Where do Wedding Photography and Poetry meet, if not in the city of Poets, Rome?
This photoshoot is an aide-memoire to one of the most celebrated romances in history, the love story of Romantic period English poet John Keats, and Fanny Brawne.
Packed with delicate vintage inspiration and old world charm, this photoshoot is both a tribute to one of the most romantic stories ever told, as well as a spiritual pilgrimage to the city of Poets itself. Our goal was to retell this romantic story exactly on its 200th year anniversary. We wanted to give its star-crossed lovers’ story a much deserving happy ending. The photoshoot took place in the beguiling surrounds of Villa Borghese in the heart of Rome: a setting steeped in inimitable natural beauty, crumbling marble surfaces and weathered sculptural elements that fuse poetically with nature.
John arrived in Rome exactly 200 years ago, in 1820. With frail health due to tuberculosis, his doctor instructed him to leave the cold London for Rome. Keats hoped Rome’s climate would save his life, but left behind all that was worth living for: his dearest fiancée, Fanny, who remained in England as a result of her family’s disapproval of their union. During his sojourn in Rome, Keats sauntered through the large landscaped park of Villa Borghese and thoughts of his beloved Fanny led him to compose some of the most poetic love letters ever written. Fanny and John remained in love until his untimely passing in Rome.
AN Aide-Memoire To Poet John Keats - Wedding Inspiration in Villa Borghese, Rome, italy
PHOTOGRAPHY : ANDREAS K. GEORGIOU | FLORALS : FLOWER ADDICTED ANGELICA | VENUE : VILLA BORGHESE, ROME | CALLIGRAPHY : THESPINA CREATIVE | HAIRPIECE : VITABLOOM | DRESS : COMPLICE STALO THEODOROU | SILK RIBBON : LANCASTER AND CORNISH | FILM LAB : CARMENCITA LAB | RING : DEBEERS | MUSE : SARA MARINO LAURIA | KIND STYLING ADVISE BY :JOY PROCTOR & PENELOPE CULLEN
It is easy to understand what drew the poet to Villa Borghese: its crumbling walls overflow with fragrant wildflowers and encircle profuse historical charm. The calming lulls of birds, and the sweeping views from the Pincian Hill that overlook St. Paul Basilica’s dome in the hazy horizon synthesise a sensual symphony that can speak to any lover’s heart. Perhaps moved by the playful flight of butterflies in the gardens, John wrote these famous words to Fanny:
“I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days – three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”
Segueing through the Renaissance and Baroque gardens of Villa Borghese, we traced John Keat’s daily promenade route. With a poetic intention intertwining a sense of melancholy and respectful tribute, we photographed Fanny at the exact same spots that John loved, as if she was there, by his side, during Keat’s walks: the temple of Diane, the marble benches outside Galleria Borghese, and the stairs leading to the Galleria Borghese, the Portico dei Leoni, and finally the fiery sunset overlooking the Eternal City of Poets at his favorite of all spots, the Hill of Pincio.
I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days – three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”
- John Keats - Letters to Fanny
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Andreas
I travel the globe photographing life’s important events, weddings, and editorial shoots. I care deeply for each couple's love story as a worthy and unique piece of art. My photography is intimate and fashion-forward, with a painterly old-world charm, and infused with meaning and a sense of purpose.
I serve discerning clients from over 20 countries, and also teach remarkable photographers all over the world, aiming to inspire a new generation of artists to build thriving brands and use their Art as a platform for positive change.
My work stems from an overwhelming desire to advocate for empathy, empowerment, and the spreading of kindness. I hope that by showing all the goodness that exists in the world, I might help make the world a bit better, ever so slightly, because I can imagine nothing more powerful than two humans in love!
