Rome
As soon as we landed in Rome and checked into our Airbnb, I hit the ground running to meet up with Lauren and Tyler for photos. I spent the afternoon photographing them around the city, capturing the timeless beauty of Rome on film. Our first meal in Italy followed (pasta, of course), and it sincerely made me question if I had ever actually had pasta before—each bite was a revelation.
Our days in Rome were a balance of indulgence and exploration. Staying in the Monti neighborhood, we started each morning with a croissant and cappuccino at Er Baretto, a small café that quickly became a favorite. The charm of the Monti neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and eclectic mix of shops and eateries, was the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and impromptu photo sessions.
While eating our way through the city, one of the highlights was the pistachio ravioli at Iari the Vino – it still lingers in my memory. Evenings found us at Ex Galleria for drinks, unwinding after days filled with history and art. And the carbonara at Baccano—recommended by Conde Nast’s resident Rome food expert, Katie Parla—was nothing short of life-changing.
The photographs below capture some of the essence of Rome, from the vibrant streets of Monti to the panoramic views atop Palatine Hill. The Ponte Sisto bridge offered a picturesque scene at dusk, and the Trevi Fountain, though crowded, was undeniably magical.
Positano
The pace on the Amalfi Coast is much slower than Rome. After several days maxing out our step count and cramming as much as we could into each day, Positano felt like a vacation from our vacation. The shift in tempo was palpable, and it was a welcome change.
Our first day took us to Ravello, a place that had long been on my bucket list and also happens to be home to one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the world—Villa Cimbrone. The views from the terrace were as breathtaking as I’d imagined, and I felt lucky to capture its ancient beauty on film. We also enjoyed drinks at Palazzo Avino, another renowned wedding location, where the iconic pink striped aesthetic added a whimsical touch to our afternoon.
Early the next morning, I met up with Stephanie and Denis for a sunrise photoshoot at Positano’s iconic main beach.
The remainder of our days in Positano were spent on boats and beaches, savoring the simple pleasures of life. Sipping on Aperol and limoncello spritzes became a daily ritual, each sip a refreshing reminder of where we were. One of our favorite days was spent at Da Adolfo, a charming beachside restaurant where time seemed to stand still. However, the best meal of our entire stay was undoubtedly at Da Gabrisa. Admittedly, we were a tad burnt out on pasta and seafood by this point, and the dishes here were refreshing and interesting.
The photographs that follow capture the essence of Positano, from the vibrant hues of the coastal landscape to the serene moments on the beach. Each image is a window into the slower, more relaxed rhythm of the Amalfi Coast, a perfect counterpoint to the bustling energy of Rome.
