On my first trip to Rome seventeen years ago, I threw a lira in the Trevi fountain, hoping to return. This time, Matt and I both got to try it… with a euro of course and a tiny wish for it to come true once again.

Seventeen years ago I had the opportunity to study abroad as a Painting major in Florence, Italy. Now, to return, was quite possibly the best gift I could ever receive. And to get to explore the city with my husband was an inexplicable experience. Surprisingly, I still knew each alley and cobblestone corridor like the back of my hand and the city felt just as I had left it.

But I got to experience it all in such a different way, with new perspective and deep appreciation. We splurged on an amazing hotel room which overlooked the Ponte Vecchio — much different from Albergo Firenze, where I lived for 3 1/2 months as a student along with Kristin, a friend from back home who now is my sister-in-law. Florence was where I took my first photography classes and learned how to shoot with my Nikkormat camera – a gift given to me upon high school graduation from my Mom and Dad.

When I think about all of these things, I realize that this city was truly the beginning of something very big for me and very special for my family… for that I’m forever thankful.

To view the entire Florence gallery and purchase fine art prints, click here.

To view the full gallery and purchase fine art prints, click here.

Just before Thanksgiving, I got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with Matt to Italy while he was there on business. For the first part of the adventure, I spent three crisp fall days with camera in hand, simply getting lost in the streets of Milan.

(To view the full gallery and purchase fine art prints, click here. I’ll be posting more photos in that gallery throughout next week as well — including trips to Lake Como, Florence and Rome.)

If you’ve visited this blog in the past year, you’ve probably noticed a theme emerging: our frequent trips to the Serenbe community.

A few months ago, Matt and I actually realized a dream of ours: building a home there. In fact it has been more than a year of dreaming, planning and saving… which ultimately brought us to taking one giant leap of faith. We are more than thrilled; we are so very thankful and blessed. It will be such an amazing opportunity for Ali Harper Photography and I’m so looking forward to seeing where it all leads.

If you’re interested in following along, I’ve started a tumblr site here that details our home build adventure…