There aren’t many weddings that begin on an empty dock at Lago di Braies and end with champagne and cake on a mountaintop accessible only by helicopter.
That’s exactly how Alexa and Logan structured their day. They rented out part of the lake before sunrise, exchanged private vows with nobody else around, then spent the evening having a picnic above the clouds in Northern Italy.
The couple traveled from Canada to create a day that was intentionally small in scale but full of details they genuinely cared about. Every choice, from handwritten vows to packing picnic items in their luggage, supported one goal: protecting uninterrupted time together at their Dolomites elopement.
What We Love About This Dolomites Elopement
- Renting Lago di Braies before it opened to the public
- Private vows and ring exchanges on a quiet dock
- A helicopter ride to a mountaintop picnic before sunset
- A groom wearing socks with their dog’s face on them
- Picnic details packed all the way from Canada
Featured Vendor:
Jennifer Grünauer
Planning A Dolomites Elopement That Was Entirely About The Two Of Them
Alexa almost didn’t go on her first date with Logan. The pair initially connected on a dating app, and Logan suggested meeting for coffee. She wasn’t exactly sold on the idea of getting ready that early in the morning, but there was one thing working in his favor. “He had worked with my best friend years before and she vouched for him!”
They later discovered they’d both worked at the same bank years earlier, though their paths never crossed at the time. Coffee quickly turned into evening wine instead, then dinner that same night. A year later, they were engaged.
Their wedding plans became surprisingly straightforward. Instead of adding more to the schedule, they narrowed it down to the moments they were most excited about: private vows at the lake, a helicopter ride, and an evening picnic in the mountains.
Having Lago di Braies Almost Entirely To Themselves
Lago di Braies doesn’t require much additional decor. The lake, surrounded by mountains and famous wooden boathouses, already does most of the work. The couple elevated the setting simply by securing private access before it opened to visitors. For a couple of hours, the dock and boats belonged entirely to them.
It was just Alexa, Logan, and Jenny documenting the morning. “We said private vows and exchanged rings on the dock while Jenny photographed. It felt like we were the only two people in the world.” There was one extra guest included too, in a way. “Logan rocked socks with our dog’s face on them so she was there with us in spirit!”
Their vow books also became one of the most personal pieces of the day. Writing everything down beforehand allowed them to say exactly what they wanted without performing for an audience.
Finding Vendors Who Could Help Solve Logistics
Planning a Dolomites elopement from Canada wasn’t necessarily straightforward, but they handled most of it themselves. “It was many emails back and forth to vendors, but it was really smooth.” Planning internationally meant every vendor choice had to be practical as well as personal. Alexa relied heavily on Pinterest, Google, Instagram, reviews, and video calls while narrowing down options.
Junebug vendor Jennifer Grünauer ultimately stood out because she already knew the area well. “Jenny just seemed like such a good fit. She had been to the Dolomites before, and had a few shoots there planned before our date, so that experience was helpful.” Just as importantly, they clicked personality-wise. “She had a relaxed attitude and we could tell she’d be a pleasure to spend the day with, and she was!”
Other logistical decisions ended up making a huge difference too. Their florist delivered arrangements to the hotel the night before their early morning lake ceremony, and their accommodation, Fontis Eco Farm & Suites, allowed helicopter pickup directly from the property.
Packing Picnic Items From Canada Was Worth The Extra Luggage Space
Before sunset, the second half of their Dolomites elopement began. A helicopter carried them to a mountain summit where an elaborate picnic awaited. There was champagne, cake, candles, flowers, and enough open space to dance, laugh, and soak in the scenery together. Alexa and Logan had carefully selected and packed many of those details themselves before leaving Canada.
Their photographer even helped transport some of the larger pieces they couldn’t fit in their luggage. It’s a small detail, but one that speaks to how hands-on they were throughout the process.
Combining Lago di Braies And A Mountaintop Picnic Into One Day
The idea started with a friend’s mountaintop wedding photos. Alexa and Logan began researching mountain destinations and eventually landed on Northern Italy. Then they discovered Lago di Braies and decided they didn’t have to choose between the two settings. Instead, they built a timeline around both.
Their vision was simple: begin the day at the lake for private vows and end it on top of a mountain with champagne and a picnic. The design utilized whimsical florals, pastel tones, and plenty of greenery; an aesthetic that carried through their day consistently, including their cake and their picnic setup.
Giving Themselves Permission To Do Things Differently
Unlike many couples, Alexa and Logan don’t have a list of things they’d change. “We were fortunate that everything went perfectly to plan and completely smoothly. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
Their biggest takeaway has less to do with logistics and more to do with permission. “My advice would be to only do exactly what you want to do, so if that means it’s just you 2 and no friends or family, so be it! There’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding or to get married, just do what feels right to you.”
For couples considering a Dolomites elopement, Alexa and Logan’s day shows how much can fit into a celebration for two: private vows at Lago di Braies, a helicopter ride into the mountains, and an evening picnic above the clouds.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Jennifer Grünauer
Venue – La Palafitta
Floral Design – Grünes und Co
Cake – Patisserie Garage
Makeup + Hair Styling – Mena
Wedding Dress – Still White
Groom’s Apparel – Outlooks for Men
Groom’s Accessories – Soxos
Rings – Paul Mara Jewellers
Transportation – Elikos
Accommodation – Fontis Luxury Spa Lodge
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