SVENJA AND RYAN
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Province of Belluno, Italy
Lago di Sorapis and Cinque Torri
I recently had the pleasure of capturing the intimate Dolomites elopement of Svenja and Ryan in the breathtaking Italian mountain range. Their special day was filled with unforgettable moments, starting with a beautiful first look as dawn broke.
Picture the sun rising over the incredible mountains, illuminating the deep valleys and towering peaks. The anticipation and love between them was palpable, and I was honoured to be there to document it.
After their intimate first look, we headed to the enchanting shores of Lago di Sorapis, where after a quick round of ‘rock-paper-scissors’, Svenja and Ryan exchanged their heartfelt vows. The mystical-blue waters reflected their devotion, while the surrounding mountains stood witness to their love story. Each word spoken was infused with emotion and authenticity. It was a truly soulful and romantic moment. They spent some time exploring the incredible scenery and danced their first dance by the water’s edge before embarking on the return hike.
Later that afternoon (after a well deserved nap) Svenja and Ryan celebrated their love with a playful champagne spray and some epic frolicking at Cinque Torri. The joy and happiness radiated from Svenja and Ryan as they danced and laughed together. It was a modern and artistic celebration of their union, and I couldn’t help but feel inspired by their love.
As a photographer, it is my goal to create images that not only document the day, but also reflect my couple’s unique love story, their personalities, and their connection. The resulting heirloom photographs are an authentic reflection of their special journey, with each frame considered a work of art that will be cherished for generations to come. Svenja and Ryan’s Dolomites elopement was an experience that will forever be imprinted in the hearts of the newlyweds, and I am honoured to have been a part of their special day.
Find out more below:
Names: Svenja and Ryan
Ages: 35 & 33
Elopement Date: 2 August 2023
Location: Dolomites, Italy
How did you meet?
We were introduced by a mutual friend/coworker, who gave Ryan my phone number. We started chatting and it all started from there.
What is your engagement story?
Ryan came to Germany for a visit in November 2022. We had plans to visit his old stomping grounds and meet up with some of his friends. I had the idea of also visiting a castle in that area where we spend a memorable moment all these years ago, not knowing that Ryan had the same idea and wanting to propose there. So after a fun night out, we went up to the castle that night, cuddled up in a blanket with a bottle of wine, and he got down on one knee.
When and how did you know that you were the one for each other?
Ryan: I fell in love with: her aura on the first date. Her mind. Chatting in the car until 5am. Her character when she played telestrations, laughing with my crazy friends. Her compassion as we shared a magical post COVID hug. Her selflessness helping me move. The value truly sunk in when my legs felt heavy walking away at the airport.
Svenja: It took me a while longer. But after I learned more about his character and values and the way we were able to communicate, and how he just accepted me for who I am with all my past, I knew he was it.
What do you love most about each other?
Svenja: His kind soul, his understanding, his smile.
Ryan: I love her adventurous compassionate spirit. And how family oriented she is.
Where did you choose to get married?
We both came to the decision of not having a big traditional wedding ceremony. So because I love traveling and adventure, we tried finding a place that we both haven’t been to yet and that we could explore together. After doing some research, and taking into consideration the time frame we were in, we settled on a Dolomites Elopement.
What was important to you?
We wanted to make sure to exchange rings and vows, since we didn’t do that on our courthouse ceremony. And to create a lovely adventure that we both can look back to and tell people about.
What was a memorable moment from your day?
I think we conquered some fears together. That first look of overlooking the clouds as the world stands still and your soul is at peace, that was pretty insane to experience. Also we joke about how wrong my ideas of the hike were 😀
What would be your advice to other couples planning their wedding?
Definitely take your time to plan it all, even all the little details. If possible, visit the location and area before you so have a better understanding of everything.
What was the inspiration/theme/styling of your wedding?
Svenja loves the beach/water and mountains, basically a beautiful scenery that has it all. We love it more rustic, not so clean. That’s why we thought a hike to that beautiful lake would be a wonderful setting.
Tell me about your dress?
I was going for a very simple and practical look. Fitting the rustic style of the elopement.
What is ‘your song’ and why?
Bad Habits – Nerv.
Its a rare song where just about every lyric lined up about the situation at that time. Plus it’s a cool tune!
Any other stories or details that you would like to share?
Considering that with our jobs nothing really is being plannable and living in two countries, I still look back and I’m amazed by how wonderful everything turned out. I also know that without the help of my family and you, that things would have looked a lot different, so I’m very very thankful!
Have a look at some of Svenja and Ryan’s intimate Italian Dolomites elopement below:
VENDORS
Photographer: Rachel Pearson Photography
Hair and Make Up Stylist: Laura Anne Make Up
Second Photographer: Amali Studios
Location: Lago di Sorapis
Florist: Blumenzeit
Bride’s Dress: Oh Happy Bae
Stationery: Zorasb
Ring Box: LudingLoding
If you are planning on getting married or are looking for a destination wedding photographer, get in touch to see if I’m available to photograph your unique love story through my lens.
