Sofia Loren’s son, the famous conductor Carlo Ponti, and his Georgian fiancée Mariam Sharmanashvili got married on July 26 at the Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta. The star couple welcomed guests with a very special wedding celebration. Many important guests from Georgia, Italy, and other countries attended the ceremony.
In an exclusive interview with N13, Carlo and Mariam talked honestly about the wedding preparations, the ceremony itself, and the emotional, private side of their relationship.
They also spoke about the power of destiny and Carlo’s special connection with Georgia.
Every person’s life is like a book. But sometimes – when we are lucky and find our life partner – one shared story begins.
Here is Mariam and Carlo’s touching love story:
Chapter One: A Promise to My Mother
Mariam: Since I was a child, my mother always told me, “You are very lucky.” I believed her completely. Even during hard times, I never forgot her words. I think support and belief from a parent is the most precious gift in life. It gives us strength to move forward.
When I was 21, my mother passed away. It felt like I lost the ground under my feet. I wasn’t ready for that kind of pain.
Every time something difficult happens in life, I try to focus on something new. That helps me find strength. After my mother died, I started listening and learning to Georgian folk music – we both loved it. Later, this interest brought me and Carlo closer. It gave me peace, and I felt like I could still connect with my mom’s soul.
Even when she was unconscious in the hospital, I still had hope she would recover. I made a promise to her – that one day we would be happy. So after she left us, I tried to stay strong and live with more purpose.
Today, after everything, I am standing on my feet and living the promise I made to her. That makes me feel double happiness. I believe my mom is proud and shares this happiness with me.
Chapter Two: A Destiny Written on Social Media
Mariam: In 2019, I ended my marriage and decided to focus on myself. I started working on my career and my body. I became a fitness trainer and wanted to help other women feel stronger – both mentally and physically. In 2021, I was working as a pharmacy manager and studying to pass an important career exam.
Even though I had a clear plan, deep down I was still wishing to meet someone special. Sometimes you can’t stop your mind from dreaming.
One day, just for fun, a friend took some photos of me. I wanted one with a piano. I don’t really play piano, but it felt right. In the photo that later caught Carlo’s eye, I had no makeup. Maybe that’s why he liked it – it was natural and real.
Carlo: When I saw Mariam’s photo online, I was amazed. She was so beautiful. I stopped and looked again. Then I knew – I wanted to meet her. I wrote to her: “Bellissima!”
Our story is truly touched by fate. We met on Instagram. But I had been to Georgia before – maybe we could’ve met in real life. But in those times, we were living different lives.
I first visited Georgia in 2016, thanks to Nino Surguladze, who also sang at our wedding. Usually, when someone falls in love, there’s a special feeling. Maybe it’s beauty, maybe it’s a spark in their soul. You feel that you’ve met someone familiar – even if it’s the first time. That’s what happened when I saw Mariam’s photo.
She looked calm and elegant near the piano. At first, I even thought she was a pianist. I wanted to work together – that’s how I started the conversation.
Mariam: Carlo owns a music school in Los Angeles. He wrote to me from the school’s official page. So I didn’t know who I was really talking to. Usually admins manage those pages, and I thought it was the same here.
He later mentioned that a film made by my brother and mother was being considered for an Oscar. That got me curious. I asked who they were – and that’s when I found out the truth: I was talking to Carlo Ponti, son of Sofia Loren.
It was hard to believe. I called the friend who took my photos, and she told me to be careful – maybe someone is pretending. So I asked Carlo to send me a selfie. Instead, he suggested a video call. I usually don’t like video calls – but I said yes. I guess my curiosity was stronger.
Chapter Three: Step by Step – Falling in Love
Carlo: One week after we started talking, Mariam disappeared. I was surprised and worried. Maybe she lost interest? Maybe she was testing me? I couldn’t stop thinking about it. When we started talking again, I appreciated our connection even more. I felt lucky to find someone so special in such a big world.
Everything between us developed naturally – that’s how real love should be. A strong relationship needs two things: peace and comfort. It can start with passion, but without calm and safety, it won’t last. Mariam gave me that peaceful feeling from the beginning.
We met in March, and I came to Georgia in April. I had work in Los Angeles, but because of COVID rules, I couldn’t fly directly from Europe to the U.S. I had to stay in a third country for two weeks. So I chose Georgia. But the real reason for my visit was Mariam.
Before our first meeting, I was nervous. We had talked a lot, but real life is different. When I saw her at the airport, I felt the connection immediately. I was so happy. I couldn’t stop talking. Mariam just smiled and agreed with everything I said.
She drove me to my hotel and said we’d talk later. I was a little shocked – I thought she’d stay and have dinner with me!
Mariam: When I saw Carlo at the airport, I still wasn’t sure how I felt. Yes, we had good communication, but I didn’t know if I was truly ready.
I was excited, of course – it’s not every day you meet a great maestro! Carlo impressed me with his humility and kindness. Even though he is successful, comes from a famous family, and is a strong person, he never acts proud or better than others.
The same is true for his family. When I met Sofia Loren and lived with them for a while, I saw how simple and kind she is. She even teaches me Italian! Great people are usually humble – that’s what makes them even greater.
Chapter Four: Realizing It’s Love
Carlo: When I first came to Georgia, we took a short trip to Mtskheta and Borjomi. On the way, we stopped at Samtavro Monastery – that’s where we later got married.
Mariam wanted to pray for her mother’s soul. She covered her head, walked to the altar, and stayed silent for a moment. Then she went to Saint Gabriel’s grave. Watching her pray was very emotional. She looked so pure and peaceful. I started crying.
Mariam: Carlo already had feelings for me, but he’s from a different culture, so I was careful. I have deep love for Saint Gabriel, and I asked him to bless our relationship – if it was God’s will.
A few minutes later, outside the church, I saw tears in Carlo’s eyes. He hugged me and said he was very touched. He told me, “Now I know how much you mean to me.”
That was the moment I knew – he truly loved me.
Interview: Tatuli Gvinianidze
Photo: Frame me / Marina Karpiy
Event Organizer: Click Events / Click Wedding
