Italians come alive when they gather together to share a meal. Food & family, family & food… that is what life is all about. My Mother-in-Law always said “non si invecchia a tavola” which means “you don’t grow old at the table”, a beautiful saying to encourage us to linger longer on Sunday afternoons, perhaps indulging in yet another pastry as we drain the dregs of our post lunch espresso.
Memories of those wonderful family get-togethers came flooding back last Sunday when four generations gathered together to celebrate their beloved Gianna’s ninetieth birthday. The location was Lupolab in Mt Hawthorn, but as I moved around documenting the festivities the smells from the table took me straight back to Italy.
I could see the joy radiating from her sweet face, how much Nonna Gianna enjoyed feasting with her beautiful family. Her brother, children, grand children, great grand children & not forgetting all the in-laws! So hard to get a shot without an arm or hand reaching across the table to grab some more bread or salumi or wine. There is such a fabulous vibe when Italians gather like this. Laughter, exclamations, kisses… all punctuated with mouthfuls of food & wine.
I did feel a little envious. This family had thought to book a photographer to make sure they had more than just memories. I am quite sure that one of these clever peeps will make a photobook so that the good times, along with the fabulous flowers, cake & biscotti that had been lovingly prepared in honour of Nonna Gianna, will never be forgotten. If only I had a collection of similar photographs from just one of our lunches!
