just be ourselves.”
They were planning to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary with a vow renewal photoshoot in Rome and wanted both film and digital photography to preserve every emotion and texture of the day. I knew right away that the Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere would be the perfect place. Its peaceful courtyard, hidden from the busy streets, felt like a secret space filled with soft light, quiet beauty, and centuries of history.
We started the morning early at Ponte Sisto, taking our first warm-up shots as the sun rose above the Tiber River. The streets were empty, the air was crisp, and the light over the bridge was soft and cinematic. From there, we walked into Trastevere and stopped at Bar del Cinque for a coffee. Over cappuccinos, we talked about life in the U.S. and Italy, about art, politics, and the beauty of slowing down. It did not feel like a photoshoot. It felt like spending a calm morning with friends.
As we continued through Trastevere’s cobblestone alleys, Katherine’s red dress contrasted beautifully with the soft Roman tones. J’s calm presence balanced the energy of the day. Their laughter echoed through the narrow streets while I captured both candid and composed frames on film and digital.
We ended the day at the Basilica di Santa Cecilia, where they read their vows in the quiet courtyard, far from the noise of the city. It was a deeply emotional moment, simple and sincere, surrounded by history and light. Before leaving, I took a few Polaroid photos with J’s uncle’s camera, a beautifully preserved Polaroid SX-70, adding a tangible layer of nostalgia to their story.
For me, this was more than a vow renewal photoshoot in Rome. It was a reminder that love does not need to be staged to be beautiful. It only needs to be lived.
If you are planning a vow renewal in Rome or anywhere across Italy, from Florence and Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast or Sicily, I would love to help you create a day that feels true to you. Whether you prefer the timeless beauty of film photography or the crisp storytelling of digital, we can create something that reflects your story with emotion and authenticity.
