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.
Hidden in the rolling hills of Gavi, 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: slowing down, being fully present, and celebrating alongside the people they love most.
From the slow, quiet moments in the morning to candlelit conversations that stretched late into the evening, everything about their day felt grounded and personal. Not one part of their day felt rushed or forced. The day truly was centered around real moments exactly as they happened.
I captured their intimate wedding in Italy on both digital and film so their gallery could become a blend of timeless imagery filled with honest, documentary storytelling.
How Alex & Josiah Curated an Intimate Wedding in Italy at Locanda La Raia
Alex and Josiah chose to keep their wedding intentionally small. They invited 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 or feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with a packed wedding timeline. Instead, there was space to:
- linger in the onsite spa, suites, and patio with a glass of wine
- soak in the ceremony overlooking the vineyards and rolling Italian countryside
- sit longer at dinner, sharing conversations with the people they love most while enjoying locally sourced cuisine prepared by Michelin-star chefs
- and actually be present with the people who mattered most
That’s the beauty of an intimate wedding—it gives you time to truly feel your day instead of rushing through it.
And Locanda La Raia created the perfect setting for exactly that.
What Makes Locanda La Raia the Perfect Small Italian Wedding Venue
Surrounded by vineyards and the soft rolling landscape of Northern Italy, Locanda La Raia feels quiet, romantic, and effortlessly meaningful.
Their ceremony overlooking the vineyard countryside created the perfect setting to exchange vows in a way that felt deeply personal and intentional.
This Italian wedding venue is 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. It’s not overly curated, crowded, or performative. Instead, it’s filled with the kind of scenery that feels straight out of a movie or storybook.
This luxury Italian wedding venue is perfect for couples who want a destination wedding in Italy without the intensity of more popular regions like Rome, Lake Como, or Tuscany.
When you plan a wedding in Gavi, Italy, you get to experience:
- a quieter, more private atmosphere with the option to rent out the entire vineyard property for your wedding weekend
- incredible food and wine that feels intentional and locally rooted
- natural beauty that doesn’t require over-the-top design—less truly is more here
And honestly, 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. Nothing about it felt loud or overwhelming. It felt grounded.
How I Created a Documentary Feel Through Digital & Film Photography
One of my favorite parts of Alex and Josiah’s wedding was how naturally everything unfolded.
Nothing about their day felt overly directed or staged.
And that’s exactly how I approach documenting a wedding day.
My goal isn’t to create moments—it’s to notice them.
- The quiet glances.
- The way hands naturally find each other.
- The laughter building around a dinner table.
- The scenery.
By blending digital and 35mm film photography, their gallery reflects both clarity and emotion.
- Digital captures the immediacy of a moment.
- Film holds onto softness, imperfection, texture, and nostalgia.
Together, they tell a story that feels lived-in and honest.
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 because of how effortlessly elevated it already is.
With its simple architecture, surrounding vineyards, and focus on sustainability, it creates an atmosphere that feels refined without ever feeling overdone.
One of my favorite things about this Italian wedding venue is that 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 without needing a strict timeline planned down to the minute.
It’s a venue where:
- design feels intentional but never forced
- the environment does the heavy lifting rather than excessive decor
- and the focus stays exactly where it should—on the people and the moments
A Few Tips to Help You Plan Your Own Intimate Wedding in Italy
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Italy that feels similar to Alex and Josiah’s wedding day, here are a few things to consider:
Keep Your Guest Count Intentional
Smaller weddings create space for deeper connection and a more relaxed experience.
One of the reasons Alex and Josiah’s celebration worked so beautifully here was because they valued genuine time with their favorite people.
Choose a Location That Matches Your Pace
Some regions feel fast and busy. Others, like Gavi, invite you to slow down.
If relaxation, comfort, and meaningful connection are priorities for your wedding day, this is such an incredible place to consider.
Think Beyond the Timeline
Your wedding isn’t just a few hours—it’s an experience.
Welcome dinners, shared meals, slow mornings, private wine tastings, and exploring the nearby town often become some of the most meaningful parts of the entire celebration.
Trust the Process
The best moments usually aren’t planned—they happen naturally when you give them room to unfold.
Working with a destination wedding photographer who has experience at your venue can make such a huge difference when it comes to timeline preparation, knowing what to expect, and navigating any hiccups that may pop
Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings in Italy
How many guests should we invite for an intimate wedding?
Typically, anywhere from 10–40 guests allows the day to feel personal, relaxed, and intentional.
Is October a good time to get married in Italy?
Yes—October is an incredible time for an Italian wedding. You get beautiful light, fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and an atmosphere that feels grounded and romantic.
Should we include film photography?
If you’re drawn to emotion, texture, movement, and nostalgia, film adds something digital alone simply 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 absolutely love to be part of it.
Tell me more about what you’re planning!
