In the heart of Verona, the romantic city that has witnessed countless love stories, Toyin and Prince, a soon-to-be-married couple, embarked on a styled photoshoot that seamlessly blended cultures and dreams. Toyin, hailing from Australia, and Prince, an Italian from the enchanting city of Verona, met in England, where they currently reside. Their decision to tie the knot in Italy was a realization of their shared dream.
Toyin meticulously planned the photo shoot and curated a mood board featuring three distinct outfits that reflected their diverse backgrounds. Gradisca Portento Fotografica, the talented photographer entrusted with infusing the shoot with a touch of magazine-style flair, brought Toyin’s vision to life.
The chosen backdrop for this visual narrative was the stunning NH Collection Palazzo Verona, a hotel nestled around Roman ruins dating back to the 14th century. The venue provided the perfect blend of historical charm and modern sophistication, setting the stage for a captivating series of images.
As fate would have it, the weather had its plans for the day, with rain pouring down and limiting outdoor escapades to a mere five minutes. However, what initially seemed like an unfavorable turn of events transformed into a stroke of luck. The constrained circumstances inspired the team to craft a minimal and contemporary editorial, capturing stolen moments and movie star shots within the confines of the historic hotel.
Gradisca’s unique photographic style is a seamless fusion of contemporary elegance and timeless storytelling, and she elevates the shoot with a distinct “Malcolm and Marie” aesthetic. Through a masterful play of light and shadow, Gradisca captures the essence of moments and infuses each frame with the raw and passionate quality reminiscent of the cinematic masterpiece, adding a layer of intensity and depth to the visual narrative.
Despite the rain, Toyin and Prince, adorned in their carefully selected ensembles, embraced the challenge with grace and poise. The short outdoor stint near the iconic Arena di Verona added a touch of authenticity, portraying the couple’s resilience in the face of unforeseen obstacles.
Despite the rain, Toyin and Prince, adorned in their carefully selected ensembles, embraced the challenge with grace and poise. The short outdoor stint near the iconic Arena di Verona added a touch of authenticity, portraying the couple’s resilience in the face of unforeseen obstacles.
The photo shoot was a delightful experience, with Toyin and Prince effortlessly channeling their natural elegance in front of the lens. Their chemistry was so palpable that they played the roles of professional models, making the entire process a joy for Gradisca Portento, the photographer.
Gradisca‘s unique photographic style is a seamless fusion of contemporary elegance and timeless storytelling, and she elevates the shoot with a distinct “Malcolm and Marie” aesthetic. Through a masterful play of light and shadow, Gradisca captures the essence of moments and infuses each frame with the raw and passionate quality reminiscent of the cinematic masterpiece, adding a layer of intensity and depth to the visual narrative.
Gratitude is extended to the NH Collection Palazzo Verona staff, whose generosity allowed the use of common areas for the shoot. The result was a collection of images that not only captured the essence of Toyin and Prince’s love but also showcased the timeless beauty of Verona. This city is witness to yet another chapter in its storied romance history.
PHOTOGRAPHY Gradisca Portento Fotografica | VENUE NH Collection | BRIDE’S ENGAGEMENT ATTIRES: Look 1: Meshki, Look 2: Maje Paris, Look 3: Ellery Land | BRIDE’S EARRINGS: Fresh Water Pearl by Fang, Lovisa Jewellery | BRIDAL BIRDCAGE VEIL: Etsy | BRIDE’S HEADBAND: Asos | BRIDE’S SHOES: Look 1: Aldo, Look 2: Dune London, Look 3: Asos | GROOM’S ENGAGEMENT ATTIRES: Look 1: Nicolefarhi, Firetrap; Look 2: Farah Couture Tailoring, Jack & Jones, Osprey London; Look 3: Folks Verona, Simon Carter | GROOM’S SHOES: Look 1: Dr. Martens; Look 2: Thomas Crick
