The best places for a surprise proposal in the Dolomites
And what actually makes one unforgettable
— and what actually makes one unforgettable
There’s a moment, usually somewhere between the planning and the day itself, when the person organising a surprise proposal realises something: the location is only part of it.
I’ve photographed proposals across the Dolomites for nearly ten years. Hidden behind rocks at Lago di Braies at dawn, crouched in the grass at Alpe di Siusi while a storm rolled in, waiting on a ridge at Seceda for the light to do what I knew it would do — eventually. What I’ve learned is that the most memorable proposals aren’t the ones with the most dramatic backdrop. They’re the ones where everything was thought through, and then quietly let go.
Here are the places I return to most.
· · ·
Lago di Braies
The turquoise water, the vertical peaks, the wooden rowing boats along the shore — Braies is one of the most recognised landscapes in the Alps, and it earns every photograph taken here. For proposals, the early morning is everything. By 8am in high summer the lake is busy; before sunrise it feels entirely yours.
Practical note: parking requires a reservation during peak season. Plan ahead.
Secret Proposal at Lake Braies
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The three towers are among the most iconic silhouettes in the Dolomites — and one of the most physically demanding locations on this list. The approach is a proper mountain walk, and the altitude means weather shifts fast. That changeability is, paradoxically, what I love about it. A storm rolling in during a proposal creates photographs impossible to replicate on a clear day.
Practical note: access is via a private toll road.
Engagement Session Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Cadini di Misurina
Less visited than Tre Cime but photographically extraordinary — the Cadini group seen from the classic viewpoint above Misurina is one of the most dramatic compositions in the region. The walk to the belvedere takes around 30 to 40 minutes, a reward entirely disproportionate to the effort.
This is a location I recommend for couples who want something that feels genuinely discovered rather than expected. The crowd thins quickly once you leave the main path.
Practical note: same private toll road as Tre Cime applies.
Secret Proposal at Cadini di Misurina
Alpe di Siusi
The largest alpine meadow in Europe, with the Sassolungo massif rising almost vertically to the south. In summer, wildflowers. In winter, snow and silence. The plateau offers remarkable variety — open meadow, mountain backdrop, golden hour light that at dusk becomes genuinely exceptional.
A good option for couples who want the Dolomites experience without a demanding hike.
Practical note: access is primarily by gondola, which has a last descent around 5pm (varies by season). The road is also open to cars at certain hours — worth checking ahead.
Engagement Session Alpe di Siusi
Seceda
The Geisler ridgeline faces west. In the late afternoon, the rock face turns from grey to amber to a deep rose that lasts only minutes. I know exactly when that light arrives at each time of year, and I plan the moment around it.
The cable car from Ortisei reaches the summit in under fifteen minutes. Most day visitors have already descended by the time the best light appears — which is precisely why I love it.
Practical note: the last gondola down is around 5pm (varies by season). The proposal needs to be timed carefully to make the most of the light without missing the descent.
Secret Proposal Seceda
Passo Giau
At 2236 metres, this is the most remote location on the list — and the least known to anyone who hasn’t spent serious time in the Dolomites. Wide open sky, no tree line, a quality of silence that’s hard to find this close to civilisation. I recommend it for couples who want something that feels entirely off the usual path.
Practical note: accessible by car only. No public transport.
· · ·
What actually makes a proposal unforgettable
The location is the easiest part. Here’s what matters more.
Timing.
The difference between a proposal at 10am and one at 7pm in the same location can be the difference between a snapshot and a photograph. These places have their own relationship with light — work with someone who knows when to be there, not just where.
Weather.
Some of my best photographs were taken in rain, approaching storms, or flat grey light. The Dolomites in difficult conditions are still the Dolomites. What matters is a photographer who works with the weather, not against it.
Invisibility.
I arrive before you do and position myself a few metres away, camera in hand, looking every bit like an ordinary tourist passing through. By the time you reach the spot, I’m already part of the scene. Nobody notices. The moment happens exactly as you planned — and the photographs show it.
· · ·
If you’re planning a proposal in the Dolomites and want to talk through the details, I’m happy to help. Reach me by email or WhatsApp — no obligation, just a conversation.
photo@raulsantos.net · +39 349 621 9712
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games
Opening Ceremony
Synonymous with history, glory, and prestige–Giuseppe Meazza Stadium hosts the Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026 will feature blockbuster acts from international artists including five-time Grammy Award-winner Mariah Carey, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini and famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, to the award-winning actor and producer Pierfrancesco Favino and The White Lotus’ Emmy-nominated star Sabrina Impacciatore.
The Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium kicks off the spectacle of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games by hosting the Opening Ceremony. The Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, or San Siro, known as the "Temple of Football," has welcomed legendary figures from the worlds of football and music for decades, and now it will also see the Olympic Flame pass by. As the venue for the world’s most-watched sporting event, the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium is preparing for a magical night, where thousands of people from across the globe will come together to celebrate the Olympic spirit. For the stadium, marking its 100th anniversary in 2026, this will be a unique and historic moment, adding a new chapter to its legendary story.
Events Calendar
Secret Proposal in Venice
Proposing in Venice
Where to start.
Once you've decided that Venice will be the setting for your dream wedding proposal, you need to choose where you're going to propose. Venice offers a myriad of options, one more beautiful than the other to be the backdrop for the moment you get down on one knee and wait for the long-awaited yes, I do.
One of the first things to decide is whether the proposal can be public and in full view of passers-by, public but in a quieter place off the beaten track, or in a private, exclusive place out of the reach of onlookers.
Having the moment of the proposal recorded by a professional photographer means that you can concentrate on the proposal itself, and fully feel your loved one's reaction without worrying about how to get a photo of the moment. A proposal shoot will capture all the reactions right from the start, trying to frame the couple in the incredible settings that only Venice has.
Piazza San Marco
Venice's most iconic square is the stage for the city's main events and the basilica is the most visited monument. With around 1200 years of history, Byzantine architecture and decorated with lots of gold and works by Renaissance artists, it's undoubtedly a great choice to illustrate any photo shoot. Don't expect an empty square with the basilica all to yourself. Tourists start arriving in the early hours of the morning. Another factor that can get in the way is the constant restoration work that most monuments and historic buildings throughout Italy are undergoing.
Rialto Bridge
The beautiful Renaissance-style bridge, inaugurated in 1591, is another important and imposing monument with which to explore the creation in photographic terms. As it is also a place with a heavy flow of people, it is necessary to think about alternative times to avoid more people in the photos.
A bridge of any kind
Among the more than 400 bridges, these are popular photo spots and can illustrate a typical Venetian cityscape.
On a Venetian gondola ride
More than just being part of an unforgettable photo backdrop, gondolas are a Venetian institution. Taking a ride aboard a classic gondola is a unique and very romantic experience. Even at busy times, the gondola ride is always exclusive, as the gondolier will slowly make his way along the small canals and hopefully talk about some historic buildings.
Island of San Giorgio
From this small island you can have an incredible panoramic view of the Palazzo Ducale, the bell tower of the Basilica di San Marco and the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. The great advantage of this location is the low demand from tourists, making it perfect for those who want privacy during their wedding proposal.
The islands of Murano and Burano
Although very different from each other, these two islands are often mentioned together because they use the same vapporetto line, the local public water transport, to get there. Murano is famous for its decorated glass factories and Burano for its houses painted in vibrant colors, different from the pastel shades of Venice. In terms of attendance, they can have an intense flow of tourists in the summer months.
In a restaurant
Proposing during dinner in a city like Venice is something magical. Even more so if the restaurant offers an outdoor terrace with a panoramic view. In this case, the proposal can be discreet, even if you're surrounded by other customers. For a photographic service, this is one of the most complex because of the setting with tables and chairs, the other customers who may not want to be photographed and the fact that the background can be obstructed by windows and parapets.
That's why we recommend placing the order at a point of interest such as those mentioned above, following up with a guided photo shoot, where the two of you can prepare and try out different poses, and then moving on to the celebration alone in one of the city's restaurants.
Photographing at Lake Braies, Dolomites
The Dolomites region with its mountain ranges is world-renowned for its fascinating views. And although it's most popular with adventure and trekking lovers, it's gradually coming into demand as a backdrop for photo shoots, proposals and engagements.
Covering a very large area, in at least 3 regions of Italy, the itineraries between cities, mountains and lakes are countless.
For many reasons, Lake Braies is one of the most popular, perhaps the most requested location for photo shoots.
- Fascinating scenery with a wide range of colors
- It offers views with different elements of nature on levels, such as the lake with the boathouse, the forest, the mountains in the background with ice and the sky.
- Easily reached by car or bus
- Free admission*
Points to consider:
- Depending on the time of year and time of day, it can be crowded
- The color nuances are more striking at different times of the year and at different times of day.
- *Parking closer to the lake is more expensive
How about a photo shooting here?
Private Shooting Experiences
Private Boat Experience
The "Private Boat Ride Experience" allows you to enjoy the boat ride on the Lago di Braies all by yourself on one of our boats.
For 55€ you have a boat all to yourself (max. 5 people) and can row on the lake for 45 minutes. You can have a look around the boathouse before your boat experience. Free postcards as well as a souvenir per person are waiting for you.
One of our handmade wooden boats is located at the boathouse so you can take photos. Afterwards, our staff will help you get on the boat and you can start your boat ride.
Visiting the Lake of Braies is already an incredible experience, certainly a destination that is on the bucket list of many travelers. Topping it off with a ride on the iconic wooden rowing boats is possible and certainly makes the photo shoot even more dynamic and fun.
La Palafita
Full Location € 840
This offer allows you to book the boathouse in the morning outside opening hours, exclusively for yourself!
For 840€, you can use the boathouse for 1h30min, as well as 2 of our wooden boats.
Attention: The price includes the Full Location fee (400€) & 90min Photo shooting
Shared Location € 680
This offer allows you to share the boathouse in the morning, outside opening hours, with another shooting group to take photos and videos without any crowds. (2 tickets available, i.e. 2 shoots at the same time).
For 680€ you can use the boathouse for 1h30min, as well as 2 of our wooden boats.
The allocation of the shooting spots must be arranged by the 2 groups themselves on site!
In the case of a split location, both parties must be considerate of each other.
The split shooting is not suitable for:
- setting up decorations etc.
- Weddings and other ceremonies
- Larger groups
In these cases the full location must be rented.
The shooting location is rented out in all weather conditions!
Once a booking has been made, cancellation is no longer possible!
Elopement Package
Experience an unforgettable time on a raft and a wooden boat decorated exclusively for you!
Our services at a glance:
Exclusivity and comfort: Book a beautifully decorated raft all to yourself and enjoy complete privacy.
Priority access: Skip the queue and get immediate access.
Personal service: A friendly member of staff will be on hand to explain everything you need to know.
Perfect photo opportunities: Take advantage of the idyllic atmosphere for gorgeous photos.
Additional boat: In addition to the raft, a lovingly decorated wooden boat is also at your disposal.
Champagne and flowers: A bottle of champagne will put you in a good mood and the bride will receive a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.
Price: 960€ Photoshooting for 1 hour and 30 minutes, including raft and wooden boat.
“SHOOTING TIMES AT BOAT HOUSE:
25.05-16.06.2023
7.00-8.30 a.m.
15.06.-08.09.2024
6.30-8.00 a.m.
09.09.-29.09.2024
7.30-9.00 a.m.
30.09.-03.11.2024
8.30-10.00 a.m.”
Best Restaurants in Florence
One of the beauties of Florence is definitely its cuisine. Made of richness of flavors, simple ingredients, but from a strong personality. Like the queen of the Florentine table, the Bistecca (don't miss our suggestions with the best ones to taste in the city).
But we can't talk about restaurants in Florence without contemplating our beloved trattorias: places where the popular soul of a city finds its paradise and is expertly mixed with the true flavors of a cuisine that speaks exactly the same language. Cult dishes such as ribollita, pappa al pomodoro just to name a few are born here.
An all-Florentine tradition is also that of the "buche," cozy and quaint restaurants carved out of the cellars of ancient palaces, where, among excellent wines, succulent steaks, truffles, mushrooms and other first fruits, the flavors of rich Tuscan gastronomy explode.
When culinary excellence calls, Florence responds, and we have decided to tell you about the restaurants in the center of Florence that you absolutely must try, including typical, elegant cuisine, pizzerias (also gluten free), as well as starred, seafood, vegetarian, oriental and international and gluten free cuisine!
TRATTORIE
Buca Lapi
Via del Trebbio, 1r
ph. +39 055 213768
Open kitchen, rustic atmosphere representative of the highest Tuscan expression, on the walls posters recalling the history of the restaurant, when the fiaccherai used to stop here to drink a glass of wine and eat a bowl of tripe served on a sheet of newspaper. There are many items on the menu, with the charcoal steak and homemade pasta and desserts among the must-tries.
Buca Lapi
Il Santo Bevitore
Via S. Spirito, 64r
ph. +39 055 211264
In the heart of the Oltrarno. Contemporary but intimate setting, candlelight dinner. Don't miss the terrine of chicken livers in Vin Santo ristretto and pan brioche or the beef tartare with crispy vegetables. Dishes for celiacs and vegetarian options are also on the menu. Extensive and research-based wine list. For an aperitif stop by Santino, a small wine shop right next to the restaurant.
il Santo Bevitore
Trattoria da Sostanza detto Il Troia
Via Del Porcellana, 25r
ph. + 39 055 212691
Where can you eat good steak in Florence? Before we even get into the Florentine steaks, it is worth mentioning that this one on Via del Porcellana is the most literary address in the city. In addition to the classic Florentine steak, cult dishes include artichoke pie and butter chicken breast. All cooked on a stove-less kitchen with wood embers.
Trattoria da Sostanza detto Il Troia
Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi
Via del Porcellana, 9r
ph. +39 055 284015
Specialties of the house are the unparalleled rigatoni served in the glass tureen and the ever-present tagliata di manzo served on the log. All accompanied by a wine list that includes the best labels. A celiac or vegetarian menu can also be requested. There is something for everyone!
Trattoria dei 13 Gobbi
Cucina Torcicoda
Via Torta, 5r
ph. +39 055 2654329
Located near Piazza Santa Croce and just a few steps from Ponte Vecchio, Cucina Torcicoda offers a unique Tuscan dining experience in the heart of Florence in a contemporary setting in perfect balance between past and present. On one side is a pizzeria with a wood-fired oven and on the other a gourmet restaurant with an absolutely must-try Fiorentina steak and a wine cellar with over 300 labels. The menu is very varied and reflects the values of quality, authenticity and research.
Cucina Torcicoda
Sabatini
Via Panzani, 9A
ph. +39 055 282802
The work of architect Stigler, who in 1955 thought of furnishing this restaurant using the furnishings of a deconsecrated church from the 1500s, Sabatini is protected by the Fine Arts, and contains many mementos left by artists and aristocrats who frequented it in the 1970s. A vast space, which counts among others the Winter Garden, the restaurant's largest and most capacious room. It offers quality classic Tuscan cuisine to rediscover the ancient Florentine recipes revisited in a modern key: elegant and refined dishes where taste, quality and simplicity combine to perfection. Don't miss the Florentine steak, grilled dishes and fresh pasta.
Ellegant Restaurants
Cafe dell'Oro
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 2P
Luca’s restaurant
ph. +39 055 2726 8912
Restaurant and bistro in the Lungarno Collection, a stone's throw from Portrait Firenze, is the most beautiful view of Ponte Vecchio. A 'living room with kitchen', soft and cozy. Here the kitchen, presents a menu full of authentic flavors and tasty combinations, choosing fresh produce daily to elaborate its dishes of the day. A cult favorite for this winter? The Parmesan-filled ravioli with chicken ramen broth and Kombu seaweed. All this in an elegant location inspired by the sophisticated atmosphere of the 1950s, to fall in love with Florence through the wonderful view of the Ponte Vecchio, from such a privileged position.
Luca's Restaurant
Via Dei Cavalieri 2/C
ph. +39 055 0105200
In the heart of Hotel La Gemma is Luca's Restaurant, an elegant art-deco space with sophisticated interiors that reflect the colors of the Duomo. Here, award-winning chef Paulo Airaudo takes classic Florentine cuisine and transforms it into exceptional modern gastronomy. Enjoy a cocktail in the ultra-cool lounge bar and then an unforgettable dining experience in Luca's gourmet restaurant.
Cantinetta Antinori
Piazza degli Antinori, 3
ph. +39 055 292234
Since 1957 Cantinetta Antinori has been one of the most renowned wine and cuisine venues in Florence. It is located in Piazza Antinori (which intercepts Via de' Tornabuoni), on the ground floor of the prestigious palace of the same name. An elegant and discreet environment, where you can taste the whole range a wide selection of Antinori wines. The choices in the kitchen at Cantinetta Antinori stem from the care with which the raw materials are researched and selected, favoring seasonal and local products, mostly from the Tuscan territory: choose the cecina with squid and shrimp, the ossobuco di vitella alla fiorentina and the pappardelle with Tuscan meat sauce.
Cantinetta Antirnori
Cibrèo Ristorante - Helvetia & Bristol Florence - Starhotels Collezione
Via dei Vecchietti, 5 50123 Florence - Italy
ph. + 39 055 2665651
The iconic Cibrèo can also be found in the exclusive location of the historic Helvetia & Bristol Firenze - Starhotels Collezione. An unprecedented menu of highly selected Italian specialties. Among the dishes to try are the Crespelle di Ricotta with White Meat Ragout, a symbol of the generosity of Cibrèo's cuisine, the Filetto di Fassona Piemontese, a spokesman for the quality and excellence of Italian raw materials, and L'Abetone, a dessert that with its elegant asymmetry winks at the traditional Mont Blanc and becomes a symbol of the Florentine provocation typical of Cibrèo. Making the new Cibrèo opening even more sophisticated and unique is the unprecedented Cocktail Bar, with brand new signature cocktails, a classic selection of international cocktails and to a wide range of spirits and liqueurs.
Cibrèo Ristorante
Riva-K
Via Baccio Bandinelli, 98
ph. +39 055 7130272
Riva Kitchen, with chef Michele Berlendis, is the beating heart of Riva Lofts. Whether it's lunch, an aperitif or dinner, every moment becomes special to eat in good company, in winter in the warm atmosphere of the lounge with the fireplace lit, in summer in the cool of the terraces or in the shade of the cork tree. A restaurant on the banks of the Arno where cuisine is expressed through the simplicity of ingredients, rich in taste and ethical sense, where seasonality is a guide in the choice of raw materials, along with daily contact with local producers. Perfect for a relaxed experience, a signature cuisine made of contrasts, bold flavors, simple ingredients with unusual combinations.
Riva K
Se-Sto on Arno (Westin Excelsior)
Piazza Ognissanti, 3
ph +39 055 27152783
On the sixth floor of The Westin Excelsior, it is a futuristic structure made of continuous glass windows that offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. A word of advice? Choose table 41, overlooking the Arno right in front of the Duomo. Exclusive dishes on the menu include Tagliatella with rabbit and rosemary, cream of leeks and black truffle, Braised pork cheek and soft polenta bramata.
Ses.to on Arno
Harry's Bar The Garden
Via Il Prato 42
ph. +39 055 2771704
Harry's Bar The Garden makes its own the exclusive atmosphere with international breath of the Sina Villa Medici, offering its traditional cuisine, careful attention to detail. The extraordinary location, soft lighting and overlooking the garden with swimming pool, will make your special magical and unforgettable.
Harry’s Bar
Osteria delle Tre Panche - Hotel Hermitage
Vicolo Marzio, 1
ph. +39 055 583724
A wonderful truffle-flavored culinary journey signed Osteria delle Tre Panche, overlooking Ponte Vecchio and the terrace on the sixth floor, overlooking all the monuments of our wonderful city! An unmissable taste experience in one of the most incredible corners of Florence where you will feel like touching Ponte Vecchio with one hand.
Osteria delle Tre Panche
MICHELIN STARRED
Enoteca Pinchiorri***
Via Ghibellina, 87
ph. +39 055 242777 - 242757
The temple of taste in Florence, three Michelin stars. Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Feolde, from different origins but with the same passion that has led them over the past 40 years to create something unique. Not to be missed is the exploration of the proposals based on the quality of raw materials by Annie Feolde and her kitchen brigade, led by Chefs Riccardo Monco and Alessandro Della Tommasina. So is the wine cellar, among the first in the world, featuring two wine lists, Italian and international, and a series of unique tastings, totaling more than 4,000 labels. Unmissable dishes include the "Sandwich of anchovies, arugula extract, vegetable giardiniera with alpine butter, and caramelized onion ice cream.
Enoteca Pinchiorri
Il Palagio - Four Seasons Hotel Firenze*
Borgo Pinti, 99
ph. +39 055 2626450
Starred restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, overlooking the wonderful Gherardesca garden. Executive chef Paolo Lavezzini, a great interpreter of Italian cuisine, and above all seasonal, therefore strongly linked to the territory. On the menu he alternates between traditional dishes revisited with extreme elegance, and new proposals, born only thanks to his creativity.
Il Palagio
Saporium Firenze*
Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini, 69r
ph. +39 055 212933
Located on Lungarno Cellini where La Bottega del Buon Caffè once stood, Saporium brings the philosophy and haute cuisine of Borgo Santo Pietro in Chiusdino to Florence. Executive Chef Ariel Hagen and his brigade take diners on a sensory journey based on Borgo Santo Pietro's land-dish concept. There are 3 tasting menus, Territorial Projections, Pes-care, and Vegetable Depths, and include unique dishes that Ariel created last year at Borgo and that have already become his workhorses. Also open for lunch with a less demanding 3-course menu.
Saporium Restaurant
Gucci Osteria*
Piazza della Signoria, 10
ph. + 39 055 0621744
When fashion and cuisine come together, the result is stunning. In the dreamy spaces of Gucci Garden, the iconic realm of the famous Florentine-born brand, a concentration of beauty and flamboyance just a stone's throw from Michelangelo's David. At the helm of the kitchen is chef Karime Lopez, a Michelin star (the first Mexican woman ever and also the only lady awarded by the Redhead in 2020), a student of the great Massimo Bottura, who strongly wanted her at the helm of his Florentine brigade. On the menu is Mexico's purple corn Tostada with a resounding palamita underneath; Japan's Taka Bun, a steamed bao with pork belly. Again, the Emilia Burger, the burger with which Bottura smashed Shake Shack in New York a lustre ago. In the dining room, an excellent Damiano Barbato is the icing on the cake of a unique experience.
Gucci Osteria
What is an Elopement?
What is an elopement (intimate wedding)? the modern definition of elopement
Have you ever heard a couple say they've organized an elopement? Has this concept surprised you? Unlike in the past, when "elopements" were considered taboo, more and more couples are looking into elopement. If you still think traditional weddings are the only way to say yes to each other, you may be mistaken.
Definition of an elopement
Planning an elopement means you forgot the idea of a formal wedding and instead choose to escape in a small group for your ceremony. It doesn't necessarily mean that you secretly elope with your partner without telling anyone.
That's the idea some people still have when they hear about elopement. It's an interesting way to celebrate your union, especially if you don't want to have a traditional wedding. If you don't think a traditional wedding is for you, you can plan an elopement with your partner.
You can both plan to visit one of your ideal destinations during this time, as you mark your special day. It's a fun option that doesn't involve a lot of guests, unlike a wedding that requires you to invite lots of people.
The modern definition of elopement
Since there are many misconceptions about elopement, you first need to understand what it really means. Years ago, people thought that elopement was shameful and that couples who choose to have a secret marriage are not happy. Some thought that families had disapproved of their relationship, and that was why the couple had decided to elope. Some even believe that elopements are not real marriages because they have been fed false ideas. It’s important to understand that this definition of elopement was only valid in the past. Times have changed, and so have practices. The old-fashioned definition of elopement is now outdated.
In modern times, elopement is considered a non-traditional, intimate and intentional way of getting married. Today, elopements come in many guises. While some will be just a small wedding with two people, the necessary witnesses and the officiant, others will include much more. Some couples will ask family members to join them, while others will choose to have a very private union. Unlike traditional weddings where the main focus was on the guest experience, and everything was done to ensure that guests had a good time, the elopement focuses on celebrating the couple's union.
Elopements are intentional
One of the main reasons couples choose to elope is that it allows them to be intentional about how they experience their wedding day. Traditional weddings often seem to turn into something couples do so that everyone can enjoy it. If a big party doesn't sound quite right, a getaway lets you decide what's best for you! It could be a ceremony in your garden, with your family, or you could fly off, just the two of you, to a country you've never been to. There are no rules, which means a elopement can be anything you want it to be!
Elopements make sense
There's a misconception that couples who arrange a elopement simply aren't willing to invest time, money or effort into their wedding day. That they just want a quick ceremony.
But that's not true! On the contrary, I think the fact that you organise a elopement and choose exactly what will make it the best day of your life makes it more meaningful than many traditional weddings.
Elopements are an experience
In addition to being meaningful and intentional, a elopement is truly an experience. It's not just a ceremony - it's everything, from getting ready to hike, kayak, stargaze, picnic or whatever other adventure you decide to do on the day. It's about living the whole day together and being truly present when you commit to each other.
Elopements are not "cheap".
You might think that an elopement is a cheap way to get married for couples who don't want to invest in their wedding day. But that's far from the case! Although elopements are often less expensive than traditional weddings, the cost can vary enormously.
The difference is that with an elopement you can spend money on experiences, not things. You decide what's important to you. This means you can spend more on airline tickets and less on centerpieces you'll only use once!
Less stressful elopements
Since weddings are family events, you'll find that some family members, especially distant relatives, may not be on good terms with each other. Others may bring conflict because they don't approve of the person you've chosen to spend your life with. This leaves you with a lot of conflict to deal with. Sometimes you may even have regrets or unresolved conflicts with your in-laws. Elopments are great because you don't have to invite your whole family. In short, you get the freedom to choose what you want, not what your families want. Today, couples are rejecting the notion of what their families expect of them and choosing to do what makes them happy.
Gives couples a private moment
Another common reason why couples consider elopement is that they want to experience an intimate celebration with the people they love. No need to stress about the caterer's arrival time or why some guests strangely don't have a chair. Some couples who choose elopement do so because they want to avoid the anxiety, pressure and obligations that come with organizing a large wedding. With an elopement, you can choose everything. If, for example, you decide to visit the beauty of another country, you'll have the freedom to organize and plan the perfect vacation. Elopement allows couples to create a magical, intimate experience they'll remember for the rest of their lives. You both have the chance to focus on each other and celebrate your love in a relaxed way.
Less planning
Planning a big wedding can be fun for some people. However, most find it stressful because there's a lot of external pressure and expectations. You need to do a lot of calculations and arrangements if you want the wedding to be a "success". First of all, you need to make a list of the people you want to invite. Then you have to decide which of your friends will be your witnesses. You may even forget to invite certain people. Questions like these cause a lot of conflict. You also need to choose a mode of transport for your guests. Wedding insurance issues also need to be addressed, in the event of an incident occurring during the wedding. In short, you and your partner will have to spend many sleepless nights trying to manage all aspects of your wedding.
Elopements are not selfish
Many couples are afraid of being selfish. And many families tell them so! But what's selfish about wanting to enjoy your wedding day? What's selfish about getting married in a way that suits you?
No one can make decisions about your wedding day - because it's your wedding day! Making the decision to arrange a elopement can be stressful for many couples, but if it works for you, you're making the right choice.
Elopements are not solitary
Although you can organize a elopement without guests, you don't have to! Organizing a elopement doesn't mean you can't invite anyone, it just means your guest list can be shorter and you decide who you want to be with on the happiest day of your life. If your favorite people support you and your decision, a getaway with 20 guests can be just as special.
But for many couples, a elopement is just the two of you. And marrying just the two of you isn't lonely! It simply means that you can experience the day as you really want to, without any outside opinions.
Elopements don't need a location
This is one of my favorite things about elopements! When you're not confined to locations, you can choose where you get married! Your backdrop can be mountain peaks, forest groves or sandy beaches - whatever kind of landscape you want for your ceremony, you can find it.
Elopement photographer
Another misconception about elopements is that you don't need a photographer - but as you've probably gathered from the rest of this article, that's not true! Your day means something - it's your wedding day! And having a photographer there is one of the most important things you can do, because you'd be surprised how quickly the memories fade. Having photos of the whole day guarantees you'll be able to look back on the whole story of your experience and remember every wonderful moment.
If you're ready to start planning, contact me! As an elopement photographer, I help couples from beginning to end of the process - from finding the perfect place to get married to planning the adventures you'll have, I'm here to help.
Elopement is the new lavish wedding for millennials because of the freedom and intimacy it offers the couple. Since this is the most important day of your life, you need to put your happiness and needs first.
Best restaurants in Venice
A compilation of the best restaurants in Venice according to the world's top gastronomy blogs.
A compilation of the best restaurants in Venice according to the world's top gastronomy blogs.
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Vegetarians flock to La Zucca, a much-beloved, something-for-everyone sort of local favorite, to escape Venice’s fish overload, but the restaurant does more than that. The food is simple: just good honest cooking and a daily-changing menu—a tell-tale sign that everything served was bought that morning. The savory pumpkin flan is legendary, the pasta dishes (try the tagliatelle with artichokes and pecorino if it’s available) are excellent, and all the desserts are memorable.
Sestiere Santa Croce 1762, 30135 Venezia VE
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As of 2019, chef Enrico Bartolini racked up six Michelin stars across his five restaurants; GLAM, his Venice outpost (and presently the hottest dining ticket in the city) has one. Carrying through Bartolini’s contemporary culinary vision here is resident chef Donato Ascani. You can go with the seasonally shifting à la carte list, but tasting menus (from €120) are more exciting. Dishes reveal themselves to be beautifully balanced: substance and not just flashy presentation.
Calle Tron, 1961, 30135 Venezia VE
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Il Ridotto is located just east of St Mark’s on a plaza teeming with tourist traffic, but the restaurant emanates a calm elegance from its small, brick-clad premises. Tasting menus (of five, seven, or nine courses) are the thing to get here, offering the range of seafood and meaty creations of chef and owner Gianni Bonaccorsi. The beautifully plated dishes change seasonally but might include remarkably subtle renditions of risotto with yellow tomatoes and burrata, or pork cheek and belly with chamomile-flavored creamed potato and green apple.
Campiello, Campo Santi Filippo e Giacomo, 4509, 30122 Venezia VE
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In a sea of intimate (read: tiny) restaurants, the amount of airy space in the contemporary, pared-back Local comes as a shock. Chef Matteo Tagliapietra strayed for several years from his native Burano to work at Nobu, Noma, and a host of other gastronomic temples. He brought home Far Eastern influences that are unique in Venice, though his feet are firmly planted in the lagoon city. Each of his constantly changing dishes is a joy for the eye. This is a venue for serious food lovers.
Salizzada dei Greci, 3303, 30122 Venezia VE
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When bearded brothers Dario and Alberto Spezzamonte opened Estro in 2014, Venice offered little in the way of food-forward wine bars with a hipster edge. Estro filled the gap and still sets a high bar; the food always impresses, the locale is stylish, and the vibe, though young, feels welcoming to all. Though sharp, industrial-chic style is definitely a factor here, it’s the wide selection of natural wines and the carefully crafted fare—Venetian-inspired but imaginative—that are the important players.
Dorsoduro 3778 Crosera, Calle S. Pantalon
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Ai Artisti, a welcoming little place serving remarkably good food, has a few little tables alongside a quiet canal and a handful more in a compact dining room. Ingredients are mostly local and very fresh. But unusual things happen to old favorites here with delicious results; say, the secoe (veal cartilage, a Venetian tradition) made into a salad with beans and sesame seeds, and the pasta with sausage and green peppers.
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Ai Mercanti pulls off that difficult trick of being dark, grown-up, playful, and warm—all at once. The restaurant bills itself as a gastrosteria, and delivers with experimentation firmly rooted in Venetian tradition, and a light touch with dishes for all appetites. Some combinations here—marinated sardines with nachos; pea and cuttlefish risotto with ginger—come as a surprise in gastronomically staid Venice, but they work. You can taste the freshness of the raw ingredients in a menu that changes with great regularity.
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Chef Cesare Benelli and his Texan wife Diane have been running Al Covo, a much-loved Venetian restaurant, since 1987, with dedication and charm. The cooking here, studied without being pretentious, is very closely tied to the territory, with produce coming from local producers and Slow Food presidiums. There are tables outside the simple osteria-style façade, and more in a grown-up interior with dark brick and cream walls, wooden fittings, and eclectic art. You can order a la carte, but there are also tasting menus for both lunch and dinner.
Campiello de la Pescaria, 3968
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Corte Sconta is a long-running Venetian stalwart that's much loved for its outside seating in a charming courtyard. The restaurant gives off the air of an upmarket local trattoria, but is, in fact, a favorite with sophisticated international travelers. The Corte Sconta classic is the seafood antipasto—a procession of super-fresh offerings, both raw and cooked—which in itself will sate all but the biggest appetites. If that doesn’t suffice, a competently prepared pasta al nero di seppia (squid ink) with mussels, a fresh, grilled fish, or a delicious tiramisu will set you right.
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Da Fiore has long held a Michelin star thanks to chef Mara Martin, whose accomplished, dependable creations are comfortingly old-fashioned, which fits the classic vibe of the houseboat-like dining room. Some dishes are legends that have drawn devotees for decades: crispy fried oysters on a bed of savoury zabaione; ultra-trad bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovies and onions); perfectly cooked soft-shelled moeche crabs. But expect solid rather than pyrotechnic, with an emphasis on comfort.
Osteria Enoteca San Marco (San Marco)
€€ | Wine Bar | Venetian Comfort Food | Great Atmosphere
Osteria Enoteca San Marco is one of our go-to spots, featured in our video on how to see Venice in a day. While you can drink wine in pretty much any establishment in Venice, an enoteca will give you that local feel. Many enoteca’s started off as just straight-up wine bars. Then, over time, they started serving food, which makes sense. Good wine is naturally well accompanied by good food.
Here, they have the best of both worlds. So, you can walk in and just have a glass of wine with a snack at the bar. Or, you can have a sit-down meal and enjoy one of their classic dishes like spaghetti with tiger prawns or roasted lamb. This is a great place to enjoy Venetian comfort food paired with the perfect wine.
Address: Calle Frezzaria, 1610
€€ | Classic Venetian Cuisine | Hidden Gem | Quiet Square Setting
For classic Venetian dishes away from the crowds of tourists, Antico Gatoleto is the place to go. It’s a gem of a restaurant set in a lovely, quiet square serving good food. Try the clams and spaghetti together with a glass of prosecco.
Angel Castellanos stops here in his how to see Venice in a day video, so you know you won’t regret stopping by for a meal here. In fact, many come back more than once on the same trip to Venice! The food and service are that good.
Ristorante La Bitta (Dorsoduro)
€€ | Homestyle | No Seafood
People come to La Bitta when they want a homemade-style meal. It’s a quaint establishment with a cozy atmosphere that puts you at ease. There are very few places like this left in Venice, which is why it’s on our list of the best restaurants in Venice.
As for the menu, there’s no seafood! It may seem strange, but it’s true. Instead of seafood, sit down to enjoy radicchio in a cream sauce or the artichoke salad. Then, move on to the pasta and meat dishes. If you’re tired of seafood or want to be a bit more local, this is the place.
Address: C. Lunga S. Barnaba, 2753/A
This most famous of Venice restaurants, an institution since 1830, recently received a facelift at the hands of designer and architect Philippe Starck. The Michelin star restaurant’s beloved Murano glass chandeliers illuminate walls upholstered in highly-original and playful fabric designed by local textile artisans. To see these opulent dining rooms overlooking St. Mark’s Square would be reason enough to visit, but seasonally-inspired three- or five-course tasting menus are the true attraction – with every bite of asparagus and green pepper risotto and accompanying beetroot foam, you will taste the promise of spring. Generous amuse-bouches are also playful and delicious. This is one of the rare Venice menus that includes gluten-free options. The staff has also opened a small extension in the Fondaco dei Tedeschi shopping centre. You’ll likely want to visit both locations.
The food at this restaurant inside Hotel Danieli is excellent, with a menu that showcases recipes dating back to 1909, including a Dandolo risotto with sea urchin, sole and fresh tomatoes. But that’s really beside the point: come here for one of the best views in Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal, Punta della Dogana, Giudecca and San Giorgio Maggiore.
Nowhere, the first restaurant with 6 tables miles away from each other, scattered in the forest is already sold out
Six tables miles apart in the Haringe nature reserve on the outskirts of Stockholm is Oddbird's idea of a winery that produces non-alcoholic wines.
It will open on August 20, but reservations have already been sold out since they opened on June 22. Nowhere is a restaurant spread only six tables in the Haringe nature reserve near Stockholm. A unique landscape and location where six tables distant from each other are immersed in one of the richest deciduous forests of Stockholm County where ancient oaks frequently emerge. Each table has a different setting, one in the middle of the forest, others on the end of a pier overlooking the lake, a long walk through the woods is necessary to reach them and its noises and its scents .
The idea was born from Oddbird, a winery that produces non-alcoholic wines founded in 2013 by Moa Gürbüzer, a former family therapist and social worker with over two decades of experience in problems related to alcohol abuse and which today is one of the most esteemed wine producers throughout Scandinavia. A restaurant created to meet the needs of social distancing and the rediscovered need to stay in contact with nature born in many people in the lockdown period. “The forest is the perfect place: it does not love or hate, it is indifferent, it is not fashionable, it is not inclusive or exclusive. We have always been a humanity "on the run", ready for new experiences, new places and new challenges. The pandemic forced us to stop and rethink the beauties that have always surrounded us, and that we can no longer see. Thus was born the idea of this restaurant, which wants to be an opportunity to reflect and rediscover magic in the simplest and most true things, " said by the Oddbird winery.
The kitchen is managed by Linn Söderström and Marion Ringborg, the two Garba chefs, a pop-up restaurant born in Stockholm in 2017, the choice of locations, however, is entrusted to the studio of interior designers The Norrmans. A new unique and unrepeatable experience is therefore born in the Scandinavian woods, also because it is already sold-out.
Source Reporter Gourmet Italy
Como escolher uma Villa na Toscana para o Casamento
Realizar um casamento na Itália é o sonho de muitos noivos. Após definir uma das regiões do País, seja ao norte, centro ou sul, é preciso escolher o local para realizar a cerimônia, que pode ser um Borgo, uma Villa ou um Hotel de Luxo.
Nos dias 22 e 23 de março, tivemos a Tuscany & Capannori for Weddings, evento idealizado pela Prefeitura da cidade de Capannori, e a rede de Villas locais com apoio da Agência Regional Toscana Promozione Turistica. No primeiro dia, reservado a Wedding Planners e profissionais do setor inscritos, foi realizado um tour pelas Villas, que apresentaram sua infraestrutura, o cenário natural disponível e degustações dos produtos locais. No dia 23 com discurso inicial do Prefeito Luca Menesini, aconteceu o seminário aberto aos demais fornecedores do segmento, com dados estatísticos e tendência para o mercado de casamentos em 2018 na Itália.
Cada Villa, que podemos entender como uma mansão de campo, tem seus diferenciais. Desde a arquitetura característica de meados do século XVI até o séc. XVIII, os ornamentos internos, piscina, área externa e acesso a pessoas com mobilidade reduzida.
Para escolher o local perfeito para a cerimônia de Casamento em um Destination Wedding eu diria que o primeiro ponto a definir é a vista e os cenários desejados. Depois é preciso ter o número estimado de convidados e a disponibilidade dos locais. A Itália tem amplo contraste de cenários, arquitetura e belezas naturais, seja em centros urbanos, praia ou campo. As Villas da Toscana, em especial da micro região de Capannori, são locações no campo, a maioria com piscina acessível, áreas externas em gramado com vistas para campos de oliveiras ou vinhas e opções de hospedagem. Embora todas tenham os traços preservados da arquitetura dos séculos XVI a XVIII, as acomodações podem ter estilo clássico, rústico ou moderno, e há opções de hospedagem com banho privativo ou compartilhado. Tendo em mente o cenário desejado e o número de convidados uma Wedding Planner especializada vai ajudar a definir a locação perfeita e os demais detalhes.
O Brasil ainda representa uma pequena fatia dos casais que escolhem a Itália para seu Destination Wedding, mas vem se destacando. Nesses dois dias acompanhamos o excelente trabalho da equipe de marketing da Prefeitura de Capannori, conhecemos locações e profissionais especializados nesse tipo de cerimônia.
