Palazzo Cavalli in Venice, Italy Elopement Photo Story Award

A family wedding ring ceremony showing with kids and mom and dad

A wedding service for the entire family

The ceremony took place at Palazzo Cavalli in Venice, where the couple planned a service that incorporated their entire family — sealing their bond as a newly-formed unit.

While Silvia and Giorgio hailed from the cosmopolitan city of Milan, they decided to whisk away to the romantic canals of Venice in order to elope. They opted for an autumn weekend, when the golden rays of the sun cast an effervescent glow on the city and the streets were filled with locals rather than tourists. The way that they navigated the canals throughout their wedding day could be seen as symbolic — highlighting the graceful way they intend to maneuver through life together.

A Venice bride is preparing by dressing in her gown before wedding at Palazzo Contarini Wedding

Palazzo Contarini Wedding bridal preparations with dressing

The bride's closest female relatives work to fasten her gown, which was both elegant and alluring.

Venice wedding photography of groom with son at Palazzo Contarini

Marriage photo of groom and son from Venice at Palazzo Contarini

The groom fastens a boutonniere to his son's lapel, knowing that this day is as important for his family as it is for him.

A Venice Bride preparing to head out for her civil wedding ceremony at Palazzo Contarini

Venice Wedding Images of the Bride from Palazzo Contarini

The bride completes a final call to organize the details of the day as her guests appear to help her make her way toward the ceremony.

Bride getting hugged outside the Palazzo Contarini Wedding Venue of Venice, Italy

Palazzo Contarini della Porta di Ferro Wedding Venue Picture in BW

A guest wraps Silvia in a loving embrace before the ceremony begins in the heart of Venice. 

Before the civil marriage in Venice, a gondola ride on the Grand Canal in Italy

Bride enters water taxi at Palazzo, Venice, IT

Silvia grasps her father's hand as she steps into the water taxi that will transport her down the Grand Canal to the ceremony location. With this photo, there is more than just a moment on display — the bride is rooted to her past, which is steady on the ground, while still being ready to float toward an unknown yet promising future.

A Venice bride and groom tour the canal on a luxury water taxi

A luxury Venice water taxi tour of the Grand Canal in IT

As Silvia soaks up the unrivaled elegance of the streets of Venice, her family members admire her own dignified beauty and grace. In a sense, she and the city are one and the same.

Civil wedding ceremony for the bride and groom inside the Palazzo Contarini

A charming wedding for the bride and groom at Palazzo Contarini

As Silvia closes her eyes to absorb the words of the ceremony, Giorgio glances toward his bride with a look of wonder and awe.

Wedding civil ceremony with bride and groom and son in Venice

Wedding picture of bride and groom in Italy, at a civil ceremony in Venice

The newlyweds share a moment with their young son in the moments immediately following the ceremony, showcasing the bond that they share as a new family.