This intimate elopement in Florence, Italy will forever go down in Someplace Wild history. Not only did I (Christina) photograph my favorite image of all time (above) but I also had the most wonderful time with Alyssa and Nathan, two of the most intentional clients I have ever had the pleasure to work alongside. Both are creatives, travelers and adventurers. For three days we adventured from Rome, to Abruzzo to Florence; all while chatting away about shared interests like the Enneagram, personal growth, the world itself and the people in it.
“The decision to elope to Italy was never debated, it just was. Italia - the promised land, the land of la dolce vita. My husband and I had met internationally, and travelled frequently over the five years we dated. For us, elopement was more than just our union - it was a prophetic declaration over our lives. Adventure was our past, and would be our future. Alone on our wedding day, we were deeply, intimately engaged in each other and the covenant of our marriage. It was exactly what we dreamt of, a slow day in the old world - though it seemed but a moment. I am so thankful for the legacy Christina immortalized as our sole wedding guest. Our photographs were a collection of homecoming, answered prayers, and la dolce vita... our forever.”
Alyssa, the Bride
On wedding day we started and ended at Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo, a unique property deemed by many to have the "best view" over the jewel of the Renaissance. I am grateful that Alyssa and Nathan chose a location that showed Florence’s magnificence in full view. After relaxedly getting ready, we headed into the city as the sun crossed through the sky, jumping in and out of shadows. If I have learned anything about elopements, it is that you never know what to expect when navigating a foreign city. We dealt with seemingly everything from parking issues to massive amounts of tourists — but thankfully made our way back to the hotel where the couple shared the most meaningful vows, all with a stunning pastel Florence behind them. It was a moment I will not soon forget! That night, we came together over pasta, followed up with a night walk through the romantic streets of Florence. Friends — Italy has officially stolen my heart and I can’t wait to get back there this September for a proper trip. Three days was simply not enough.
Click play on the Sigur Rós clip below and enjoy the magic of Alyssa and Nathan’s incredible elopement in Florence, Italy.
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Finally, let me mention the top photo once again. It is just too special not to highlight! I saw those iconic Tuscan trees the night before Alyssa and Nathan’s wedding and knew that we had to spend some time making art once the sun fully dropped. The image was highly produced but in practical light (hotel front porch lights illuminated the subject while the sky was still a dark teal). I laid flat on my back and directed them for a solid 15 minutes. If you know my shooting style, that isn’t a common practice.. but that one my friends, that one was for me.