Wedding in Georgia: Sophia Loren’s Son Marries His Chosen One in Mtskheta

Photo: ambebi.ge

On July 26, 2025, conductor Carlo Ponti, son of actress Sophia Loren, married Georgian fitness trainer Mariam Sharmanashvili in a closed wedding ceremony at the historic Samtavro Monastery in Mtskheta, Georgia’s ancient capital. According to RBC, the area was briefly closed to tourists for 40 minutes.

As reported by Ambebi.ge, the choice of location held deep spiritual meaning for the bride. Prior to the ceremony, Ponti converted from Catholicism to Orthodoxy and was baptized under the name David.

The Samtavro Monastery, founded in the 4th century and rebuilt multiple times, is one of Georgia’s most significant religious and architectural monuments. Its main cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex houses the tombs of King Mirian and Queen Nana, and Saint Nino once resided there. Today, Samtavro is a revered pilgrimage destination and a sought-after wedding location.

Carlo Ponti is the eldest son of Sophia Loren and producer Carlo Ponti Sr. He is a renowned conductor and the artistic director of the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra. Mariam Sharmanashvili is a Georgian citizen and professional fitness trainer. The couple met in 2021 on social media, with their first conversation sparked by a compliment from Ponti. Mariam only discovered his identity months later.

Their long-distance relationship eventually led to engagement after several international meetings. Ponti, who had never been married before, proposed with confidence. He is 56 years old; Mariam is 34. Carlo has two children from a previous relationship with a Hungarian violinist, and Mariam has a school-aged son.

During the ceremony, Ponti wore a dark suit incorporating elements of traditional Georgian dress. Mariam wore a light lace dress and veil. The wedding featured performances by singer Lika Evgenidze, opera stars Rati Durglishvili, Tamar Iveri, Nino Surguladze, and the band Mgzavrebi. Among the guests were artists such as Tako Chkheidze and Kristine Bagrationi with her husband.

The couple reportedly do not plan to live together full-time. Ponti will remain in the U.S. for work, while Sharmanashvili stays in Georgia, and they will maintain their relationship through regular visits. Official registration is scheduled for the fall in Switzerland. Mariam has already been invited to celebrate Sophia Loren’s 90th birthday in September. According to Ambebi.ge, Loren has approved of her son’s bride and plans to attend the Geneva ceremony.

Georgia remains a popular destination for foreign weddings. As noted by Nomos Georgia, the process is quick and accessible: couples need to be over 18, provide passports and notarized translations, and confirm their single status. Two witnesses and proof of legal presence in the country are also required.

Georgia’s breathtaking nature, hospitality, and cultural richness make it a top choice for unique wedding experiences — with far less bureaucracy.