Eloping in Cinque Terre

 

S + C began their love story across various locations, all of which were far in distance from the location their love would become a shared union.


They travelled from the United States all the way to picturesque Cinque Terre, saying their vows in Corniglia. They invited their closest family and friends, an intimate group of only a dozen most treasured.


Choosing to do away with the "norms" of a big traditional wedding at home they also did away with other traditional expectations choosing their venue as the most beautiful balcony on their AirBnb overlooking the sea. They were surrounded not only by love and support but by the lush garden of an Italian home and the blue tones of the sea. It was something out of a story book!


An intimate elopement doesn't mean you are immune to the chaos that a wedding day brings!


The morning of their special day, a train strike was announced. S + C being calm cool and collected  did not let it impact them at all. C was meant to take the train down to collect items like florals from the neighboring village, Vernazza, however with the train strike he was unable to get there. After scouring all his options in Corniglia he was able to find a beautiful bouquet for his bride.


As their photographer, I was staying in Vernazza and with the train strike and no roads in the charming villages of Cinque Terre was left to pack up my gear and begin a 2 hour hike uphill to get to the elopement location! Lucky for me the views made the hike well worth it.

 

Cinque Terre gets its name from "5 Villages"



It is a grouping of 5 seaside towns on the rugged Italian Rivieras coastline. They are known for their beautiful fishing villages, colourful buildings, food and especially the hiking as there are no typical motorway roads connecting these towns.


S + C chose to elope on May 5th or rather 5/5 to honour a piece of their own love story that held significance with the number, S had told me how she was very interested in numerology during our consult. They also honoured the history of their elopement location with the date as well. 5 representing Cinque Terre itself in a beautiful way.

 

White lace wedding dress hangs in window light against stone wall creating ethereal bridal preparation scene.
A black and white wedding photo series shows a couple embracing and laughing together against a stone wall backdrop.
A groom in a beige suit and brown shoes stands on stone steps against an old stone wall.
A wedding couple shares a romantic moment on a scenic coastal overlook with turquoise waters and mountains in the background.
A romantic black and white wedding photo series showing a couple sharing champagne by the ocean.
Black and white photo of people toasting drinks around a table on a covered porch during a casual gathering.
A couple in wedding attire share a playful moment against a beige wall with windows.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their wedding ceremony overlooking a stunning coastal mountain landscape.
A couple embraces in a romantic moment along a narrow cobblestone alley in an Italian coastal village.
A couple stands on rustic stone steps of an old Italian building with green shutters and weathered walls.
Close-up of champagne glasses clinking with wedding rings visible on hands.
Aerial view of a small boat leaving a wake trail in turquoise Mediterranean waters along a green coastal cliff.
A series of four photos showing a sunny Mediterranean courtyard with palm trees and white stone buildings.
Wedding ceremony guests gather on a scenic coastal overlook with turquoise waters and blue skies in the background.
A series of windows in a rustic stone wall interior showing natural daylight streaming in.
Brown leather loafers and fresh yellow lemons arranged artistically on light blue tulle fabric.
Stone building with terracotta roof tiles against green mountain landscape under blue sky with white clouds.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a charming narrow alley with yellow walls and green shutters in an Italian town.
Black and white photo sequence showing a bride getting ready and putting on her wedding veil in an intimate indoor setting.
A bride in a flowing white wedding dress ascends stone steps between narrow walls in a series of artistic photos.
A photographer in a navy blazer takes pictures at an outdoor venue with mountain views in the background.
A romantic wedding couple embraces under an olive tree pergola overlooking a scenic coastal view on a sunny day.