A Lake Palafitta Dolomites Elopement on 35mm Film | Italy Elopement Photographer
In early June, I travelled from Scotland to the Italian Dolomites to photograph an intimate Lake Palafitta elopement for a couple living in London, originally from Brazil. They had found my work through Instagram and connected with the softness and nostalgia of my 35mm film photography & digital work.
A few months later, we all found ourselves in the same place, them travelling for this special moment, me making the journey from Scotland, and my husband joining me to capture some glorious video alongside the photographs.
Just the two of them.
Only a quiet morning in the mountains, exchanging promises in one of the most beautiful places I have ever photographed.
Arriving at Lake Palafitta
We arrived at the boathouse at 7:30am. There is something really special about seeing a place like Lake Palafitta at the start of the day. Everything moves slowly and quietly. There were a few visitors around taking in the views, but it still felt peaceful and intimate. Another couple finishing up the first morning slot of the day for the boathouse.
I imagine this place is beautiful at every hour, but that early morning light was something I will never forget. Before the vows, I helped my bride with the back of her dress. An honour!
A First Look Amongst the Dolomites
We chose to have their first look overlooking Lake Palafitta. There was no pressure, no performance. Just the two of them seeing each other in that incredible setting for the first time. One thing that is really important to me when photographing elopements is knowing when to step back. Being present doesn’t always mean being close. Some moments deserve space. Although I was there to document their story, I wanted them to have those promises for themselves – away from everyone else, surrounded by the mountains and the quiet of the lake.
A Boat Ride Across Lake Palafitta
After their vows, we headed out onto the water. There were two boats, one for the couple and one for us. My husband was a trooper and rowed our boat like a pro. I was able to focus on capturing the moments, our couple drifting in and out on the water. Fresh out of the water, we took a stroll along the water’s edge.
From Mountain Views to Flower Fields
After spending time around Lake Palafitta, we drove around 10–15 minutes to their hotel. They had fallen in love with the flower-filled fields surrounding it, and I completely understood why. The Dolomites are dramatic and unforgettable, but I loved having the contrast of these softer, quieter portraits afterwards. The mountains in the distance, the wildflowers around them, and the two of them simply enjoying being together. These photographs were captured on Kodak Gold 200 and the new Kodak Kodacolour 200 film, which felt perfect for the warmth and softness of the landscape. Film just has a special way about it. It really captured the whimsy of the fields.
Why 35mm Film Was Important for This Elopement
The reason this couple originally connected with my work was because of film. There is something about 35mm photography that feels especially suited to destination weddings and elopements. The grain, the colours and the slight imperfections make every frame feel like a memory rather than just an image. For a day like this, travelling somewhere new, exchanging private vows and creating a story that belongs only to the two of them, film felt like the perfect way to capture it. Their digital photographs and Super 8 wedding film will tell the rest of the story too, but these analogue frames will always have a special place.
Photographing Lake Palafitta Elopements
This day was a reminder of why I love photographing elopements. Not because they are smaller. Because they are intentional. Every decision has meaning. The location, the timing, the way you choose to spend the day together. A couple living in London, originally from Brazil. A photographer travelling from Scotland. A quiet morning in the Dolomites.
A little piece of time that none of us will forget.
It genuinely felt like a dream come true, and I am already itching to get back.If you’re planning an intimate Italy elopement, a Dolomites wedding, or a Lake Palafitta celebration and are looking for documentary photography with 35mm film, digital photography and Super 8, I would love to hear your plans.