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When Marisa and Rob flew from the U.S. to celebrate their wedding anniversary in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco Hills, they weren’t just looking for a romantic escape—they were reconnecting with something deeply personal. With Marisa’s Italian roots and their shared love for adventure, Veneto was the perfect destination. And what better way to remember their journey than with a magical Prosecco Hills photoshoot among the vines and rolling hills of Santo Stefano near Valdobbiadene?
Why the Prosecco Hills Are the Perfect Photoshoot Location
Nestled in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, the Prosecco Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are famed for their sweeping views, winding vineyard roads, and charming hilltop towns. These hills, between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, are more than just Italy’s sparkling wine country—they’re a living postcard.
Golden light washes over steep vineyards, stone farmhouses dot the hillsides, and the air carries the gentle buzz of tradition and time. For couples like Marisa and Rob, this landscape is both romantic and cinematic—a true photographer’s dream.
A Love Story That Started on Ice
Marisa and Rob’s story began with a swipe on Tinder, but it wasn’t long before they realized they had something rare. Both passionate ice skaters and hilariously competitive, they spent their first date at the rink, laughing, racing, and talking for hours. But the night didn’t end there—they went out to dinner afterward, and what started as a casual meet-up turned into a more-than-five-hour-long connection. “We didn’t want the night to end,” Marisa told me with her signature energy. “We just knew.”
Their relationship is a perfect balance—Marisa is expressive, vibrant, and full of Italian fire. Rob, calm and thoughtful, is her anchor. “She’s my favorite person in the world,” Rob said quietly, with the kind of smile that speaks volumes. Capturing this chemistry during their Prosecco Hills photoshoot was effortless. The way they look at each other tells the whole story.
The Proposal: From Ice to Skyscraper
Rob had originally planned to propose to Marisa back where it all began—on the ice rink where their story started. He had a whole surprise organized, ready to bring everything full circle. But when Marisa injured her knee, that plan had to be put on hold. Instead, he chose a new location that matched the height of his feelings: the top of the tallest skyscraper in Oklahoma City. It was just as unexpected, just as beautiful—and completely them.
Exploring Santo Stefano & the Colesel Vineyards
Our photoshoot began near their cozy bnb in Santo Stefano, a quiet hamlet tucked into the hills of Valdobbiadene. The charm of this town is immediate—narrow cobbled lanes, terracotta rooftops, and panoramic views in every direction. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and nature feels sacred.
From their bnb, we walked to Cantine Colesel, a family-run winery known for its award-winning Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The Colesel estate features a stunning belvedere—a scenic overlook offering breathtaking views of the patchwork vineyards that climb the hillsides in perfect symmetry. Here, with the light falling just right, we captured intimate, joyful moments that celebrated their connection and the land around them.
Must-See Locations in the Prosecco Hills
If you’re planning your own Prosecco Hills photoshoot or wine escape, here are some of the most beautiful places to visit and photograph:
- Cartizze Hill (Col Vetoraz area) – This is the crown jewel of Prosecco country, with views over the prized vineyards producing the highest-quality Prosecco.
- Strada del Prosecco (Prosecco Road) – Italy’s oldest wine route stretches from Conegliano to Valdobbiadene, offering countless stops for tastings and panoramic photos.
- San Pietro di Barbozza – A small, picturesque hamlet surrounded by vineyard-covered hills and traditional wine estates.
- Molinetto della Croda – A romantic, restored 17th-century watermill near Refrontolo, ideal for quiet walks and charming photos.
- Conegliano Castle (Castello di Conegliano) – Overlooking the town, it provides sweeping views of vineyards and tiled rooftops—perfect at sunset.
Wine Tour Ideas: 5 Wineries to Visit
- Col Vetoraz – Located on the famed Cartizze hill, this winery offers structured tastings and jaw-dropping terrace views.
- Ca’ Salina – A welcoming family estate offering guided tours and tastings paired with local cheeses and salumi.
- Villa Sandi – One of the most elegant wine estates in the area, housed in a Palladian-style villa with underground cellars.
- Bisol1542 – A historic producer offering cellar tours and Prosecco tasting flights right in the heart of Valdobbiadene.
- Nino Franco – Among the oldest and most respected wineries, offering tastings of fine Prosecco Superiore with deep historical roots.
These stops are ideal for creating a wine-tasting itinerary filled with flavor, scenery, and unforgettable memories.
The Magic of Conegliano & Veneto’s Wine Heritage
Nearby Conegliano is not just the gateway to the Prosecco Route—it’s also one of the oldest wine-producing towns in Italy. Known for its wine school (the first in Italy), fresco-covered palazzi, and vibrant market squares, Conegliano is a blend of culture, history, and world-class wine. The town pulses with energy and elegance, offering a glimpse into authentic Venetian life beyond the canals of Venice.
A Hidden Gem: Osteria Senz’Oste
No trip to the Prosecco Hills is complete without visiting Osteria Senz’Oste—the “Inn Without a Host.” Tucked into the hills above Valdobbiadene, this self-service osteria is a unique, soulful experience. Visitors can grab local cheeses, cured meats, and a bottle of Prosecco from a small unmanned pantry, then sit at rustic picnic tables with sweeping vineyard views.
We ended our shoot here as the sun dipped behind the hills. Marisa and Rob toasted their anniversary overlooking the land that had quietly stolen their hearts. It was spontaneous, honest, and full of love—just like them.
Their Story in Motion: A Film from Santo Stefano
In addition to the photos, we created a video capturing Marisa and Rob’s time in Santo Stefano—a moving memory of their anniversary, laughter, and love in the vineyards. The stillness of the hills, the clinking of glasses, the soft footsteps through vineyard paths—it all comes to life on screen, preserving the feeling of this unforgettable experience.
Planning Your Prosecco Hills Photoshoot
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, elopement, or engagement, the Prosecco Hills offer one of Italy’s most enchanting backdrops. From quiet towns like Santo Stefano to iconic views in Conegliano or Valdobbiadene, this region blends timeless beauty, Italian warmth, and the sparkle of celebration.
Ready to book your photoshoot on the Prosecco Hills?
