Behind the camera with the photographers at two elopements
Photo: Andrea Verenini Photography
By definition elopements are traditionally when a couple marries with only themselves present. However, often the bride and groom opt to have a handful of their nearest and dearest there with them on the day.
Two La Lista recommended photographers tell us what makes the most magical elopement and why this type of wedding allows the couple to be entirely focused on each other.
“We would say elopement occupy about a fourth of our wedding season currently, although we are starting to get more high-end elopements enquiries in the past year so hopefully the trend is growing.” Andrea Verenini Photography
“For me the best elopement is just the couple, in a beautiful venue in Italy; it can be a luxury hotel or a private villa but just the two of them having an unforgettable experience.” George Novac
Photo: Andrea Verenini Photography
Andrea + Eloise share their experience with us on working at elopements and how the bride and groom should prepare for this type of focus and how to get the most out of the shots.
On average how many hours is a photographer booked for an elopement wedding?
“We work by the event so we are at the disposal of our clients for the day (of multiple days) without putting a time cap on services. Each of our events are very different so we treat elopements the same as we would weddings. What changes is the amount of control we usually have with our couple. In elopements, the focus becomes more in planning the day together in order to make the most of the time we have and give our clients the best experience we can give them of both the photography side of things but also of the place they choose to elope to.”
Any tips on capturing moments throughout the day without many or any guests being present?
“In our photographs, we want to make sure to capture two things: the context of the elopement (so in other words the flair of the location) and the connection between the couple we are shooting in the most authentic form we can. To achieve this, the biggest tip we give is actually the same as we do all of our couples regardless of the wedding size, and that is to just go with the flow, be themselves, have fun and trust in the process… and that it is normal to feel awkward in front of the camera to begin with. Often couples see images which they like and they set out to act them out and they get very stressed about this, rather than just being immersed in the moment and act themselves.”
Why are elopements so special for the couple?
“We believe they are special because they are a very intimate type of celebration. Weddings are usually filled with traditional pageantry and rituals, which make them fun in their own way, but elopement distills the essence of what a wedding is: the uniting of two souls through their mutual love for one another. This is a powerful thing to capture and elopements focus in on this idea strongly.”
How do you manage the sole focus on the couple with not having any guests to shoot?
“Yes absolutely! Elopements require a degree of planning that is different. They are much more intimate due to the lack of pageantry and large groups of people and usually with the sole focus placed on the couple and the location. Therefore, planning the day is crucial. We personally work closely with our couples and help them by making sure we have a plan of action based on locations, events and natural available light we have during the day. In other words, we assume the role of planners and travel-guides for the day as well as photographers and bring our couples between locations making sure those locations are in specific times of the day when the light and sun positioning favours them the most. In doing so, the couples also get the best experience of the location as well, and it becomes a much more enjoyable and relaxed day for everyone… which in turn creates better images!”
Do you charge differently for an elopement?
“We offer bespoke packages so every client is different. It really depends on the elopement the couple want. We have had some elopements that have been more of an investment than weddings due to their specific wishes and nature, whilst others that have cost a fraction of what a traditional wedding would normally be.”
Photo: Andrea Verenini Photography
Krista + Corey’s elopement captured by George Novac
George Novac shoots 10 -16 elopements a year, so we caught up with him about what this type of wedding means to him as the photographer. With Krista, the bride sharing her advice and why they opted for an elopement.
Where is your favourite place in Italy to capture an elopment?
“My favourite regions for eloping are the Dolomites, Tuscany and Amalfi Coast.”
What makes this type of wedding so special?
“Elopements are special because the couple can experience way more than with a traditional wedding, they can focus on themselves. For example they can have their ceremony on the peak of a mountain in the Dolomites or in San Marco Square in Venice. They are not afraid of self love by not having a traditional wedding.”
Krista the bride shared their story with us…
Why an Italian elopement?
“We never saw ourselves having a traditional wedding. We were excited to have a private, intimate ceremony. It allowed us to focus on each other and truly enjoy our special day. We love to travel and with both of us from the US, we have always wanted to visit Italy. We fell in love with the Dolomites when we began research on locations. And being from a mountainous homeland ourselves, it felt very personal!” Krista
How did friends and family react to not being invited?
“Everyone was very excited and supportive of us. We said when we first got engaged that we didn’t plan to have a wedding, so they already generally knew. We then sent out announcements to friends and family to share some details about our wedding day. The day was everything that we’d hoped for and more.” Krista
Why did you get into wedding photography?
“I got into wedding photography because of my altruism. I love to take care of my beloved ones and I love the idea that everyone should have their memories photographed. The connection between people, the laughs and emotions of a wedding day is really very special.” George
Photo: George Novac
SUPPLIER TEAM
Samantha + Tom captured by Andrea Verenini
Venues: Museo Correale for ceremony | O'Parrucchiano for the reception meal | Chiostro di San Francesco for couples shoot
Krista + Corey captured by George Novac
Venue: Hotel Capella | Planner: Some Where Crazy | Coordination & Celebrant: Dolomites Wedding Planner | HMUA: Salon Creativ | Groom Fashion: INDOCHINO | Shoes&Belt: Tecovas | Bridal Dress: Dress The Pop Shoes: Sezane
There are so many different ways to have your Italian dream wedding - from which venue you choose as your stunning location, to the region of Italy transforming each wedding with its backdrop. The ceremony you opt for will also affect the feel and running of your wedding day - get to know your options here.
