There’s something about an intimate wedding in Italy that just hits differently
Alex and Josiah’s wedding at Locanda La Raia wasn’t about production, pressure, or a packed timeline.
It was about presence.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Gavi, Italy, their October wedding brought together just 20 of their closest people for a day that felt intentional, emotional, and completely centered on what mattered most.
From slow, quiet moments in the morning to candlelit conversations that stretched late into the evening, everything about their day felt grounded and personal.
Nothing rushed. Nothing forced.
Just real moments—exactly as they happened.
Captured on both digital and film, their wedding became a blend of timeless imagery and honest, documentary storytelling.
A Slow, Intentional Wedding at Locanda La Raia
Alex and Josiah chose to keep their wedding intentionally small.
Just 20 guests.
And because of that, everything felt different—in the best way.
There was no pressure to move quickly from one part of the day to the next. No need to perform. No overwhelming schedule to keep up with.
Instead, there was space.
Space to:
- linger in the morning
- soak in the ceremony
- sit longer at dinner
- and actually be present with the people who mattered most
That’s the beauty of an intimate wedding—it gives you time to feel your day instead of rushing through it.
And Locanda La Raia created the perfect setting for exactly that.
Surrounded by vineyards and the soft, rolling landscape of Northern Italy, their ceremony felt quiet, romantic, and effortlessly meaningful.
The kind of place where the environment doesn’t distract—it enhances.
Why Gavi, Italy is Perfect for an Intimate Destination Wedding
Gavi is one of those places that feels untouched.
Not overly curated. Not crowded. Not performative.
Just real, beautiful, and deeply rooted in its surroundings.
For couples who want a destination wedding in Italy without the intensity of more popular regions, Gavi offers something different:
- A quieter, more private experience
- Incredible food and wine that feels local and intentional
- Natural beauty that doesn’t require over-the-top design
October made it even more special.
The vineyards shifted into warm tones, the air softened, and everything carried this calm, romantic energy that felt perfectly in sync with the day.
It wasn’t loud or overwhelming.
It was grounded.
A Documentary Approach — Captured on Digital and Film
One of my favorite parts of Alex and Josiah’s wedding was how naturally everything unfolded.
Nothing was overly directed.
Nothing felt staged.
And that’s exactly how I approach documenting a wedding day.
My goal isn’t to create moments—it’s to notice them.
To pay attention to the in-between:
- the quiet glances
- the way hands find each other
- the laughter that builds naturally around a table
By blending digital and 35mm film, their gallery reflects both clarity and emotion.
Digital captures the immediacy of a moment.
Film holds onto the softness, the imperfection, the nostalgia.
Together, they tell a story that feels lived-in.
Not just how the day looked—but how it felt.
What Makes Locanda La Raia a Dream Wedding Venue in Italy
Locanda La Raia is the kind of venue that doesn’t need to try.
It’s effortlessly elevated.
With its organic architecture, surrounding vineyards, and focus on sustainability, it creates an atmosphere that feels refined without ever feeling overdone.
It doesn’t compete with the day—it supports it.
For couples who care more about experience than production, it’s the kind of place that allows everything to unfold naturally.
A place where:
- design feels intentional but not forced
- the environment does the heavy lifting
- and the focus stays where it should—on the people and the moments
Planning an Intimate Wedding in Italy — What to Keep in Mind
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy that feels similar, here are a few things to consider:
Keep your guest count intentional
Smaller weddings create space for deeper connection and a more relaxed experience.
Choose a location that matches your pace
Some regions feel fast and busy. Others, like Gavi, invite you to slow down.
Think beyond the timeline
Your wedding isn’t just a few hours—it’s an experience.
Welcome dinners, shared meals, and slow mornings often become the most meaningful parts.
Trust the process
The best moments aren’t planned—they happen naturally when you give them room to.
Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings in Italy
How many guests should we invite for an intimate wedding?
Typically, 10–40 guests allows the day to feel personal, relaxed, and intentional.
Is October a good time to get married in Italy?
Yes. October offers beautiful light, fewer crowds, and a more grounded, romantic atmosphere.
Should we include film photography?
If you’re drawn to emotion, texture, and a more nostalgic feel, film adds something digital alone can’t replicate.
Let’s Document Your Story in Italy
If you’re planning your own destination wedding in Italy and want it documented in a way that feels honest, emotional, and true to you—
I’d love to be part of it.
No pressure. No forced moments.
Just your story, exactly as it unfolds.
