For Ann and Daniel, Lago di Braies was the heart of their story. Nestled in the Dolomites, the lake became the perfect setting for a day that felt calm, intentional, and completely theirs. They began the morning gliding across still waters, exchanged vows surrounded by mountain air, then spent the rest of the day chasing sunlight across peaks, capping it off with spritzes and laughter as the sky turned gold. It was an effortless, adventure-filled experience that celebrated love, nature, and the freedom of doing things their own way.
What We Love About This Lago di Braies Elopement:
- A sunrise ceremony at Lago di Braies surrounded by quiet mountain air
- A helicopter ride to Cadini di Misurina for jaw-dropping portraits
- Intentional pauses built into the day—coffee breaks, a swim, and a private dinner
- Minimalist styling that let nature and emotion take center stage
- A day planned entirely around experiences that felt true to them
Featured Vendor:
Shawna Rae Photography
How Their College Friendship Led to a Lifetime of Adventure
Ann and Daniel first met at the University of New Hampshire. They were friends throughout college but went their separate ways after graduation. “Dan moved to New York and spent some time in California before returning to Boston, where I had been living since college,” Ann shared. “He reached out when he moved back and asked to take me out. After one date, the rest was history. We moved in together just weeks later!”
On their first date, they bonded over a shared love of travel and the mountains, a spark that ultimately shaped their wedding day. “We both had the Dolomites on our bucket list.“ Once we found out we could rent the boathouse at Lago di Braies, we knew this was the place.”
How to Build a Wedding Day Around Shared Experiences
Dan grew up on a lake, and after they met, they bought a home on one in New Hampshire, so starting their marriage beside another felt serendipitous. “The fact that Lago di Braies was in the mountains and on a lake made it an obvious choice,” Ann said. “It was private, beautiful, and the early morning timeslot allowed us to start the day by saying ‘I do’ as soon as we could.”
Without a guest list or reception to plan, Ann and Daniel focused their budget on shared experiences. “We wanted most of our budget to go toward enjoying the destination we’d chosen,” they shared. “We picked activities that we would have enjoyed regardless of whether it was our wedding day or not.”
It’s a mindset that reflects the growing appeal of destination and elopement-style weddings, especially in places as awe-inspiring as Lago di Braies. “It’s easy to get caught up in planning, but do what feels authentic to you as a couple, and you won’t regret it.”
How They Found Their Dream Vendors from Afar
Planning a destination elopement can feel overwhelming, but Ann and Daniel found ease through Junebug vendor Shawna Rae Photography. “Shawna really helped us plan,” they explained. “She suggested alternative locations, recommended the helicopter company, and even helped with the logistics of the entire day.”
With Shawna’s help, the couple explored Alpe di Siusi and took a helicopter ride with Elikos to Cadini di Misurina, each stop offering a new perspective of the Dolomites’ grandeur.
Their advice for other couples? “Find vendors that feel like friends. Since it was just us, we wanted to spend the day with people we genuinely enjoyed being around.”
Slowing Down to Savor Every Moment
While their Lago di Braies ceremony was undeniably romantic, what made the day truly special were the small, unscripted moments. “We wrote our own vows, which was the most personal part of the day,” Ann recalled. “Being able to get into one of the rowboats and have the lake to ourselves was such a special memory.”
The rest of their day was intentionally unhurried. Between locations, they swam in their hotel pool, grabbed cappuccinos, toasted with Aperol spritzes, and later sat down to a quiet private dinner.
A Soft, Simple Ending to a Beautiful Adventure
Surrounded by mountain air and quiet golden light, Ann and Daniel had everything they hoped for: a celebration that felt peaceful, personal, and true to who they are. Their Lago di Braies elopement was proof that the most meaningful weddings don’t need an audience—just intention and love.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Shawna Rae Photography
Venue – Lago Di Braies
Helicopter – Elikos Helicopter Service
Drone + Social Media – Your Love Is Reel
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