Dragonfly Photography
Travel | Northern Italy Destination Photography
As a destination wedding photographer, I have had the opportunity to travel to some of the most beautiful and romantic locations around the world. But one destination that holds a special place in my heart is Northern Italy.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the charming canals of Venice, Northern Italy as a destination photography is a dream – especially from a photographic perspective. The region is full of picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and charming villages that provide endless opportunities for stunning wedding photography, or frankly anything through a lens. No, ‘I do’s’ required! 😉
We have had the privilege of capturing love stories of couples from all over the world. But there is something so special in Northern Italy. From intimate elopements in the countryside to grand destination weddings in historic venues, every wedding is unique and special in its way. Personally, my favorite weddings are ones that reflect that couple deeply. It’s not about the decor or theme it’s about being able to see that couple and their people reflected back into the story of the day. That’s what makes a day truly amazing.
Back to Italy – one of my favorite locations to photograph in Northern Italy is the beautiful region of Lake Garda, Italy. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located in the northern part of the country. It stretches across three regions: Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Veneto. The lake is popular for its stunning natural beauty. With rugged mountains, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, it is a sought-after European vacation destination as well. What I learned on this trip is that although you’ll hear many Americans talk about Lake Como, the Europeans will be vacationing here during their summer vacations. It’s also just as common to hear German or Spanish spoken as Italian because of the visitors. Such an amazing place!
One of the most popular towns located on the shore of Lake Garda is Sirmione. This charming village is famous for its medieval Scaliger Castle and the Grotte di Catullo, Roman ruins that include a thermal spa. Visitors can also take a stroll along the picturesque harbor and enjoy the local cuisine. It’s kind of ridiculous how good it is. The lake is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and windsurfing. Again, that mix of mountains and lake brings such a unique place.
Lake Garda is also a great destination for those looking for a more relaxed vacation. Visitors can enjoy leisurely boat rides on the lake, take a dip in the lake’s warm waters, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful views. You walk around and you see people just camping everywhere. It has the most laid back-Italy beach look and feel that you can imagine. The mountains surrounding the lake offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking, while the lake’s clear waters are perfect for windsurfing and sailing. Not to mention, all the scenery looks amazing in photographs. From the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine to the wide range of activities, visitors can expect an unforgettable experience when they visit this beautiful area of Italy. Let’s pause on the delicious local cuisine… I had bruschetta that changed my life, may it forever be remembered.
Venice
Another location that I love to photograph is the city of Venice. The charming canals, winding streets, and stunning architecture make it the perfect setting for an intimate and romantic wedding. The couple can take a gondola ride through the city and exchange vows in one of the many charming churches or palaces.
Venice isn’t terribly far from Lake Garda which makes it a relatively easy day trip from the lake. Venice is 87 miles (140 km) from Peschiera del Garda, the closest lakefront city to Venice on Lake Garda. So a little under an hour and a half train ride if you can navigate the trains well. We couldn’t on the first try. 😉
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to capture the love stories of couples from all over the world. To see parts of the world with our amazing couples is just incredible. Of all the places, Northern Italy will always hold a special place in my heart. The memories and experiences that I have gained from photographing weddings in this region will stay with me forever. I can’t wait to return and to continue to tell the love stories of the couples who choose this beautiful region for their wedding. Northern Italy destination photography is truly the best.
If you are planning a wedding in this area, or are planning to visit for fun, please… try the bruschetta. 😉
