About


Hi! I'm Barbara Marcella... the girl behind
La Coltivata. 

I grew up taking summer trips visiting my family in a little town in the southern part of Campania, Italia. 

Italian was my first language and growing up I was surrounded by the culture and heritage with my family here at home in the United States.  

The marvelous food, traditions, my Nonno and Nonna's Vecchi Proverbi (Old Italian Proverbs), the music and culture became part of who I am. 

And I realized that I never wanted this beautiful part of me to fade away, in hopes of someday passing them onto my future children. 

Coltivare means to grow, a skill to use and develop. And so in a sense this little space is a piece of my heart. 

It's a place where I can grow, learn and share with you my Italian heritage through cooking, photography, and stories. 

I hope you'll stay a while. 


 Little things about me

I'm a Wedding and Portrait photographer... you can see what's on my mind and heart here:

I had the opportunity to teach Italian to little ones a few years ago... it was such a blessing to share my love for the language and culture to others.

All that I am, all that I have, and all that I could ever hope to be... I owe to Jesus Christ.

I can do all things through Christ which Strengtheneth me.
{Philippians 4:13}