In 2004 I took a solo trip to Italy. It had always been a dream of mine to go there and even though it rained a lot of the time, it was one of the best trips of my life. I was single then, hence the reason I went by myself. But since then, I’ve been dying to go back…especially with The Hubby. In fact, when we were planning our wedding 5 years ago, he threw out the idea of having a destination wedding there. Of course that didn’t happen, but I often wish I would have listened to him. Don’t get me wrong, I loved our wedding…however I sometimes think it would have been really fun to spend the money we spent on our big wedding for a small wedding in Italy where we could have spent some time enjoying the country before and after.
So…when photographer Kate Wenzel sent in some of today’s images she took on a trip last fall, I knew they needed to be part of a destination wedding post.
Included in this feature there are also some Italian wedding images from W.Scott Chester Photography, Ed Peers, Tec Petaja Photography, Iconoclash Photography, Jose Villa, Andrea & Marcus, Bayly & Moore, The Left Handed Calligrapher and Ruggero Farina.
If you decide to have a destination wedding in Italy, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Unless your fluent in Italian and know the country well, you might want to consider hiring a wedding planner. Their knowledge of the language, country, customs and legal requirements will be priceless to you.
2. There are specific times of the year in various parts of Italy where the weather and tourism is not at its best. So be sure to research your chosen area for the best time of year to get married.
3. If you’re planning on having a bridal party, unless you intend on paying for their travel, be sure to ask your attendants if they can afford the trip.
4. If you’re looking to keep costs at a minimum, consider having your wedding on a weekday. In Italy, all prices go up on weekends.
5. Bridal hair in Italy can be really expensive. If you’re planning on hiring someone to do your hair, consider telling them you are a bridesmaid instead of the bride. This will reduce the cost.
It’s hard for me to pinpoint what region of Italy was my favorite, but the gorgeous coastal villages that paint the hills of the country’s waters edge have to be at the top of my list. These images were taken within the villages and coast of Cinque Terre. Specifically, the towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia.
Any wedding in Tuscany would be absolutely amazing. I mean with the gorgeous cobblestone streets and vast valleys of rolling hills and vineyards, what’s not to love? Kate’s images here are from Montepulciano, Pienza, and San Quiro d’Orcia
AHHH…Venice. Again it’s hard to say what is my favorite part of Italy, but I’m going to have to put Venice at the top of my list. There’s just something about those winding streets and bridges. I remember getting lost in the city and not even caring because it was just so amazing.
Photographers: Images 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 26, 30, 31, 32, 35, 38 & 39 - Kate Wenzel Photography - submission via Two Bright Lights. Image 2 - W.Scott Chester Photography. Images 8 & 23 - Ed Peers via Snippet and Ink. Images 10, 19 & 22 - Tec Petaja Photography. Images 13 & 14 - Iconoclash Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs. Image 15 – Jose Villa via Once Wed. Image 25 - Andrea & Marcus via Urban Style Blog . Images 27, 28 & 29 - Bayly & Moore via Boho Wedding Blog. Images 33 & 34 – The Left Handed Calligrapher. Images 36, 37 & 40 – Ruggero Farina via Style Me Pretty
Hope you enjoyed this visual trip to Italy. I know I’m dying to go back now even more.
PS…I’m planting a seed with The Hubby for a 10 year vow renewal in Italy. Of course, that’s five years away…but wish me luck 
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Monday friends! R u interested in an Italian destination wedding? If so, here’s some inspiration & tips. http://t.co/YUvCZtlN
Sooo fun!! Makes me want to travel!! You know, when that 10 year mark hits (or sooner) you know which photographer will come photograph your renewal
Oh my gosh…I would LOVE that! Now I’m thinking it might have to be sooner. Hmmm???
thanks for sharing!
If money were no object, I think it would be amazing to be able to have a destination wedding complete with flying all our closest friends and family to be there. My mom actually suggested we do a destination wedding and actually offered to send us to Europe on an amazing honeymoon in lieu of paying for a wedding. I am with you, I almost thing I should have taken that deal!