How Cailin and Carl Eloped in Italy…

I am still so in awe of the honor to be able to capture Cailin and Carl’s Elopement week in Italy! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

Cailin and Carl booked me from afar, as they live in Alabama and I am based in Northern California. The first time we finally got to meet in person was after flying all the way to Italy to capture their Elopement! Of course, this was after many Zoom meetings of planning!

Cailin and Carl booked me for a unique Elopement experience, which is my favorite kind! They wanted someone to document the exploring of Italy, as well as, the Elopement day. They also planned on bringing their immediate families to be part of the big day and journey, and they had a best man and maid-of-honor with them as well!

We started the journey by meeting at the Elopement site where we all were staying for the next few days. Castello di Baccaresca! An absolutely beautiful Italian castle based in the rural heart of Umbria, right outside of Tuscany! I was so in awe when we drove up, “how is this real life?!”

Our first full day there was spent exploring in Perugia, Italy. We got to dodge the rain by ducking into old churches, Gelato and Candy shops, and the beautiful marble fountain in the town square. We then were hosted for an incredible lunch at La Taverna where Cailin and Carl knew the Chef! (Who came in on his day off to say hi to them, umm wow!)

After a beautiful afternoon in Perugia, we drove back to the castle! (I had a quick nap in the car because you know… jet lag is real!) Then we all got ready for the Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner!

I was so glad that Cailin and Carl scheduled time to have a rehearsal before their ceremony the next day! They decided to include a few of their family members in the ceremony and it was a great way for everyone to feel comfortable and confident about when it was their turn to speak and stand. It was helpful for me to know the order of the ceremony and be ready with my camera for each photo as it comes! I felt confident going into the Elopement day! Plus it was fun getting some more relaxed rehearsal photos at the ceremony site!

Then we had one of my favorite meals at Castello di Baccaresca, PIZZA! Even Gluten-Free pizza! And my goodness was it amazing! It was so great getting to connect more with Cailin and Carl and their amazing guests and family members! We all spent the evening laughing, drinking wine, eating pizza and getting excited for the next day’s Elopement!

The morning of Cailin and Carl’s Italian Elopement started with the boys heading off to explore Assisi while the girls got to spend time at the Castle’s Spa and Wellness Center. As much as I think I would have enjoyed seeing Assisi, I think I’m with the girls on this one as my chosen way to spend the morning! The Moms got massages while Cailin and the girls got to enjoy a jacuzzi, sauna, salt wall, and an emotional shower… don’t ask, you just have to experience it!

After the morning’s activities, everyone actively got ready while I finished up the detail shots, flat lay, dress hanging shots, and a few shots of the chapel. Then I was able to photograph some of my favorite moments, as with any wedding… as Cailin got her dress on and got to see herself for the first time on her wedding day! As an Elopement and Wedding Photographer, this is always one of my favorite moments.

Cailin and Carl decided they didn’t want to see each other until she walked down the aisle so the build up in the Chapel, that is nestled in the trees on the Castle’s ground, was felt in everyone! We all couldn’t wait for that grand moment.

Cailin and her Dad made sure to take time to have a moment before the ceremony as well! We created a special First Look just outside the Castle for her Dad to see her in her wedding dress for the first time. First Looks with Dads are always my favorite, especially when they get all emotional seeing their little girls dressed up and ready to marry the love of their lives. Its such a special moment to capture and Cailin and her Dad’s was perfect!

Now it was time for the Ceremony down at the little Chapel in the trees!

It was one of the most special, intimate, full of life and love kind of ceremonies you can imagine! Cailin and Carl got to have a Zoom call with Carl’s Grandfather, have their Mother’s each say something, Cailin’s Father say something and of course, Carl’s Father led the Ceremony! It was so unique and inspiring to watch! I loved how they included their family in their Elopement Ceremony and throughout their Elopement Day and made sure they felt special!

After the celebratory walk back down the aisle, this time as Husband and Wife, we spent some time outside the Chapel doing group photos with the family and friends! We had to take a quick break for a cloud burst but even a little rain couldn’t stop our joy!

While the family made their way back up to the Castle, Cailin, Carl and I grabbed the last but of golden sunshine for the Romantic photos of the Elopement Day! We even got to go up to the tower that had a view of the gorgeous countryside surrounding the Castle!

Cailin and Carl made their Grand Entrance into the Reception room of the Castle where the night continued on with laughter, love and LOTS of food and wine! A multi-course meal, ever-flowing Italian Wine, amazing friends and family surrounded them as Newlyweds. They got to have speeches from their Best Man and Maid of Honor, their family members and even a special cake cutting! (Well attempted cake cutting! We didn’t realize most of it was fake and just the top layer was for cutting! But it resulted in lots of laughs!)

This Italian Elopement Day continued late into the evening and never stopped being filled with joy! It was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life and such an honor to capture! Italy has found its way into my heart and I can’t wait for more Elopements in Italy in the future!

Congratulations Cailin and Carl!

Huge thank you to my Travel Agent – Wander with Chelsea – for helping me get to this dream Elopement Destination! She made the travel, excursions and safety possible! She is available for all couples traveling, getting married or eloping!

Want to learn more about this amazing Castle? Don’t forget to check out the Spa!