Love is not just about romance—it’s about family, culture, and the connections we nurture over time. For Marnee and Massimo, love took them from Canada to Italy, from a chance meeting at an Italian restaurant in Toronto to building a life and business together in Puglia. This February, as we celebrate Amore, we dive into their story of love, self-discovery, and their shared passion for food, travel, and authentic Italian experiences.
Where were you born and raised? (2:33)
Marnee: I’m from Ottawa, Canada. I moved to Toronto for my career, which is where I met Massimo. He was already in Canada as an immigrant from Italy.
Massimo: I was born in Bari, Puglia. I moved to Canada in 2001, initially to help my aunt with her restaurant. I ended up staying for 23 years before we returned to Italy in 2023.
How did you two meet? (7:21)
Marnee:
“Sometimes, the most unexpected nights change your life forever.”
It all started at my aunt’s restaurant, Seven Numbers, a happening place in Toronto. I had no plans to go out that night, but a friend convinced me. Little did I know, I was about to meet my future husband!
Massimo was our waiter, and at one point, I was showing my friend a sapphire ring that had belonged to my grandmother. Massimo noticed and jokingly grabbed my hand to inspect “the hardware.” That was our first spark. When I responded in Italian, he was taken aback.
Massimo: That moment was special. I wasn’t expecting her to speak Italian, and the chemistry was instant. By the next day, I didn’t wait three days to call—I called her immediately. That’s how our love story began.
What drew you to Italy, Marnee? (14:10)
Marnee:
“True beauty takes time. And sometimes, that beauty is discovering yourself.”
My first trip to Italy in 1999 was life-changing. Standing at the base of the Duomo in Florence, I had a moment of realization—true beauty takes time. That experience helped me embrace my self-worth and changed my perspective on life. Italy gave me back to myself.
Italy was always a place that called to me. Even before meeting Massimo, I had a deep connection to the country. The art, the culture, the way people take their time to enjoy life—it all resonated with me. When I finally moved here, I felt as though I had returned home, not just to a country, but to myself.
Why did you decide to move back to Italy? (21:22)
Massimo: We always planned to return, but it was our daughter, Francesca, who made the final decision. The pandemic played a role in shaping her perspective. With school disruptions and fewer deep social ties in Canada due to lockdowns, she became more open to change. She told us she was ready for something new, and that was our sign. In 2023, at 14, she told us she was ready. That was our sign. Within months, we packed up our life in Canada and moved to Puglia.
Marnee:
“Life doesn’t wait for you to be fully ready—sometimes, you just have to leap.”
It happened so fast! We sold 80% of our belongings and transitioned from a four-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment. It was a leap of faith, but we knew it was the right move.
What does La Tavola mean to you? (44:04)
Massimo: In Italy, La Tavola (the table) is sacred. It’s where family gathers, where memories are made.
Meals aren’t just about food; they’re about connection.
That’s something we’ve carried into our lives and businesses.
Sitting around the table is about more than eating—it’s a ritual, a moment to slow down, to engage, and to be present. In Canada, I hosted supper clubs, bringing people together to share authentic meals. Now, in Italy, we continue that tradition in a different way.
Tell us about your businesses. (35:58)
Marnee: I run La Bellezza Experience, where I guide women on transformational journeys in Italy through beauty, coaching, and personal development. My leadership work continues remotely, allowing me to split my time between Italy and other parts of Europe.
Massimo: I’ve transitioned from being a chef in Canada to running immersive culinary and travel experiences in Italy. I now organize tours across Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia, and Tuscany. I also offer private chef services for visitors in Puglia.
What is your definition of an Expat? (53:23)
Marnee: I personally don’t identify as an expat because Italy has always felt like home to me. I believe an expat is someone who chooses to live in another country for an extended period, often bringing their cultural background with them while adapting to a new environment. For us, moving to Italy was about fully integrating into the culture rather than just residing here temporarily.
Massimo: I see an expat as someone who moves abroad but remains connected to their original culture while embracing a new way of life. In our case, we straddle both worlds—we are fully immersed in Italian life while maintaining relationships and professional connections in Canada.
What do you miss about Canada when in Italy and vice versa? (59:57)
Massimo: I miss the multicultural food scene in Toronto. Also, hosting my Supper Club was special, and who knows, maybe I’ll bring it to Puglia one day! More than anything, I miss the friends and community we built over two decades.
Marnee: I miss my family and lifelong friends, but with technology and visits, we stay connected. One thing we don’t miss? The Canadian winter! The blue skies here in Italy are incredible, and February no longer feels like a struggle to get through.
At the same time, when we’re in Canada, we miss the sea, the fresh ingredients, and the way time slows down in Italy. The lifestyle here allows for more presence, more time spent together, and that is something we deeply value.
Reflections on Love, Life, and Change
Marnee and Massimo’s journey is one of love—not just for each other, but for Italy, for food, for culture, and for a way of life that prioritizes connection. Their story highlights the deep emotional ties that can exist between a person and a place. It also reminds us that love is found not only in relationships, but in the decisions we make and the way we choose to live.
Their move to Italy wasn’t just about relocation; it was about embracing a philosophy of life. One where time is cherished, meals are shared, and every day is an opportunity to live fully. Through their work, they now help others experience this beauty firsthand—whether it’s through the personal transformation of La Bellezza Experience or the joy of Italian food and travel with Massimo’s tours.
For anyone who has ever dreamed of making a big change, their story serves as inspiration.
“With courage, timing, and a little bit of serendipity, life can unfold in ways we never expected.”
To learn more, visit their websites:
La Bellezza Experience
Marnee Bruno
Massimo Bruno
