What could be more romantic than having a friend who is also a photographer capture your love, joy and excitement? Jessica Mangia , a member of Fine Artcuration and a destination wedding photographer, helped Gionata plan the proposal and capture the moment at Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Gionata Russio , a destination wedding planner, fell in love on Instagram with Stefano the social media strategist six years earlier. After a few likes and remarks, the relationship became serious. Gionata from Apulia in Italy packed up his entire life and moved in with Stefano at Lake Como.
Gionata had planned to propose to Jessica in 2020, but the Pandemic put that on hold. A year later, he organized a trip to Los Angeles to scout locations for an event. Stefano was invited along with the plan to stay for the holiday season and meet Jessica, his LA-based friend. The spot, time, twinkling lights, and quiet plaza were all perfect after secret planning.
“I had planned to take photos of the proposal, but Gionata decided at the last minute to use a video to send his friends and relatives overseas,”explains Jess. After a sweet and goofy moment, Gionata searched frantically in his jacket pocket, and forgotting tradition, he took out a cute little black box before kneeling. Stepfano, still in confusion but overwhelmed with joy, began screaming “Yes! Yes!” You must get up. Here we are!
Gionata stood up and asked the question before Stefano had even started to cry. The dance was one of laughter and hugs, interspersed with some yeses between kisses. By that time, the plaza had become crowded with people. The crowd burst into a chorus of cheers and handclaps. ”