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This was a wonderful two day elopement in Italy. Monika (bride) and Riho (groom) have always known they want to elope. Getting married was never going to be a big party for them. They contacted Eva, the photographer, to do a little simple elopement in Estonia, where they are all from. But Eva helped them to dream a little bigger and they ended up with a two-day adventure elopement in Italy! They had so much fun, it was so emotional and beautiful and up until now (it’s been weeks from this elopement), they all still start crying when they look at those pictures, the wedding clips or just talk about this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The most important part for the bride and groom was to have it all at beautiful locations. They didn’t feel like having big floral arrangements, wedding cakes etc is true to them, so these were rather simple. She also did her own make-up since the elopement was over two days and in various locations. She took a personal course from a MUA in Estonia and applied her knowledge on the elopement day.
DAY 1
They started at sunrise in Florence, where they took portraits in front of the Dome and then started wandering around on the cobblestone streets. They had an ice cream break that somehow turned into face smearing 🙂 They moved on to a little beautiful town in Tuscany called Pienza, where they also had lunch. Having pizza in Italy in their wedding gown was one thing they definitely wanted to do! Then they explored cypress streets in Tuscany, visited the spot where one of the last scenes of Gladiator was filmed (groom’s special wish) and finished the day with the most beautiful sunset ceremony in Tuscany. A lot of tears, a lot of emotions and AMAZING views!
DAY 2
On the second day they went to lake Garda. They went up on Monte Baldo to have a great view over the lake and also visited Riva del Garda. It was a wonderful, very emotional and beautiful elopement.
Why Did the Couple Choose Tuscany for Their Elopement?
Monika & Riho: Originally we were planning an intimate elopement in Estonia (we are from Estonia). We contacted Eva (she is also from Estonia) and started discussing her capturing our day. But she helped us dream bigger and suggested eloping in Italy. This sounded so perfect, but we couldn’t narrow down to one location. There are so many wonderful places and different sceneries and then we just decided to do them all 😀 Big city views in Florence, narrow street and smaller Italian town views in Pienza, hills of Tuscany and mountain-lake views at lake Garda.
We have always known that when we get married this is something just for the two of us.
What Makes Tuscany Special for Elopements?
Eva, the photographer: All these locations are very powerful. Florence with the architecture, Pienza with the narrow cobblestone streets. The hills in Tuscany are known for their beautiful sunsets. Lake Garda as the biggest lake in Italy has beautiful little towns on its side, majestic mountains on both sides of the lake.
Can You Get Legally Married in Italy?
Monika & Riho: We got married legally in Estonia since it is much easier and way less bureaucracy. Getting legally married in Estonia is very simple. And then we traveled to Italy and had a symbolic ceremony there.
Did the Couple Incorporate Any Cultural Aspects of Tuscany into Their Elopement?
Monika & Riho: Eating Italian pizza in our wedding gown is something we definitely wanted to do. We sent some inspo-pictures to Eva when we started planning. And we had our pizza break in Pienza and Eva captured those fun, chill moments. We also had a spontanious gelato break in Florence.
What Was the Couple’s Experience with Getting Married in Tuscany During the month of April?
Monika & Riho: April was perfect, everything was so much greener than here in Estonia. Temperatures were around 18-20 degrees, which is not cold but also not too hot yet. Crowds were also okay, not too crowded yet.
Eva, the photographer: I recommend April-May-early June, September-October and then February-March for winter elopements. I recommend avoiding July and August due to the heat and way too many tourists.
What Are the Best Tips for Planning an Elopement in Tuscany?
Monika & Riho: I guess the ones our photographer recommended: doing everything within a week and early in the morning to avoid crowds. Our elopement was on the weekend though since our date options were limited due to babysitting arrangements. On the weekend in some of the locations you could see a lot of people (e.g. Pienza during the day).
Eva, the photographer: I guess this is a tip for every location in Italy: elope within the week and start early in the morning to avoid crowds. Also, if you already travel to Italy, take the most out of it and visit multiple places with your photographer. There really are so many awesome spots!
How Did the Couple Personalize Their Elopement?
Monika & Riho: We had our vow books specially ordered. We chose locations that inspired us and we wanted to have a great variety of places we visit.
What Challenges Did the Couple Face While Planning Their Elopement in Tuscany, and How Did They Overcome Them?
Monika & Riho: Nothing really. Eva took the main part of the planning onto herself and this made it very easy for us. We did have to rebook our flights because the original flight company cancelled pretty much all of the flight to Venice. Since there were no other direct flight, we needed to fly with a little layover in Poland.
What Advice Would the Couple Give to Others Planning an Elopement in Tuscany?
Monika & Riho: Choose a photographer who helps with the planning. I would never have known, where to start with planning, where to go, what to do there, how long it takes for each part of the day etc. Eva helped us dream bigger and make this day so much more memorable!
If you’re thinking whether to elope or not – just do it! And trust me, you want Eva by your side while doing it! I am so glad we did!
Eva, the photographer: Have somebody help you with the planning. Somebody who knows the area and has been there before. Somebody who knows when and where to go (to avoid crowds and to have the sun from the best direction for photos).
What Were the Most Memorable Moments from This Elopement?
Monika & Riho: I guess the ceremony was the most memorable part. We cried a lot, we laughed a lot. The sunset on the Tuscan hills was just stunning and we were not expecting to see any sun at all. The weather forecast said it will be all cloudy. At the end of our vows the most beautiful golden sunset somehow came out of the clouds and we had the most amazing views for our first dance.
Why Is Tuscany One of the Best Places to Get Married in Europe?
Monika & Riho: Italy in general is very romantic, there are so many different sceneries you can choose from. Also, the food is amazing!
