Shutterbugs in Love!

Written by Allison Hopkins for Très Fabu Event Planning and Design 

CinZo Photography

The biggest smiles are behind the camera.

It all started in San Francisco in 2007 when he spotted her and couldn’t keep his eyes away, though she seemed not to notice. ‘He’ was Lorenzo Bartone; ‘she’ was Cindi Kinney. Two people with a true passion for capturing life. They were both attending a wedding photography seminar and he waited by the hotel entrance, approached her, and offered to assist her on a wedding shoot. A successful plan!

Lorenzo and Cindi lived two hours apart and endured a long distance relationship for about a year, until Cindi moved in with Lorenzo.

“I remember walking in his house for the first time and thinking who is this guy with this amazing art that he's photographed,” says Cindi. “He had the most loving sweet dog named Phoebe and I had a cat named Phoebe—many similarities!”

Shortly after moving in together, the couple made long-term plans.

“We decided that, not being kids anymore, we’d do this with full commitment,” says Lorenzo. “On Christmas Eve, while Cindi was making a sandwich, she cut her finger, requiring a trip to the ER (where we spent the entire day). This changed my plans for asking her to marry me—at least the ‘ring’ part—as the finger next to her ring finger had a bandage the size of a banana on it. The next morning (Christmas morning), I asked to see the bandaged finger and placed a ring on the other one, asking first, of course.”

Along with the ring, the wedding, and the joining of families, came CinZo Photography—the combination of two talented professionals with the ability to offer clients the best of both worlds. Cindi’s background focuses on portraiture and Lorenzo’s on advertising and product work, while both share a love for wedding photography. Cindi has been photographing weddings for more than twenty years. They come as a package deal for their brides and grooms, and with their dual American/Italian citizenship, they can work in Italy and the European community.

“We seem to work together effortlessly,” says Lorenzo. “Our strengths and weaknesses complement each other perfectly. Cindi is more in touch with the emotional side of people; I’m a highly experienced studio/advertising photographer (used to teach lighting). She’s a better editor and a terrific designer. I spent a year at Apple helping with virtual reality research, so I’m pretty technically capable.”

The couple resides in Auburn, California in a lovely old home on lots of land. Cindi’s favorite: a fireplace in the bedroom and bathroom! The décor includes her large collection of various small hearts—made of metal, wood, and stone (many of the rocks have been found on their hikes by the river). She also has photographs and paintings of hearts.

What’s in store for this Valentine’s Day? Cindi and Lorenzo plan to enjoy a hike and a romantic dinner. 

“Cindi is the most loving, thoughtful person I’ve ever met,” says Lorenzo. “Sincere, completely who she seems to be, never superficial or two-faced. Always genuine; always sweet and loving.”

“He cooks for me,” says Cindi. “I had always wanted to marry a cook! He never really knew he was so talented in the kitchen until he had someone (me!) to appreciate his cooking. It's just so nice at this time in my life to have a partner who shares in almost everything I do. It's a great feeling of support. We ham and egg it amazingly well, which allows us each to do the things we love.”

Future plans? To travel through America during the slow months, photographing the ‘personalities’ along the way. Lorenzo began this project many years ago and the couple would love to eventually complete the book.

Grazie: an Italian word meaning thanks/gratitude.

Lorenzo and Cindi included this word on their wedding announcements.

It’s a term that is kept close to their hearts. 

Together; www.CinZoPhoto.com

His; www.bartonephotography.com

Hers; www.CindiHeartstrings.com

Phone: 707.206.5531