A Breathtaking Elopement in Venice and Castle Brando
Venice, a city of romance and timeless beauty, set the stage for Ashley and Ross’s magical elopement. They chose this stunning destination for the first half of their day, weaving their love story through the city’s winding streets, serene boat rides, and sunlit squares. But the day didn’t end there. They then ventured into the enchanting Venetian mountains to exchange their vows at the majestic Castle Brando.
This isn’t just a story about a wedding; it’s about a grand adventure full of magic, intimacy, and unforgettable moments. Here's a walkthrough of Ashley and Ross’s extraordinary elopement day.
A Sunrise to Remember in Unforgettable Venice
Ashley and Ross reached out to me, knowing that they want to elope to Italy. Quickly it became clear that they want to spend some time of their Elopement Day in Venice. And to capture the city at its most peaceful and magical, they started their day early, very early.
Meeting before dawn, we strolled the quiet, empty streets of Venice, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. It felt as though time slowed down just for them. Their adventure began at the iconic St. Mark's Square, where a handful of people had also gathered, waiting to witness the first light of day.
When the sun’s first rays peeked over the horizon, the square became their stage. They danced, laughed, and we captured mesmerizing photos bathed in golden light. It’s not every day you get St. Mark’s Square almost all to yourself.
Hunger soon called, and we retreated to a quieter, tucked-away café, savoring pistachio croissants and coffee. A delicious treat and a chance to recharge for the adventures ahead.
A Boat Ride Across the Lagoon
Ashley changed into a cozy bridal jumper, ready for something truly amazing—a private boat tour through Venice’s enchanting lagoon. With the Sweet Molly, carving its way elegantly through the shimmering waters, we indulged in the beauty of Venice lagoon.
The relaxed vibe onboard allowed Ashley and Ross to take the helm, steering the boat while feeling the wind against their faces. Their route to Murano gave them breathtaking views of Venice from the water, each turn offering postcard-perfect scenery. We even had a little stop-over in Murano. Which was so peaceful.
Returning to St. Mark’s Square, they found the city had awakened. The crowds had arrived, but their escape to hidden alleys, hunting for irresistible focaccia sandwiches, marked a perfect transition to their next destination.
Into the Venetian Mountains and the Fairytale Castle Brando
For the second half of their elopement, Ashley and Ross left the bustling city behind. A peaceful drive took us to Castle Brando, nestled amidst the Venetian hills, about an hour away. This medieval marvel became their private hideaway for the rest of their incredible day.
Upon arrival, they slipped into their designated suite, a charming room steeped in history and elegance. Its vintage allure with all the fairytale feels made it the perfect space for getting ready. Even though this was their day, their loved ones weren’t entirely absent. They took a heartfelt moment to read letters from family back home, feeling their love and support despite the physical distance.
When it was time for the ceremony, Ashley and Ross created another magical memory with a tender first look on the staircase of the castle.
A Balcony Ceremony to Take Your Breath Away
The ceremony was held in a secluded spot the castle staff had reserved exclusively for them. Beneath the grand branches of a tree, on a balcony overlooking the rolling Venetian hills, Ashley and Ross promised each other forever.
The setting couldn’t have been more enchanting. The centuries-old stone castle behind them, the golden hues of the hills extending endlessly in the background, and the love in their voices made the moment pure magic.
A few more portraits were captured around the castle after the ceremony, every turn offering another glimpse of fairytale wonder, from hidden courtyards to ancient stairwells.
Closing the Day in Fairytale Style
After their vows and photos, Ashley and Ross concluded their day with a private dinner. A beautifully arranged table awaited them in the castle’s restaurant, designed to make their intimate celebration unforgettable.
The dreamy day closed as they retired to their luxurious suite, capturing the essence of their love and adventure. The medieval-style room, with its rich decor, made them feel as though they were living in a scene straight out of a storybook.
Ashley and Ross’s Venetian elopement was as much about the grand moments as it was about the small ones. From sunrise dances in St. Mark’s Square to the serene ceremony at Castle Brando, every moment felt like it belonged in a romance novel.
Create Your Own Unforgettable Elopement
Your wedding day should be nothing less than extraordinary, crafted with your dreams and love story at its heart. Whether in the timeless charm of Venice or the serene beauty of a medieval castle, the possibilities for creating magical memories are endless.
Interested in planning your own dream elopement in Italy or beyond? We’d love to help bring your vision to life, from the romantic locations to the smallest personal touches. Contact us today to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.
Thinking of Eloping in Italy?
If Ashley and Ross’s incredible elopement story has you dreaming of saying “I do” in Italy, we’ve got you covered! Italy offers countless breathtaking locations for couples, from the enchanting canals of Venice to timeless castles nestled in the countryside. Whether you're imagining an intimate ceremony in a historic city or amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, the possibilities are endless.
Need some inspiration to start planning your Italian elopement? Check out our comprehensive guide, Eloping in Italy — Ultimate Elopement Guide. It’s packed with tips, beautiful locations, and everything you need to know for a seamless and memorable elopement experience. Or Learn more about why Tuscany is the ideal spot for your elopement in our dedicated guide, Tuscany Elopement — The Perfect Place for Your Elopement. Discover the enchanting venues, local traditions, and insider tips to make your Tuscany elopement truly exceptional!
We’re here to turn your Italian elopement dreams into reality. Reach out to us today to begin crafting your perfect day in one of the most romantic destinations in the world! ✨
Thijsiena made our dream Italian wedding into a reality. Planning an elopement overseas can easily be overwhelming. She met with us multiple times in the months leading up to our big day to come up with a perfect timeline, and eliminate a lot of the stress.
We decided on the 12 hour package to get in as many locations as possible and it was worth every penny. We had morning photos in Venice to avoid the crowds, and exchanged our vows in a castle north of the city. She made the entire day a fun and stress free experience, and is truly a wonderful person to work with. Her passion and commitment to her work shows, and the results were incredible.
To say the photos are amazing is an understatement. Her candid style captured our big day in a natural way that can’t be replicated. We created a slideshow of our photos to play at our reception back home. Family and friends loved every one of them!
Thijsiena and Marina, we can not thank you enough. You captured our special day so perfectly. We will have memories for a lifetime.
If you are considering eloping, Way up High is the way to go! You will not regret it!!
Plan your Italy Elopement with me
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