When Marina and Matt first reached out to me, they told me they wanted to elope somewhere incredible. They wanted something that felt adventurous and intentional but also peaceful and intimate. After dreaming up a few ideas, they decided to travel from California all the way to northern Italy to elope in the Dolomites.

They planned not only to exchange vows in the mountains but also to spend the following weeks exploring Italy as their honeymoon. From the very first email, I knew their day was going to be something special.

A Foggy Morning at the Lake

We met early in the morning when everything was so quiet and foggy. It was cold, the lake was completely still, and the mountains were just barely peeking through the fog. Marina and Matt got ready nearby, and then we headed down for their first look right by the water.

It was one of those moments that felt straight out of a movie. The fog was getting denser and the lighting was so perfect. When Matt turned around and they saw each other for the first time and just laughed and hugged and took it all in.

Want to learn more about adding a first look into your own big day? Check out my blog all about First Looks!

Out on the Water

After that, we grabbed one of the adorable little wooden rowboats and rowed out into the fog. You could barely see the other side of the lake, and it gave everything such a cool, moody vibe. The blue of the water against the white fog was unreal, honestly one of my favorite parts of the day.

Up to the Mountains

Once we wrapped up at the lake, we started driving deeper into the Dolomites. The drive itself is beautiful, with winding roads and cute little alpine towns around every corner. Eventually, we made it to Seceda and took the gondola up the mountain.

The second we got to the top, the fog completely cleared and it turned into the most perfect sunny day. Blue skies, warm light, and that fresh mountain air that just feels so good to breathe in.

Marina and Matt ran around the grass fields with cowbells ringing in the distance, laughing the entire time. It was one of those moments that felt carefree and happy and exactly what eloping should be.

Vows on the Cliff

When we found a quiet spot on the edge of the cliffs, they exchanged their vows. It was simple, sweet, and so them. Just the two of them surrounded by mountains, saying their promises while the sun warmed us.

There’s something about the Dolomites that makes every moment feel a little extra magical.

Sunset in the Valley

After exploring Seceda, we drove down to this small church tucked into a valley surrounded by green hills. The light at sunset was absolutely perfect, everything glowing gold with the green rolling hills around us and the mountains in the distance.

They finished their vows there as the sun went down, and it was the most peaceful ending to the most beautiful day.

The Perfect Way to Elope

Marina and Matt’s day was everything an elopement should be. Relaxed, meaningful, full of laughter and adventure. They didn’t worry about schedules or expectations, they just focused on being together and soaking up every single moment.

That’s what I love so much about elopements. You get to create a day that’s completely about the two of you and what makes you happiest. And if you can do that surrounded by the Dolomites? Even better.

Thinking About Your Own Destination Wedding or Elopement?

A destination wedding or elopement is such a perfect way to check off a bucket list location and celebrate this huge moment in your lives. And in 2025 elopements are becoming more popular then ever! The best part is that your day can look like absolutely anything you want it to. Whether you are hiking around the Dolomites like Marina and Matt, sipping cocktails on a beach in Greece, or exploring somewhere totally different, you get to make it your own.

You can make your elopement as relaxed or as adventurous as you want. Remember, this is your day. It should feel like you.

Two recent elopements I photographed show just how different and personal these days can be. Sarah and Stu’s elopement took place on safari in Tanzania surrounded by wild landscapes and golden sunsets. You can check out that blog here: A Safari Wedding in Tanzania. Then there was Hallie and Jay, who chose something completely opposite, a day on the beaches of Mykonos and exploring the town, with incredible food, turquoise water, and a boat ride along the coast. You can check out their elopement here: A Romantic Mykonos Elopement.

Every couple’s story looks different, and that is what makes it so special. When you are planning your own day, focus on what makes you happy. Do what you love, go where you feel most alive, and make it meaningful to the two of you.

Many of my couples like to have a big wedding with family, but then also do an elopement to celebrate their love just the two of them! And why not? You can have both! You can learn more about having a wedding AND an elopement here: Can I have both a wedding and an elopement.

I love helping my couples dream up and plan the perfect day that feels true to them. If you are thinking about your own destination elopement, I would love to help you create something amazing.

Review From the Bride

“Julia was an absolute dream to work with for our elopement in the Italian Dolomites. From the very beginning, she was professional, creative, and incredibly easygoing—exactly the kind of energy you want on such an important day. My husband and I aren’t usually comfortable in front of the camera, but Julia made the entire experience feel natural and fun as we explored the stunning mountain landscapes together.

Her eye for detail and ability to capture genuine emotion truly blew us away. Every photo tells a story and reflects the love and joy we felt throughout the day.

If you’re planning an elopement abroad, I highly recommend booking Julia for more than one day to have extra time at each location and get an even greater variety of breathtaking shots. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and will treasure these photos forever.” -Marina