Kelsey & Rowan made the most of every moment during their Destination Elopement in Italy. They planned the perfect pre-wedding portrait session at the picturesque Villa d’Este in Italy the day before their elopement. The results were stunning, and it helped create a more relaxed schedule for their wedding day. Their elopement in a private villa in Fregene, Italy was a dream come true, complete with breathtaking coastal scenery. They got ready separately in luxurious suites and had a beautiful first look. The courtyard ceremony was emotional and included 10 loved ones. The day ended with a casual wedding dinner prepared by private chefs. Overall, it was a magical day filled with love and joy.
Photographer/Author: Raven Shutley Studios
Venue: AirBnb in Fregene, Italy
Hair Stylist & Make-Up: Courtney Musick @courtneymusickbeauty
Plan the Perfect Pre-Wedding Portrait Session
Get ready to be blown away by the stunning Villa d’Este Pre-Wedding Portrait Session of Kelsey and Rowan in Italy! Rowan and Kelsey were planning to elope in Italy and we all wanted to make the most of our time in the beautiful country. They decided to have a pre-wedding portrait session and started so we brainstormed ideas for a pre-wedding portrait session that would be both fun and memorable.
Thanks to Rowan’s incredible research skills, we were able to plan the perfect pre-wedding portrait session at the breathtaking Villa d’Este and its gardens in Tivoli. It was the perfect location to capture their love story in a unique and beautiful way that would not only be a blast but also help us relax on the big day. By leaving some pockets of time unplanned in their schedule, Kelsey and Rowan were able to explore and enjoy the new location with their guests. And let me tell you, the results were absolutely stunning! These two looked like they were straight out of a fairytale.
Pre-Wedding Portraits at Villa d’Este
As soon as we landed in Italy, we couldn’t wait to drop our bags at our AirBnb and meet up for the pre-wedding portrait session. These two were absolute pros at navigating the city and had all the insider tips on public transit and the best gelato spots. I was in good hands!
But the real magic began when we arrived at Villa d’Este. This place is a true gem of the Italian Renaissance, nestled in Tivoli just outside of Rome. I had heard it was going to be incredible, but I was not prepared for the sheer beauty that awaited us. Rowan and Kelsey had chosen the perfect spot for our first day in Italy.
The villa and gardens were absolutely stunning, and we spent hours exploring the natural wonders around us. Rowan and I quickly realized we were kindred spirits, and we couldn’t help but turn to each other with “can you freaking believe this?!” gestures every few minutes. Everywhere we looked was pure magic – from the breathtaking views to the enormous fountains and sculptures covered in moss and ferns.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we hiked through Villa Gregoriana as well. This place was full of waterfalls, amazing nature, and some of the spookiest and coolest caverns we had ever seen. It was the perfect pre-wedding session for Rowan and Kelsey, and we felt so lucky to have the gardens mostly to ourselves.
The Villa d’Este Pre-Wedding Portrait Session was truly epic, and it helped us create a more relaxed schedule on the day of their actual wedding event. Kelsey and Rowan are great planners, and their idea of a pre-wedding portrait session was a game-changer. It not only gave us the chance to capture their love in a beautiful setting but also allowed them to enjoy their special day without feeling rushed or stressed.
Elopement in a Private Villa
Rowan & Kelsey’s elopement day in Fregene, Italy was an absolute dream come true! The private PINK villa they chose was simply stunning and added a touch of romance to the already breathtaking coastal scenery. I highly, highly recommend Fregene as a destination for anyone looking to tie the knot in a truly magical setting.
The day began with Rowan and Kelsey getting ready separately for their elopement in a private villa, each in their own luxurious suite. Rowan’s room was a vision in pink, and Kelsey had her sister (the amazing hair and makeup artist Courtney Musick) and friends with her. The outdoor connector between the two suites was the perfect spot for some stunning portraits, and I knew right away that we were in for a day full of magic.
The villa itself was like a maze, with each suite having its own entrance and bathroom. The narrow stairways and outside connections between rooms added to the magical feeling of the place, and the courtyard full of trees, plants, and flowers was simply breathtaking.
For their first look, I had Kelsey meet Rowan in their room, which had a hallway looking down into it that was just perfect for framing and inspiring shots. And of course, we had to take advantage of that amazing pink and green backdrop!
Courtyard Ceremony in Fregene, Italy
As we stepped out into the perfect weather, we captured some truly stunning shots on the walkway between suites on the villa’s upper level. Rowan and Kelsey shared some of their favorite stories with me, and it was clear that this day was SO them.
The Courtyard Ceremony in Fregene, Italy was an absolute dream! The couple’s close friend led the ceremony in the stunning courtyard, where they exchanged personalized vows that left everyone in tears. Surrounded in a semi-circle by 10 loved attendees, the atmosphere was filled with joy and affection. It was truly a gorgeous and touching ceremony that will be remembered forever.
The wedding portraits were equally as magical. After sipping on some delicious wine and laughing at the terrible soda that people were daring each other to try, it was time for some group photos and couple portraits. And let’s not forget about the yard turtles that provided endless entertainment!
Private Chefs for a Casual Wedding Dinner
As the sun began to set, the private chefs arrived for the casual wedding dinner. Rowan, who learned Italian for this trip (can you believe it?), chatted with the chefs as they prepared the most delicious meal. It was fascinating to watch the chefs work and hear about life in Italy from the locals. The evening was filled with laughter, great food, and even better company. It was truly a night to remember!
Overall, Rowan & Kelsey’s elopement in Fregene, Italy was an unforgettable experience that I feel so lucky to have been a part of. The love and joy that filled the air that day was truly magical, and I know that they will cherish these memories for a lifetime.
A Tip for Planning a Destination Wedding or Elopement
If you’re planning a destination wedding or elopement, take a page out of Kelsey & Rowan’s book and leave some time to explore and enjoy the new location. Plus, exploring and getting married on a weekday can really help with the crowds. And if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable pre-wedding portrait session, look no further than the stunning Villa d’Este in Tivoli. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
