Ravello Wedding
I love beautiful things and I want to make pictures that lift people’s spirits. I see the giving and receiving of photographs as something beautiful and personal.
Hiroji Kubota
I am pretty sure I have used this quote on a previous blog but it works for this particular commission. Hiroji Kubota is a Japanese photographer and member of the well respected Magnum Photo agency. His work, like so many of the Magnum greats is a wonderful insight into the world across decades and borders. Starting to work as a freelance photographer in the sixties his work has taken him across the globe and he’s been witness to countless incredible moments.
I can relate to this quote and feel it’s particularly relevant to my own photography and outlook on my life and work. There are three distinct elements to the quote and all apply. Firstly there is the declaration of loving beautiful things. I am for sure perpetually drawn to all things beautiful from objects to places and of course to people. I recall in the late 90’s shooting for Vogue and the editor one day calling out to me as I rushed out of the Vogue offices on my way to an assignment. She cried ‘Make everything look beautiful like you always do Philip’. This has stuck with me and working in the world of fashion and beauty I am blessed to frequently encounter beautiful people and beautiful things. It’s often not too hard when the events and people I shoot are the product of incredibly talented and creative people. I have always been utterly fascinated by faces and have spent a lifetime being mesmerised by beautiful faces and wanting to capture them and hopefully celebrate their beauty. I often point out a fascinating face and remark on them to someone I’m with. They can be puzzled or not see that person as being interesting or significant. I on the other hand can get excited and inspired. I am struck by their beauty and want to talk about it and photograph them. Other people are not at all moved, do not notice and have no reaction.
The second element of this wonderful quote describes the desire to make pictures that lift people’s spirits. This is such lovely thought and I feel if you are in the business of providing a quality product to a client one would hope that your intentions are to please your client and provide a great product that stays with them for a lifetime. But I feel it goes deeper than just wanting to produce a good job. I regularly work with a small team of other well-respected and talented photographers who I am sure I have mentioned in previous blogs. I am continually impressed and often admire their will and desire to go that bit further to produce incredible images that truly stand out. Never wanting to cut corners or rush a shot. It’s a combination of the pride in their craft, their professionalism but also a respect for their client and a simple human desire to make them happy and as Hiroji says ‘Lift their spirits’. When I shoot I certainly try my best to not rush and consider whether or not I have shot something the best way possible. Could I change the lens, angle or lighting to improve this shot? I am mindful of my client eventually looking at this one image and their response to it. Will they sit back and remark positively and wonder at the image and its beauty. Without doubt I have a desire to please and make each and every client content and delighted with what I have created.
Lastly Hiroji Kubota describes the giving and receiving of photographs as something beautiful and personal. I feel in the case of shooting social events such as weddings, birthdays and other life moments one cannot ignore the impact your work will have. You are essentially witness to such incredible life changing moments that it would be very strange to not be affected by your responsibilities and be mindful of the impact your work will have on the client. That essentially is the whole purpose and ignoring your responsibly to create moving images that capture moments and last a lifetime would be foolish. I am always mindful of the work that goes into all the preparation of a wedding or party. I see the florists, caterers and the party designers labouring over details and working incredibly hard to make sure every detail counts. I need to celebrate that hard work and do it justice.
When Beibei and Fred asked me to be the photographer for their wedding in Ravello Italy, my first thoughts were that this is going to be one very beautiful wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever used the word beautiful as often as I did on this particular wedding. As I sat in the pretty square at the centre of Ravello I pondered what was making this environment and experience so utterly moving and special. Well I figure it was the coming together of a number of elements. Firstly the natural beauty of this part of Italy is so utterly stunning. Just about everything about Ravello’s natural surroundings takes your breath away. It’s the crystal clear light, the grand tall trees, the rugged mountain backdrop, the glistening sea below, the warmth from the sun that hugs you and makes you feel so free and the happy. There are the numerous cats all looking so chilled and content, demanding attention or sometimes nonchalantly ignoring you and then the bountiful fruit that hangs heavily from every tree. Its just all so perfect and one feels just so connected to nature.
Secondly there are the man made elements such as the famous architecture of Italy. The winding cobbled streets, the numerous ancient churches, the countless pretty villas designed so to blend into the mountainside and enhance the stunning natural views. The romantic restaurants, the cute shops with local produce whether its arts and crafts or food and wine. The colour of the stone, the shape of the walls, the texture of the bricks and so on. Everything around you is just achingly pretty and so authentic and so, well so Italian. Sounds like an obvious thing to say but if you pass all of this by and don’t reflect on such visual beauty then you are possibly staring at your phone, not living in the moment, not responding to your senses and need to look up and around and savour it all.
Lastly there are the people that really add the last ingredient to making Italy and destinations such as Ravello so wonderful and stimulating. Recognising and admiring Italian style and fashion is certainly not new. We are exposed to the effortless style that many of our European cousins embody. But it goes further than just the cut of the cloth, the texture and the colours. Its how the clothes are worn, the ease that one carries themselves and their attitude. I can sit in cafes in most countries and happily watch life go by. The numerous cafes in the Ravello’s square are no exception. I’m fascinated by the people of all ages wandering by. People looked healthy, relaxed and so happy.
To watch such elegant people enjoying life is a pleasure and nobody exudes such elegance as the Italians. So aware of themselves, so confident and yet relaxed in what they wear. The clothes often look luxurious and finely constructed but at the same time not overly worked and pretentious. They look relaxed and at ease whilst looking achingly stylish and ‘so together’. What we may struggle to aspire to in terms of a look and combination of elements, it appears the Italians reach by just throwing on whatever happens to be lying around. Perhaps in reality that is not the case and they also spend an hour in front of the mirror agonising over colours, textures, patterns, accessories and so forth. There is a popular Italian expression ‘Sprezzatura’. This essentially means it’s effortless. I'm pretty sure I never have sprezzatura days when it comes to dressing and trying to look casual and cool. Even when they are looking a little messy and not so neat, the Italians still manage to embody such a fashionable chic look, its incredible.
Apparently in Rome there is a greater emphasise in the need to look sexy! That Italian men and women’s dress to impress daily no matter the reason for leaving the house. So full make up is applied, jewellery is matched and it’s La Perla just to grab the Sunday paper and a pint of milk. It certainly sounds exhausting to me. For sure I feel the Italians are way more aware of themselves. A conscious awareness of how they are seen. It’s unheard of to look anything other than ones best. Its as if they start the day with an hour of La Dolce Vita or any other Fellini movie, feel inspired then rush out in full drama glam hoping to experience flash bulbs popping. And with that comes attitude. Looking around constantly, flirting, making eye contact, checking out everyone, strolling as if one is on the catwalk and the desire to not only be seen but be celebrated and adored. Just generally being ‘oh so Italian’. As I sat there in the square I wondered if essentially there is such a massive cultural difference in how the Italians view femininity, beauty and sex appeal. Do they embrace it without any embarrassment and guilt? Why should there be guilt of course but do the British perhaps feel that it’s just not the done thing to put ones self out there. Is it seen as narcissistic or shallow and that other more honourable character attributes such as intelligence and career focus are more important. I know such a statement is so loaded. I read that back immediately wanting to argue with my self and not fall into terrible stereotyping of people and cultures. But there is not doubt a few days spent in Italy left me fascinated even more with people watching and snapping. And being so inspired and entertained by the shameless display of glamour, beauty and sex appeal. And there was evidence that the visiting tourists from around the world were keenly aware of this and had raised their game too. Clearly consideration had gone into what to pack and were thoughtful and considered when stepping out of their hotel onto the catwalk that is pretty much any Italian street. I wondered if they had spent months previously in London snapping up designer items and pouring over fashion magazines deciding what would look just right in Ravello as they promenade the square and stroll cobbled streets and take the sea air en route to the local bistro. The tourists from around the world had a plan too and were not going to look vaguely out done by and for sure it was so wonderful to see so many achingly stylish, handsome people on holiday in this incredible setting.
Naturally I was no different and sported my light cotton, pastel shade, skinny trousers and fitted shirt with shiny cufflinks and statement collar. Shades you ask? No way…I need to be looking through my camera constantly to snap the wildlife.
Some couples I saw frequently over the few days I was there. I was curious to see the changes to their attire each day. Black and sleek for dinner at the restaurant and casual wide bottom trousers, linen open shirt for the day matched with jaunty straw hat. And of course one cannot ignore the romance in the air. It is no surprise that this town and entire corner of Italy is so popular for weddings and honeymoons. You are immersed in the most beautiful and perfect setting how can you not be swept up by it all. Combine the natural beauty, the wonderful architecture and stylish, gorgeous people and whilst in Ravello you are in a little heavenly bubble for a few days.
I was in Ravello at the request of two incredibly stylish and beautiful people. There was really only one place on the world that Beibei and Fred could possibly get married and it was this utterly charming and beautiful Italian town. When I met Beibei and Fred to discuss the opportunity to be their wedding photographer they showed me images of the ceremony location, the reception villa and the local scenery. They had me at ‘Ravello’. After a brief glimpse of just a few I-phone snaps of the location I was totally sold. This couple live fashion and style and have incredibly good taste when it comes to everything from food, to fashion to classic music and art. This was the perfect setting for such a couple and it was such an honour to be their wedding photographer.
The wedding ceremony itself took place at The Belmond Hotel Caruso
https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/italy/amalfi-coast/belmond-hotel-caruso/
A truly stylish and unique hotel with a breath taking views of the coastline. From there we shot further portraits at the fantastic villa Palazzo Confalone https://palazzoconfalone.it. The evening ceremony was held at Villa Eva http://www.villa-eva.it.
As if the two earlier venues were not stunning enough, Villa Eva was just the most perfect of settings. Each location left you gasping at the glory of all I’ve described. Its as if a Hollywood art department had retouched Italy and created a movie lot that was to be the scene for the most perfect romcom wedding blockbuster. It was jaw dropping wherever you looked and it kept getting better. Just when you thought you had had your fix and seen it all, there was yet more. The entire event was masterminded by Beibei and Fred and brought to reality with the help and inspired ideas of event planners Marianna and Laura at Lacalla Events https://www.lacalla.it. I have worked with so many event planners over the years and can count Marianna and Laura as two of the most charming, insightful and creative of them all. I was constantly blushing with their praise and support and wowed by all they had achieved.
Like all destination weddings this was exhausting and demanding. But it’s charming weddings such as this that you live for. When I’m back home in my office processing the images the whole time I am wishing I was back in Ravello and I could happily do it all over again.
The evidence is in the photos.
And I too hope as Hiroji Kubota does, my photos lift people’s spirits.
Ravello…I will return!
