Elizabeth and Daniele chose Taipana, Italy, as the backdrop for their summer wedding. Surrounded by trees and wild greenery, they wanted a day that felt both relaxed and personal, blending rustic charm with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. They filled the space with fairy lights and and custom touches that reflected their personalities, leaning into their love for live music and nature. “We wanted it to feel like a festival, with a bit of edge,” Elizabeth explained. “Something that felt truly like us.”

Breaking from tradition, they opted to share their vows in private before the ceremony, reading letters they’d written to each other. When they finally met at the aisle, they did a handfasting ritual. Their German Shepherd, Helgi, played a key role, bringing the rings down the aisle. “She’s part of our family, so having her involved was really special,” Elizabeth said.

The reception then took place in the forest clearing, where they had a long wooden table, a neon “Til Death” sign, and a temporary tattoo station featuring custom designs created by the couple. For drinks, they skipped the traditional open bar in favour of pre-made ‘bubbles’ in small, potion-style bottles. This quirky touch not only saved money but also became an unexpected hit, with some guests taking the bottles home as keepsakes.

Reflecting on the planning process, Elizabeth admitted that the guest list was one of the biggest challenges. “Balancing family expectations while keeping the numbers small and manageable was tough,” she said. “But at some point, you have to focus on what feels right for you, not just on making everyone else happy.”

“Having an alternative wedding is absolutely worth it! Compared to some of the weddings we’ve attended, ours felt truly magical – an unforgettable experience not just for us, but for our guests as well. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a shared memory that we all took part in. Weddings don’t need to be big and expensive to be meaningful. A small, intimate wedding can be just as (if not more) magical.”