It is no big surprise that I L-O-V-E surprises! One of the best I have ever pulled off was flying down to Buenos Aires, Argentina to surprise my husband, Lucas, for his Birthday when we were separated due to immigration issues (which of course I had filmed). Thus, when Lucas suggested we surprise his parents for New Year’s Eve in Buenos Aires I could not have been more excited. It was incredibly challenging not telling them for months that we were coming, since we could sense how sad they were thinking that we were in fact not visiting for the holidays. However, when we saw their faces in the moment that we surprised them, it was worth the anxiety that comes along with keeping a giant secret. I wanted to photograph the event, but unlike most Porteños, they arrived to the restaurant early and I was not yet camera ready. Picture this: millions of hugs and kisses, endless tears mixed with enormous smiles, and the happiest parents in the world.
My brother-in-law was our accomplice and without his parents awareness he planned an amazing New Year’s Eve celebration at the elegant restaurant La Parolaccia Del Mare in Puerto Madero. This is one of my favorite barrios in Buenos Aires due to two reasons: 1) it is the barrio in which we were married and 2) I love that it is located alongside the beautiful Rio de la Plata.
After lots and lots of toasting over champagne, our 3-course meal began being served. I ordered the tempura shrimp and the black ravioli. We each ordered a different dessert, so that we could taste a bite of them all.
This was my first time celebrating New Year’s Eve, my favorite holiday of the year, in Buenos Aires. I had no idea what to expect, although I could have been anywhere in the world, because all I wanted was a kiss at midnight from Lucas.
My biggest regret was not bringing my good camera. I debated for hours beforehand on whether or not I should and I definitely made the wrong decision in the end. Asi es la vida! Just before midnight, we all exited the restaurant and gathered next to thousands of others by the river. I was able to connect on Facetime with my family in the States, so that they could experience the moment too. In front of us was the most stunning view of el Puente de la Mujer, a bridge that is very special to Lucas and I. At midnight the fireworks began and did not end for thirty minutes.
Beginning of Fireworks
A Quick Kiss
Finale
To answer your question: I use the Canon G11 and my iPhone 4s, which I love. I will finally be shelling out the money for a dSLR this year, which I have avoided partly because it is hard to travel with kids and a big camera! Fun giveaway, Andi!
iPhones are the best, right? I just haven’t quite figured out how to use mine at night, hence the quality of the photos in this post. You will LOVE having a DSLR, it will literally change your life.
New Years in a different country……always a great idea!
Yes!!! It’s the best! 🙂
SO wonderful!! I have goosebumps imagining how THRILLED the parents were to see your dear faces beaming at them. 🙂
It was truly an AMAZING moment!!!!!! XO
I’ve always wanted to give someone a huge surprise like that, but can either never keep a secret, or don’t want to estropearlo! When I shoot, I use my LG L5 for Instagram and my trusty Canon, Camaron (named for the flamenco singer!)
Trust me, it’s hard for me to keep secrets, but oh the reward is the best! It’s worth the agony of holding the secret in!!! Love your Canon’s name!
You still got some great shots! I love your case, I wish they had a model for my phone 🙁 (Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus)
Gracias chica! I wish they had a case for your phone too. 🙁
You two are the image of pure happiness, bliss!
Would love to visit Buenos Aires one day & explore 😉
Glad to read you had a fab time with la familia
K xo
Awww thank you sweetheart!!! We feel like we’re definitely soulmates. You MUST visit BA, you must!!! TQM
I didn’t know your visit here was a surprise! I’ve surprised a couple people with visits over the years and it’s always so much fun. And New Year’s is my favorite holiday in Buenos Aires! From our terrace you can see people setting off fireworks all over the city. Really amazing. Plus *summer* New Year’s is fun, too! Sorry we didn’t get to meet up, but I’m sure we’ll have another chance somewhere, someday.
Si mama, a surprise!!! Yes, I agree surprises are sooo much fun! The anticipation can be agonizing though! How awesome that you can see the fireworks from your terrace. I’m sad we didn’t get to meet up either, this trip just went by too quickly. Next time for sure!
That photo is fabulous, I love it so much! I’ll have to add it to my ‘wedding photo list’ 🙂
Awww thanks love! Your wedding is going to be amazing!!!
Seems like NYE was too much full of awesome for you. Wish you the same days for 2013!
P.S. That iPhone case is just so darn sexy! It totally suits your personality. Loved it. Definitely getting one =)
It was beyond awesome! THANK YOU!!! I wish the same for you as well. Awww you’re too sweet to say that re: case! You’re going to love yours.
So jealous! I love B.A… I seriously couldn’t eat enough dulce de leche & queso and membrillo last time I was there!
Hahahaha me too, it’s the best!!!!!
I took my Nikon D3000 with me to Australia, but since then, I’ve mostly used an iPhone 4 as it’s much lighter and easier to take along anywhere!
Agree, the iPhone rocks!!!!!
What a sight to see the fireworks in Buenos Aires – thanks for sharing videos!!
It really was beyond amazing!!!
I also loved Puerto Madero when I was there… I felt so safe and happy there, and I met some really nice people who took my photo while I was traveling by myself.
And don’t regret that you didn’t bring your good camera… you have incredible memories, and the way you captured them doesn’t matter… the memory can be coloured in the style of the capture… a little grainy and super romantic!
xo
It’s such a great barrio!!! Definitely safe! Thanks for the moral support, you’re right who cares how the pictures came out? XO
I love surprises as well – sounds like great fun!
They are so much fun to plan right?
That last smartphone cover is awesome … I’d love to make it and gift it to my lover. Thanks for sharing such wonderful information and all pictures as usual amazing.
Ooooh I hope you do that as a present, how sweet!!! Thank you so much for your kind words, they mean so much!
What a fabulous surprise for New Years, it looks like you guys had a lovely time! Cheers to a wonderful 2013!:-)
Thank you so much!!! Cheers to you as well!
You are adorable regardless of which camera you used! The best camera is the one you have with you 🙂
Thank you so much my sweet camera queen! 🙂
OMG that case is amazing!
Isn’t sooo cool?
I usually use my iPhone 4s. The camera is waaay better than I even hoped it would be.
I agree, the camera is amazing on the iPhone!
Wow what a night and what a case!
Yes and yes!
Nice article. Thank you very much for posting this.. 🙂
You’re welcome Ben!
That looked like one of the greatest New Years celebrations ever!! How fun!
I use my iPhone or my Canon but I’m way better at using my iPhone than those fancy schmanze cameras. But your pictures are gorgeous!!
It was BEYOND amazing!!! We will definitely celebrate more NYE in BA! Thanks for your sweet words. Shooting with an iPhone is fun!
P.S. I REALLY hope I win!!! I never win anything!!! (no, seriously! I never do!!)
Fingers crossed!!!!
What a NYE!!!!!
We will never ever forget it!
Thanks for sharing your post – it looks like you had a blast! I’ve never traveled anywhere during the holidays – always just in the summer. I’ll need to change that after reading your blog! Thanks again, and your pictures are fabulous!
We had SUCH a blast!!! You should definitely travel during the holidays it’s so much fun. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Pingback: Ask Andi Anything + Giveaway (Part 10) | My Beautiful Adventures
Pingback: Celebrating New Year's Eve In Barbados | My Beautiful Adventures