Ellie & Matt
A 2-day adventure elopement in the Dolomites, Italy
Itinerary of their Dolomites elopement
Due to Leave No Trace policy, the exact location names have to stay undisclosed
Day 1 – Monday – elopement day
7-8.30am: first meeting and lakeside photoshoot
At 8.30am, we’ll head to the mountain. On our way, we’ll stop at a lake for a short photoshoot.
We should arrive at the mountain around 10am. We’ll then take all the time we want to explore the area, take in all the beautiful spots and, of course, take amazing photos.
We’ll then drive back down for lunch on a lake depending on what attracts us the most!
Around 2pm, we’ll head to town and check-in into our hotel (Franceschi Park Hotel ****).
2.00-3.30pm: break to unwind
3.30-6.00pm: getting ready in your hotel room
4.00pm: I’ll meet you in your room for atmospheric photos
6.00-6.15pm: first look
6.15-6.30pm: driving to the florist + pizzeria
6.30-7.00pm: flower picking + takeout pizza at
7.00-7.30pm: drive up the mountain to the Pass
7.30-8.00pm: walk around the pass to find the perfect ceremony spot
8.00-8.30pm: ceremony at sunset
8.30-11.00pm: couple photoshoot (sunset + alpenglow + blue hour + stargazing) and pizza 🙂
9.08pm: sunset
11pm(ish): end of couple photos, back to the hotel
Day 2 – Tuesday
Leaving the hotel at 9.00am for a 1h drive to the Pass.
We’ll take photos at the pass for approximately 1 hour (from 10 to 11am).
We’ll then head to the mountain (30mn of driving). We’ll first drive to the cable cars. We should arrive at the mountain for lunch, around 12.00pm. We’ll eat on top of the mountain and take photos there.
At around 2.00pm, we’ll go back down and head to a small village for a photoshoot with the beautiful villages and the mountains in the background. We should arrive around 3.00pm there and I allowed 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive around and take photos.
Around 4.30pm, we’ll drive to the mountaintop (the road opens at 5.00pm) and check-in at your hotel
Break until 8.00pm (you can eat before we go for our last photoshoot!) then couple photoshoot in and around the meadows from 8.00 to 9.30pm.
9.30pm: end of our adventure!
What they have to say about their adventure
I cannot believe I have not posted a review for Ambre yet- we just celebrated our first anniversary June 21st, 2023!
I don’t know how I would ever be able to use words in any language to describe the absolute fantasy that Ambre created made into a reality for us. When I first contacted Ambre I never thought we would actually be able to make things work with our time frame and financial limits. From the get-go Ambre was immediately kind, gracious, and responsive. She offered a complimentary zoom call and we told her of our misgivings, but Ambre was sure she would be able to make the magic happen. After this initial meeting she quickly organized an adventure based on our vision and we knew then how special this would turn out.
Ambre embodies the true meaning of adventure photography and has all the skills to make her the best of the best. Her previous employment positions ensure travel expertise, excellent planning, multilingual, and experience of knowing what does and doesn’t work. She is meticulous down to the last detail, gifted with creativity, and flexible enough to roll with the punches while all the while helping her couples to feel secure and peaceful.
The time we spent with Ambre were the most enchanting two days I have ever experienced. We became close with Ambre in such a short time and I cannot wait until we are able to recreate our charming journey! We will never be able to repay Ambre for not only the spellbinding photos she created but for the unforgettable and once in a lifetime affair that we will cherish always in our hearts.
Reflections on the day
Ellie and Matt’s Dolomites elopement was a blend of adventure, emotion, and awe-inspiring landscapes. They were looking for something truly unique, off the beaten path, and when I suggested the Dolomites in Italy, with its towering peaks, serene valleys, and secluded villages, they knew it was the perfect destination.
With just two months to plan, I crafted an itinerary that balanced stunning locations with intimate moments. From sunrise to sunset, they wanted to experience the magic of the Dolomites, and I made sure their day was filled with unforgettable stops. On the morning of their Dolomites elopement, we met by a beautiful lake for some “engagement” photos, the deep blue water and surrounding mountains creating a serene atmosphere.
As we journeyed further into the mountains, we made several stops along the way, each more breathtaking than the last. We hiked through valleys and along rivers, with the iconic Tre Cime towering in the distance. The connection to nature was powerful, and we all felt it as we trekked through the wilderness, chatting and soaking in the beauty of the Dolomites.
When it was time to get ready for the ceremony, Ellie and Matt kept things personal. Ellie did her own hair and makeup, while Matt got dressed and waited eagerly. Despite the rain, they were determined to make their Dolomites elopement everything they had dreamed of. We drove up to the pass, the rain easing as we arrived. The first look was nothing short of magical—Matt stood on a ridge surrounded by mountains, and when Ellie tapped him on the shoulder, he turned around with tears in his eyes. It was an emotional, intimate moment with only the mountains as witnesses.
We chose the perfect spot for their ceremony, with mountains fading into the distance, wrapped in soft clouds. As Ellie and Matt exchanged their vows, it felt like the world stood still, nature holding its breath for their words. I helped them with a handfasting ceremony, using lace from Ellie’s dress, and we stood quietly, taking in the majestic views.
The next day was another adventure, filled with stops across the Dolomites. One highlight was Seceda, a dramatic cliffside that we had all been excited to see. When we arrived, thick fog covered everything. We waited patiently, and finally, the clouds lifted, revealing Seceda in all its glory. It felt like a scene from a dream—so beautiful, it was hard to believe it was real. We captured as many photos as we could before the fog returned, and then ended the day with a sunset photoshoot surrounded by the iconic wooden chalets of Alpe di Siusi.
Ellie and Matt’s Dolomites elopement was a truly unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, love, and the unmatched beauty of the Italian Alps.
Behind the scenes of their Dolomites elopement
A short anecdote: During this couple’s vows, the biggest storm rolled in, cutting our post-ceremony shoot short. We had dinner in the car, but were rewarded by a family of foxes wandering around once the storm passed! A wild, unforgettable moment!
This elopement won 5 international photography awards
Photos of this Dolomites elopement
