Imagine a village overlooking the sea and immersed in the lush vegetation of Sardinia, a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean sea. A little church in the heart of this town, with a climbing plant framing its green-painted door. A small square that seems to hug you with its white buildings, plants and bushes in bloom. Imagine a villa right next to the church with a private beach made of pink sand, a crystal clear sea and the typical Gallura stones. Tell me the truth, are you already packing your bags to escape in such a place with your loved one?
These photographs tell the story of a couple who jumped on a plane to Costa Smeralda to get married in the enchanting scenery of Porto Rafael. The story of a couple who planned an elopement to say yes in intimacy, surrounded by a natural scenery so beautiful to take your breath away, where time seems to run more slowly while they exchanged their vows and had dinner by the sea.
The preparations were absolutely non-traditional since the bride and groom got ready together, away from the camera, and even the arrival in the church did not happen according to the tradition, but walking hand in hand, relaxed and without the tension that sometimes accompanies a wedding day. For her a romantic dress, with floral appliqués and a very light tulle that moved with the breath of the sea breeze. For him a classic suit in midnight blue, definitely timeless.
There was no celebrant waiting for them outside the church, the promises were written on paper, but there was no need to read them, the bride and groom just looked in their eyes and the words raised spontaneously.
After the ceremony we went to Porto Cervo to take some photos on the white sand with the background of the rocks that characterise the cove of Capriccioli, in my opinion one of the most beautiful in the area. Unfortunately the sky got veiled, but it didn’t matter, the light was very soft and the photos with the big bow in blush tulle took advantage of this.
After a relaxed hour spent by the sea it was time to go back to the villa, where a table was waiting for them and a chef was ready to serve a gourmet dinner. Sara Carboni, the wedding planner who took care of the organisation and Paolo Casalloni, the floral designer, prepared a table on the private beach, where the newlyweds had their wedding dinner looking at the sea and reminding the moments of such a day. The setting there was pure wonder: flowers in many delicate shades of pink and white were combined with a silver cutlery and finely decorated porcelain dishes. On the table there were also two small gifts, memories of the marvellous Sardinian land, to be opened strictly upon returning home.
We left them alone to enjoy the dinner and came back later because can a destination wedding in Italy be concluded without cutting the cake? By the sea, in the middle of the rocks, around a table full of flowers.
Elopements are so full of feelings, personality, loving looks and this is what makes my heart beat every time. I feel to be the privileged witness to a moment that will be remembered forever through my photographs, which will help to tell a unique love and an unconventional choice.
Event Planning & Design: Sara Carboni
Bridal Boutique: Donne Concept Store Sposa
Suit: L’Uomo Iglesias
Floral design: Paolo Casalloni, Un mondo di fiori
Make up artist: Valeria Boncoraglio
Hair stylist: Roberta Hair Stylist
Wedding Cake: Gianluca Aresu
Rings: Iorio Diamanterie
Venue: private villa in Porto Rafael, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Elopement photographer Sardinia