This is long overdue. It was challenging to narrow these pictures down. If you are photographing two gorgeous and talented creatures, your problem should only be, when can I stop taking pictures and can I post them all? I mean how could you not? This couple needs no direction at all. Their love and passion just show. I hope I was able to capture that. I'm so honored they picked me to photograph their love. And I'm happy to finally share them.

Lauren and Gary actually met at a piano bar. It's only fitting to have their photos taken at one. Fun fact about them: They're incredibly talented performers. Not only they're gifted with good looks (their babies are gonna be stunning!), they also have killer voices. It was such a to hear them both sang to each other in this shoot. You just couldn't help but feel the passion of their love they have for each other. It was truly special.

You can listen to Gary's new EP album here.

You'd think it ends here but not so fast. We headed to Palace of Fine Arts, where Gary proposed to Lauren. We had to recreate the scene at the same spot where he got down on his knee.

Location: Reed & Greenough & Palace of Fine Arts

If you were to tell me that I was going to Italy the same year we went to Paris, I most likely won't believe you. 2017 has been so good to us. This is truly one of the best blessings we've ever received this year. The ability to see Europe. I already mentioned before, my top 3 places are Paris, Italy and Jerusalem. So thankful that I was able to celebrate my 30th in Italia!

Italy is something else. It's a whole 'nother world. In my opinion, you can't compare Paris from Rome, Florence or Venice (I have yet to see this dreamy place!). They're in different calibers. They have their own distinctions and beauty that you just can't compare them both. But Italy is by far, my most favorite. I know it took me a long time to get to this blog. It's so hard to move on, haha. And so much happened that you just needed to attend to. You know, life right? But seriously, I'm thankful that it was that hard to get over this trip. It just means that it impacted me so much and it's forever embedded in my memory and my heart. Sounds cheesy, but ask someone who's gone to Italy, it's definitely one of their favorites.

This is going to be overwhelmingly loaded with photos. You can also watch the video that I posted 2 weeks after this trip!

ROME

If you love history, appreciate the oldest ruins, architecture, and culture, you have to see Rome. This place is massive. I had to keep telling myself we were in this place. What you read in history books, movies, are right there in front of you. Crazy. What I love most is that these must places to see are super close to each other. You have to wear your most comfortable shoes. Whoever told you to wear your sandals, doesn't know what she's putting you into. We probably walked 10-15 miles a day in Italy. So if you don't mind dirt, blisters and calluses, then you do you. Also, I'm sure you've heard of this before, but their food there? No words. I'm forever ruined! Ha! The people too are so warm, friendly and very hospitable. We've encountered Italians who stopped what their doing just to help us. Not just gave us short answers, but even suggested routes and tips!

We usually care less to touristy places but not Rome, you have to go see it. It's history at its finest. We did the 3 hour walk tour at the Colosseo, Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. It's definitely worth it.

FLORENCE

The heart of Tuscany, Florence is so much different from Rome. This is the birth of Renaissance. The colors of Florence are much more vibrant and very laid-back. Just like Rome, everything is within walking distance. They also sell a lot of leather goods here. If you see one, buy it. Please learn from me, I wanted to buy something leather in Florence but thought I had more time towards the tail of our trip but I ended up not taking anything with me cuz the stores close early. Ugh, I guess one good reason to go back! Also, I'm madly obsess with their narrow streets and alleyways! Kev and I prefer going to less commercialized areas, but get lost in their streets.

CINQUE TERRE

We used one of our days in Florence to go to Cinque Terre. This was a spontaneous trip that we don't regret. We had to buy our swim suits there, even our flip flops! If you happen to have an extra day to squeeze Cinque Terre, I highly recommend that you do so. If you have more time, you can also stop by the Tower of Pisa. Unfortunately our time was so short that we didn't get to.

We went to 3 towns in Cinque. It's also recommended to buy the pass so you can hop in and out to all five cities. We went to Riomaggiore, Manarola and swam in Monterosso. There's also a trail where you can hike all the 5 towns, but sadly when we went it was closed. We didn't really want to hike anyway since our time was short, we just wanted to relax at the beach and enjoy the nice Italian beach. The water was crystal blue and moderately warm! It felt so nice to swim when the weather was so toasty!

VATICAN & TRASTEVERE

We spent our last full day in Italy in exploring Vatican and Trastevere. I'm sad just typing this, haha. Just uploading these photos and remembering this trip brought back all these awe feelings. Vatican as we all know is the smallest country just right next to Rome. I suggest getting the tickets ahead of time cuz you might wait an hour to get in. We didn't even get to Sistine Chapel cuz the line to St. Peter's Basilica took so long.

Trastevere, just lil outside of Rome, right across Tiber, this quaint town is so picturesque. It's known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops. This town in spite being small is my favorite part of Rome. You see more locals than tourists, so you feel like you're getting a glimpse of their everyday life. If I could live in Italy, I'd probably live here.

I hope you enjoyed this long post! I didn't want to split it in parts. Cuz our experience in Italy was indescribable as a whole. I'd go back to these places in a heartbeat. And go to more towns like Venice and Milan.

Oh to dream of places! Keep dreaming, and anything is possible.

Talk soon!

Liberation | Lauren Howard

Lauren & Gary Engagement

Travel with Riva | Italy

ROME

FLORENCE

CINQUE TERRE

VATICAN & TRASTEVERE

arrivederci