How to take your adventurous international elopement to the next level? Find a stunning place to say “I do” in total solitude.
Roxanne + Craig chose the banks of Lake Braies and the surrounding snowcapped mountains of the Italian Dolomites for their private wedding day, and they timed it so they were absolutely alone with the breathtaking landscape completely to themselves
“Choosing to elope instead of having a traditional wedding was a deeply personal and meaningful decision for us,” the couple says. “We wanted an experience that reflected our intimate and adventurous nature, a day that was solely about us, free from the conventions and pressures of a formal ceremony.”
Led by photographers Emanuele and Federica of In Bianco e Nero, Roxanne + Craig filled a spectacular day at La Palafitta with early morning lakeside vows, plenty of jaw-dropping portraits, and a super cute mountaintop picnic.
“Ultimately, our elopement was a celebration of everything that truly matters to us,” Roxanne + Craig say, “a private and personal experience that reflected our unique love story.”
“To ensure that no one else was there for our ceremony, we spoke with our photographers who informed us about a fantastic option available at Lake Braies,” the couple remembers. “The lake offers the possibility to reserve exclusive access for an hour and a half at dawn, before it opens to the general public. This option immediately appealed to us.”
“We thought it was a wonderful idea, not only because it allowed us to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world completely alone but also because it added a sense of solemnity and intimacy to our vow exchange, a moment of utmost importance to us. The early morning light is magical, and having the breathtaking location all to yourselves truly enhances the experience, making it even more unforgettable and personal.”
It’s amazing the way that the right wristwatch can totally make a groom’s outfit.
Also, pro tip: They make a great wedding day groom gift!
Details like this delicate dried floral boutonniere prove that Roxanne + Craig came prepared for their overseas elopement. If you want to keep long distance planning + vendors to a minimum, dried florals are a perfect alternative to the traditional fresh-cut version because you can buy them ahead at home and (carefully!) pack them in your suitcase!
Craig’s brown tweed groom look from Studiosuits totally set the old world romantic tone for the day.
How beautiful is Roxane’s low back bell sleeve boho wedding dress from Candler Budget Bridal!
A Lakeside Ceremony
Feel like pouring your heart out on paper for your soulmate like Roxanne + Craig did? Not sure where to start? We’ve got you! Take a look at our super helpful vow-writing guide!
Roxanne rocking the dried floral bouquet! Not only are dried florals convenient, they’re also a wonderful eco-friendly wedding option.
So charmed by the sweet gold and white floral hair accessory in Roxanne’s effortlessly beautiful half up half down bridal hairstyle.
Our Favorite Memory
When reflecting on the most memorable moments of our wedding day, two experiences stand out vividly, each unique and unforgettable in its own way.
The first was exchanging our vows at dawn on the pier of Lake Braies. We had arranged for exclusive access to the lake, which allowed us to experience its serene beauty with no distractions. It felt as though we were in a world out of time, with only the tranquil waters and breathtaking surroundings to witness our vows. This private moment was magical and almost ethereal, allowing us to focus entirely on each other and the promises we were making.
The second unforgettable moment was our picnic. After a short but invigorating hike, we enjoyed a wonderfully relaxing picnic surrounded by majestic mountains. A few raindrops began to fall, adding to the magic of the scene and making it feel like we were in Middle-earth. This perfect blend of adventure and tranquility provided us with a chance to savor the day together in perfect harmony with nature.
These moments captured the essence of what our elopement was all about: intimacy, adventure, and an escape from the ordinary into a world that felt all our own.
Check out our collection of the loveliest long sleeve wedding dresses if you’re liking the look of Roxanne’s bridal silhouette.
Blown away by these beautiful pics? Yeah, us too. Don’t miss our roundup of the 25 best places to elope for jaw-dropping photos!
How cute is this “you’re a cowboy like me” enamel pin! We love the idea of surprising your partner with a little present mid-ceremony!
“Our day was crafted to celebrate what we love most: nature and the deep bond we share,” Roxanne + Craig say. “We chose to exchange our vows amidst breathtaking landscapes, surrounded only by the beauty of nature and the privacy of a moment that was entirely ours. This allowed us to truly focus on each other, capturing genuine joy, laughter, and love without distractions.”
“We deliberately kept things simple, without specific meaningful objects, because the entire event was about the essence of our union. The activities we chose to include – such as a picnic, boating on a lake, and spontaneous poses – added a playful adventure to the day, fully expressing who we are together.”
“We first met on Friday, January 24, 2020, at Funkatorium brewery in North Carolina, where he was working and I happened to be visiting with his coworker,” recalls Roxanne. “Our first date was at a place called Waterberg, a tea and cocktail bar. Craig made sure to go there because I really liked tea, and he wasn’t sure at the time if I drank alcohol.”
“About a month or two into our relationship, I knew I was in love. It started to feel like we were not just best friends, but true partners.”
“When it came to finding my wedding dress, I had a clear vision in mind from the outset,” Roxanne says. “Given our plans and the stunning locations we would be visiting, I knew my dress needed to be something special and perfectly suited to the adventure ahead.”
“I love hiking, exploring the woods, and embracing outdoor adventures, so I was looking for a dress that would be elegant and celebratory but also make me feel in harmony with the natural surroundings. It needed to complement the beauty of Lake Braies and the majestic mountains we would be exploring.”
“Moreover, the dress had to offer optimal freedom of movement,” says Roxanne who took the cozy vibes to a whole new level with a cream cardigan. “I needed to be able to hike, run, jump, and even climb into a boat without feeling restricted. I wanted a dress that could keep up with our adventurous elopement while still making me feel like a bride.”
“After some searching, I finally found the perfect dress. It combined elegance with practicality, allowing me to move freely and comfortably. The design was exquisite and matched the enchanting feel of our settings, making me feel both beautiful and ready for any adventure the day would bring.”
A Mountaintop Picnic
Worried about what to do if it rains on your wedding day? Make sure you have a clear umbrella on hand—perfect for pics!
Loving that these two worked a delicious luxury picnic into their big day! An excellent way to enjoy the majesty of the outdoors while still making it an *occasion.*
Now for some valuable words of wisdom from the newlyweds: “Tailor the Experience: Make sure your elopement is a bespoke experience that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Include activities, locations, and details that are meaningful to you both. This could be anything from hiking, kayaking, or visiting specific landmarks that hold special memories.”
“Choose Vendors Wisely: Select your vendors with care and look for people who are familiar with the locations you’ll be visiting. Having vendors who know the area well can add value to your experience and provide practical advice. They can offer insights into the best spots for photos, the right timing for different activities, and much more.”
“Select the Right Photographer: Your photographer will be the person who spends the most time with you on your big day, so it’s crucial that you choose someone you feel a strong connection with. Great rapport will not only make you feel more comfortable but will also elevate the entire experience, resulting in much more genuine and beautiful photos.”
“Flexibility with Timing: One of the beauties of elopements is the flexibility they offer. Have a rough schedule but be prepared to improvise. The lack of a rigid timeline allows you to adapt the day to enhance your experience, even making last-minute changes if they will improve your day.”
“Consider the Distances: The Dolomites are stunning, but the distances between locations might be longer than expected. To avoid spending too much time driving, make sure to do a thorough check of the distances and travel times involved. This will ensure you can maximize your enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings.”
Our Advice
Have fun, it will be the best experience of your life and you won’t regret it!
This stunning elopement day footage says it all. Congrats, Roxanne + Craig!! Your Italian elopement adventure in The Dolomites was a total dream. Wishing you both so much happiness!
Wedding Vendors
Photography: In Bianco e Nero // Venue: La palafitta // Wedding Dress: Candler Bridal // Groom Attire: Studio Suits
