Friday 17 September 2010

1955: The Look of Love

It was instant, eternal love through a mirror.

Special effects of photo above generated by tuxpi.com


The young man immediately knew when he saw the beautiful young girl in the reflection of the mirror, that she would be his wife.

Joined up photos of Lucia and Emidio in 1955, with special effects from tuxpi.com

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the handsome face in the mirror in front of her.

In one timeless second, their love was sealed.

It was 1955, in Abruzzo Italy.

Within 5 days my father had proposed and then, he left her.

For England.

A few months later, my father married my mother.

He was in England, working on the farm on his special day.

My mother was in Italy.



She wore a beautiful wedding outfit.


A wedding ceremony was held in her village with family and friends.

My uncle stood in as a proxy for my father.
As a child I always wondered why my mother had a picture with everyone but my father on her wedding day on September 1st.

She joined my father in England on September 17th 1955.


They have lived in England ever since.

They always celebrate 17th September as their true anniversary.


Unchained Melody, this version sung by the Righteous Brothers, was their song in 1955.




"Come Prima" is a classic Italian love song. This English version here is sung by the famous American/Italian singer Mario Lanza. I would like to dedicate "Come Prima" to my parents, who I hope will read my blog post today and "feel like the first time" they met, 55 years ago.



Events in 1955
You Tube Time Machine (YTTM) is a cool site which shows you a selection of videos of what was happening in any given year that you choose. Click on the link to find out what was happening in 1955.

I have created a Wordle which contains a romantic quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Can you unjumble the words? You can find the answer to this quote at the bottom of the post.



A final message to my amazing parents. Have a wonderful celebration! I will be thinking of you from here in Abruzzo.

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking in the same direction."

9 comments:

popps said...

I agree 1955 was an EXCELLENT year - now, more importantly, where was this mirror and how did they both end up looking in it at the same time;
This ws 1955 and i know enough about 1955 to believe that neither of them were in the other's toilet using the mirror by the wash basin.
Your readers demand to know more!
ps congrats

Janet Bianchini said...

Well, to cut a long story short, my mother was working as an apprentice seamstress in a friend's house. My father happened to visit the house that day as he knew the friend as well.

All I know is there was a mirror somewhere, which looked into where my mother was sewing. My father could see her, and somehow she could see him, secretly. They liked what they saw and the rest is history...

This mirror was their destiny. My mother talked about it yesterday when I rang her and she told me this post had made her and my father very happy, and it had brought back vivid memories of that eventful day, which was to change her life forever.

Shelly Terrell said...

How absolutely lovely, Janet! I love the beautiful pictures and music you share. Your blog reads like a story unfolding. Thank you for adding loveliness to my day by sharing your parents' story.

Janet Bianchini said...

Thank you, Shelly for your lovely words.

My parents' story is a very romantic one, and goes to prove that true love at first sight can exist. I'm so glad that you like their story :-)

Marisa said...

What a moving story your parent's meeting was! Thanks for sharing it! It's absolutely touching! The music and the pictures are lovely!It's the best present you could have given them for their anniversary!
Regards,
Marisa

Janet Bianchini said...

Hi Marisa

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! My parents appreciated this "digital" anniversary greeting very much.

The reason I wanted to do this post is because I am so grateful my mother was able to celebrate in style with the family this year.

She had a terrible accident in February 2009. We were told by brain specialists that she might not pull through. Her life hung in the balance for many weeks..

The past 19 months my mother has been bravely working towards full rehabilitation and she is making a brilliant recovery. That is why I wanted to do something special for her and my father to enjoy on their special day.

Marisa said...

I'm pleased to hear your mother has recovered. Your parents must feel proud of you.
Regards,
Marisa

Benedetta :D said...

oooo what a wonderful story!! I have never known it before, because even my granny Filomena never told me it :) I really enjoyed visiting Lucia and Emidio when I came in Oxoford this summer :)
See you soon :D

Janet Bianchini said...

Hello Benedetta

What a lovely surprise to see you here!! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment.

I hope you will show Aunty Filomena and Uncle this post so that they can remember that very unusual wedding party that they attended.

I look forward to seeing you again in person soon.

Take care

Janet