Pinini Recipes

The concept–
How It All Started

Some guestbooks collect signatures—ours collected recipes. Pinini Recipes began as a way to make our wedding more personal, a book filled with the flavors and memories of the people who made our day special. Along with our invitations, we sent out blank recipe cards, asking guests to share a dish that meant something to them—whether it was their own, their grandmother’s, or one passed down through generations. The response was overwhelming.

Each recipe became a piece of our wedding story, an extension of the people we love and the meals that bring us together.

A Labor of Love–
The Making of the Book

During the pandemic, this project became more than just a book—it became a way to stay connected. I spent countless hours testing each recipe, photographing the dishes, and designing the pages to turn Pinini Recipes into something truly special.

Working on this cookbook during lockdowns allowed me to engage with friends and family in a different way. We weren’t able to gather in person, but through food, we still shared something meaningful. It was a deeply personal process—one that strengthened my love for food photography, design, and the stories behind every dish.

The Finished Book and Wedding Raffle

After months of work, the final book was something I was incredibly proud of—a beautifully designed collection of recipes from our closest friends and family. To celebrate, we raffled off a hardcover copy at our wedding, with all proceeds going to a cause in honor of my late father-in-law. It was a moment of joy, laughter, and a reminder that food has always been about more than just nourishment—it’s about connection.

Giving Back: Proceeds from the raffle supported ShatterProof, honoring my late father-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s memories.

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Sweet Reads: A Literary Cookbook