Catherine Tondelli experienced a life-changing moment at the Trevi Fountain in Rome when she met Fausto Mezzana, the man she would eventually marry. On a summer evening in 1999, while embracing the Italian tradition of tossing three coins into the fountain, Catherine’s wish for love unfolded in a way she could never have anticipated.
Standing with her mother, Mary Lee, Catherine was captivated by the breathtaking sight of the fountain’s marble figures illuminated by the moonlight. “Suddenly, there it was — a massive, breathtaking fountain,” Catherine recounted. Her mother encouraged her to throw the coins, suggesting that this ritual might lead to meeting someone special. With a smile, Catherine tossed the coins over her shoulder, only to be interrupted by a voice advising her to use her left hand for the wish to come true.
Turning around, she encountered Fausto, an Italian stranger who would soon prove to be a significant presence in her life. The two exchanged stories, with Fausto explaining the symbolism of the coins: the first represents a return to Rome, the second signifies finding love in the city, and the third promises marriage to a Roman. Their connection was instant; “There was an immediate connection… ‘colpo di fulmine’ in Italian, which means ‘love at first sight’,” said Catherine.
As the evening progressed, Fausto offered to show Catherine and her mother around Rome, leading to an unforgettable night filled with laughter and shared stories. Fausto, who worked for an Italian airline and had a passion for acting, found Catherine enchanting. “The first impression, for me, was the beauty,” he reflected.
Their enchanting evening continued with a drive through Rome, where Fausto pointed out iconic landmarks, including the Coliseum. Despite initial hesitations, both Catherine and her mother felt an undeniable pull toward Fausto. By the end of the night, after hours of conversation, they shared a kiss under the hotel window, marking the beginning of a whirlwind romance.
Days after returning to California, Catherine received a surprise plane ticket from Fausto, inviting her back to Italy for four days. After negotiating some time off from her job at a cosmetics company, she accepted the offer. The visit confirmed their feelings for each other, and they committed to a long-distance relationship, alternating visits between California and Rome.
Catherine’s decision to move closer to Fausto was influenced by her work opportunities. She accepted a marketing position in London, believing that it would enable more frequent visits to Rome. While her friends expressed doubts about her relationship, her mother supported her decision, recognizing the joy Fausto brought to Catherine’s life.
Catherine moved to London on August 10, 2000, and soon found herself making regular trips to Rome. The couple’s connection deepened, and conversations about their future began to emerge. Both had aspirations for a family, but as time passed, they embraced the idea of a fulfilling life together, regardless of whether they had children.
In a poignant moment, Fausto expressed his desire for Catherine to move to Rome permanently. “He said, ‘I would like to spend the rest of my life with you,’” Catherine remembered. Soon after, she secured a job in Rome and moved in 2002, where they bought a house together.
The couple married in September 2004 in Vitorchiano, a picturesque medieval town in Italy, surrounded by family. Their bond remained strong, and they continue to support one another in their professional pursuits. Catherine runs her own meeting and event agency, while Fausto works as an actor and musician.
Today, over 25 years since their first meeting at the Trevi Fountain, Catherine and Fausto live together in Rome. Although they did not have children, they cherish their life together, filled with shared interests and mutual respect. “Sometimes wishes come true,” Catherine said, reflecting on the fateful night that led to their enduring love. They often recreate their first photo taken at the fountain, celebrating the magic of that evening and the journey they have shared since.
